Florida Keys, you either Love it…Or Not!!!

The Florida Keys, a unique and picturesque destination that leaves visitors with mixed emotions. Some people fall in love with the laid-back atmosphere, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking sunsets. But not all…others find it too crowded, commercialized, and overrated. The Florida Keys, you either Love it or Not!

The Florida Keys are a chain of islands connected by a series of bridges that stretch for 120 miles off the southern tip of Florida. The area is known for its beautiful coral reefs, fantastic fishing, and an overall tropical vibe. It’s a popular vacation spot that attracts millions of visitors each year.

For those who love the Florida Keys… they rave about the incredible scenery and endless water activities. From snorkeling, fishing, scuba, kayaking, jet skiing, kite surfing and lots more. There is something for everyone, if you are into watersports. 

Another reason those that love the Florida keys, is the unique culture and history of the area make it a fascinating place to explore. From the Upper Keys to Key West there are many Museums:

• Keys History & Discovery Center Located at MM 82
• History of Diving Museum Located at MM 82
• Marathon Air Museum Located MM 52
• Pigeon Key Historic District Located MM 47
• Fort East Martello Museum  Located MM 3
• Key West Firehouse Museum Located MM 1
• Sails To Rails Museum at Flagler Station Located MM 1
• Turtle Cannery Museum Located MM 1
• Donkey Milk House Museum Located MM 0
• Hellings Curry Museum Located MM 0 
• Oldest House Museum & Gardens Key West Located MM 0
• Audubon House & Tropical Gardens Located MM 0 
• Yankee Freedom- Dry Tortugas National Park Museum Located MM 0 
• Key West Shipwreck Museum Located MM 0
• Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House Located MM 0
• Mel Fisher Maritime Museum Located MM 0 
• USCGC Ingham Maritime Museum Located MM 0 
• TENNESSEE WILLIAMS KEY WEST EXHIBIT, Inc. Located MM 0 
• The Hemingway Home and Museum Located MM 0
• Keeper’s Quarters Museum Located MM 0 

One of many reasons Florida Keys enthusiasts find their Love of the Island Chain comes from the food scene. It is something to write home about, it’s all about that fresh seafood and local specialties. Now you’re not coming to the Florida Keys looking for the best Pizza on the Earth. But you would be surprised if “The Best Hamburger in Florida” comes from no other place than Islamorada (Located at Mile Marker 88). They are also highlighted on “Triple D” from the Food Network. As a matter of Fact, we could do another article, just on all of the places Guy Fieri has highlighted across the Florida Keys!

On the other hand, those who don’t love the Florida Keys often find it too touristy, commercialized and expensive. The area can be crowded, with lots of traffic and long lines. The cost of living and vacationing here can also be quite high, making it difficult for budget-conscious travelers. 

Touristy… yes it’s touristy! The actual full time population, in most areas of the Keys is much smaller than one would expect. Those that live here, find that it is more small town than small town america! You will see the same people over and over, so you better play nice! Tourists are what a large portion of those full time residents is how they make their living. There are lots of Attractions, again another post, which can seem like everything costs $15-$50 to get in! 

Commercialized… yes the old Mom & Pop operators are slowly being bought out by corporate america! So many, of the not so happy Keys people, are always talking about how it used to be! They are 100% right, but it’s the same everywhere. Popular touristy places, beautiful beach locations in all areas of the country have transformed over the past 20+ Years, it’s not just the Florida Keys!

Expensive… yes it’s expensive! The Real Estate Market is very unique, almost an anomaly compared to the rest of America. It was slingshot forward during the pandemic, as those that couldn’t leave the country, found this was a driveable tropical paradise!  That makes anyone that owns property here, have to charge a lot of money for the usage, whether that is short term or long term, residential or commercial. The other 2 factors weigh in on the cost of things:  

• One is the lack of help (businesses in the Florida Keys struggle to find employees, having to pay above normal wages to attract people to them). The cost of living is high, which makes it hard for entry level job seekers to find housing.
• Delivery of goods, (it’s not cheap getting goods, from the mainland suppliers) 

For locals, groceries are not cheap. There are really only 2 grocery chains in the Florida Keys (Publix & Winn Dixie) with one Gordon Food Service Store in Key West and Talks of another going in at Key Largo. With limited competition, they can be pricier than their mainland locations. 

Traffic…yes we have some crazy traffic! One road in.. same road out. There used to be busy days of people heading South (Friday’s) and busy days of people heading North (Sunday’s). But it has become a 7 day busy, of North & South traffic. The worst months being November-April and the lightest months August & September. One Accident.. could have you stuck in traffic for Hours. Occasionally (only a few times in the past several years) the Snake Creek DrawBridge (Mile Marker 86) gets stuck open! That means no North or Southbound traffic can go anywhere!

But regardless of which side you fall on, there’s no denying that the Florida Keys are a one-of-a-kind destination that everyone should experience at least once. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the beach or exploring the underwater world, there’s no shortage of things to do and see.

In conclusion, the Florida Keys are a beautiful and unique destination that elicits strong opinions from visitors. While some people fall in love with the area and return year after year, others find it too crowded and commercialized. Ultimately, the decision to love it or not is a personal one, but there’s no denying that the Florida Keys offer a one-of-a-kind experience that’s worth exploring. Every Key or area has a different vibe, so depending on your lifestyle, exploring this area takes time, to get a true sense of where you belong. Living on an Island is not for everyone!

         Copyright 2023 – Mile Marker Brian ~ Mile Marker Life Media Inc. 

Author: themilemarkerlife

All things Florida Keys, connecting Locals and Visitors of the Florida Keys to local businesses, events and attractions.