Hi, I'm 80 years old, was an original buyer at Coral Club across from the high school (around 1975. Paid $33,500). Lived in the Keys, on the beach in Pensacola and lots of other places in FL. I LOVED your video, you were honest and real. We built a home on the beach in Pensacola and kind of felt "that is why you have insurance" when it came to hurricanes. I used to tell our friends from CA who asked about hurricanes, "When was the last time you had five days notice before an earthquake?" We experienced several hurricanes in Pensacola, Tampa, Fort Myers and even Lakeland. We evacuated three times when we lived on the beach. I learned several things. We built our home above the 100 year flood plane. Best advice we ever had. One time we waded back in and there was water in our mailbox, but not in the house. We rode out a Cat I that was moving quickly, until it hit Mobile Bay and then pounded us for three days. Never again. Get out early and beat the crowd. We sold our beach home after the third evacuation. We learned something I would have never though of. One friend got totally wiped out, (Hurricane Ivan) home was totally destroyed. He took the money, bought a model home and was enjoying Christmas in a new home a few months later. The people who bought our home did well (kinda). The fact the home was built for 150+ mph winds. However, living on an island, you still have to pump sewerage back to the mainland and you depend on getting water and power from the mainland. They went weeks, in the heat of summer without power and water. Can you imagine the mold? A generator big enough to run an AC is a must on an island. At 80, my wife and I love AZ now. Would not trade our 30+ years in FL for anything. You two are living the dreams of many. BTW, we also full timed it in a motor home for a couple years. People would say they wished they had the time and money to do what we were doing. I agree with you....you make the time and find the money. Best regards, Dennis Miller Anthem, AZ
Dennis, that is probably one of the most insightful honest posts I have seen here on our channel, and we appreciate your sharing that with us and all of our viewers. You and your story is inspiring and realistic at the same time. Thank you!
I was living in Black canyon city until just a few months ago. I moved from perdido key Fl, and now after 8 months of living in Arizona I’m moving back, only a different part of Florida. Never thought I’d go back, but I have elderly family members that need help and I’m the only one who will do it for whatever reason. I’m going to miss Arizona. It was my dream state since childhood. I’m living in Phoenix at the moment. I will be ready to move within 3 months.
Hi Dennis I’m glad you love AZ , was there for a short time but due to lockdown had to fly back to South Africa and praying I can make it back but I must be honest I do love Florida with all my heart and would live almost anywhere along the coast ❤️❤️❤️❤️
George, are you related to the Tarpin Springs Pappas family? Hubby and I stayed at South Seas Plantation (Captiva Island) Fl. years ago and several young Pappas family members gave us a tour of their yacht! They were SO NICE to us! We met at the pool! Just curious if you’re related!😃❤️
Between living in Miami or the FL keys, I would pick the keys any day! Any budget can make it work in the keys as soon as you set your goals. I just bought a property in the keys when I thought that would never be possible. Anything is possible.
my wife and I love it here I have always loved fishing and diving although it has been windy lately. My wife found a job she walks to in 5 minutes we love not having to deal with Charleston SC traffic. Everyone here is so nice seems like alot less stress
I've been watching your videos for about two months and I'm so delighted with you both. Exploring the keys and the experience for life post retirement, you've answered so many questions. You're always so humble and willing to share your authentic opinions. Cutest couple I've seen in a while! Thank you for sharing yourselves with the world!!!!
We are from TX and spending our Honeymoon in Key West in July. 2nd marriage for us but my favorite places are the beach. I've been watching tons of Key West videos and feel that draw. We are 51 and I want that beach vibe. Thank you guys for sharing. I'm an accountant and he's a band director. Hmm😉. Ready to see how we love it! Glad I found you guys. Keep enjoying life!
Outstanding video!! I came to south Florida in 1988 and my employer originally was going to station me in the Marathon, but changed it to Miami at the last minute. I've been to the Keys more times than I can count for work and for pleasure and I've never been weary or anything other than awe inspired with the drive to the Keys. I love your practical outlook, your commitment to giving the experience a fair chance, and above all, your honesty of the good and bad! I was 36 when I arrived and I'm 68 now and I have loved every minute I have lived in South Florida. I'm in Broward now and my personal experience in South Florida has been wonderful! God Bless you both!!
Year 2019 -2020 . There are some incompetent young sheriff officers in Cudjoe key FL Monroe county substation .They do not know the law and are lazy . Imagine cameras pointing in the direction were incident happened .signs next to front gate stating property is under cameras surveillance and deputy writes in report no cameras present on property and doesn't ask anybody if there are cameras there !!! TOTALY INEXCUSABLE . No fingerprints taken despite victim requesting it to be done . .Sherriff deputy could not comprehend how attacker climbed fence . Me a 60 year old men created video were I climbed similar fence in 2 seconds .Deputy advised perpetrator he can obtain cc gun license (perpetrator was accused of attempted assault ) Deputies were easily manipulated by a convicted criminal and his girlfriend who only arrived in the keys few weeks before incident , victim was a 20 year resident in the keys with absolutely clean record . Deputies exhibited no common sense what so ever . Not one sheriff deputy who arrived was older and experienced .That botched investigation resulted in release of a real criminal and his lying girlfriend , no evidence was collected , making difficult for the court to establish truth .Victim was forced to search and obtain evidence himself evidence was luckily collected in the last moments before it was erased and disappeared forever . . UNEDUCATED ,INCOMPETENT AND LAZY - SHERRIF DEPUTIES IN CUDJOE SUBSTATION . Their action emboldened criminals and allowed their associate to defraud more victims . THEY NEED TO HIRE SOME REAL EXPERIENCED PROFFESIONALS THERE . Do not call them to a bank robbery because they will arrest bank clerk instead of bank robber ... SERIOUSLY !!
Y'all are so cute! Thank you so much for the info :) My husband and I are both in healthcare, I'm an RN and he's an MRI tech, both with 26+ years in and live currently in the Florida panhandle. He has been getting info from hospitals for jobs in Marathon, so throwing the idea of moving to the Keys lately. Who knows what the future holds, but thanks again for all your insight. Life is short and there are no do overs! Enjoy your sweet life together :)
Kudos to you both for living out your dreams there in the keys and not being scared of it all... Looks like an awesome lifestyle and basically every type of life takes some kind of sacrifice stay safe and when the storms come get out of there 👌🙌🙏🙏
Very intuitive you two. Just saw your channel and subbed. As a N Georgia boy myself I find it very interesting. We now live in Florida for the past 5 years but can’t afford the Keys on a retirement salary. Boy I wish!!!!!
I enjoyed your video. It really helped! We are coming June 1st 2022 for a week. My husband is an RN, and I am a Respiratory Therapist. We saw they had a hospital there. That's good to know. Thank you for the information!
Aren't hurricanes an issue? Would it be better to rent? In a yacht how far to safe harbor ? Is it safe to stay in a hurricane? Would love to retire there
@@ronpilchowski9898 It's not for you. I can tell from here. Too much concern about safe and better. There are plenty of other places in FL that you would like.
Great jobs guys. I love your Georgian spirit. I'm subscribing for more of the same. Keep keeping on with what you're doing. Love the authenticity and genuine speak. #kudos
I never thought I could like St.Augusti e.I thought it would be to far up.But I keep hear ing that it's nice and also affordable.Take care Happy Holidays
Loved the 'vibe' you two gave off in this video. Felt like I was sitting right there and you were talking to me. I also love Florida storms... as long as I'm in the safety of my home. As a Florida boy hurricanes just seem like a natural part of life to me. 2004, when Florida was hit by 4 strong storms, was the only time the state's population DECLINED because of it. And the people who left were the ones who'd only lived here for a short time and thought, _"So _*_THIS IS NORMAL?_*_ I'm outta here!"_
That's our perspective as well Matt, we've been coming here for 15 years, I was born in Tampa...Mom lives in central Florida, storms are just a part of what we do here.
I grew up in Tampa my whole life, ironically moved to the panhandle 6 years ago, live north of Panama city, we went through hurricane Michael a cat 5... Never again will I go through that... We are now looking to the mountains, being retired, not a beach person anymore... And tired of the long hot hurricane prone summers.
If you need a really great Realtor for the north GA mountains, I know a lady that has been selling homes there for over 30 years and she is fantastic to work with. Shoot me an email and I can put you in touch with her. markgable@me.com Coco Plum Real Estate
I don't know if you have access to the Coast Guard facilities,but I accompanied a couple of officers from CENTCOM in Tampa and we got a unit on base and access to the several fishing boats available.Maybe you could inquire,as the fishing along the flotsam/sargassum line is great,and blue water is not very far out.Rental costs were cheap for three.
