Moving to Horse Country? 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...
Unpack the boxes, take a deep breath, and prepare to trade crowded streets for sprawling ranch homes, quiet lanes, and the occasional whinny from a nearby stable as you step into Horse Country, a countryside pocket with space, serenity, and tradition in every acre.
Welcome to a new adventure in a one-of-a-kind corner of Miami-Dade, tucked between Bird Road and Miller Drive, Horse Country, where ranch-style homes sit on sprawling lots and horses are as much neighbors as the locals.
While it's rural at heart, Horse Country remains connected to everything you need, thanks to its location in Kendall, near Westchester, Tamiami, and major roadways.
Often overlooked for busier suburbs, Horse Country has quietly built a reputation as one of Miami's most distinctive enclaves, inviting residents to dance a slower rhythm, wide-open living, and an opulent equestrian lifestyle.
But not without the convenience of nearby schools, shopping, and family attractions, of course!
It's this balance that makes Horse Country a rare find for newcomers seeking more than the usual suburban routine.
So if you're ready to make your move feel like the fresh start you've been waiting for, we'll help you achieve a smooth transition!
Here are 7 things you need to do IMMEDIATELY when moving to Horse Country.
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Powered and Ready in Horse Country: Setting Up Your Utilities
Just landed in Horse Country? By now, you're probably taking in the lush greenery, massive lots, and your cute neigh-bors (yes, the four-legged kind).
So, what's next? It's making sure your home isn't just a "pretty face" but fully powered and ready to live in.
First up: Florida Power & Light Company (FPL).
Head online, set up your account (or reactivate an old one), and get those lights on.
If you're new to FPL, you'll need a form of identification — Social Security, Driver's License, Tax ID, or Social Insurance number, your new address, and connection date.
Already with FPL? Just update your address and move-in date.
You should have at least $25 on hand for the deposit and any setup fees that may sneak in.
Next on the list: Florida City Gas (FCG).
Depending on your property, natural gas may or may not be in the picture — many Horse Country homes lean on propane tanks, especially for larger kitchens or outdoor setups.
If FCG does service your area, create a new account or transfer your existing service.
Deposits vary depending on your home size or typical usage, and connection fees apply before you can fire up the stovetop.
Finally: Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department.
Hop online, open your account, and budget around $50 for water, $50 for sewer, plus a $45 connection fee.
Already a customer? Your account should be clear before you can transfer over without a hitch.
Transform your Horse Country retreat from rustic to fully functional, and enjoy your spacious lot, lush trees, and home that's as ready as you are for the Florida lifestyle.
(2)
Digitally Saddled: Riding High on Wi-Fi in Horse Country
Even in a rustic neighborhood where scenery is top-tier, life still runs on (Wi-Fi) speed, so getting your internet and cable hooked up in Horse Country is just as important as finding the right spot for your hammock.
After all, if you're working remotely, streaming your favorite shows, or FaceTiming family across the globe, you'll need a connection as steady as your fence posts.
For most homes in Horse Country, Comcast Xfinity and AT&T are the front-runners.
Xfinity's cable service covers most of Horse Country, while AT&T brings both DSL and lightning-fast fiber, which is great if you're juggling multiple screens at once.
However, it's vital to note that not all lots in Horse Country sit close to the main grid.
So, if you're a little farther out, T-Mobile Home Internet or Verizon 5G Home can keep you scrolling, streaming, and Zoom-calling without the hassle of wires.
And if your slice of land is more remote, satellite providers like Starlink, HughesNet, or Viasat can step in to keep you connected under that big Florida sky.
To set up your service, hop online, sign up with your provider of choice, or visit a nearby service center with your ID and new address.
Already a customer? Your account must be clear before service transfer.
And don't forget to ask about deposits, activation fees, and equipment costs, so your first bill doesn't ride in like a wild stallion.
(3)
Hooves and Highways: Your Florida Driver's License in Three Easy Steps
Before you get too comfortable enjoying the quiet roads and wide-open lots, make sure you've got the paperwork to match your new address by updating or getting your Florida driver's license, which is also one of the first steps to becoming an official Horse Country resident.
By law, new residents have 30 days to secure a Florida license after establishing residency.
So, head to your nearest Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) or a licensed local branch with the required documents according to your residency:
• U.S Citizen
• Immigrant
• Non-Immigrant
• Canadian
The standard Florida Class E license costs $48, the commercial Class A license is $75, and an ID card costs $25.
