Miami is a fantastic city. Moving to Miami has been an option for people who want to advance their entertainment, tourism, and financial careers.
Suppose you consider Miami as your ultimate destination. In that case, you must consider several things, including living in Miami pros and cons and how high the cost of living in Miami is.
Yes, living in Miami may not be full of rainbows and sunshine, but if you follow these 6 huge must-know pro tips, you’ll be fine. Make sure to take the time to read our guide before heading to the Magic City.
1. Living In Miami: The Pros And Cons
Miami is a lovely city, but it does not mean that there is no downside to living in Miami. Below we show you some of the pros and cons of living in Miami.
The Pros Of Living In Miami
It Is Fun
Miami, Florida, has a vibrant nightlife, plenty of recreational options, and festivals. You won’t get bored because there will always be things to do.
Especially if you love parties, Miami will be the best place to live in. It is not hard to find clubs that host parties until late hours. There are also plenty of music and dance venues, some of which are family-friendly.
Low Taxes
The Florida government does not apply state income tax in Florida. You do not have to worry about your salary being cut to pay personal state income tax.
You’ll Love The Food
Miami, FL, got its name “Little Cuba” not for nothing. If you love Cuban cuisine, you will love Miami’s food. Here are some of the “must-try” dishes in Miami.
- Traditional fritas (Cuban Hamburger)
- Chicken, watermelon, waffles
- Chicharron
- Classic Cuban sandwich, and
- Arepas
Walkable Downtown
The score of walkability for Downtown Miami is 91. It means all the places that you’ll need are within walking distance.
Walking is also the best way to explore the downtown area. In fact, there is a walking tour service that allows you to do a self-guided walking tour around Miami.
The Cons of Living In Miami
Hot And Humid During Summers
In summers, the temperature rises up to 90°F during the day and rarely drops to below 75°F at night. Summers in Miami are also humid. You may want to take an extra shower in the summers as you’ll feel sticky due to the humidity.
To withstand the summer heat, make sure to drink plenty of water when you are outside. It is also best not to do heavy activities when the temperature is at its peak.
Relatively High Crime Rate
It is crucial to do research on each neighbourhood before moving to Miami. The crime rate in Miami is relatively high, and choosing the wrong neighbourhood is the worst thing you can do.
If you move to Miami, you will find that the safest neighbourhoods have higher housing prices compared to the other areas. These prices are worth it if you are concerned about your safety.
The Cost of Living In Miami Is Expensive
Living in Miami is expensive. The housing prices, medical services, and grocery prices are relatively expensive in this city.
However, you can plan your finances before the moving date. Calculate how much your living expenses are for the first three months in Miami. Make sure to make a budget and save before moving to this city.
Traffic
If you do not live in a walkable neighbourhood, you will need a car to get you around. The average commuting time in Miami is approximately 30 minutes. It means a two-way trip will take you about one hour in a car.
However, do note that the drivers here are known to drive however they want, which leads to accidents and general stress on the road.
2. Best Neighbourhoods To Live In Miami
The overall housing prices in Miami have gone up 15.4% over 2020. It will be challenging to find an area in Miami with a median home value lower than $300,000.
To get your money’s worth, it is essential to check the safety of the neighbourhood you will live in and the amenities it offers. We recommend these three suburban areas with relatively affordable housing prices and higher safety rates for your reference.
Palmetto Bay
Merely a 35 minutes drive from Downtown Miami, Palmetto Bay is a family-friendly neighbourhood with plenty of outdoor spaces and schools.
The residents of this neighbourhood are single young professionals, families, and retirees. As this is a family-friendly area, the nightlife is not a big thing here. Instead, there are great restaurants where everyone can hang out and enjoy delicious food.
The median home value in this area is $467,400, while the median monthly rent is $1,218. These prices are reasonable, considering the safety rate and amenities. You do not have to travel far to get what you need when you live in Palmetto Bay.
Pinecrest
This suburb in Miami metro has a small-town vibe. Pinecrest is also an excellent area for raising a family because it has a welcoming community and a kid-friendly atmosphere.
Tons of festivals are held in this area, such as the South Motors Jazz Series, Nights of Lights, and Cactus Show. In addition to that, this area has parks, farmer markets, restaurants, and schools.
If you are interested in living in Pinecrest as a homeowner, you can expect an average house price of $840,900. On the other hand, if you want to rent an apartment unit, you will find the median monthly rent is $1,313.
Bay Harbor Islands
This neighbourhood is considered a hidden gem in Miami. Bay Harbor Islands is a safe and affordable neighbourhood with a population of about 5,000 people.
The location of this neighbourhood is near Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, and Surfside. Bay Harbor Islands also have excellent gyms, restaurants, and a public library.