Worry more about incompetent law enforcement ==== Year 2019 -2020 . There are some incompetent young sheriff officers in Cudjoe key FL Monroe county substation .They do not know the law and are lazy . Imagine cameras pointing in the direction were incident happened .signs next to front gate stating property is under cameras surveillance and deputy writes in report no cameras present on property and doesn't ask anybody if there are cameras there !!! TOTALY INEXCUSABLE . No fingerprints taken despite victim requesting it to be done . .Sherriff deputy could not comprehend how attacker climbed fence . Me a 60 year old men created video were I climbed similar fence in 2 seconds .Deputy advised perpetrator he can obtain cc gun license (perpetrator was accused of attempted assault ) Deputies were easily manipulated by a convicted criminal and his girlfriend who only arrived in the keys few weeks before incident , victim was a 20 year resident in the keys with absolutely clean record . Deputies exhibited no common sense what so ever . Not one sheriff deputy who arrived was older and experienced .That botched investigation resulted in release of a real criminal and his lying girlfriend , no evidence was collected , making difficult for the court to establish truth .Victim was forced to search and obtain evidence himself evidence was luckily collected in the last moments before it was erased and disappeared forever . . UNEDUCATED ,INCOMPETENT AND LAZY - SHERRIF DEPUTIES IN CUDJOE SUBSTATION . Their action emboldened criminals and allowed their associate to defraud more victims . THEY NEED TO HIRE SOME REAL EXPERIENCED PROFFESIONALS THERE . Do not call them to a bank robbery because they will arrest bank clerk instead of bank robber ... SERIOUSLY !!
Just got back to Illinois from our first visit to the Keys and we loved it. We enjoyed your style and story of your first year living in the Keys and thank you sharing! 2 thumbs up! 👍👍
Great video! The wife and I found your channel and it's great! We are moving to Marathon next month. My wife will be the property manager at the Sea Grape apartments behind the wooden spoon. We're excited! We came across your channel looking up stuff down there and you 2 do an awesome job! Thank you for all the info and it would be great to run into you 2 sometime. Blessing to you both from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 🙏
Love the video! I am a teacher in Pinellas County schools. I taught in the Atlanta area for 10 years and I have to say that the Florida salary is not even close to the Georgia salary. It is very expensive to live in St. Pete/Clearwater. I can't imagine the cost to live in the Keys.
Grew up on Summerland. Live on a small island off the Texas coast now. Love it, but also love and miss the Keys. Except the no-see-ums. Don’t miss those at all. Also, I didn’t hear you guys mention scorpions. Dang the scorpions, too.
Welcome to Monroe County I raised my kids in Ft Lauderdale and moved here permanently in 2012....had been visiting since the late 1970s...great place for kids to grow up and it is great home base...and since Covid definitely do not miss City living...live in Islamorada and it is great but Key West is a walkable awesome place...enjoy the island life and respect the natural resources...fresh water is precious here!
Living in Iowa, at almost 50,I've never missed a blistering cold Midwest winter. Can't do it anymore,just entirely too cold (we had low temps of -40°f for 3 weeks straight) and am seriously considering uprooting and moving to a place where i can be by the ocean all the time. Looking into the keys,thanks for the tips! Subbed to your channel👍
My girlfriend and I enjoyed watching your video(even the ''testy '' exchange from 25:35 TO 26:12,....loL)while having dinner and a few drinks here in Baltimore Md. We always enjoy the perspective of people who have made major life changes,.and/or are living outside of the usual comfort zone. Btw,....the person who complained about you being ''insensitive'',..and that ''humility is in order'' was totally out of line in her comments,...and we never felt that you were passing judgment on anyone,....only stating the pros and cons of living in the Florida Keys after 1 year.
Glad you enjoyed the video Tony. Yes, our only goal with the video was to share with others our experience in hope that it would help someone else if they wanted to do what we are doing. We mean well, but I guess not everyone sees it that way. Thanks for watching and the kind comments.
Appreciate your words of encouragement; I’ve been in Tampa area since spending my whole life in New England 4 years ago and I’m still adjusting and I get homesick.
Seriously, YT. This might be the first time I haven’t been totally pissed off that YT is listening to us! We have this conversations with a few people an hour or so ago and BAM! You’re on my recommendations. I still can’t get over they do that.
Sorry. I live on Marathon 4 months a year. Your TH-cam feed popped up on my feed. Ever get bored. Look up / Google Live web cams Keys.. Sloppy's on K.W. has 3 . 1 on door 2nd on Duval. 3rd on live bar band. Like I said. Less then 72/96 hours.. I am just home sick.
Hey guys. I just found your channel. So excited to watch. Key west is my favorite place ever. My dad had a timeshare right off pier. Spent years going for a week to key west. He sold a few years back. I miss it so much. I’m a flight attendant and have been all over the world, key west is still my favorite place. I look forward to watching y’all
Even if you can't live here YET... vacations here are awesome! We vacationed here for years and there is a lot to appreciate about that. Thanks for watching!
Have you considered getting a job? Also you could get a multi unit home, or 2 condos, rent one out while you work and live in the other. That could work as long as you plan ahead.
Hi love your channel. Do you guys know what ever happened to Jody and Jessica, Livin' the Keys Life? We met them in 2017 and don't see any of their videos anywhere. Just praying they're ok. Thanks again.
I miss them too! We started watching them back during Irma...loved their channel. Not sure why they left the online platforms. I'm sure they're just fine, maybe they just needed a break.
Memories ... I lived in Marathon in the early 80s . I was there when the old 7 mile bridge was still in use . Wow I can imagine the changes . I lived at the very end of 81st Street Ocean side. Best memories I have.
I got my first driver's license in 1978. Although I went over the old bridges in my dad's cars several times I only drove the old bridges (with myself in the driver's seat) once in my own car (it was a rental, if you MUST know!). But my *ACTUAL MEMORIES* of that are few. I remember making the sharp turn-off to Pigeon Key on the old wooden ramp, and also how narrow many of those old bridges seemed when large oncoming trucks were not maintaining good lane discipline! Yikes. The *old* Bahia Honda Bridge with the high roadway was replaced nearly 10 years before all the other bridges... that's why it has a 4-lane replacement-bridge instead of all the other new 2-lane bridges that opened in 1981. But I do remember driving over the old BH in my dad's 1968 Pontiac Convertible with the top down and him straddling the roadway center-marker at over 100mph. Who WOULDN'T remember that?!!!
@@GablesOnTheGo I sure will, and thank you! I think my cousin lives in key largo but we haven't spoken in 30 years and I don't really plan on looking her up she's like 80 now or something so she probably wouldn't be that interested in talking to me haha! anyway looking forward to meeting one day and may you stay well and happy down there in the keys! 🤗🤗
I’m in Dacula, Ga probably not far from y’all. My husband and I spend 2-3 months a year in key largo. Mm100. We were desperate to move there, but still have elderly mothers living close by, and a new wonderful Grandchild! Easier for us to make the one day drive and spend a very relaxing month or two! I claim it as my 2nd home! Love your video! Mm88 is a favorite!!
Just found your videos and love them. You both are so authentic and candid. Might make it to the Keys one of these days, but for now my heart is on the west coast of Florida. But hearing your story is inspiring no matter where your heart calls...
Oct 5th was my 1st yr Key's iversary... I'm glad I choose Monroe County after a 6 month exhaustive home search ranging from Galveston TX all the way down and around up to about Coco Bch FL I like my location it's just a short 40 min drive to Key West and 2.5hrs to Miami so I feel like I have a private island to escape to when I am home. Sitting on my deck watching Tarpon rolling in the canal is priceless.....
My hubby and I were thinking of moving to the middle keys, but now we are looking at getting an RV and buying a Casita style home in Florida. We love Marathon and Islamorada. Looks like you are enjoying life and that’s what’s important. Thanks for your thoughts.
mmmm, I was thinking about the keys, but hey, I love warm weather, horses, and going to the beach when I can, and being close to an airport so that I can travel to the mountains for skiing every now and then. This was a nice thought of retiring in a place like this, but hey, you got to do what you love!!
I just viewed a couple of your videos and I found them enjoyable, inspirational and very informative. Now I am a subscriber. I left Florida many years ago due to military and I have been trying to move back ever since. It is definitely my happy place! I will be back in Florida next week to attend my dad's funeral, but to make it a special trip, I am driving from central Florida to the Keys. I have never been to southern Florida and I am so excited. By the way, go teachers! I am an educator too!
