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Recreation: Year round recreation I will give it to the Keys (sunny and warm all year vs cool/cold and rainy/foggy half the year). Also more amenities. But for hiking, kayaking, and maybe a day trip to major cities, I'd go with the San Juans.
Climate: For me personally, I prefer the climate of the keys. I could see how it might get boring, or be a little too warm. But winters in Western WA can be a bit depressing.
Scenery: The San Juan islands is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Florida Keys are no slouch. Goes to SJ islands though.
COL: I'm not sure.
Housing: There is probably more housing available in the Keys? No idea though.
Economy: Both are reliant on tourism. That aside, the SJ islands might have the edge for diversity in economy. Agriculture, artists, and direct international access.
Education: Unknown.
Culture: For me.. that's hard. I feel like the Keys are more lively and friendly, which I like. I also love the outdoor activities, and quirkiness of the San Juan islands.
Entertainment: Florida Keys
Beaches: Florida Keys
Transportation: I'm guessing San Juan Islands (depending on the island). Ferries visit 3 of them frequently, and there is bus service.
Accessibility: San Juan islands due to being situated in between Victoria, Vancouver, and Seattle. Ferries run often.
Better Future: I'll go with the San Juan islands. They have become a popular destination, and have three major cities growing around them. Also the topography/ cooler climate will aid it in climate change. Anywhere in Florida will have an uphill battle with sea level rise.
Location: northern Vermont - previously NM, WA, & MA
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I love the San Juan Islands and Friday Harbor is probably my favorite seaside town in the Pacific Northwest. I dig the Rosario Resort and Orcas Island, great memories there. The SJ Islands are where Washington state is IMO at its most beautiful. The vacation, relaxing vibe, and island time starts the moment the ferry departs the dock from the mainland, the journey there is gorgeous. I'd love to return again.
I've never been to the Keys but they are certainly a different animal. I think the San Juan's, though not as well known are more comparable to the New England islands like Marthas Vineyard or Block Island. The Keys I picture snorkeling, toes in the sand, cocktails, Conch themes, and kitschy tourism. I'm sure its great fun and I'm starting to wonder why I haven't done Key West yet. The San Juans have an old school quiet yet charming nautical vibe. The water is cold, so it's about hiking, orca whale watching, and connecting to nature kind of vibe with great seafood and BnB options.
Last edited by Champ le monstre du lac; 04-06-2020 at 04:32 PM..
If you want camping, hiking, whale watching, spring water lakes and hot springs, nice but rustic resort accomodations, stunning green and hilly ocean scenery, and funky quaint small towns then the San Juans.
If you want gorgeous warm swimming beaches, baby blue water, a tropical vibe, fruity cocktails, great Oceanside resorts, warm/hot weather and larger funky towns, then the Florida Keys.
Both are great but offer completely different experiences.
Last edited by Vincent_Adultman; 04-08-2020 at 09:40 PM..
Keys all day and twice on Sunday. Tropical and warm, with an inviting vibe and clear blue water. Pour me a painkiller and dig my toes into the sand.
San Juan Islands... rain, fog, wind, and water that is freezing cold. No thanks.
Keys for me as well. Only disappointing thing about the Keys is all the seaweed on the beaches. South Beach beaches are better but the Keys would be better if they removed the seaweed.
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