There are a few things you should know about living in Miami before you decide to move here. From the vibrant nightlife to the diverse population, Miami is a unique place where you’ll feel right at home. But with that uniqueness also comes some challenges you should know about before you decide to live in this city.
Here are 22 things you should know about living in Miami:
1. The Cost of Living in Miami is High
With its upscale restaurants, luxury hotels and designer clothing stores, you might think that living in Miami is affordable. Although there are many inexpensive restaurants and you can find bargains at stores like T.J. Maxx, the cost of living in Miami is higher than average. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Miami is about the same as San Jose, California. However, housing in Miami is more expensive, costing about 11% more than in San Jose. And then there’s the income tax in the state of Florida to consider!
2. You Won’t Find Many Single-Family Homes
If you’re used to living in a single-family home with lots of land around your house, you may experience something different in Miami. The city’s urban sprawl makes it difficult to build larger homes with big backyards. And because land is so expensive in Miami, smaller homes are often built, especially in urban areas.
3. Miami Has Summer Weather All Year Round
If you’re moving to Miami from another cold winter area, you’ll love the consistent climate and warm weather. The average temperature in Miami is 78 degrees Fahrenheit, or 26 degrees Celsius, year-round. And thanks to the ocean breezes, it rarely gets too hot here. If you move to Miami during “hurricane season” (June 1 to November 30), expect heavy rain and strong winds. And if you move to Miami after December 1, you could be caught in a blizzard!
4. You’ll Spend a Lot on Transportation
Due to its high population and urban sprawl, Miami isn’t exactly a city you can explore on foot. So if you don’t want to drive, you’ll need to plan for public transportation. The good news is that Miami-Dade County’s Metrobus system covers downtown and several surrounding neighborhoods. The Metrorail also has a few stops downtown, but it’s not very convenient. If you want to make a living in Miami, you should work as a driver for a ridesharing company like Uber or Lyft!
5. Most People Speak Spanish
Spanish is the predominant language spoken in Miami. 60% of the population understands and communicates in this language. However, English is the official language in both Miami and the state of Florida. This linguistic discrepancy is likely due to the high rate of immigration from Spanish-speaking regions.
So if you don’t speak the language, you’ll have to work hard to learn some basic Spanish. But don’t worry – the locals are very friendly and happy to help foreigners trying to learn their language.
6. The Beaches Are the Best Thing About Miami
With perfect weather all year round and magnificent white luxury sandy beaches, it’s no wonder people flock to Miami to enjoy the beach life. And if you’re moving to Miami from out of town, you should make it a priority to visit the beach at least once a week! Some of the most popular beaches in Miami include South Beach, Hollywood Beach, Haulover Beach, and Sunny Isles Beach. If you want to learn to surf, Miami is a good place to do it because of its warm water and weak waves.
7. The Food is Fantastic
Because of its unique cultural mix (Hispanic, Cuban, Caribbean, Brazilian, italian and French), Miami’s food is some of the tastiest you’ll ever eat. Miami is a culinary paradise like no other, with world-class restaurants dominating the cityscape. From five-star restaurants to hidden gems, Miami has something for everyone. If you’re thinking of moving to Miami, you’ll find nothing but the best in this foodie paradise. Plus, there’s a great selection of food trucks.
8. Vibrant Nightlife
Miami’s nightlife is legendary. From the vibrant clubs to the chic bars and happy hours, there’s something for everyone. And if you really want to let loose, there’s always a party on South Beach. But be warned: the scenes here can be loud, and the atmosphere is often wild and hectic. So if you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, head to a waterfront restobar or club where the vibe is also good.
9. Miami Has No State Income Tax
Miami is one of the few cities in America that’s no income tax. That’s right – if you live and work in Miami, you don’t have to pay a dime in state individual income tax! This makes Miami a very attractive place to live for people who want to keep more of their hard-earned money.
Florida is one of the few states where residents don’t have to pay income tax. You still have to pay sales and property taxes, but overall your tax burden in Florida is much lower than in most other states.
10. Florida is Tax-friendly for Business Startups
Are technology and digital services taxable in Florida? The answer might shock you. Software and digital services aren’t currently subject to sales tax in the state of Florida. However, you should check the Florida Department of Revenue website for the latest tax laws and see which business activities are exempt from sales tax.
11. You Must’ve a Steady Job or Business Before You Move Here
If you’re thinking of moving to Miami, first make sure you’ve found a job or a business. Otherwise, you could find yourself in a tough spot. The city is highly competitive, and you’ll need all the help you can get to make it work. So before you pack your bags, make sure you’ve a solid plan in place.
12. With So Many Things To Do, You’re Guaranteed Never To Get Bored
Get excited about the thousands of things to do in Miami. Whether you’re sipping cocktails on South Beach or exploring the art scene in Wynwood, there’s always something to do in this diverse city.