Thanks for watching Adele! I know your trip will be a sad one but I love the idea that you will brighten things up with a trip to the Keys, hope you have a great time here!
Thanks for the info. We bought a house a year ago on Big Pine and can't wait to move there permanently in a few years. It is hard to step away from your comfort zone and I love the insider information that you provide. Thanks again!
Hey guys, loved this video...and your blinky lights. So glad that you are happy. You have accomplished a great deal at your new home in a very short time. Your future will be bright and full of adventure I am certain. All the best to you both.
My wife and I are both teachers and I want to move down there in a few years. I need to convince her, so I am so thankful you mentioned that teachers could actually do it!
I would love to live in the Florida Keys someday. Right now I can only afford the tiny house lifestyle in Oviedo, Florida and hopefully it's not as scary as it feels right now. Already met a grouchy neighbor who seems to think she will give me trouble if I get a dog later after settling because she doesn't want nothing to do with dogs at all. I love Florida except for people that feel they are entitled which can happen anywhere, but really ....
Hey Laurie and Mark! Great video, very informative and helpful! I will definitely look you up for a charter next time we are in Marathon. All the best!
I can't wait to move to Florida in six months. I love fishing with my 2 boys and we love riding our bikes,be in water. I would to be in the keys but it's expensive for me
Moving to Tampa in 1 day from Los Angeles! I’m so happy!! I can’t wait!! I’m born and raised in GA! The tornadoes are horrible!! I’ve been in 2.. Now I’ve been used to feeling the earth quakes .. Lol I’ve been to the keys and I LOVED IT!! I loved the Key Lime Pie from Mrs. Macs! And Docs Diner was Soooooo goood!!!!!!!
I love the ocean and the mountains after growing up in the Rockies…I do miss the mountains …and now I’m torn and can’t move to Hawaii…I mean I could and get the best of both worlds but Hawaii …I’d have to live on one of the smaller islands…hummm….see ya…I need to think about that again.
Just saying, I cannot afford the keys, unless I win the Lottery! However, I love to follow These two in the keys!! If I ever win the lottery, I will be calling these two fun loving Georgians for advice! They are lovely and to funny I feel, and I laugh as these two could be our two love child's from back in the 1960's! But if I win money, and want to buy in the Key's, MARK and Lori are on my speed dial! They have shared so much fun! When I hit the Lottery, I will be calling you two!
We ended up in the keys for 6 months. We had to leave and go back VA. We meet great people Captain Randy Towe and Jonnie. Took us in like family. Came back to find a house. Didn't know insurance was so much. So we really couldn't afford it. But we are still trying to find away to move there. Love the Keys.
Let us know if we can help you...I don't know your friends Randy and Jonnie, from what you say, they sound like most of the wonderful Keys people! Keep your dream alive!
Just noticed that someone already asked if you are bothered by storms. Since the 70s we use to be bothered by hurricanes here in central Florida. But since 2007-08 we're not bothered anymore. Everything has its own frequency, even storms, disease, music and ect and with the right tools, knowledge, skills almost any frequency can be changed.
very cool/informative video, we live in the villages, we have a diesel pusher motorhome and go to the keys at least once a year and love the keys, we belong to thousand trails so we stay at sunshine key and fiesta key, god bless, good luck, and please stay safe,
I don't think you can stress enough how expensive homes are in the Keys. I do think you need some amount of success and money before thinking of buying a home in the Keys. It would very hard to do from ground zero but not impossible, it would be a big struggle. My wife and I bought a home in Key West several years ago and plan to make the full time move permanently this coming summer. We've made many friends in Key West over the years visiting and can't wait to emerge in the Keys lifestyle. The Keys is just a different pace of life with some very interesting people.
We agree with you Johnny. We find housing in the Keys to be quite expensive, but we also find that not everyone feels that way. This seems to fluctuate with where in the world people are from. For instance many coming from the west coast seem to feel that the homes you can get here are quite affordable compared to what they are used to for the same square footage and location. All just a matter of perspective. Congrats on your home in Key West!
You guys are great. My wife and I are planning to move to Florida just not that far south. Around the Palm Bay Area but the keys are definitely on are check list. Ty for so much info. God bless
I love the Florida Keys, I have family that live down there. Everyone I encounter down there are so friendly. My cousin actually owns a bar Coconuts in Big Pine. They have such a tight community, and seems to watch over their neighbors, which is such a nice thing to have in a community.
We love it here too! The people we have met here have been so friendly as well! We have seen the bar in Big Pine, looks like a cool place! Thanks for watching!
@@GablesOnTheGo I really like it down there, I live in the Midwest just south if Chicago, so winters are pretty harsh. I would love to live there half the year and in the Midwest the other half. But its pretty expensive down there as well.
Hi Mark and Laurie. Good to meet you. This popped up in my window so I watched it. I totally loved what you said on your video. We own a home in Volusia County, FL and we rented that out and then rented a place in the Keys for a year in Key West in 2011 and we spent many vacations and a ton of work trips to the Cudjoe Key area. We have a set of best friends in KW that still remain. What you said is spot on and thanks for the great video. The Keys is a very different type of place, the people are so awesome and to sum it up there is absolutely nothing else like it on the planet and we traveled a lot over the years. I will keep watching what you post and to meet up when we are in Marathon or Cudjoe next time maybe Sunset Grille for happy hour and we will bring our Key West friends Monica and Rick. Do you do charter runs with your boat? Did someone mention that? My husband is a scuba rescue diver and son 25 yrs old is a diver too. Love to get with you next visit down let us know your rates to go out for an afternoon this coming summer 2021 probably one afternoon in July. Drop me an email onlinenotaryexperts@gmail.com. Best of luck to you keep enjoying life its too short to second guess or hold any fears! Kat n Ira Wendorf
Thanks Kathleen! Heck yeah, give us a shout when you're in town and maybe we can meet up with you guys! I did charter my boat, but I've been so busy with real estate we've not been out in awhile.
Love the Venture Out RV lot idea. Not sure my other half would want to move full time from Houston (yet), but heck for 6 months or longer would be nice. Have the home here, have the Class A RV, now just need to convince my other half, and buy a lot......may be a little more complicated than this, but love the video. You guys and others I follow had the same feelings I am having, but you took the leap. Turned 52 two days ago, we are both blessed to be in good health and good shape, ugh......sounds so awesome. Love your channel.
Tommy, thanks so much for watching and thanks for the kind words about our videos! Take the leap, whatever that looks like for you.....you might be very surprised at well you can swim! Cheers brother!
Because of the no-see-ums...it would be a no for me! I haven’t been to the keys, but have been to southern Florida, and also the Virgin Islands...which have no-see-ums! At least one trip I got so many bites, took weeks to recover. Hawaii (especially Kauai) wins out, since I’ve never been bit once there! They don’t have no-see-ums. I’d maybe visit the keys, but I’d retire in Hawaii. Thanks for the forthright review! Blessings 💫
My husband and I were lucky enough to get an RV spot at Bahia Honda and we left the day you filmed this, the rain was horrible that week! I love your videos and I love the keys, I will make my way down there one day for good :-)
Yes the weather was brutal this week! don't judge the Keys by that....! Hope you guys had a good time anyway, and let us know if we can help you somehow in the future! Thanks for watching!
I'm living in South Naples. Love going to the Keys. Also getting ready to start advertising from Key Largo to Key West and expand my pressure washing and house washing and roof cleaning business. Hoping there is some work there.
Thanks for the input. Was told if you show up on time and do what you say your gonna do you can make money there. If I'm on time I'm late. As former Law Enforcement so you are always early.
Worry more about incompetent law enforcement ==== Year 2019 -2020 . There are some incompetent young sheriff officers in Cudjoe key FL Monroe county substation .They do not know the law and are lazy . Imagine cameras pointing in the direction were incident happened .signs next to front gate stating property is under cameras surveillance and deputy writes in report no cameras present on property and doesn't ask anybody if there are cameras there !!! TOTALY INEXCUSABLE . No fingerprints taken despite victim requesting it to be done . .Sherriff deputy could not comprehend how attacker climbed fence . Me a 60 year old men created video were I climbed similar fence in 2 seconds .Deputy advised perpetrator he can obtain cc gun license (perpetrator was accused of attempted assault ) Deputies were easily manipulated by a convicted criminal and his girlfriend who only arrived in the keys few weeks before incident , victim was a 20 year resident in the keys with absolutely clean record . Deputies exhibited no common sense what so ever . Not one sheriff deputy who arrived was older and experienced .That botched investigation resulted in release of a real criminal and his lying girlfriend , no evidence was collected , making difficult for the court to establish truth .Victim was forced to search and obtain evidence himself evidence was luckily collected in the last moments before it was erased and disappeared forever . . UNEDUCATED ,INCOMPETENT AND LAZY - SHERRIF DEPUTIES IN CUDJOE SUBSTATION . Their action emboldened criminals and allowed their associate to defraud more victims . THEY NEED TO HIRE SOME REAL EXPERIENCED PROFFESIONALS THERE . Do not call them to a bank robbery because they will arrest bank clerk instead of bank robber ... SERIOUSLY !!
