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Key Largo
is an island in the upper Florida Keys archipelago. At 33 miles long, it is the largest of the Keys and is also the northernmost of the Florida Keys in Monroe County. It is connected to the mainland in Miami-Dade County by two routes. The Overseas Highway, which is U.S. Route 1, crosses Jewfish Creek in the middle of the island to the extreme southeastern part of the mainland. The Card Sound Bridge connects the northern part Key Largo across Biscayne Bay to the mainland. Both routes lead to Florida City. Key Largo is one of the states most popular tourist destinations and bills itself the “Dive Capital of the World.” Scuba diving and sports fishing are very popular on the island and its close proximity to the Everglades also makes it a premier destination for Eco-tourism and kayaking. The population of Key Largo is approximately 11,886.
The first modern settlements on Key Largo were in the Tavernier area, around the time of the Civil War. This area was first known as Lowesport, after the Lowe family, and later was called Planter. The main community on Key Largo was called Rock Harbor, which was also the name of the post office. The post office name was changed to Key Largo in 1952, after the motion picture starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall became a hit.
Automotive and highway pioneer and Miami Beach developer Carl G. Fisher built Key Largo's famous Caribbean Club in 1938 as his last project.
There are three census-designated places on Key Largo: North Key Largo, near the Card Sound Bridge; Key Largo, which is eight or nine miles from the southern end of the island; and Tavernier, which is situated at the southern end of the island. Ocean Reef Club is a private gated community at the northern end of Key Largo. The Overseas Highway is considered the “Main Street” on the island. As one might expect, real estate is expensive and the cost of living is high in the Florida Keys, compared to many other areas of the country. Key Largo is close to the mainland, so many people commute there for work. Everything on the island is spread out into subdivisions and incorporated and unincorporated areas. Still, there are many options for real estate and the price varies greatly, depending on the subdivision, ocean or bay side and type of house or condo you are interested in purchasing. There is not a lot of property on which to build in the Florida Keys – Monroe County is mandated to protect the fragile environment and different rules apply for building in incorporated and unincorporated areas. Commercial properties are also available for long term and short term rentals. Key Largo has excellent schools and medical facilities, community services and business and professional opportunities. Whether you’re considering relocating permanently, or looking for a second or vacation home, it’s away from the hustle and bustle, yet within easy driving distance to the mainland and the Miami International Airport. The lifestyle is casual, the weather is great and the people are friendly – Key Largo might just be your ticket to living in paradise.
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