Moving to Richmond West? 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...
Ease into a new chapter wrapped in blue skies, palm-lined streets, and a sense of calm that flows through every corner of Richmond West, a tranquil suburban tapestry stitched with comfort, family, and timeless Florida ease.
Embrace new experiences and unforgettable moments in Richmond West, a census-designated community known for its sprawling suburban layout, sustained growth, and strategic position in the southwestern section of Miami-Dade.
Some might overlook this quiet slice of suburbia for its more well-known neighbors, but locals know better.
Here, parks and sidewalks weave through family-friendly neighborhoods and gorgeous single-family homes built from the 1980s through early 2000s, showcasing a version of Miami life without the rush — just sunshine, connection, and comfort in motion.
So if you're ready to slow the pace, savor the calm, and still stay connected to everything you love about Magic City, you're in the right place.
This guide will help you settle, get connected, and live the good life in this quietly thriving corner of Miami.
Here are 7 things you need to do IMMEDIATELY when moving to Richmond West.
(1)
When the Lights Come On, So Does Home
Ready to make your Richmond West home truly yours? Then, get the essentials humming before you unpack a single box.
Start by lighting things up with Florida Power & Light Company (FPL)
by logging onto their website, creating or updating your account, and scheduling your service start date so your new home isn't left in the dark—literally.
New customer? Have your ID, Social Security or Tax ID number, and move-in date handy.
Returning resident? Update your address and connection date, then set aside $25 for the deposit, plus a little extra for setup fees.
Next, check if Florida City Gas (FCG) serves your exact pocket of Richmond West, if your home uses natural gas for cooking or water heating.
If it does, sign up or transfer your service, and expect deposits or connection fees that vary depending on the size of your home and energy use.
And because no home is complete without running water, get yours connected with the Miami-Dade Water & Sewer online portal, which makes it easy to open a new account with only a $50 water deposit, $50 sewer deposit, and a $45 connection fee.
Already a customer? Ensure your existing account is paid before transferring service.
Now you're locked and loaded for your new chapter under the Miami sun.
Welcome to suburban serenity — one flick of a switch at a time.
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(2)
Surfing Into a New Chapter in Richmond West
In a neighborhood with quiet evenings, endless yards, and family movie nights that rule the living room, a fast internet connection is as essential as air conditioning in July.
For Richmond West residents, Comcast Xfinity and AT&T remain the usual contenders for keeping your household connected and your Netflix queue happy.
But before you dive in, take a quick look at your family's digital diet to find the best plan—are you casual scrollers or full-blown binge-watchers who stream 4K like there's no tomorrow?
Once you've determined your bandwidth needs, visit your provider's service center online or in person, bringing your ID and the new address.
Meanwhile, if you're already part of the Xfinity or AT&T crowd, settle any outstanding balances before transferring your service to your new zip (33177 or 33187).
And here's a friendly heads-up: always ask about installation fees, deposits, and equipment rentals before signing anything.
Richmond West homes tend to be spacious, so placement of routers and extenders can make all the difference for smooth streaming and smart-home convenience.
With the Wi-Fi humming and the signal bars strong, your Richmond West home won't just look connected — it'll feel connected, too.
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(3)
New ID, New Beginnings
A new address deserves a little official recognition — like maybe a driver's license that says "Richmond West?"
Here, getting your Florida driver's license isn't just about legality but about fully embracing your new home turf (without getting fined for driving illegally, that is).
By law, new residents have 30 days to apply for their licenses, so hop over to the nearest Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office to get started, ensuring you have the proper documents based on your residency:
• U.S Citizen
• Immigrant
• Non-Immigrant
• Canadian
Fees are pretty straightforward: $48 for an initial Class E license, $75 for a commercial license (Class A), and $25 for an ID card.
For a complete list of driver's license fees, click here.
If you're transferring an existing out-of-state license, you can usually skip the Drug and Alcohol courses and knowledge exams, though the Vision and Hearing tests still apply.
Already have a Florida license? Update your address within ten days, along with your insurance and registration.
After all that, you'll be set to hit the Richmond West roads, making every smooth drive and sun-dappled street corner feel a little more like home.
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(4)
Building Foundations for Young Minds in Motion
In Richmond West, learning is a part of everyday life, thanks to the impressive mix of public, charter, and private schools just minutes from home.