We are hoping to do just that! We are working hard here now but maybe on down the road we will have more time to travel and we love RV's and hope to spend some time traveling the US in our RV and sharing those videos as well. Thanks for watching!
Great video, would love to live there. Just need the rest of the money. But I have been there many times and camped right on the beach. Know the noseeums.
I live in Homestead and for couple times I thought about moving a little bit more north, but at the same time, I enjoy so much going to the keys on the weekends, that I might stay here for while. Friendly people, good food, good beer hehe. I would say it is not a place for single people.
I went to the Keys a week bofore this last hurricane and saw a bunch of new home constructions that were two stories and made of Cinder Block. The area was just before and to the other side of the International Airport as you head South. I've never seen homes like that but I would presume they are very sturdy.
This video randomly popped up for me to watch and my husband, kids and I are staying on conch island the 28th, 29th and 30th of this month and in your video you said that you sometimes do charter fishing for extra cash. I called darn near everywhere to book a charter and no one has anything available. I was going to surprise him for Christmas. If you are interested and available please let me know. I love your videos!
I wish I could help you but my boat is out of the water and we are going back to GA to spend some time with family for Christmas. Give Joel Brandenburg at Ana Banana Charters a call, he's a friend of mine and might can help you out! sorry!!!
I have lived in Florida for 55 years. All of Florida is full of critters. I love the Keys wish it was doable for me to live there. My husband and I camp out at Fort Jefferson every year. that is paradise.
Thanks for this video! It's very encouraging. I lived on a boat at the Lorelei in Islamorada for a while a few years ago , but, needed to return to South Carolina. I really can't see continuing to live up here for the last part of my life and I think I have some of the same dissatisfactions as ya'll did before you made the move. I hope to have things resolved up here to return to the Keys and live by the first part of next year. Just have to take some chances, make some sacrifices and pull the trigger. I'm coming down to Islamorada for Thanksgiving as a teaser ...can't wait!
We retired 2017, bought our house outright here in KY where my husband grew up (he left at 18 for military and retired after 35 years). We came from Colorado, where we met in 1999. Four years into our “golden years” and so much changed....add 2020 and lockdown of our goals and travel dreams. This feels like our twilight years already. None of this due to our finances or our decisions, but other family members moving here because we did and they need help. Torn, torn, torn inside is how it feels. We want to see our 4 parents through their twilight years, of course. They are octogenarians, hooray for longevity on both sides! It is just hard right now not knowing when/if we can continue our dreams of travel, here and abroad. I was raised on Florida’s Space Coast. We’ve decided that if we chose someday to live in FL, or along the eastern seaboard, we will rent. Losing our possessions is acceptable. But knowing people in Panama City who STILL don’t have their home rebuilt since Hurricane Michael in 2018, risking a property we own is not for us. Thankfully, as we approach age 62 (3 years from now), we will have disposable income (so-to-speak) and that would take care of rent. Thank you for sharing your experience. My hubs and I still plan for a few more chapters in life to come. We just have to be patient. My folks RV’d full-time from 1997-2017 and only came off the road due to health. Dad is 89 next month, Mom is 85. I love that their golden years were everything they desired! Good luck and enjoy the heck out of your lifestyle in the Keys!
Thanks for sharing Anita! And thanks for watching our channel. I'm sorry to hear that things are not going the way you planned, but it so honorable of you to be concerned for your family and it's just terrible how many lives and plans have been put on hold for this pandemic. Keep your dreams and think positively and I bet you still get to do the things you want! We wish you all the best!
I was recently contemplating a job opportunity in Key West (hospital), but I ultimately decided that I'm not willing to make the necessary sacrifices at this point in time. The money they're offering isn't much more than I'm making in the Midwest. My love of travel and not having to pinch pennies wins for now.
I’m 30 minutes north of key largo. Thought about moving to Tavernier or lower but my house is paid for and the keys are pricey. Hurricanes don’t worry me. But insurance rates do
You're right about housing costs...my grandparents built a place in Key Largo (Bayside MM 104) in the early 60s & had it until Grandpa passed in 1980 & we sold the place. I couldn't afford to buy it back now - it's almost 4 million!!
Good comment about Hurricanes... YOU HAVE PLENTY OF WARNING TO GET OUT.... Big difference from a Tornado or a Earthquake. BTW... How old were you guys when you made the Keys move?
Great question... they are building some affordable housing apartments a couple of miles west of us and look really nice. There are a couple of affordable apartments already here though. Thanks for watching!!
My wife and I spent a week in Key West and that was the best vacation we have ever had , thanks .
That is awesome!
Hi,
I'm 80 years old, was an original buyer at Coral Club across from the high school (around 1975. Paid $33,500). Lived in the Keys, on the beach in Pensacola and lots of other places in FL. I LOVED your video, you were honest and real.
We built a home on the beach in Pensacola and kind of felt "that is why you have insurance" when it came to hurricanes. I used to tell our friends from CA who asked about hurricanes, "When was the last time you had five days notice before an earthquake?" We experienced several hurricanes in Pensacola, Tampa, Fort Myers and even Lakeland. We evacuated three times when we lived on the beach.
I learned several things. We built our home above the 100 year flood plane. Best advice we ever had. One time we waded back in and there was water in our mailbox, but not in the house. We rode out a Cat I that was moving quickly, until it hit Mobile Bay and then pounded us for three days. Never again. Get out early and beat the crowd. We sold our beach home after the third evacuation. We learned something I would have never though of. One friend got totally wiped out, (Hurricane Ivan) home was totally destroyed. He took the money, bought a model home and was enjoying Christmas in a new home a few months later. The people who bought our home did well (kinda). The fact the home was built for 150+ mph winds. However, living on an island, you still have to pump sewerage back to the mainland and you depend on getting water and power from the mainland. They went weeks, in the heat of summer without power and water. Can you imagine the mold?
A generator big enough to run an AC is a must on an island. At 80, my wife and I love AZ now. Would not trade our 30+ years in FL for anything. You two are living the dreams of many. BTW, we also full timed it in a motor home for a couple years. People would say they wished they had the time and money to do what we were doing. I agree with you....you make the time and find the money.
Best regards,
Dennis Miller
Anthem, AZ
Dennis, that is probably one of the most insightful honest posts I have seen here on our channel, and we appreciate your sharing that with us and all of our viewers. You and your story is inspiring and realistic at the same time. Thank you!
@@GablesOnTheGo I am going to try to send you an email.
I was living in Black canyon city until just a few months ago. I moved from perdido key Fl, and now after 8 months of living in Arizona I’m moving back, only a different part of Florida. Never thought I’d go back, but I have elderly family members that need help and I’m the only one who will do it for whatever reason. I’m going to miss Arizona.
It was my dream state since childhood. I’m living in Phoenix at the moment. I will be ready to move within 3 months.
Hi Dennis I’m glad you love AZ , was there for a short time but due to lockdown had to fly back to South Africa and praying I can make it back but I must be honest I do love Florida with all my heart and would live almost anywhere along the coast ❤️❤️❤️❤️
George, are you related to the Tarpin Springs Pappas family? Hubby and I stayed at South Seas Plantation (Captiva Island) Fl. years ago and several young Pappas family members gave us a tour of their yacht! They were SO NICE to us! We met at the pool! Just curious if you’re related!😃❤️
Between living in Miami or the FL keys, I would pick the keys any day! Any budget can make it work in the keys as soon as you set your goals. I just bought a property in the keys when I thought that would never be possible. Anything is possible.
I couldn't agree more! I love your positive spirit!
Good for u! Live the dream!
so you have to have money to live in the keys. ???
@@jayj3990 yep
Congratulations that’s awesome
You two are a beautiful couple ....Hold each other close and never let go!
Thanks so much!
@@GablesOnTheGo because if u do let her go, Gman is gonna be right there to scoop her up 🤣
my wife and I love it here I have always loved fishing and diving although it has been windy lately. My wife found a job she walks to in 5 minutes we love not having to deal with Charleston SC traffic. Everyone here is so nice seems like alot less stress
We find the people here very pleasant as well. Keys people for the most part are very friendly and fun!