The average home price in this area is $312,800, and the median monthly rent is $1,429. These prices are worth the value since Bay Harbor Islands is also 93% safer than most areas in Florida.
3. Make Friends With The Cost Of Living In Miami
As we mentioned before, Miami is expensive. However, it does not mean you cannot afford it. By choosing your neighbourhood and lifestyle wisely, you can afford the cost of living in Miami.
The overall living expense in Miami is 14% higher than the national average. The housing costs are even 44% higher than the national average. Luckily, Florida does not impose a personal income tax.
One way you can overcome the high living expenses is by learning from the locals. Find out where they get their groceries and how they cut their transportation expenses.
You will be surprised that the cost of living in Miami is not as scary as it seems.
4. Calculate Your Opportunities In Miami
Some of the major industries in Miami are hotels, retail, nightlife, and finances. In particular, the finance industry thrives here. Miami has the highest concentration of international banks compared to other cities in the country.
If you have the experience and want to advance your career in these industries, Miami has a place for you. The ultimate tip that you must remember is not to get discouraged by the tight competition in the job market.
For business opportunities, transportation and restaurants are the big things in this city. You will likely see high demand if you embark on a business venture in these sectors.
5. Endless Things To Do In Miami
Miami has abundant city attractions. You will be able to enjoy indoor and outdoor activities all year long in Miami.
Indoor Activities
Indoor activities in Miami include visiting Perez Art Museum, rock climbing, bowling, and many more. If you want a more kid-friendly indoor activity, visiting Arcade Odyssey will be a good idea.
Outdoor Activities
If inhaling fresh air is what you do to destress, you’re in luck as Miami offers plenty of green outdoor spaces for you. Here are some of them:
- Biscayne National Park;
- Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden;
- Venetian Pool;
- Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, and many more.
On top of those indoor and outdoor activities, Miami has festivals that you cannot miss. Some of the best events and festivals in Miami include The International Mango Festival, Miami Fashion Week, Ultra Music Festival, Brew Miami, and many more.
6. Best Tips To Know Before Moving To Miami
Make Sure You Have A Job Or Business Ready
The safest way to move to a new city is by finding job or business opportunities first. If you have your job ready before moving, you have income security. On the other hand, if you plan to build or move your business, make sure to plan everything before moving.
Give A Heads Up Before Leaving Your Home City
Give your employer, business partner, and real estate agent time to prepare the essential things before your arrival. Contact them a couple of weeks before your moving trip, and remember to ask what you need to bring with you.
Make a list of documents or other things needed for the paperwork in Miami. You do not want to come with incomplete documents because it will delay any of your working processes.
Get A Stress Free Moving Experience By Engaging A Professional
Engage Sanelo for a stress-free moving experience. You do not need to carry heavy luggage yourself during your trip.
Sanelo will pick up and ship your belongings to Miami safely. If you need to consult your moving situation with us, feel free to contact us via telephone or email.
Conclusion About Moving To Miami
Overall, Miami, or The Magic City, is a nice place to live. It is a melting pot where people from all over the world gather to live, work, or just spend a vacation.
Remember to search for the best neighbourhoods before you leave your hometown. Besides finding out the housing prices, it is also important to know the safety rate of the area.
There are pros and cons when you live in Miami, just like any other city. You can overcome all the downsides of living in Miami by focusing on the good side.
Connect with your local friends and find advice to overcome all the cons you find in Miami. For example, you can ask them how they find cheaper options for groceries and health care.
Enjoy Miami to the fullest by visiting the city attractions and joining the fun in festivals. Engaging in community events and festivals can also be a way for you to get closer to the local residents.
The most important thing to do before moving to Miami, FL, is to make sure that you prepare everything well. Make a budget for your living expenses for a couple of first months in Miami. Giving a heads up to your real estate agent, employer, or business partner is also a crucial thing to do.
To make your moving process even more seamless, engage Sanelo. We have a team to assist you with shipping your belongings to Miami.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Miami
Is Miami A Good Place To Live?
Miami is a good place to live, and perhaps even to spend your retirement time. There are areas with high safety rates that are perfect for raising a family. Miami also has excellent city amenities, and the best part is the access to beautiful beaches.
How Much Is The Average Monthly Expense For Families And Singles In Miami, FL?
A family of four spends approximately $3,869, and a single person around $1,066 for the monthly needs, excluding the rent and mortgage.
Is It Possible For Sanelo To Assist An International Moving?
Yes, Sanelo has years of experience in assisting international moving. Reach out to Sanelo for more details, and start a quote with us. We will ensure that your paperwork and shipment process are less stressful.
How Far Ahead Should I Contact Sanelo Before Moving To Miami?
Contact Sanelo two or three months before your moving date. We will be able to prepare and set a shipment slot for you if you give us a buffer time.
If you are interested in knowing more about moving to other cities in the country, check out our other guides for your references: