Family with a highschooler possibly moving in. Info?
My husband has a great job opportunity down at the southern tip of Key West. We're middle aged with a teen son and a couple of pitbulls. For them this is a dream come true. I'm looking at it from more of a parental POV. Also, we'll visit soon to check things out for a week.
What is the rental to mortgage ratio on Key West? As in, if we plan to stay about five years, would it be financially beneficial to rent or purchase?
What is the commute like down to Front St? Would it be reasonable to live on a different key and commute?
What are the highschools like? We're in TN and want to leave specifically because of the education.
Culture: I've said many times that Florida is the last place I'd live because of politics. Laws are laws, but how socially progressive is the area? Am I going to have to dodge the same shit I do here in TN, or are the Keys different?
Lifestyle: people say it can be hard because a lot of conveniences are missing. I've lived in major cities and in absurdly remote areas. Can you be a little more specific? Do I have to drive an hour for a gallon of milk? Is it just harder to get specific things? Does power go out regularly? Is there little to no Internet or cell service? If I were to work remotely, would it be an issue?
Weather: our money is in our house. We bought at the top of our range in an area where real estate exploded and it's paid off. If managed properly it can set our child up with real estate as an adult. If we sink it all into a little place on island then a hurricane hits... Not good. Is it financially wise to purchase there? Maybe rent out our TN place and rent on island?
What do I want to check out while we're there? Not attractions, but everyday living stuff?