Your guide to moving to Homestead, FL. Learn about Redland, Florida City, housing costs, and what makes this gateway to the Everglades worth calling home.
You're priced out of Coral Gables, tired of Kendall traffic, and wondering if there's anywhere left in Miami-Dade where you can afford a house with a yard. Homestead might be your answer.
Six months from now, you could be grilling in your backyard, watching your kids ride bikes on quiet streets, and spending weekends exploring Everglades National Park instead of fighting for parking at Dadeland Mall. Here's what you need to know about making Homestead home.
Why Choose Homestead?
Homestead sits at the southern tip of Miami-Dade County, about 35 miles south of Downtown Miami. The city rebuilt itself after Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and has grown into a community of 80,000+ residents who traded urban density for space, affordability, and access to natural Florida.
The average home price here runs about $350,000, roughly half what you'd pay in Coral Gables or Pinecrest. That price difference buys you larger lots, newer construction, and money left over for weekend trips to the Florida Keys.
Location and Accessibility
Homestead connects to the rest of Miami-Dade via US-1 (South Dixie Highway) and the Florida Turnpike Extension (Homestead Extension). Your commute to Dadeland takes about 30 minutes without traffic, 45-50 minutes during rush hour.
The Homestead Station on the South Dade Transitway provides bus rapid transit connections to Dadeland South Metrorail, making car-free commuting possible if you work along the Metrorail corridor. For air travel, Miami International Airport is about 45 minutes north, while Key West International is 2.5 hours south.
Community and Lifestyle
Homestead has a different rhythm than Miami proper. Downtown Homestead along Krome Avenue features locally-owned restaurants, the Historic Seminole Theatre, and weekend farmers markets at Losner Park. The annual Homestead Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway brings NASCAR racing and national attention every November.
The Everglades and Biscayne National Parks sit at your doorstep. Kayaking in Florida Bay, hiking the Anhinga Trail, and snorkeling at Boca Chita Key become regular activities instead of once-a-year outings.
Neighborhoods to Consider
Homestead's neighborhoods range from historic downtown areas to brand-new master-planned communities. Here's what each area offers:
Downtown Homestead
The area around Krome Avenue and Campbell Drive features older homes from the 1950s-70s, many rebuilt after Andrew. Prices run $250,000-$350,000 for single-family homes. You're walking distance to restaurants like Royal Palm Grill and Shiver's BBQ, plus the Saturday morning farmers market.
The Redland
West of Florida's Turnpike, the Redland agricultural district offers multi-acre lots, horse properties, and a rural lifestyle. Homes here average $450,000-$700,000 but come with land for farming, animals, or simply privacy. The annual Redland Tropical Fruit Festival draws visitors from across the state. Robert Is Here fruit stand has become a destination in its own right.
Waterstone and Keys Gate
These master-planned communities east of US-1 offer newer construction, community pools, and HOA-maintained amenities. Single-family homes run $380,000-$500,000. These areas attract young families looking for newer homes with modern layouts and neighborhood amenities.
Choosing Your Perfect Spot
Consider these factors when picking your Homestead neighborhood:
- 1Commute tolerance: Downtown and eastern areas cut 10-15 minutes off your Miami commute compared to the Redland
- 2School priorities: Homestead Senior High serves most of the city, while Keys Gate and surrounding areas feed into South Dade Senior High
- 3Lifestyle preferences: Rural acreage in the Redland vs. community amenities in master-planned developments
- 4Flooding zones: Eastern areas near Biscayne Bay carry higher flood insurance costs
Moving to Homestead in July
July in Homestead means daily temperatures in the 90s, humidity above 80%, and afternoon thunderstorms you can set your watch by. Plan your move around these conditions.
Timing Your Move
Schedule morning start times. Our Homestead crews typically begin loading by 7 AM to beat the 2-3 PM thunderstorm window. If your move runs into afternoon, we can pause for storms and resume once they pass, but starting early keeps things on schedule.
Weekday moves in July often mean better availability and rates. Many families wait until August for school-related moves, making mid-July a sweet spot for scheduling.
