upper keys fishing and living

[dryblls]

I have fished Key west a bunch of times and think it is great. I have always wanted to invest in a second home there but it is just too damn expensive and hard to get to. I have been investigating the upper keys (Largo and Islamorada). Please tell me about a) the fishing from these keys b) the realestate values and your opinions c) things to do other than fish for wife, son etc d) quality of life.---I know it is a broad subject but any thoughtful input would be helpful--thanks

[greyg8r]

Drybills,

I don't live in the Keys but travel there frequently. My sister and her husband own a rental house there.

Upside: Great fishing, possibly the best fishing in the country IMHO. Land values will continue to increase. Weather is remarkable in the spring and winter.

Downside: Weather is too d@mn hot in the summer and there are too many d@mn hurricanes (I think they average 3+ mandatory evacuations a year recently) and evacuating the keys is a nightmare. Land values will continue to increase. Speed limit is 5 mph everywhere (or at least it seems that way) and there is an LEO everywhere. Extremely difficult to build new house on vacant lots, so you must buy someone else's termite-infested crap for 600K and tear it down. Not much else to do if you are not into lobstering or fishing. Not much opportunity for work other than under-the-table tip money at the all-you-can-eat grouper buffet or selling Florida tourist trinkets. Other than that it's heaven.

[kennyboy]

I live in Islamorada and I wouldnt want to be anywhere else in the Keys. The fishing is great, and if you can afford it the resale is fantastic. I made over 50 per cent in 2 years. The people are super friendly. The summer is breezy but hot/ depends what your used to.

[dryblls]

thanks

[cuonawv]

The folks live in Landings of Largo in Key Largo. It's a great setup - Secure marina within a small boating community. There isn't anything better than living 25' from your boat that’s already in the water and ready to go. Within 15 minutes (if you hauling') you can be through Tavernier Creek and the fishing out there is incredible.
They keep saying they are going to sell and move north - I've been doing my best for the past decade to "keep it in the family" - They are living my dream...

You can't go wrong in the upper keys. If you can afford it..

Aloha!
cuonawv
http://oceanrunnerboats.tripod.com/

[mgpaleo]

i own resturants in boca raton and islaorada. i try to spend as much time in islamorada as possibble@ the fishing is great. i am a begginner(new boat,maybe 4months) and whether i troll, bottom or bridge,shore fish, u will catch something.sure real estate is almost outta reach, but there are still some buys if you do the work and research.i had more damage both finalcial and comfort/damage in boca then islamorada last two years.the people and way of life is like living in the islands@ good luck!

[jerryk]

I was lucky to buy a lot in Tavernier and put a house up back in 1989. It was our salvation after Hurricane Andrew where we lived for 1 1/2 years while our Miami house was being repaired. Its on the water where I have my new 2660 Sailfish. I will NEVER sell. Its gone up 8 x what I paid. I couldn't afford it today. The living is slow. KMart is the high spot, but the restaurants are good, but expensive. and , it doesn't snow.

[dryblls]

great input thanks