Point your compass past Miami's edge and land a peaceful life in The Redlands, a loosely drawn patchwork rooted in agricultural grit, rhythm, and legacy.
Drive past city limits where the skyline fades, and you'll find yourself in a landscape shaped by fruit trees, backroads, and homes on acres — welcome to The Redlands, a peaceful rural slice in South Miami-Dade.
With its unincorporated status, sprawling properties, and mix of old Florida architecture and modern homesteads, The Redlands offers a lifestyle reset amidst rural freedom and creature comforts just minutes from the urban sprawl and a few of South Florida's top tourist destinations.
Here, you can breathe in life's simplest pleasures: fresh-cut grass, burning firewood, the occasional rooster, and days that start early and often end on a porch swing, with space to garden, raise chickens, or hear yourself think.
The Redlands isn't polished, but it's proud, grounded, and straightforward.
So, embrace a new chapter defined by rustic charm and agriculture!
We've lined up everything you need to do to settle into the relaxing pace of The Redlands.
Here are 7 things you need to do IMMEDIATELY when moving to The Redlands.
1) Water, Power, Propane — An Authentic Redlands Starter Kit
New keys in hand, sunlight pouring through the kitchen window, and… nothing turns on.
Yep, it's time to handle the first step of settling into The Redlands: setting up your utilities.
Out here, things run a little differently — not harder, just less plug-and-play.
With massive lots, older homes, and more independent setups, getting your utilities in order in The Redlands can feel more hands-on.
But with the proper steps, you can make it as straightforward as can be.
First up is electricity, which is handled by Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), as most of South Florida.
Whether you're brand new or already a customer, you can apply for service through the FPL website, but be ready to submit a valid ID, the full address of your new home, and your preferred connection date if you're starting fresh.
Meanwhile, if you're already with FPL, all you need are your current account details, old address, disconnection date, and new service address for a seamless transfer.
Just note: a $25+ deposit or setup fee might be part of the process, depending on your service history.
Next comes the not-so-fun surprise for many new residents: The Redlands, particularly in ZIP code 33031, does not have natural gas service from Florida City Gas or other major providers.
And no, that's not an error on the checker but the reality of living in a spacious, unincorporated part of the county where utility expansion hasn't caught up with the land.
That said, most homes rely on propane instead, and there are plenty of local companies that deliver tanks, handle maintenance, and even set you up with gas appliances if needed.
It's common, safe, and works just as well, but something to plan for.
Last but not least, check in with the Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department to see if your new address is connected to county water and sewer lines, as not all of The Redlands will be.
If your home is hooked up, you must create an online account, pay a $50 deposit for water, a $50 deposit for sewer, and a $45 non-refundable connection fee to get started.
On the other hand, if your property has a private well or septic system, schedule a maintenance check to ensure everything's working before moving in.
It's not the most glamorous part of your move, but trust us — getting the basics early means you can spend more time enjoying your land, your view, and your new Redlands rhythm.
2) Signal Check: Internet & Cable in The Redlands
Welcome to The Redlands, a rural slice where the skies are never-ending, the roosters wake you before sunrise and the Wi-Fi? Well… that part depends on your luck and latitude.
Unlike the plug-and-play setups you might be used to in the city, The Redlands plays a little hard to get when it comes to internet and cable.
And while Comcast Xfinity and AT&T do service parts of the area, some addresses are ghosted.
So, for your second Redland mission, before you unpack your router, punch your new address into their availability checkers and see if you're one of the chosen ones.
Covered? Great!
You can start or transfer service with a quick online application, your ID, address, and a zero-owing account status.
If you're new to the provider, you might see deposits, installation fees, or equipment rental costs upfront (or waiting on your first bill).
But if your new Redlands home isn't a part of the list, you're not stuck.
Locals get creative with T-Mobile Home Internet, fixed wireless setups, or satellite options, like Starlink and HughesNet.
It might take a bit more effort, but hey, that's the Redlands way.
Out here, the signal might be a little stubborn, but the sunsets are strong, the fruit is fresh, and the tradeoff is worth every megabyte.
3) Road-Ready in The Redlands — Your Cue to Hit the Pavement
Even if you've swapped city traffic for backroad peace, getting a Florida driver's license is still a must when you move to The Redlands.
Yes, it's more than just a plastic card, but a legal requirement within 30 days of establishing Florida residency and your official ticket to drive around the Sunshine State.