I've been watching your videos for about two months and I'm so delighted with you both. Exploring the keys and the experience for life post retirement, you've answered so many questions. You're always so humble and willing to share your authentic opinions. Cutest couple I've seen in a while! Thank you for sharing yourselves with the world!!!!
Oh how nice of you to say!! Thanks so much for watchin our channel!
Not retired. He’s working as a real estate agent
We are from TX and spending our Honeymoon in Key West in July. 2nd marriage for us but my favorite places are the beach. I've been watching tons of Key West videos and feel that draw. We are 51 and I want that beach vibe. Thank you guys for sharing. I'm an accountant and he's a band director. Hmm😉. Ready to see how we love it! Glad I found you guys. Keep enjoying life!
Thank you Wendy! Hope you guys have a great time while you are here!
Outstanding video!! I came to south Florida in 1988 and my employer originally was going to station me in the Marathon, but changed it to Miami at the last minute. I've been to the Keys more times than I can count for work and for pleasure and I've never been weary or anything other than awe inspired with the drive to the Keys. I love your practical outlook, your commitment to giving the experience a fair chance, and above all, your honesty of the good and bad! I was 36 when I arrived and I'm 68 now and I have loved every minute I have lived in South Florida. I'm in Broward now and my personal experience in South Florida has been wonderful! God Bless you both!!
Thanks so much for watching! And thanks for the compliment on our videos.
Year 2019 -2020 . There are some incompetent young sheriff officers in Cudjoe key FL Monroe county substation .They do not know the law and are lazy . Imagine cameras pointing in the direction were incident happened .signs next to front gate stating property is under cameras surveillance and deputy writes in report no cameras present on property and doesn't ask anybody if there are cameras there !!! TOTALY INEXCUSABLE . No fingerprints taken despite victim requesting it to be done . .Sherriff deputy could not comprehend how attacker climbed fence . Me a 60 year old men created video were I climbed similar fence in 2 seconds .Deputy advised perpetrator he can obtain cc gun license (perpetrator was accused of attempted assault ) Deputies were easily manipulated by a convicted criminal and his girlfriend who only arrived in the keys few weeks before incident , victim was a 20 year resident in the keys with absolutely clean record . Deputies exhibited no common sense what so ever . Not one sheriff deputy who arrived was older and experienced .That botched investigation resulted in release of a real criminal and his lying girlfriend , no evidence was collected , making difficult for the court to establish truth .Victim was forced to search and obtain evidence himself evidence was luckily collected in the last moments before it was erased and disappeared forever . . UNEDUCATED ,INCOMPETENT AND LAZY - SHERRIF DEPUTIES IN CUDJOE SUBSTATION . Their action emboldened criminals and allowed their associate to defraud more victims . THEY NEED TO HIRE SOME REAL EXPERIENCED PROFFESIONALS THERE . Do not call them to a bank robbery because they will arrest bank clerk instead of bank robber ... SERIOUSLY !!
You seem like really nice, level-headed people. I really appreciate your perspective and sharing!! Enjoy your next year!!
Thank you so much!
I lived there three years and I used 2 tanks of gas.
In the last 1.5 years I’ve used 1 tank of gas 😂
And I’m in the Pacific Northwest!
Y'all are so cute! Thank you so much for the info :) My husband and I are both in healthcare, I'm an RN and he's an MRI tech, both with 26+ years in and live currently in the Florida panhandle. He has been getting info from hospitals for jobs in Marathon, so throwing the idea of moving to the Keys lately. Who knows what the future holds, but thanks again for all your insight. Life is short and there are no do overs! Enjoy your sweet life together :)
Thank you so much for watching! If you get ready to make that move give us a call and we can help you find a place 🏡 😁
Kudos to you both for living out your dreams there in the keys and not being scared of it all... Looks like an awesome lifestyle and basically every type of life takes some kind of sacrifice stay safe and when the storms come get out of there 👌🙌🙏🙏
You are right Joe, it does some sacrifice but the rewards are amazing!
Very intuitive you two. Just saw your channel and subbed. As a N Georgia boy myself I find it very interesting. We now live in Florida for the past 5 years but can’t afford the Keys on a retirement salary. Boy I wish!!!!!
I enjoyed your video. It really helped! We are coming June 1st 2022 for a week. My husband is an RN, and I am a Respiratory Therapist. We saw they had a hospital there. That's good to know. Thank you for the information!
Thank you so much Bethany. Hope you enjoy your visit to the Keys!
I was born here in Key West and I've only left a couple of times bc there's no reason to leave here!
Aren't hurricanes an issue?
Would it be better to rent?
In a yacht how far to safe harbor ?
Is it safe to stay in a hurricane?
Would love to retire there
@@ronpilchowski9898 It's not for you. I can tell from here. Too much concern about safe and better. There are plenty of other places in FL that you would like.
Getting in your car everyday is a risk. Live !
Great jobs guys. I love your Georgian spirit. I'm subscribing for more of the same. Keep keeping on with what you're doing. Love the authenticity and genuine speak. #kudos
Live in St. Augustine.
Visit the Keys.
Party in Cocoa Beach.
Stay away from Orlando!!
I never thought I could like St.Augusti e.I thought it would be to far up.But I keep hear ing that it's nice and also affordable.Take care Happy Holidays
Yes to all of those recommendations.
we are currently in viera at space coast rv park nearish cocoa beach love it here
Loved the 'vibe' you two gave off in this video. Felt like I was sitting right there and you were talking to me. I also love Florida storms... as long as I'm in the safety of my home. As a Florida boy hurricanes just seem like a natural part of life to me. 2004, when Florida was hit by 4 strong storms, was the only time the state's population DECLINED because of it. And the people who left were the ones who'd only lived here for a short time and thought, _"So _*_THIS IS NORMAL?_*_ I'm outta here!"_
That's our perspective as well Matt, we've been coming here for 15 years, I was born in Tampa...Mom lives in central Florida, storms are just a part of what we do here.
I grew up in Tampa my whole life, ironically moved to the panhandle 6 years ago, live north of Panama city, we went through hurricane Michael a cat 5... Never again will I go through that... We are now looking to the mountains, being retired, not a beach person anymore... And tired of the long hot hurricane prone summers.
If you need a really great Realtor for the north GA mountains, I know a lady that has been selling homes there for over 30 years and she is fantastic to work with. Shoot me an email and I can put you in touch with her. markgable@me.com Coco Plum Real Estate
I used to live in Marathon key. For a long time had my last 2 babies down there.
I just got stationed in key west cant wait!
I don't know if you have access to the Coast Guard facilities,but I accompanied a couple of officers from CENTCOM in Tampa and we got a unit on base and access to the several fishing boats available.Maybe you could inquire,as the fishing along the flotsam/sargassum line is great,and blue water is not very far out.Rental costs were cheap for three.
Worry more about incompetent law enforcement ==== Year 2019 -2020 . There are some incompetent young sheriff officers in Cudjoe key FL Monroe county substation .They do not know the law and are lazy . Imagine cameras pointing in the direction were incident happened .signs next to front gate stating property is under cameras surveillance and deputy writes in report no cameras present on property and doesn't ask anybody if there are cameras there !!! TOTALY INEXCUSABLE . No fingerprints taken despite victim requesting it to be done . .Sherriff deputy could not comprehend how attacker climbed fence . Me a 60 year old men created video were I climbed similar fence in 2 seconds .Deputy advised perpetrator he can obtain cc gun license (perpetrator was accused of attempted assault ) Deputies were easily manipulated by a convicted criminal and his girlfriend who only arrived in the keys few weeks before incident , victim was a 20 year resident in the keys with absolutely clean record . Deputies exhibited no common sense what so ever . Not one sheriff deputy who arrived was older and experienced .That botched investigation resulted in release of a real criminal and his lying girlfriend , no evidence was collected , making difficult for the court to establish truth .Victim was forced to search and obtain evidence himself evidence was luckily collected in the last moments before it was erased and disappeared forever . . UNEDUCATED ,INCOMPETENT AND LAZY - SHERRIF DEPUTIES IN CUDJOE SUBSTATION . Their action emboldened criminals and allowed their associate to defraud more victims . THEY NEED TO HIRE SOME REAL EXPERIENCED PROFFESIONALS THERE . Do not call them to a bank robbery because they will arrest bank clerk instead of bank robber ... SERIOUSLY !!
Wow. Thank you. What an incredible video. So honest, sincere and helpful!
You are so welcome! Thanks!
