[Eric 951]

Ramrod Key is nice--I have spent a lot of vacations on Summerland (next key down). There isn't a "business district" on Ramrod--but Big Pine is right over the bridge and has everything you would need--drug stores, supermarket, liquor store, etc.

The nicest beach in the Keys is nearby too--Bahia Honda state park(you probably know the keys don't really have miles of "beaches" like some expect)--but Bahia is an actual sand beach and ahs some good snorkeling.

There are plenty of small restaurants, shops, etc. throughout the middle keys--part of the fun of living there would be finding your favorites--I'm partial to the Galley for breakfast, and the Square Grouper on Cudjoe for dinner.

Since you are retiring there--the job situation won't matter--your biggest worries would be hurricanes--as you can imagine US 1 gets jammed if there is an evacuation. Speaking of 1--it can get jammed anytime--esp with RVs, boat trailers, etc.

If you want to mix it up--Key West is an easy drive--I would rather be exactly where you are than in Key West proper--less crowded, cleaner, no huge influx of cruise ship passengers--but you are close enough to visit for special events, or if you feel the need.

Speaking of--Miami isn't a bad drive either--not quite my scene though.

You should check the local laws regarding renting the place out--unless you are just renting to friends and family--there are some permit procedures and inspections the place needs to pass to be considered a rental if you are listing it or using an agent, etc.

You will be on "Keys time" when there--as will most people you will be dealing with, and possibly hiring--(contractors, etc.) but if you can adjust there are no issues.

Based upon your interest and the location, I would definitely do it. The middle keys is the only place I have on the radar for a part-time retirement location.

Before you know it, you will be relaxing on the deck with a beer reading the Keynoter crime blotter (for laughs--lots of odd/funny crimes), and the letters to the editor about mosquito spraying, possibly dredging the channels for larger cruise ships, and the Red Humvee which parks down near Pepes - these were always the majority of the topics regardless of year visiting.