Miami is a city of contrasts, where you’ll find both beautiful natural landscapes and vibrant nightlife. There are hundreds of restaurants, dozens of nightclubs and shopping malls. And if you’re looking for culture, there are world-class museums to explore.
Enjoy the Miami lifestyle and get ready for an adventure without end!
13. You’ll Have to Deal with Tourists All Year Round
You’ll be dealing with tourists flocking to Miami year-round. Many of them are sun-seeking vacationers who want to soak up the sun and hit the beaches. Others are business people who want to come to conferences or close deals. No matter who they’re, you need to be prepared to deal with them all.
But that’s not a bad thing, on the contrary, the tourists make Miami one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the world, and hey, at least you get to live in paradise, right?
14. Miami is a Great Sports Destination
If you’re a sports fan, Miami is the place for you. We’ve teams in almost every sport, and they’re all pretty good. The city is home to a variety of professional sports teams, including the NBA’s Miami Heat, the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins, and MLS’s Inter Miami.
Formula 1 has finally arrived in Miami! After years of anticipation, the city finally witnessed an exciting Formula 1 race. The Miami Grand Prix took place on May 8, 2022 at the Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens. It was the first edition of the race and attracted thousands of spectators from all over the world.
15. Hurricanes and Tropical Storms Are Part of Miami Lifestyle
Officially, the storm and hurricane season begins each year on June 1 and ends on November 30. It’s estimated that more than 41 percent of hurricanes that strike the United States also make landfall in Florida in some form.
In Miami, the weather changes from paradise to apocalypse in seconds. If you already live in Florida, this is nothing new to you. But for outsiders it can be quite unpleasant. Also, expect a lot of rain.
16. The Traffic is a Serious Thing in Miami
Miami is a city notorious for its terrible traffic problems. Traffic jams on the expressways can make getting around the city a nightmare, especially during rush hour. However, there are ways to avoid being stuck in traffic for hours if you plan your route carefully and avoid the expressways during rush hours.
If you’re thinking of moving to this city, you should be prepared for the traffic in a large and cosmopolitan city. It can be pretty chaotic and overwhelming at times!
17. Miami is a City Rich in Art and Culture
The city of Miami is a veritable cornucopia of art and culture, a true feast for the senses. From the Latin Quarter to Wynwood, there’s an endless array of museums, galleries and performances to discover. Whether you’re strolling down Calle Ocho or sipping mojitos in South Beach, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in this one-of-a-kind city.
18. Check the Housing Market First
The Miami real estate market is still in flux and is expected to remain so through 2023. That’s good news for sellers, because it means real estate prices are rising and there’s not a lot of competition – so you can grab the best deals in your time frame.
On the other hand, if you want to move to Miami and need to rent an apartment, the rental housing market in Miami is one of the most overvalued in the U.S. and has some of the fastest rising prices, so be prepared to pay more than the average apartment rent in the country.
19. Health Care
The quality of hospitals in the city is generally very high, and residents have access to nationally recognized medical care. There are also a large number of pharmacies in Miami.
According to Miami Matters, 27% of adults 18 and older are considered obese, which is well below the U.S. average of 40%. This percentage of obese adults is indicative of the overall health and lifestyle in the Miami community.
Miami is a city that knows exactly how important it’s to stay active and fit. With so many parks and countless outdoor activities, it’s easy to see why Miami is such a great place to live.
20. Is the Job Market in Miami Good Enough?
From the outside, Miami may seem like a dream city. But does it have a good job market? That’s another story. According to Forbes, Miami is ranked as the third worst job market in the country.
While there are certainly job opportunities in Miami, competition is fierce. And given the high cost of living, you’ll need to find a well-paying job to make ends meet.
So if you’re considering moving to Miami for work, you need to do your research thoroughly and make sure you’ve a good chance of finding a job that will support you.
21. Education, Child Care and Affordability
Despite its seemingly idyllic location, Florida performs poorly in several important categories for families. Education, child care and affordability are all areas where the state doesn’t score well. That’s why WalletHub ranked Florida 39th among the 50 best places to raise kids.
When it comes to affordability, Florida ranks dead last. Rising housing costs, higher fuel costs and higher insurance premiums make it difficult for Floridians to make ends meet.
Despite all this, Florida has made great efforts to improve its education system. Governor Ron DeSantis attributes the high rating of the state’s education system to the significant improvements made during his tenure as governor. The state is also doing more to improve the literacy skills of younger students and ensure they’ve every opportunity to succeed.
22. Crime and Security
The crime rate in Miami is really not the best in the country, but no one likes to talk about it, and the truth is that there are some neighborhoods in the city that are better avoided. Most of the neighborhoods here are great though, so don’t believe all the hyperbole you hear about this city. It’s definitely not the Miami of the 80s and 90s.
Make sure you do your research before you move. Otherwise, you might end up in an area you don’t like. Visit the places that interest you and get to know them before making a decision. That way, you can be sure you’re making the right choice.