I like your views and mindset on the hurricanes.
I love the wind and rain. It’s all good!!! :)
Just got back to Illinois from our first visit to the Keys and we loved it.
We enjoyed your style and story of your first year living in the Keys and thank you sharing! 2 thumbs up!
👍👍
Thanks so much!!
Great video! The wife and I found your channel and it's great! We are moving to Marathon next month. My wife will be the property manager at the Sea Grape apartments behind the wooden spoon. We're excited! We came across your channel looking up stuff down there and you 2 do an awesome job! Thank you for all the info and it would be great to run into you 2 sometime. Blessing to you both from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 🙏
That's awesome! Good luck in your new adventure! Thanks for watching!
Love the video! I am a teacher in Pinellas County schools. I taught in the Atlanta area for 10 years and I have to say that the Florida salary is not even close to the Georgia salary. It is very expensive to live in St. Pete/Clearwater. I can't imagine the cost to live in the Keys.
Thanks! My previous Florida teacher salary was close to my Georgia teacher salary. Monroe County, Florida was relatively generous 😊
Thank you SOOO much....we are planning on retiring to keys and we visit very often and I always wondered about Amazon!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!!!
I spent the last 2 weeks of June in Cudjoe Key. I can't wait to go back in December for the entire month
Thank you so much for this video! I just got a job offer in Key West and this was so helpful!
Grew up on Summerland. Live on a small island off the Texas coast now. Love it, but also love and miss the Keys. Except the no-see-ums. Don’t miss those at all. Also, I didn’t hear you guys mention scorpions. Dang the scorpions, too.
Welcome to Monroe County
I raised my kids in Ft Lauderdale and moved here permanently in 2012....had been visiting since the late 1970s...great place for kids to grow up and it is great home base...and since Covid definitely do not miss City living...live in Islamorada and it is great but Key West is a walkable awesome place...enjoy the island life and respect the natural resources...fresh water is precious here!
Thanks for the welcome!
the keys are like paradise, it's always warm and breezy. ask Jimmy
Living in Iowa, at almost 50,I've never missed a blistering cold Midwest winter. Can't do it anymore,just entirely too cold (we had low temps of -40°f for 3 weeks straight) and am seriously considering uprooting and moving to a place where i can be by the ocean all the time. Looking into the keys,thanks for the tips! Subbed to your channel👍
Thank you for watching and subscribing!
Great video. May God continue to bless you both. Life is short- live it.
Yes! Thank you!
My girlfriend and I enjoyed watching your video(even the ''testy '' exchange from 25:35 TO 26:12,....loL)while having dinner and a few drinks here in Baltimore Md. We always enjoy the perspective of people who have made major life changes,.and/or are living outside of the usual comfort zone. Btw,....the person who complained about you being ''insensitive'',..and that ''humility is in order'' was totally out of line in her comments,...and we never felt that you were passing judgment on anyone,....only stating the pros and cons of living in the Florida Keys after 1 year.
Glad you enjoyed the video Tony. Yes, our only goal with the video was to share with others our experience in hope that it would help someone else if they wanted to do what we are doing. We mean well, but I guess not everyone sees it that way. Thanks for watching and the kind comments.
Appreciate your words of encouragement; I’ve been in Tampa area since spending my whole life in New England 4 years ago and I’m still adjusting and I get homesick.
Thanks for watching! I hope you are happy in Tampa, Laurie and I love the Clearwater Beach area!
So envious!! I would LOVE to be able to live in the keys (and/or other coastal areas)!!
You can do it! Thanks for watching!
Seriously, YT. This might be the first time I haven’t been totally pissed off that YT is listening to us! We have this conversations with a few people an hour or so ago and BAM! You’re on my recommendations. I still can’t get over they do that.
It is pretty cool....and a little spooky! Thanks for watching!
Thank you me and my wife you guys have so much making decisions moving to Key West or key anywhere in the key go bless you guys thank you
Thanks for watching John and thanks for the kind words! All the best, Laurie and Mark
Sorry. I live on Marathon 4 months a year. Your TH-cam feed popped up on my feed. Ever get bored. Look up / Google Live web cams Keys.. Sloppy's on K.W. has 3 . 1 on door 2nd on Duval. 3rd on live bar band. Like I said. Less then 72/96 hours.. I am just home sick.
Hey guys. I just found your channel. So excited to watch. Key west is my favorite place ever. My dad had a timeshare right off pier. Spent years going for a week to key west. He sold a few years back. I miss it so much. I’m a flight attendant and have been all over the world, key west is still my favorite place. I look forward to watching y’all
Welcome aboard! and thanks for watching!!!
Wish I could afford to live there. I loved the keys when I was there!!!
Even if you can't live here YET... vacations here are awesome! We vacationed here for years and there is a lot to appreciate about that. Thanks for watching!
Have you considered getting a job? Also you could get a multi unit home, or 2 condos, rent one out while you work and live in the other. That could work as long as you plan ahead.
Great story!!! Very informative ....... you are living a dream ..... ENJOY You only live once .........
Thanks! 😃
Visit the Keys one Werk ago☀️☀️☀️WE miss Them much.the friendly people and the great weather.greetings from Cologne germany
Hi love your channel. Do you guys know what ever happened to Jody and Jessica, Livin' the Keys Life? We met them in 2017 and don't see any of their videos anywhere. Just praying they're ok. Thanks again.
I miss them too! We started watching them back during Irma...loved their channel. Not sure why they left the online platforms. I'm sure they're just fine, maybe they just needed a break.
Thanks guys for the info! Appreciate the honesty.
Memories ... I lived in Marathon in the early 80s . I was there when the old 7 mile bridge was still in use . Wow I can imagine the changes . I lived at the very end of 81st Street Ocean side. Best memories I have.
Very cool...we love talking with the people who have lived here their whole lives...very interesting!
I got my first driver's license in 1978. Although I went over the old bridges in my dad's cars several times I only drove the old bridges (with myself in the driver's seat) once in my own car (it was a rental, if you MUST know!). But my *ACTUAL MEMORIES* of that are few. I remember making the sharp turn-off to Pigeon Key on the old wooden ramp, and also how narrow many of those old bridges seemed when large oncoming trucks were not maintaining good lane discipline! Yikes. The *old* Bahia Honda Bridge with the high roadway was replaced nearly 10 years before all the other bridges... that's why it has a 4-lane replacement-bridge instead of all the other new 2-lane bridges that opened in 1981. But I do remember driving over the old BH in my dad's 1968 Pontiac Convertible with the top down and him straddling the roadway center-marker at over 100mph. Who WOULDN'T remember that?!!!
I am brazilian (living in Brazil) and have visited the Keys and got very impressed. Good luck for you!
Thanks for watching!
I have my eye on settling in the keys, and I might be looking you folks up when I'm down for a look-see! nice video presentations, thank you!😁
Thanks Joe! Feel free to give us a shout when you are ready to settle in here.
@@GablesOnTheGo I sure will, and thank you! I think my cousin lives in key largo but we haven't spoken in 30 years and I don't really plan on looking her up she's like 80 now or something so she probably wouldn't be that interested in talking to me haha! anyway looking forward to meeting one day and may you stay well and happy down there in the keys! 🤗🤗
I’m in Dacula, Ga probably not far from y’all. My husband and I spend 2-3 months a year in key largo. Mm100. We were desperate to move there, but still have elderly mothers living close by, and a new wonderful Grandchild! Easier for us to make the one day drive and spend a very relaxing month or two! I claim it as my 2nd home! Love your video! Mm88 is a favorite!!
Just found your videos and love them. You both are so authentic and candid. Might make it to the Keys one of these days, but for now my heart is on the west coast of Florida. But hearing your story is inspiring no matter where your heart calls...
Thanks for watching and for the kind comments!
Oct 5th was my 1st yr Key's iversary... I'm glad I choose Monroe County after a 6 month exhaustive home search ranging from Galveston TX all the way down and around up to about Coco Bch FL
I like my location it's just a short 40 min drive to Key West and 2.5hrs to Miami so I feel like I have a private island to escape to when I am home. Sitting on my deck watching Tarpon rolling in the canal is priceless.....
That is awesome!
Ugh! You’re so lucky! I’m happy for you!
My hubby and I were thinking of moving to the middle keys, but now we are looking at getting an RV and buying a Casita style home in Florida. We love Marathon and Islamorada. Looks like you are enjoying life and that’s what’s important. Thanks for your thoughts.
