Miami’s white-sand beaches, vibrant nightlife, and flair attract visitors from all over the world. It is best known for its warm weather, famous beaches, a plethora of pool parties, and the best clubs. It is, however, a city full of opportunities. So deciding on moving to Miami is ideal.
However, there are many things you should know before moving to Miami since it is a big move. That’s why having all the information will help you with the whole process to become easier.
Here you’ll find a list of what to expect from this city, tips to help you find the right neighborhood and much more.
11 Things to Expect When Moving to Miami
1. A Lively Nightlife
Miami has one of the most vibrant nightlife scenes in the country. You can go salsa dancing in Little Havana, sipping cocktails downtown, or go to any of the city’s many famous clubs. Eat at one of the city’s chef-driven restaurants before or after, or sample Latin American flavors at local favorites.
2. Always Something to Do
The city’s events calendar is jam-packed, even if you don’t like to stay out late. Art Basel, North America’s most significant contemporary art fair, is held in Miami, the South Beach Wine and Food Festival.
There’s also the Miami International Film Festival and year-round family activities. If you enjoy sports, the city has five professional sports teams, including one that plays soccer.
3. It’s Diverse
The city is also very diverse. According to US census data, 72 percent of Miami’s population is Latin American. People from Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, Columbia, Venezuela, and Peru are among them.
Miami is also welcoming to its LGBTQ+ community. Throughout the city, nontraditional families will feel at ease. South Beach, Brickell Key, and Coconut Grove are exceptionally welcoming.
4. Affordability
Even though the cost of living in Miami is slightly higher than the national average, it is not incorrect to say that living in Miami is affordable. Of course, this is due to various factors, but as a result, food, housing, services, and so on can be obtained at low prices.
For example, in places like San Francisco and New York, $2000 may be enough to rent a well-located but cramped or run-down apartment.
In Miami, if you have $1600 to spare, you can live directly across the street from the American Airlines Arena in a condo with 15-foot ceilings. Then, add $200 to get a place in Midtown with an amazing ocean view and floor-to-ceiling windows.
5. Friendly People
People in Miami are amiable. Perhaps, it’s because of the influx of different cultures and its high minority population. In any case, visiting there is like getting a taste of traveling the world because it’s practically a slice of life with its melting pot of cultures.
6. Lots of Spanish Speakers
You’ll learn Spanish in Miami as quickly as you would in Spain. At the very least, you’ll learn a few words to impress the neighborhood señoritas and compadres. Miami has a strong Latino culture, making it an unmistakably bilingual city.
If you want to fit in quickly, knowing a little Spanish should hide the fact that you’re a newcomer to the Miami scene.
7. More Than Just Beaches
Miami, like Acapulco and the Caribbean, is famous for its beaches. Its beaches are well-known in popular culture, but if you only know Miami for its beaches, you probably do not live there.
Miami is also very cosmopolitan; you’ll never run out of things to do there. This means you could experience every day as if it were a vacation day.
8. Low Taxes
Florida has some of the lowest taxes in the country. Residents do not have to pay state income, inheritance, or estate taxes. Miami also has some of the lowest property taxes in the country, at 1.64 percent. As a result of these low taxes, the cost of living is lower in several respects.
9. Many Neighborhoods to Choose From
Miami is surrounded by cities such as Miami Beach, Hialeah, and Ponce-Davis, and it has many distinct neighborhoods. Brickell Key, Pinecrest, and Edgewater are some of the most popular neighborhoods in the area. Palmetto Bay, Key Biscayne, Omni, and Bay Harbor Islands are fantastic neighborhoods.
You’ll have a lot to think about when deciding where to live in Miami, but don’t worry; we’ll get to that in no time.
10. You May Not Need a Car
Depending on where you live in Miami, you might get by without a car. The majority of residential areas have shops and services within walking distance. If you work in your neighborhood, you could use public transportation or rideshare services to reach other parts of the metro area when necessary.
Miami is considered to be a very walkable city. Since 2011, it has consistently ranked in the top ten of Walk Score’s annual rankings of America’s most walkable cities.
11. Unique Weather
Miami is known all over the world for its tropical climate. It has an average low of 59 degrees (16 Celsius) and a high of still a pleasant 80 degrees (27 Celsius). Having the warmest winter climate of any major city in the United States.
But it has a drawback when it’s not sunny, it rains like crazy and, almost certainly, with some scary thunderstorms.
Best Neighborhoods to Live in Miami
This massive metropolis has so many different faces. Let’s look at the best neighborhoods in Miami, each with its distinct vibe and personality.
Brickell Key
BK (also known as Claughton Island) is the place to be if you want some privacy and are away from the hustle of Miami. One of Miami’s waterfront gated communities is located on an artificial island east of Brickell and linked to the mainland via the Brickell Key Drive Bridge.
Despite being on its island, it is conveniently located near the airport, downtown, South Beach and Coconut Grove. On the man-made triangular island, located at the mouth of the Miami River you can find the best condos in Miami.
Coconut Grove
It has a relaxed tropical lifestyle and a historic small-town vibe just minutes from Downtown Miami. The downtown streets are vibrant and walkable, consisting of boutiques, bars, sidewalk cafes, and the Cocowalk outdoor shopping mall.
Coconut Grove real estate options, ranging from older duplexes and condos to large Mediterranean-style mansions in gated communities. Even in newer high-rises near the bay, luxury condo residences have upscale amenities and breathtaking views.
Pinecrest
Pinecrest is a small, affluent suburban village with some of Miami-Dade County’s most desirable real estate. You’d never guess Pinecrest is just minutes from Coral Gables and Downtown Miami.
Small shopping and dining options can be found along US-1 in the village center, emphasizing locally owned boutiques and longtime favorite places to eat.
Pinecrest is consistently ranked as one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the country. Large mansions on sprawling estates dominate the real estate market, though more modest Florida-style properties can be found.
Bal Harbour
Bal Harbour is a luxurious coastal village on Miami Beach’s northern tip. However, Downtown Miami is a 40-minute drive away; quiet reigns supreme here. The well-designed, village-like setting of Bal Harbour is ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling.
Much of the real estate in Bal Harbour is among the most expensive in the world. Large single-family homes can be found on the village’s western side, while oceanfront high-rises house a collection of ultra-luxury condos.
Ready to Move to Miami
The Miami lifestyle is exciting and fun but has a severe side. Miami is a big city, but its way of life is unlike any other. There is never a dull moment when you move to Miami!
The information you’ve gained here should be sufficient to guide you through your new Miami lifestyle.