Weather Preparation Tips
Protect your belongings from humidity damage during the move:
- 1Keep the AC running in both homes until the last possible moment
- 2Wrap wood furniture in moving blankets, not plastic (plastic traps moisture)
- 3Move electronics in climate-controlled vehicles when possible
- 4Have tarps ready for quick coverage if rain starts during loading/unloading
Essential Services to Locate
As a new Homestead resident, bookmark these local resources:
Healthcare: Baptist Health Homestead Hospital on Homestead Boulevard provides emergency care and most medical services. For specialty care, you'll likely head north to Baptist Health South Miami or Jackson South Medical Center.
Schools: Miami-Dade Public Schools operates Homestead Senior High, South Dade Senior High, and numerous elementary and middle schools. Keys Gate Charter School and Everglades Preparatory Academy offer charter options. For younger children, the Redland Christian Academy and St. John Neumann Catholic School provide private alternatives.
Shopping: The Homestead Pavilion on US-1 houses Target, Ross, and most chain retailers. For groceries, you'll find Publix, Sedano's, and Presidente Supermarket locations throughout the city. Serious shoppers head north to the Florida Keys Outlet Marketplace or Dadeland Mall.
Recreation: Homestead Bayfront Park offers beach access, picnic areas, and kayak rentals on Biscayne Bay. Harris Field Park has youth sports leagues and a community pool. Everglades National Park's Ernest Coe Visitor Center sits just 10 minutes from downtown Homestead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Homestead?
The median home price runs about $350,000, with rentals averaging $1,800-$2,200 for a 3-bedroom. Property taxes in Miami-Dade County average 1.8-2.1% of assessed value. Factor in flood insurance if you're in eastern areas near the bay, typically $500-$2,000 annually depending on your zone.
Is Homestead safe?
Like any city, safety varies by neighborhood. Downtown and the Redland tend to be quieter. Check crime statistics for specific addresses through the City of Homestead Police Department website before signing a lease or making an offer.
How long is the commute to Miami?
Downtown Miami: 45-60 minutes. Dadeland/Kendall: 30-45 minutes. Brickell: 50-65 minutes. These times assume typical traffic. During rush hour or after accidents on US-1, add 15-30 minutes.
Benefits of Living in Homestead
Homestead offers distinct advantages for families and professionals:
- 1Space to breathe: Larger lots and newer construction at half the price of Coral Gables or Pinecrest
- 2Nature at your doorstep: Everglades and Biscayne National Parks are minutes away for weekend exploration
- 3Growing community: New restaurants, shops, and services continue opening as the area develops
- 4Lower cost of living: Groceries, dining, and services cost less than in central Miami
- 5Florida Keys access: You're 45 minutes from Key Largo instead of battling Miami traffic to get there
Benefits of Hiring Homestead Movers
Working with movers who know Homestead saves you headaches specific to this area:
- 1Route knowledge: We avoid US-1 during peak hours and know the back roads through the Redland
- 2HOA experience: Keys Gate, Waterstone, and other communities have specific move-in requirements we handle regularly
- 3Weather preparedness: Our crews carry tarps and know when to pause for afternoon storms
- 4Equipment for the area: Large Redland properties need different trucks than Keys Gate condos
Our team has helped hundreds of families relocate to Homestead. We know which buildings require elevator reservations, which HOAs need COI certificates, and which routes avoid the worst traffic.
Related Services
Depending on your move, you might also consider:
- 1Packing Services: Professional packing for Homestead residents, including humidity-resistant materials for the summer months
- 2Long Distance Moving: Moving to Homestead from out of state? We handle interstate relocations
- 3Storage Solutions: Temporary storage if your Homestead closing dates don't align perfectly
What We Offer
- 1Local Moving: Relocations within Miami-Dade from Homestead to Kendall, Coral Gables, or anywhere in between
- 2Apartment Moving: Condo and apartment expertise for Keys Gate and Waterstone communities
- 3Residential Moving: House-to-house moves, including large Redland properties
- 4Packing Services: Full-service packing with humidity-resistant materials
- 5Full-Service Moving: Door-to-door solutions from packing through unpacking
Ready to Make Homestead Home?
Get your free quote for moving to Homestead. Whether you're relocating from Brickell, Kendall, or out of state, our team handles the logistics so you can focus on exploring your new neighborhood.
Questions about moving to Homestead? Contact us or read what other Miami-Dade families say about working with us in our reviews.
