Moving to Westchester? 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...
Infuse the vibrancy of Miami's urban core into your peaceful suburban lifestyle as you immerse into the inviting community of Westchester, a thriving residential refuge with a prominent Hispanic culture and supreme accessibility!
Standing at the crossroads of Miami-Dade County on SW 87 Avenue or Galloway Road and SW 40 St or Bird Road is Westchester, a thriving suburban community offering 4.01 square miles near Kendall and West Miami.
Boasting a diverse population, of which almost 80% are Hispanic, Westchester is celebrated for its unique dining scene, where you'll find an overwhelming array of Cuban, Colombian, Chilean, Salvadoran, and Mexican restaurants alongside a nature-driven ambiance and a serene, unassuming lifestyle — one far from Miami's throngs of annual tourists!
In fact, Westchester's seeming "anonymity" with travelers is what locals relish, as it gives them a chance to keep Westchester's wonders, including its collection of affordable real estate, lush parks, premium schools, and urban-like conveniences all to themselves!
Not to mention Westchester's dreamy location near the Metropolitan, which gives residents a taste of Miami City's vibrancy — entertainment, shopping, world-class dining, and everything in between!
So, if you're eager to join this unparalleled community and are relocating to Westchester soon, say no more!
I'll help you plan a smooth, stress-free transition by teaching you HOW and WHERE to start!
Here are 7 things you need to do IMMEDIATELY when moving to Westchester.
(1)
Starting A Life In Westchester: Transforming Your Lifeless House Into A Home
Those with experience in relocating know that the first step toward a smooth transition is arranging utilities for their new home.
So, if you haven't figured out how to set your Westchester essentials up, I'm here to give you a step-by-step guide in transforming that lifeless Westchester house into a "functioning" home, ready for occupancy!
For access to 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.
New customers will need to submit their Social Security, Driver's License, Social Insurance, or Tax ID number, the new service address, and the connection date, and existing FPL customers only need to advise disconnection date (old address), re-connection date, and complete service address!
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 your electricity is up, you can start using your electric kitchen appliances for cooking!
However, if you prefer using natural gas, hook your kitchen up with 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).
For reference, 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 starts.
The last step is checking water and sewer availability on the Miami-Dade Water & Sewer website.
Once confirmed, 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)
Keeping Up With Technology: Finding The Right Provider For Your Westchester Internet And Cable Services
Now that internet and cable TV services are PART of everyone's home utilities, it's important to have these technology subscriptions in your arsenal, so if you want to stay connected to the life you've left behind, a.k.a. your friends and family in your old neighborhood, ensure you have a reliable internet connection and cable TV service at your new Westchester address!
To point you in the right direction, contact esteemed service providers like Comcast Xfinity, and AT&T!
Once you've assessed your household's usage and entertainment needs, you can 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 a service transfer as soon as you settle any remaining balance on your account!
You'll also want to ask your provider if you need to settle deposits, activation/installation, and equipment rental fees upfront.
Otherwise, expect the charges to reflect on your first bill.
(3)
Officially Floridian: The "How-To's" Of Getting Your Florida Driver's License
Those from a different state or country may experience problems relocating without any Florida ID, especially in setting up utilities, processing documents, or availing services.
So, if you're one of them, ensure you have a Florida driver's license before your big Westchester move!
You see, aside from being a REQUIREMENT within 30 days of establishing residency, a driver's license is one of the quickest IDs to secure in the state and the only way you can drive yourself around Florida!
So, if you're still missing yours, visit the nearest Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) or any local office offering driver's license services to submit 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.
Usually, applicants with a current or previous driver's license from another state, country, or jurisdiction need not take the Drug and Alcohol courses, Class E Knowledge exam, and Florida Driving tests.
However, the Vision and Hearing test is still a must!
Then again, if you have an existing Florida driver's license, notify the DMV of your new address for an updated driver's license.
Aside from all this, you'll need insurance to title and register your vehicle(s) within ten (10) days of establishing residency.
(4)
Educating The Future: All The Best Schools In Westchester
As expected, it's fairly common to see families moving to Westchester for its reputation as a family-friendly community.
So, if you're in a similar situation and are bringing school-aged kids, you'll be happy to know that premium education is not just an OPTION in Westchester but a status quo!
Yes, parents, you read it right!
Thanks to its location near the Metropolitan and its collection of private and public elementary, middle, and senior high schools, finding a school for your child in Westchester is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Everglades K-8 Center, Florida Christian School, Olympia Heights Elementary School, Blue Lakes Elementary School, St. Brendan Elementary School, Miami Coral Park Senior High School, and more — choose a plethora of schools in and around Westchester!
To know more about your options, check out our blog, Schools in Westchester, or visit the Miami-Dade County Public Schools website to check for public schools near your home!
Also, if you'd like to provide your little one with professional childcare, visit Daycares in Westchester for a daycare near your new home!
(5)
Your Choice, Your Voice: Securing Your Voter Registration
If you want to participate in the coming local, state, and national elections, having voter registration is KEY.
And if you're moving to Westchester as an unregistered voter, you'll want to change your 'status' ASAP, not just for yourself but for the future of your new community, state, and country!
So, if you're a United States citizen over 18 who meets all the requirements to be a registered voter, 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!
Any current and valid identification with a photograph and signature (e.g., Florida Driver's License, United States passport, etc.) will be accepted, so avoid making excuses and make this your priority!
For other legal forms of identification and supplementary requirements, click here.
(6)
A Friend Of The Earth: Creating The Path To A Greener Westchester
With its lush avenues, well-maintained residential areas, and spotless neighborhood parks, there's no doubt that Westchester, like other Miami communities, is an eco-friendly city!
Of course, Westchester's impeccable surroundings weren't achieved overnight, but through a joint effort between the local governance and its residents!
And if you agree to support Westchester's initiatives toward sustainability, it's time you familiarize yourself with the established recycling and waste collection guidelines!
To date, here are the solid waste, "bulky" garbage, and recyclables schedules:
- Garbage & Trash collection (twice a week)
- Free recycling collection (every other week)
- "Bulky" trash collection (once a week)
Failure to follow these waste management codes will result in a $500 fine or arrest.
For more information about schedules and fees, visit the City of Miami Solid Waste Department website or check with your HOA.
(7)
Conquering The Best Of Both Worlds: Enjoying Life In Westchester
Congratulations on a job well done — you've finally reached the end of your Westchester relocation!
Now that you have extra time on your hands, it's time you do YOU and plan an exciting escapade around your new community, Westchester!
Treat your tastebuds to a food binge from Westchester's collection of Hispanic cuisines, spend the day engaging in outdoor activities and nature at Tropical Park, try your hand at bowling at Bird Bowl, and watch a live performance at The Westchester Cultural Arts Center!
And if you're still raring for more, travel outside Westchester to the communities of Kendall, Coral Gables, and more — with its perfect position near the Metropolitan, it'll only be a short commute!
To know more about Westchester, visit Explore Westchester —it's the only read you NEED to get to know the ins and outs of your new community!
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