So, if you're arriving from another state or country, head to the nearest Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) or a licensed local branch with identification based on residency status.
The standard Florida Class E license costs $48, the commercial Class A license is $75, and an ID card runs $25.
For a complete list of driver's license fees, click here.
Already licensed elsewhere? You may be able to skip the drug and alcohol course, written exam, and road test, but you must pass a vision and hearing screening.
Also, don't forget that once you're a Florida resident, you have 10 days to insure, title, and register your vehicle, so handle that paperwork while you're at it.
Oh, and update your address to reflect your new Redlands digs and stay in the clear if you're a Florida driver's license holder.
4) Tiny Desks, Big Futures: Schooling Your Kids in The Redlands
Have kids in tow? Then, school hunting is probably right up there with "unpack the kitchen" and "find the nearest fruit stand" on your Redlands to-do list.
And while The Redlands isn't jammed with campuses on every corner, you still have access to some solid options, especially if you're cool with a short drive.
Think of public schools like Redland Elementary, Redland Middle, and South Dade Senior High, which serve the area through Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
Do you prefer a smaller setup? Redland Christian Academy is a private favorite with a cozier, faith-based learning environment that's been around for years.
To figure out which schools are zoned for your new address, head to the Miami-Dade County Public Schools website or read our Best Schools in The Redlands blog to get the complete scoop without the bureaucracy.
And if you're also juggling younger ones who need care during the day, check out our roundup of Daycares Near The Redlands to ease some stress off your plate!
5) Driveways, Dirt Roads, and Democracy: Voting 101 in The Redlands
New zip code, new views, but same responsibility — no matter where you live, registering to vote and making your voice heard is a civic duty, even in the countryside!
So, if you're a U.S. citizen, 18 or older, and meet the voter registration requirements, don't wait until the next big election to get started!
Your input matters in The Redlands' future just as much as it does anywhere else, from picking commissioners to shaping county policies.
To register, submit your application (with the proper ID) through the Florida Department of State or the Miami-Dade County Elections Department, online, by mail, or in person at any Elections Department branch.
A valid photo ID with your signature — like a Florida driver's license or U.S. passport — gets the job done, but if you have something else, check here to make sure it qualifies.
After that, you're officially in and a step closer to shaping life in your new neighborhood, one ballot at a time.
6) Keeping It Clean in the Country: How The Redlands Handles Waste
In The Redlands, the charm lies in the quiet roads, open land, and fresh air, so it's only fair we all do our part to preserve its beauty the best way we can.
And unlike city neighborhoods with branded sanitation programs, The Redlands falls under Miami-Dade County's waste and recycling services, which means things work a little differently.
So, if you're new to the area, it's vital to stay on top of pickup schedules, zoning rules, and guidelines for how and when to set things out.
Here's the general scoop for unincorporated Miami-Dade (which includes most of The Redlands):
- Residential Garbage Collection (twice a week)
- Recycling collection (every other week)
- Scheduled "bulky" trash collection (limit: two free pickups annually)
Pickups, routes, and availability are all based on your specific service zone, so you must check your address using the Miami-Dade Solid Waste Management tools to confirm your assigned days.
And yes, fines can apply if you set things out on the wrong day or pile up materials in a no-go area, so it's worth getting it right.
Recycling bins, bulky waste appointments, and special services can all be requested online, too, making staying tidy a lot easier than it sounds.
Here, keeping things clean isn't just about curb appeal but about preserving the reason you moved to The Redlands in the first place.
7) The Redlands: A Place to Unpack More Than Just Boxes
While there's no official welcome committee in The Redlands, you'd only need to give it a week to know you've arrived.
You see, The Redlands doesn't introduce itself with fireworks.
Instead, it makes its first impression slowly, in the glow of golden-hour groves, how fresh mango tastes picked off the tree, and the neighbors that give you directions using landmarks like goat farms and fruit stands (and mean it).
Soon, your errands double as scenic drives.
Your dog will know the exact time the neighborhood chickens wander.
And you'll know which nursery sells the "good" papaya trees and which backroad never has traffic, not that anyone's ever really in a rush out here.
In The Redlands, there's always space to spread out, room to grow into your routine, and quiet moments you didn't realize you were missing in the city.
So settle in and let the air, space, and community do their thing.
And when you're ready to dig deeper, our neighborhood guide — The Redlands, Miami – EVERYTHING You Want to Know — is here to help you live like a local, whether you're new to the zip code or just switched from city shoes to farm boots.
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