Looking for a tropical get-away that does not require a passport? Look at the Florida Keys. Stretching from around fifteen miles south of Miami to less than one hundred miles from Cuba, the Florida Keys offer a multicultural living and vacation experience to fit every budget.
Financing a Tropical Dream
Once reserved for the rich and the famous, a second vacation home can now be part of a smart investment portfolio. Mortgage rates are low, making financing a home in the Florida Keys more affordable than ever. Also, unlike the rich and the famous, the average individual is likely to rent his vacation home out to tourists when he is not using it himself.
Waterfront property is especially popular as a vacation spot. It offers the amenities of the local community – restaurants, attractions, transportation, security – and the beauty of communing with nature. The income from these rentals often covers the entire mortgage, enabling the owner to enjoy a free vacation in the Keys whenever he pleases.
Waterfront property also tends to appreciate in value over the long term due to its lasting popularity. The savvy homeowner of a Florida Keys waterfront vacation home is also building equity while he vacations there and rents it out – equity that can either be cashed in at retirement or lived in on a full-time basis.
Peace of Mind
Ask any therapist. The soothing sounds of the ocean provide the perfect background for relaxation. With a vacation home in the Florida Keys, no tapes or compact discs are needed.
Simply open the windows to enjoy the ocean’s relaxing sounds.
Also, as stress is a significant risk factor in elevated blood pressure, a vacation home in the Florida Keys benefits the homeowner physically as well as mentally.
Stress melts away with the ebb and flow of the tide, with the beauty of the sun rising or setting over the ocean, with the gentle ocean breeze.
One can almost feel his blood pressure lower with the laid back lifestyle. Or, if the need for some company arises, the Florida Keys offer a variety of restaurants, museums, parks, and attractions to amuse and entertain.
Add to the scenic view, soothing sounds, and peace of mind that comes with knowing that. No matter how stressful life becomes, a little slice of paradise awaits. It is a reward at the end of the summer, or at the end of a career.
The Keys are home to lots of Art galleries, artists and musicians. Our life style here is an inspiration for them. Here’s a great video about our Arts here.
The Keys are made up of small towns and communities. However, due to the strong economy from our tourist base, the Arts are a primary part of our culture. Most weekends bring festivals and street parties throughout the Keys and especially in Key West. Photography of wildlife here is also great. Check out www.dhphotoart.com
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts does a great job in supporting Art in the Keys http://www.keysarts.com/ Also see the Key West Arts and historical society http://www.kwahs.com/
Music • The Keys Community Concert Band. Susan Bazin 451-4530. • Keys Chamber Orchestra. Call Inga-Lisa Wright, 305-744-0508 • The Key West Pops, Inc. – 305 293-7658, P.O. Box 6206 • Note to musicians-There are about a zillion Tiki bars etc, that have live music. The times range from the afternoon through the evening. The pay is generally better than you’ll find working in a regular club in the rest of the country. In addition to that most outdoor venues shut their nusic down about 11-so the hours are shorter.
Museums and Culture • Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum – 305 294-1136, 907 Whitehead St., Key West FL • Flagler’s Station Historeum®-901 Caroline St., 1-305-295-3562. • Key West East Martello Museum – 305 296-3913, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd. • Key West Lighthouse Museum – 305 294-0012, 938 Whitehead Street • Key West Museum of Art & History – 305 295-6616 • Key West Shipwreck Historeum – 305 292-8990, 1 Whitehead Street • Little White House Museum – 305 294-9911 • Lofton B. Sands African Bahamian Museum – 305 293-9692, • Wrecker’s Museum – 322 Duval St., 294-9502.
Theater/dance • Middle Florida Keys • Marathon Community Theatre, 5101 O/S Hwy…..305 743-0994 • Key West Theatre • Island Opera Theatre…..305 296-1520 • Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St (Rear)…..305 296-9911 • Waterfront Playhouse, Mallory Square…..305 294-5015
Art Galleries/ Visual Arts • Over 90 galleries throughout the Keys • Note to Artists; regardless of the medium, ther is a place for you in the Keys. The Keys strongly support resident artists.
Writers groups in all genres (from screenwriting to novels) are spread throughout the Keys. There is definitely a reason so many world class writers and Play-rights have made and do make the Keys their home. Especially Key West.(“Ernest Hemingway” ) The musician and actor community here is strong.
In conclusion, the arts community in the keys is strong and will even grow stronger. If you like the arts and a small community with lots of outdoor opportunities, The Florida Keys could be just your place.
Wouldn’t it be nice to vacation here and not have to leave?
Brand new 3/2 home with 10 ft celings, open layout, hardiboard siding, porch overlooking canal. Glen Gray Design on a 100×175 private lot with excellent boating access via bogie channel. Apprx. 100 feet of concrete seawall. Nice views, room for a pool, great location. Storage room down.
