Moving to Homestead? 7 Things You Need To Do Immediately!
Amit Bhuta
I use non-traditional marketing to inspire the most motivated buyers to pay the max for Miami luxury homes...
I use non-traditional marketing to inspire the most motivated buyers to pay the max for Miami luxury homes...
Embrace the spirit of a warm, tight-knit community amidst the perfect backdrop of Mother Nature's irresistible beauty as you bask in the rich agricultural heritage, rural charm, and premium city conveniences of Homestead, your front-row seat to the GREENER side of Miami!
Drink in the small-town charm and rich natural beauty of Homestead, a serene suburban paradise nestled in a scenic location between Biscayne National Park to the east and Everglades National Park to the west, known as one of the principal cities of Miami.
Despite being Florida's 40th largest city and the 531st largest city in the US, Homestead is far from the Magic City you're used to seeing on TV, in films, and magazines.
Instead of 24/7 bars and nightclubs, flashing neon lights, luxury shopping, and day trips to the beach, it's all greens, countless nature escapades, and abundant outdoor adventures in Homestead, offering locals and tourists a glimpse of a more nature-in-tuned Miami, one with a straightforward suburban atmosphere, a welcoming town center, family-owned shops and restaurants, and an enticing introduction to the wealth of natural beauty!
Safe to say, Homestead defines everything you LOVE about the suburbia — and more — leading it to become one of Miami's most revered suburban residential paradises for those who dream of being surrounded by the gift of Mother Nature while being moments from the creature comforts you've come to know!
So, if you're moving to Homestead soon or contemplating trading a fast-paced city lifestyle for a lifetime of nature, peace, and the outdoors, know that this LEAP you're about to take will commence an AMAZING adventure you won't soon forget!
For now, it's all about transitioning smoothly into your new, family-centered, nature-driven community, and I have all the ESSENTIALS to get you STARTED!
Here are 7 things you need to do IMMEDIATELY when moving to Homestead.
(1)
Starting A Lifetime In Blissful Suburbia: The Elements Of A Perfect Homestead Home
Are you moving to Homestead without the "know-how" of arranging your electricity, water, and natural gas services?
Don't worry, I got you covered!
You see, getting your utilities sorted in the suburbs isn't any different from the city — in fact, it may even be easier!
Don't believe me?
Then check this out!
For your electricity, create or log in to your existing account at the Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) website and apply for service at your new address.
If you're a new customer, you'll need to submit your Social Security, Driver's License, Social Insurance, or Tax ID number, the new service address, and the connection date, or if you're already an existing FPL customer, the disconnection date (old address), re-connection date, and complete service address should be enough for a service transfer.
Note that a deposit of $25 (minimum) and other initial set-up fees may be charged upfront, whether you're a new or existing customer.
Once that's sorted, arrange your natural gas service with TECO Peoples Gas or Florida City Gas (FCG)!
After confirming service availability, submit the necessary IDs and connection date (new customer) or advise the disconnection date, the complete address of your new home, and your preferred service transfer date (existing customer).
Deposit fees may be based on your home's square footage or equal to twice the average monthly bill, and you may need to settle a connection fee before service connection.
Last on the list is checking for water and sewer availability at your new address on the Miami-Dade Water & Sewer website.
New customers must create an online account and deposit $50 for water, $50 for sewer, and a non-refundable $45 connection fee, and existing owners must also settle any outstanding balance before service transfer.
(2)
Bridging City Life And Suburban Living: Finding Premium Rural Connectivity In Homestead
If you're used to city life, moving to the suburbs may involve adapting to a LOT of changes and making necessary adjustments.
But one thing that remains, no matter where you live, is your need for reliable internet and cable services, and I'll help you arrange it for your new Homestead home!
Ideally, before your Homestead move, you should already have a provider in mind, but if you're still looking for one, check service providers like Comcast Xfinity and AT&T for the best internet-cable bundles!
Once you have your preferred provider and package, apply for new service by submitting your complete address and proper IDs online or in person at the nearest store, or if you're an existing Comcast or AT&T customer, request for a service transfer as soon as you settle any remaining balance on your account!
Check with your provider if you need to settle deposits, activation/installation, and equipment rental fees upfront to avoid unforeseen costs.
Otherwise, these charges may reflect on your first bill.
(3)
Exploring Homestead And Beyond: Your "Green Light" To The Florida Roads
While you may have already settled comfortably in your new Homestead home, being an honorary Floridian can only be achieved through a Florida driver's license.