Laurie and I love those RV homes! Super cool! Thanks for watching.
mmmm, I was thinking about the keys, but hey, I love warm weather, horses, and going to the beach when I can, and being close to an airport so that I can travel to the mountains for skiing every now and then. This was a nice thought of retiring in a place like this, but hey, you got to do what you love!!
Go for it! Thanks for watching!!
Thanks for this realistic view of living in the keys! It was nice to hear the pros and cons. 😁
Glad it was helpful!
I just viewed a couple of your videos and I found them enjoyable, inspirational and very informative. Now I am a subscriber. I left Florida many years ago due to military and I have been trying to move back ever since. It is definitely my happy place! I will be back in Florida next week to attend my dad's funeral, but to make it a special trip, I am driving from central Florida to the Keys. I have never been to southern Florida and I am so excited. By the way, go teachers! I am an educator too!
Thanks for watching Adele! I know your trip will be a sad one but I love the idea that you will brighten things up with a trip to the Keys, hope you have a great time here!
Thanks for the info. We bought a house a year ago on Big Pine and can't wait to move there permanently in a few years. It is hard to step away from your comfort zone and I love the insider information that you provide. Thanks again!
That is awesome! Thanks so much for watching!
Big pine got hit pretty hard with a Hurricane a few years ago! 🤿🏄🏿♂️⚓️
Hey guys, loved this video...and your blinky lights. So glad that you are happy. You have accomplished a great deal at your new home in a very short time. Your future will be bright and full of adventure I am certain. All the best to you both.
Thanks so much!!
My wife and I are both teachers and I want to move down there in a few years. I need to convince her, so I am so thankful you mentioned that teachers could actually do it!
When there is a will there is a way! Thanks for watching!
I would love to live in the Florida Keys someday. Right now I can only afford the tiny house lifestyle in Oviedo, Florida and hopefully it's not as scary as it feels right now. Already met a grouchy neighbor who seems to think she will give me trouble if I get a dog later after settling because she doesn't want nothing to do with dogs at all. I love Florida except for people that feel they are entitled which can happen anywhere, but really ....
Win her over with kindness! Thanks for watching!
Thank you for the intel..we live in west palm and are looking to move one day..ty
What’s wrong with west Palm beach?
@@3PaulAnthony ... TRAFFIC ...
Hey Laurie and Mark! Great video, very informative and helpful! I will definitely look you up for a charter next time we are in Marathon. All the best!
Please do!
Great video. I live in north Idaho. I do like it here. But...
I'd love to live the beach life. While working of course. Thank you for the video!
Our pleasure!
I can't wait to move to Florida in six months. I love fishing with my 2 boys and we love riding our bikes,be in water. I would to be in the keys but it's expensive for me
Thanks for watching Doug!
Moving to Tampa in 1 day from Los Angeles! I’m so happy!! I can’t wait!! I’m born and raised in GA! The tornadoes are horrible!! I’ve been in 2.. Now I’ve been used to feeling the earth quakes .. Lol I’ve been to the keys and I LOVED IT!! I loved the Key Lime Pie from Mrs. Macs! And Docs Diner was Soooooo goood!!!!!!!
Best of luck with your move! I (Mark) was born in Tampa...love Clearwater Beach!
Congrats on your escape from California!👌
I love The Florida keys ,visited many times in the 90s .
I love the ocean and the mountains after growing up in the Rockies…I do miss the mountains …and now I’m torn and can’t move to Hawaii…I mean I could and get the best of both worlds but Hawaii …I’d have to live on one of the smaller islands…hummm….see ya…I need to think about that again.
Just saying, I cannot afford the keys, unless I win the Lottery! However, I love to follow These two in the keys!! If I ever win the lottery, I will be calling these two fun loving Georgians for advice! They are lovely and to funny I feel, and I laugh as these two could be our two love child's from back in the 1960's! But if I win money, and want to buy in the Key's, MARK and Lori are on my speed dial! They have shared so much fun! When I hit the Lottery, I will be calling you two!
We ended up in the keys for 6 months. We had to leave and go back VA. We meet great people Captain Randy Towe and Jonnie. Took us in like family. Came back to find a house. Didn't know insurance was so much. So we really couldn't afford it. But we are still trying to find away to move there. Love the Keys.
Let us know if we can help you...I don't know your friends Randy and Jonnie, from what you say, they sound like most of the wonderful Keys people! Keep your dream alive!
Just noticed that someone already asked if you are bothered by storms. Since the 70s we use to be bothered by hurricanes here in central Florida. But since 2007-08 we're not bothered anymore. Everything has its own frequency, even storms, disease, music and ect and with the right tools, knowledge, skills almost any frequency can be changed.
very cool/informative video, we live in the villages, we have a diesel pusher motorhome and go to the keys at least once a year and love the keys, we belong to thousand trails so we stay at sunshine key and fiesta key, god bless, good luck, and please stay safe,
Very cool! Mark's mother lives in the Villages...we love it there! Thanks for watching!
Love the Crawling for Reid shirt! I worked with the AOP and the Underwoods in putting on those events. Subbed!
How cool!!!! Small world. Thanks for the Sub!
I don't think you can stress enough how expensive homes are in the Keys. I do think you need some amount of success and money before thinking of buying a home in the Keys. It would very hard to do from ground zero but not impossible, it would be a big struggle. My wife and I bought a home in Key West several years ago and plan to make the full time move permanently this coming summer. We've made many friends in Key West over the years visiting and can't wait to emerge in the Keys lifestyle. The Keys is just a different pace of life with some very interesting people.
We agree with you Johnny. We find housing in the Keys to be quite expensive, but we also find that not everyone feels that way. This seems to fluctuate with where in the world people are from. For instance many coming from the west coast seem to feel that the homes you can get here are quite affordable compared to what they are used to for the same square footage and location. All just a matter of perspective. Congrats on your home in Key West!
You guys are great. My wife and I are planning to move to Florida just not that far south. Around the Palm Bay Area but the keys are definitely on are check list. Ty for so much info. God bless
Thanks for watching!
Honest talk from ya'll is the best!! We hope to be down in Marathon very soon to live & work. Ya'll are living the life alot want to live!!
Thanks Vince!
I love the Florida Keys, I have family that live down there. Everyone I encounter down there are so friendly. My cousin actually owns a bar Coconuts in Big Pine. They have such a tight community, and seems to watch over their neighbors, which is such a nice thing to have in a community.
We love it here too! The people we have met here have been so friendly as well! We have seen the bar in Big Pine, looks like a cool place! Thanks for watching!
@@GablesOnTheGo I really like it down there, I live in the Midwest just south if Chicago, so winters are pretty harsh. I would love to live there half the year and in the Midwest the other half. But its pretty expensive down there as well.
That's Showbiz folks you get it done A real pleasure 💘
Hi Mark and Laurie. Good to meet you. This popped up in my window so I watched it. I totally loved what you said on your video. We own a home in Volusia County, FL and we rented that out and then rented a place in the Keys for a year in Key West in 2011 and we spent many vacations and a ton of work trips to the Cudjoe Key area. We have a set of best friends in KW that still remain. What you said is spot on and thanks for the great video. The Keys is a very different type of place, the people are so awesome and to sum it up there is absolutely nothing else like it on the planet and we traveled a lot over the years. I will keep watching what you post and to meet up when we are in Marathon or Cudjoe next time maybe Sunset Grille for happy hour and we will bring our Key West friends Monica and Rick. Do you do charter runs with your boat? Did someone mention that? My husband is a scuba rescue diver and son 25 yrs old is a diver too. Love to get with you next visit down let us know your rates to go out for an afternoon this coming summer 2021 probably one afternoon in July. Drop me an email onlinenotaryexperts@gmail.com. Best of luck to you keep enjoying life its too short to second guess or hold any fears! Kat n Ira Wendorf
Thanks Kathleen! Heck yeah, give us a shout when you're in town and maybe we can meet up with you guys! I did charter my boat, but I've been so busy with real estate we've not been out in awhile.
Love the Venture Out RV lot idea. Not sure my other half would want to move full time from Houston (yet), but heck for 6 months or longer would be nice. Have the home here, have the Class A RV, now just need to convince my other half, and buy a lot......may be a little more complicated than this, but love the video. You guys and others I follow had the same feelings I am having, but you took the leap. Turned 52 two days ago, we are both blessed to be in good health and good shape, ugh......sounds so awesome. Love your channel.
Tommy, thanks so much for watching and thanks for the kind words about our videos! Take the leap, whatever that looks like for you.....you might be very surprised at well you can swim! Cheers brother!
Because of the no-see-ums...it would be a no for me! I haven’t been to the keys, but have been to southern Florida, and also the Virgin Islands...which have no-see-ums! At least one trip I got so many bites, took weeks to recover.
