Living on Island Time: The Good, the Great, and the Sand in Your Shoes

Have you ever stared at your computer screen during rush hour and thought, “I should be sipping something fruity under a palm tree right now”? If so, you’re not alone—and the Florida Keys might just be your dream come true.

But what does it really mean to live on island time?

As a Keys resident since 1987, I can tell you: it’s every bit as laid-back as it sounds—but it also comes with a few salty surprises. Whether you’re thinking about relocating or just daydreaming, here’s a peek behind the palm fronds.

🌴 Pro: Life Moves Slower Here—And That’s the Point

In the Florida Keys, no one’s in a hurry. The dress code is casual (think flip-flops and fishing shirts), the sunsets are sacred, and it’s totally normal to lose track of the day of the week.

✅ Translation: Stress melts like ice in a rum runner.

If you’re craving a lifestyle that values experiences over errands and where “happy hour” is a daily event, island time might suit you just fine.

🐠 Pro: Nature Is Your Backyard

Imagine snorkeling with parrotfish before breakfast or kayaking through mangrove tunnels after dinner. In the Keys, outdoor living isn’t a weekend activity—it’s a way of life.

✅ Fishing, diving, paddleboarding, and waterfront sunrises are part of the local routine. The ocean is never far, and the wildlife is world-class (yes, that includes the iguanas that my dogs love to chase off the porch).

🍹 Pro: Community with Character

From quirky festivals (hello, Fantasy Fest) to tight-knit neighborhoods, island life means you’re part of a real community. People wave. Shop owners know your name. And everyone has a story about the time they saw a manatee in their canal.

✅ Bonus: The Keys are filled with artists, adventurers, and entrepreneurs who wouldn’t dream of living anywhere else.

🌀 Con: You’ll Want a Hurricane Plan (and a Little Patience)

Life in paradise comes with the occasional interruption—mainly in the form of tropical storms. You’ll need a hurricane plan, storm shutters, and a bit of flexibility when it comes to weather.

❌ And while we’re on the subject of patience: expect things to take a little longer. Deliveries, contractor timelines, even getting a table during stone crab season—it’s all part of the Keys rhythm.

🛍️ Con: Limited Big Box Convenience

You won’t find a Target or a Costco here (the closest are hours away on the mainland). That means planning ahead and learning to live with what’s available locally—which, thankfully, includes plenty of fresh seafood and key lime pie.

❌ Online deliveries can take a little longer, too. But honestly, most locals wouldn’t trade it for anything.

🏠 Island Living Tip: Find the Right Fit

The Keys aren’t one-size-fits-all. Key Largo is more suburban and family-friendly. Marathon offers a central location with boating galore. Key West? It’s funky, fabulous, and full of flair.
Whether you’re a sunrise chaser or a sunset sipper, there’s a spot that matches your vibe.

☀️ Final Thoughts: Is Island Time Right for You?

If you’re ready to trade traffic for tranquility, deadlines for dolphins, and snow boots for sandals, then yes—island time might be just your thing.

It’s not just a location. It’s a lifestyle. One that slows you down just enough to enjoy every salty, sunny second.

Ready to Find Your Place in Paradise?
Let’s talk about what island life could look like for you. I’ve been helping people make the leap to Keys living for over 30 years—from Key Largo to Key West.