Key Biscayne (Miami, Westwood Lakes: rentals, condos, house)

[Parothead]

Whats the consensus. I was there last month for an afternoon to visit a friend from SA. I have not been there in many many years. It was a ***** to get to and I went on a Saturday while down on a business trip to north Broward

A couple questions. Is it as tough of traffic as I imagine during the week to get on and off , with the one way in and out or is it small enough that’s not a problem? It was the longest drive I can think of between the traffic from Boca to there. I am used to Chicago traffic but the Miami traffic seemed bizarre the last couple times through from the keys to the airport in FLL. Is it that bad or just a different driving style than I am used to?


I want to spend some time there after seeing just how beautiful the view is. It was an original Miami Vice episode in his house or maybe a scene from the movie scarface

The impression I got is there are a very lot (great grammar huh) of wealthy Latin and Central Americans living there. Is that the case? When I stopped for fuel it seems pretty much Spanish only but like I said I was there a few hours and back to the airport. True or not?

I searched some sites for rentals and it seems I can only afford the one bedroom condos. What are the pitfalls if any of living there. If any??

Thanks in Advance!!

[tankhead]

Traffic is bad throughout South Florida just like in Chicago especially during rush hour. Since Key Biscayne is an island, there are a limited number of roads each way, which adds to the traffic problem.

You are correct in that there is a significant number of wealthy residents. Many of them are from Latin America, but some of them are from elsewhere as well. You will see many people speaking Spanish since Dade County has a majority of Hispanics (about 65%), but you should not have a problem finding English speakers.

Another note-worthy thing to mention is that Key Biscayne has a kind of secluded (well, secluded to the rest of the county) feel to it. This can be a pro or a con depending on your perspective. It has a very relaxing ambience, which is typical of the keys in general. If you love the ocean, then Key Biscayne is a place to consider.

......and last, but not least, yes, Key Biscayne is expensive!

[tallrick]

You missed the best days of Key Biscayne by several decades. It is now full of questionable people with questionable finances. Best to stay away or get a time machine. Key Biscayne to Westwood Lakes

[perry335654]

It was a beautiful place until Hurricane Andrew hit, it still is an attractive area but most of the tree canopy was damaged by the high winds.

You have to pay a toll everytime you want to go to Key Biscayne as it is a very expensive place to live.. Hey!!!! President Nixon once had residency here, if that says anything.

[tallrick]

The trees would have grown back except for the people who hate trees and do not want to have them around. People still blame Andrew for the loss of trees which started with the new residents from the 80's

[Parothead]

Originally Posted by tallrick

The trees would have grown back except for the people who hate trees and do not want to have them around. People still blame Andrew for the loss of trees which started with the new residents from the 80's

Thanks for the link. I enjoyed the read.

yea..... I could not have come up with the scratch for a down payment back then. All I had was my communion money

Seriously, thank you!!

[ecofancy]

Nice scenery, nice park, beautiful beach that doesn't get crowded, and a few nice restaurants. Yes mostly for the wealthy but its one of my fav spots in miami. One of the few places where kids are cruising around on nice bikes and not locking them if that says anything. I don't find it to be anymore hispanic than anywhere else in miami, same goes for getting there. Once you are to the toll its typically smooth sailing, the traffic is on the mainland.