For a complete list of driver's license fees, click here.
If you're transferring a license from another state, you'll likely skip the Drug and Alcohol courses and written exam, though the Vision and Hearing test is still required.
Already licensed in Florida? Just update your address, and don't forget to title, register, and insure your vehicle within 10 days of moving.
Once that's over, you're free to hit Bird Road, Miller Drive, or wherever your next Horse Country adventure takes you.
(4)
Bright Futures Beyond the Fence: Top Schools Near Horse Country
Don't let the stables, nurseries, and countryside charm fool you — thanks to its location within the West Kendall fold, Horse Country families have plenty of excellent schools to choose from in and around its boundaries!
In fact, from elementary through high school, you'll find strong programs that balance convenience with quality, whether public, private, or charter!
Local standouts include Somerset Academy Palms, Archimedean Academy, and Calusa Preparatory School, a private option that emphasizes personalized learning.
For teens, Archimedean Upper Conservatory Charter School stands out as a premier high school with a strong college-prep reputation.
Folks, those are just in Horse Country!
Nearby areas such as Tamiami, Westchester, and Kendall expand the options even further, making it easy to find a school that fits your family's needs.
For more details on schools serving Horse Country families, check out our blog, Best Schools in Horse Country, or head to the Miami-Dade County Public Schools website.
If you're still in the daycare stage, our Daycares in Horse Country guide will point you toward trusted early-learning centers close to home.
(5)
Join the Conversation: Horse Country Voter Registration
If you want to make a true impact in your new community — and beyond — registering to vote is the first step toward shaping the future.
Picture a day of swapping open fields and stable views for the polling booth, ballot in hand, ready to have your say—it's a simple act, but one that carries weight for your neighborhood, your county, and your country.
And guess what? The process couldn't be easier!
If you're a U.S. citizen of legal age, submit your application through the Florida Department of State or the Miami-Dade County Elections Department.
You can do this online, by mail, or in person at an Elections Branch office.
For more details on accepted IDs and requirements, click here.
When you register, bring a valid photo ID with a signature, such as a Florida driver's license or U.S. passport.
After that, you'll be ready to participate in decisions that affect your community, from local issues right in Horse Country to statewide measures.
Get registered and make sure your voice resonates in Horse Country.
(6)
Don't Dump and Dash: What You Need to Know About Trash Day
Living in Horse Country means more than caring for your fences, acres of land, and your horses' daily poops, but also doing your part to keep the community clean and sustainable.
Yes, waste disposal and recycling are not glamorous, but they're key to preserving the rural charm this neighborhood is known for.
Here's how Miami-Dade County Solid Waste Management serves Horse Country:
• Garbage & Trash collection (days vary by address — green cart)
• Free recycling collection (every other week — blue cart)
• "Bulky" trash collection (two pickups per year of up to 25 cubic yards by schedule)
Furniture, appliances, and large yard debris should not be in your green cart but should be reserved for a bulky pickup request or at a Neighborhood Trash and Recycling Center.
For full details on schedules, acceptable items, and fees, visit the Miami-Dade Solid Waste Management website.
(7)
The Life Beyond the Fence: Discovering Horse Country
Horse Country may look like endless ranch gates and tree-lined lots (and yes, that's the half of it), but behind that rustic exterior are some local treasures worth exploring.
Start with Circle C Youth Ranch and watch the neighborhood's equestrian roots come alive through trail rides, bonfires, and paddle boating, inviting you to be part of an adventure, community tradition, and Horse Country's unique charm.
For a completely different vibe, wander over to the Neighborhood Fish Farm, an iconic landmark and home to Miami's largest koi garden, where you'll find a serene collection of ponds with bright flashes of color that ripple just beneath the surface.
Mark your calendar for the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds at Tamiami Park, and join concerts, festivals, and Miami-Dade's highly anticipated county fair!
And don't forget the simplest pleasure of all: the local riding rings that dot backyards throughout Horse Country!
Here, it's not unusual to see neighbors saddle up and share the joy of a casual ride on any given afternoon.
Together, these spots prove that Horse Country is more than wide-open land but a pocket of Miami where adventure, tradition, and community collide.
For a deeper dive into Horse Country and everything nearby, check out our blog, Horse Country, Miami, Florida — EVERYTHING You Want to Know!
With this guide, you'll be navigating Horse Country like a seasoned local in no time!
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