The options? Think public school standouts like Jack D. Gordon Elementary School and Norma Butler Bossard Elementary School, both known for nurturing early learners in tight-knit communities.
For middle grades, Herbert A. Ammons Middle School and Jorge Mas Canosa Middle School consistently earn high marks for academic rigor and strong extracurriculars, while Robert Morgan Educational Center and Miami Southridge Senior High anchor the area with advanced programs and college-readiness pathways for high school students.
Families exploring charter options can consider AcadeMir Charter School South or Somerset Academy Dade, both of which offer smaller class sizes and personalized learning approaches.
Plus, with The Hammocks, Country Walk, and Kendall just around the corner, Richmond West families gain even more flexibility when searching for the perfect campus for their kids.
Need more information? For zoning, enrollment details, and test-score insights, the Miami-Dade County Public Schools website is your go-to guide, or check out our blog, Best Schools in Richmond West, for a more comprehensive list of local schools in your area.
And for the littlest learners, don't miss our companion feature, Daycares in Richmond West, for early-education options close to home.
Here, every bright morning and backpack drop-off adds up to a community built on curiosity, growth, and young minds already in motion.
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(5)
The Civic Side of Suburban Life
Change should start where you live, and in Richmond West, that means taking the simple but powerful step of registering to vote and officially becoming part of the community's voice.
Picture walking into your polling place with palm trees swaying outside, ID in hand, ready to make choices that shape the future of your neighborhood, city, and beyond.
So, if you're a U.S. citizen of legal voting age (without a voter registration card), head to the Florida Department of State or the Miami-Dade County Elections Department to register online, by mail, or in person at an Elections Branch office.
And don't forget to bring a valid photo ID — a Florida driver's license or U.S. passport works perfectly.
Once your registration is confirmed, you're not just settling into a new home — you're helping shape what home means for everyone around you.
For full details on accepted IDs, registration deadlines, click here.
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(6)
Order, Calm, and Curb Appeal in Richmond West
There's something satisfying about living in a neighborhood with clear driveways, trimmed lawns, and streets lined with tidy green carts on collection day.
In Richmond West, that sense of order doesn't just happen; it's the result of a community that values calm, cleanliness, and curb appeal.
Under the Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management, Richmond West residents can expect:
- Residential Garbage Collection: Twice a week (schedule varies by area)
- Recycling Collection: Once every two weeks, alternating with your trash days.
- "Bulky" Trash Collection: Two free pickups per year (up to 25 cubic yards each) by scheduling them online or calling 311 before setting items out.
To keep things running smoothly, have your green waste cart at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day.
Leave at least five feet of space from cars, fences, or mailboxes, and keep the lid closed for a proper waste pickup.
Do you have old furniture, appliances, or yard debris too big for the bin? Schedule a bulky waste pickup or drop them off at your nearest Neighborhood Trash and Recycling Center.
For any changes in service, fee details, or disposal locations, the Miami-Dade Solid Waste Management website and your HOA are the best resources.
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(7)
Quiet Streets, Big Discoveries — Richmond West
While Richmond West mornings start calm, they also encourage you to linger, explore, and see what else this corner of Miami has in store.
And we're telling you—thanks to Richmond West's strategic position in the southwestern section of Miami-Dade, it has a lot to offer!
Not far from your doorstep, Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park stretches out as an oasis — 270 acres of trails, picnic spots, and Miami's only public campground, where locals ride their bikes or escape for an afternoon of serenity, without ever (technically) leaving home.
Within Richmond West, Chuck Pezoldt Park exudes exciting outdoor energy, offering shaded walking paths, a playground, and basketball courts for afternoon breaks or family picnics.
When it's time for a change of pace, Town & Country Plaza and London Square invite you to shop, dine, and relish a well-deserved coffee break.
And for something more immersive, you can visit the nearby Zoo Miami and Gold Coast Railroad Museum — two long-time destinations that spark curiosity and nostalgia under South Florida's open sky.
Mind you, this is only the beginning.
For a deeper dive into the lifestyle, parks, schools, and hidden corners of this laid-back suburb, check out our full feature, Richmond West, Miami, Florida — EVERYTHING You Want to Know.
With this playbook, you'll be living, exploring, and loving Richmond West like a true local in no time.
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