Key West and a few questions (Miami, Tampa: apartments, for rent, insurance)

[FireballFL]

Presently my partner and I live in Tampa, Fl. We are looking at our 5-10 year plan and are considering all our options. First off, we want to stay in Florida. With living in Tampa, we want to consider either moving east or to the south. My partner does not care for the Atlantic beaches. He is not crazy about Miami either, but the Keys look like a strong possibility. He is a registered nurse and I have worked in finance for a number of years. He was considering the Lower Keys Medical Center and I was considering one of the banks down in Key West like Wachovia or Bank of America. I previously worked for Bank of America and left them on good terms.

I guess what I am asking is that in terms of salary, how competitive Key West is. By the time we move down, he will be earning pension from two employers and within 5 years of earning social security. This is on top of us both working.

I tried to do a search on apartments in Key West, but came up short with finding anything with price ranges. I know that this seems sort of early to do, but we are looking at the long term goals and just wanted to get an idea on things. We thought about places like Big Pine Key and Marathon, but we are unwilling to travel to work in Key West.

We are presently paying $1450 a month for rent, with a view of Tampa Bay, in Tampa. I do not know how comparable this is to Key West and was only curious.

If anyone can provide info on how good the hospital is in Key West, that would help also. Thanks a ton!

[i love the keys]

Your rent will be higher in KW. I would contact a realtor and get some ideas that way. I have also considered a move to kw and was looking to buy sometime and was quite shocked at the sticker prices.Not only that, insurance and condo fees are$$$. But, prices have fallen for purchases. I'm thinking rents might increase due to forclosure rates but I'm not sure how that works in resort towns. Anyway, contact a realtor or look in the KeysNews.com

[yakfish75]

Many people have been moving out of the Keys due to hurricanes! They make everyone evacuate the islands when one heads this way! They have also driven the insurance rates through the roof. That being said, I would love to live there!! Good luck.