Yes, folks, a Florida driver's license is not only a REQUIREMENT within 30 days of establishing residency and the quickest Florida ID to get, but also your "go-signal" to driving on Florida roads!
So, if you're coming from another country or state, visit the nearest Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) or any local office offering driver's license services and submit your application along with the necessary documents.
Click on the applicable residency status to know which documents to have on hand when you apply:
The initial Florida Class E license, including a learner's permit, is $48.00, a commercial driver's license (Class A) is $75.00, and an ID Card fee is $25.00.
For a complete list of driver's license fees, click here.
Those with current or previous driver's licenses from another state, country, or jurisdiction may be allowed to forego the Drug and Alcohol courses, Class E Knowledge exam, and Florida Driving test, but taking the Vision and Hearing test is a MUST.
Aside from your driver's license, you'll need insurance to title and register your vehicle(s) within ten (10) days of establishing residency.
Already have a Florida driver's license?
Notify the DMV of your new address to get an updated driver's license to avoid breaking the law!
(4)
A Commitment To Student Success: The Pathway To Getting A Premium Education In Homestead
Attention to all families moving to Homestead!
If your agenda involves finding a school for your little one as soon as you settle into your new Homestead home, you'll be happy to know that you'll be facing a plethora of options, including some of the best schools in all of Miami!
We're talking about a treasure trove of public, charter, and private schools, including the likes of Redondo Elementary School, Avocado Elementary School, Somerset Charter Preparatory Academy, Keys Gate Charter School, Redland Christian Academy, South Dade Middle School, Somerset Academy South Homestead, and Medical Academy for Science and Technology - Homestead, setting your child up for success from elementary to senior high school!
For more information on Homestead schools, read our blog, Schools in Homestead, or visit the Miami-Dade County Public Schools website for the public schools in and around your new city!
Also, if you're looking for a daycare to assist in childcare, click on Daycares in Homestead to know your options!
(5)
Empowering The Community And The People: How To Vote In Homestead
Are you ready to be part of the CHANGE that improves your new community's quality of life and livability?
If you're a US Citizen over 18 who meets all the requirements to become a registered voter but still haven't had the chance to apply for voter registration, the time to ACT is NOW, or forever hold your piece!
Dramatics aside, submit your application with the proper IDs and documents through the Florida Department of State or the Miami-Dade County Elections Department online, by mail, or in person at the Elections Department or any Elections Branch office!
For your reference, any current and valid identification with a photograph and signature (e.g., Florida Driver's License, United States passport, etc.) will be enough for approval!
For questions about other legal forms of identification and supplementary requirements, click here.
(6)
Preserving The Charm Of the Suburbs: Honoring Homestead's Vow Of Sustainability
Like all other Miami neighborhoods, Homestead commits to providing a clean, sustainable place to live for its residents.
As a new Homestead local, you're expected to know, adopt, and join the community's efforts to maintain a CLEANER, GREENER, and HEALTHIER suburban paradise!
So, as you fully immerse into this nature-driven city, be aware of Homestead's recycling and waste management programs, including the trash, solid waste, and recycling schedules found below, as advised on the Homestead website:
- Garbage & trash collection (twice a week)
- Free recycling collection every other week
- "Bulky" trash collection (once a week)
Meanwhile, here are Homestead's 2024 Refuse, Recycling, and Trash collection guidelines.
Please note that exact days and schedules will be determined through your ZONE, and failure to follow these waste management codes will result in a fine or arrest.
For more information, visit the City of Miami Solid Waste Department and the City of Homestead Public Sanitation - Solid Waste Schedules websites.
(7)
Living Homestead To The Fullest: Getting To Know Your New City
Are you ready to spend the rest of your life in the beautiful suburban oasis of Homestead?
Now that you've settled into your new home, it's time to "be like the LOCALS" and get to know Homestead to the FULLEST, starting with its most prized gems!
To commence your grand exploration, visit one of Homestead's masterpieces, the Coral Castle Museum, pick fresh strawberries at the Knaus Berry Farm, go for a relaxing swim at the Homestead Bayfront Park, and watch a NASCAR race at the Homestead-Miami Speedway!
And if you've got more time on your hands, go further and plan an Everglades National Park escapade — the endless beauty of Florida is just outside your backyard!
Looking to see MORE of Homestead?
Visit Explore Homestead and get to know every nook and cranny of your NEW proud community!
Congratulations, and have the best of luck!
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