Moving to Miami, FL

Miami is one of the most picturesque cities in the U.S.  Situated at the Southern tip of Florida, it has miles of sterling coastline and turquoise seas.  No surprise, then, that its beaches and buildings have been featured in TV shows, movies, and the photo albums of countless vacationers.

But Miami is more than just a pretty beach town.  It’s a bustling city that mixes American and Caribbean cultures and is home to major companies, world-famous events and inspiring cuisines.

Miami’s Layout

Miami is located at the southeastern tip of Florida, right on the Atlantic Ocean.  Across from the downtown are a number of small islands, which are connected to the mainland by bridges.  One of these islands is the famous Miami Beach.  On the other side of Miami are hundreds of miles of Everglades, which are wetlands covered in sawgrass and swimming with alligators.

Miami is comprised of a number of neighborhoods, including the downtown, South Beach, North Miami, Coral Gables and Little Havana.  It is located in Miami-Dade County, and it is part of a larger metropolitan area that includes Fort Lauderdale and is home to over 5.5 million people.

Positives of Moving to Miami

Weather – Miami can get hot, yes, but it’s a sunny, tropical place.  You don’t have to worry about snow, slush or salt.  And even when the weather is at its worst in the summertime, late-afternoon rains often temper it.

Beaches – Miami’s beaches are beautiful, and beach hopping is a huge part of the culture. South Beach exemplifies the Miami image, so it’s good to familiarize yourself with it. Tourists come from all over the world to enjoy the water and the people-watching. Also remember to check out the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, where you’ll be able to find the iconic Cape Florida lighthouse.

Events and Shows – Miami attracts many event showcases, including electronic, indie and reggae music festivals, fashion conferences, and car shows. Because so much of the city, and often the world, participates, these events often become one-of-a-kind experiences.

Caribbean Vibe and Cuisine – Miami’s Caribbean and Latin populations heavily influence its cuisine. Miami is a great place to get a Cuban sandwich, fresh seafood, or some good ol’ jerk chicken.

Economy – Miami is a strong financial center, home to a number of major banks.  Its economy is also greatly supported by tourism, especially the cruise industry, which is anchored in Miami’s ports.

Negatives of Moving to Miami

Getting Wet – While Miami might not be a cold place, it certainly can get wet.  It’s humid, and it sees many torrential downpours in the summer months.  Try to get used to bringing a stowaway umbrella when you go out.

Hurricanes – Miami is vulnerable to hurricanes coming from the Atlantic to the east and the Caribbean Sea to the south.  The peak hurricane season runs between August and October.  Miami has been rocked by a number of hurricanes in its history, including Hurricane Andrew and, more recently, Wilma.

High Poverty – Although Miami seems very glamorous, the housing market is struggling, and it has the third highest rate of poverty in the nation, behind only Detroit and El Paso. In 2008, the Census Bureau determined that 26.9% of Miami’s population lives below the poverty line, compared to the national average of 12.3%.

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