Hawaii (especially Kauai) wins out, since I’ve never been bit once there! They don’t have no-see-ums.
I’d maybe visit the keys, but I’d retire in Hawaii.
Thanks for the forthright review! Blessings 💫
My husband and I were lucky enough to get an RV spot at Bahia Honda and we left the day you filmed this, the rain was horrible that week! I love your videos and I love the keys, I will make my way down there one day for good :-)
Yes the weather was brutal this week! don't judge the Keys by that....! Hope you guys had a good time anyway, and let us know if we can help you somehow in the future! Thanks for watching!
Likeable couple who communicate very, very well. Thank you! Great video.
Thank you Annabelle!
I'm living in South Naples. Love going to the Keys. Also getting ready to start advertising from Key Largo to Key West and expand my pressure washing and house washing and roof cleaning business. Hoping there is some work there.
There's lots of work here...as long as you are willing to do it! I think you'll do fine!
Thanks for the input. Was told if you show up on time and do what you say your gonna do you can make money there. If I'm on time I'm late. As former Law Enforcement so you are always early.
Worry more about incompetent law enforcement ==== Year 2019 -2020 . There are some incompetent young sheriff officers in Cudjoe key FL Monroe county substation .They do not know the law and are lazy . Imagine cameras pointing in the direction were incident happened .signs next to front gate stating property is under cameras surveillance and deputy writes in report no cameras present on property and doesn't ask anybody if there are cameras there !!! TOTALY INEXCUSABLE . No fingerprints taken despite victim requesting it to be done . .Sherriff deputy could not comprehend how attacker climbed fence . Me a 60 year old men created video were I climbed similar fence in 2 seconds .Deputy advised perpetrator he can obtain cc gun license (perpetrator was accused of attempted assault ) Deputies were easily manipulated by a convicted criminal and his girlfriend who only arrived in the keys few weeks before incident , victim was a 20 year resident in the keys with absolutely clean record . Deputies exhibited no common sense what so ever . Not one sheriff deputy who arrived was older and experienced .That botched investigation resulted in release of a real criminal and his lying girlfriend , no evidence was collected , making difficult for the court to establish truth .Victim was forced to search and obtain evidence himself evidence was luckily collected in the last moments before it was erased and disappeared forever . . UNEDUCATED ,INCOMPETENT AND LAZY - SHERRIF DEPUTIES IN CUDJOE SUBSTATION . Their action emboldened criminals and allowed their associate to defraud more victims . THEY NEED TO HIRE SOME REAL EXPERIENCED PROFFESIONALS THERE . Do not call them to a bank robbery because they will arrest bank clerk instead of bank robber ... SERIOUSLY !!
Thanks for the informative , down to earth info . I also think you guys should do more travel videos around the country .
We are hoping to do just that! We are working hard here now but maybe on down the road we will have more time to travel and we love RV's and hope to spend some time traveling the US in our RV and sharing those videos as well. Thanks for watching!
Great video, would love to live there. Just need the rest of the money. But I have been there many times and camped right on the beach. Know the noseeums.
Good for you guys!
I live in Homestead and for couple times I thought about moving a little bit more north, but at the same time, I enjoy so much going to the keys on the weekends, that I might stay here for while.
Friendly people, good food, good beer hehe.
I would say it is not a place for single people.
Thanks for watching the channel!
I went to the Keys a week bofore this last hurricane and saw a bunch of new home constructions that were two stories and made of Cinder Block. The area was just before and to the other side of the International Airport as you head South. I've never seen homes like that but I would presume they are very sturdy.
Yes the concrete block homes are excellent construction for down here!
@@GablesOnTheGo Love it, maybe I'll see you guys down there one day! I loved Robby's and watching the Tarpons BTW.
This video randomly popped up for me to watch and my husband, kids and I are staying on conch island the 28th, 29th and 30th of this month and in your video you said that you sometimes do charter fishing for extra cash. I called darn near everywhere to book a charter and no one has anything available. I was going to surprise him for Christmas. If you are interested and available please let me know. I love your videos!
I wish I could help you but my boat is out of the water and we are going back to GA to spend some time with family for Christmas. Give Joel Brandenburg at Ana Banana Charters a call, he's a friend of mine and might can help you out! sorry!!!
I have lived in Florida for 55 years. All of Florida is full of critters. I love the Keys wish it was doable for me to live there. My husband and I camp out at Fort Jefferson every year. that is paradise.
Thanks for watching Clara! Yes! Paradise!
Thanks for this video! It's very encouraging. I lived on a boat at the Lorelei in Islamorada for a while a few years ago , but, needed to return to South Carolina. I really can't see continuing to live up here for the last part of my life and I think I have some of the same dissatisfactions as ya'll did before you made the move. I hope to have things resolved up here to return to the Keys and live by the first part of next year. Just have to take some chances, make some sacrifices and pull the trigger. I'm coming down to Islamorada for Thanksgiving as a teaser ...can't wait!
Best of luck with your plans to get back to the Keys!!
@@GablesOnTheGo very good
We retired 2017, bought our house outright here in KY where my husband grew up (he left at 18 for military and retired after 35 years). We came from Colorado, where we met in 1999. Four years into our “golden years” and so much changed....add 2020 and lockdown of our goals and travel dreams. This feels like our twilight years already. None of this due to our finances or our decisions, but other family members moving here because we did and they need help. Torn, torn, torn inside is how it feels. We want to see our 4 parents through their twilight years, of course. They are octogenarians, hooray for longevity on both sides! It is just hard right now not knowing when/if we can continue our dreams of travel, here and abroad. I was raised on Florida’s Space Coast. We’ve decided that if we chose someday to live in FL, or along the eastern seaboard, we will rent. Losing our possessions is acceptable. But knowing people in Panama City who STILL don’t have their home rebuilt since Hurricane Michael in 2018, risking a property we own is not for us. Thankfully, as we approach age 62 (3 years from now), we will have disposable income (so-to-speak) and that would take care of rent. Thank you for sharing your experience. My hubs and I still plan for a few more chapters in life to come. We just have to be patient. My folks RV’d full-time from 1997-2017 and only came off the road due to health. Dad is 89 next month, Mom is 85. I love that their golden years were everything they desired! Good luck and enjoy the heck out of your lifestyle in the Keys!
Thanks for sharing Anita! And thanks for watching our channel. I'm sorry to hear that things are not going the way you planned, but it so honorable of you to be concerned for your family and it's just terrible how many lives and plans have been put on hold for this pandemic. Keep your dreams and think positively and I bet you still get to do the things you want! We wish you all the best!
In 2004 I was on a cruise and when we pulled up to Key West it was breathtaking. It looked like a story book. I'm so glad I got to see it.
Yes it is so beautiful here! Come on down and see us!
I was recently contemplating a job opportunity in Key West (hospital), but I ultimately decided that I'm not willing to make the necessary sacrifices at this point in time. The money they're offering isn't much more than I'm making in the Midwest. My love of travel and not having to pinch pennies wins for now.
It's not for everybody, but thanks for watching!
'OFF'........the 'cologne' of the Keys. [love it]
God bless you
I prefer eau de toilette Off Sport...it's a delicate yet potent fragrance which has little to no effect on the no see ums which love me so much!😀
I’m 30 minutes north of key largo. Thought about moving to Tavernier or lower but my house is paid for and the keys are pricey. Hurricanes don’t worry me. But insurance rates do
Well if you need me to check into anything for you, just let me know! Mark Gable Coco Plum Real Estate 770-561-6091
You're right about housing costs...my grandparents built a place in Key Largo (Bayside MM 104) in the early 60s & had it until Grandpa passed in 1980 & we sold the place. I couldn't afford to buy it back now - it's almost 4 million!!
Wow!! Thanks for watching!
Good comment about Hurricanes... YOU HAVE PLENTY OF WARNING TO GET OUT.... Big difference from a Tornado or a Earthquake. BTW... How old were you guys when you made the Keys move?
We've been coming to the Keys on vacation for roughly 15 years, but just moved here a little over a year ago.
How about the housing rent for restaurant employees etc?? Apartments or anything? Thanks love y'alls journey...glad you get to enjoy the beauty.
Great question... they are building some affordable housing apartments a couple of miles west of us and look really nice. There are a couple of affordable apartments already here though. Thanks for watching!!
They're building workers apartments..plan on $2,000 month rent and working 2 fulltime jobs.
Hey!! Greetings from GA👋👋great video. Congrats on your move!
Thanks so much!!