Moving to Miami may be a decision you may never regret. With an entertainment scene second to none, year-round subtropical weather, and an assortment of cultures, this vibrant city on the coast of Florida has an appeal unlike any other in the U.S.
Many people dream of living in Miami to elevate their lifestyle and enjoy what it has to offer. But before you relocate to this coastal metropolis, it would be a good idea to know a few additional details to make a much smoother transition and help you thrive in this city. Here is what to keep in mind before moving to Miami.
Cost of Living is a Little High
One of the most critical factors to take into consideration before moving to another city is its living expenses to determine if it aligns with your budget, and you can live comfortably. As for Miami, it is not one of the cheapest cities to live in the U.S. It is the only southern U.S. city that ranks in the top 10 most expensive list.
As far as accommodation goes, the average rent for a two-bedroom condo in Miami is around $2000. The cost of buying a home has been consistently increasing over the past few years, with home value sitting at $450000, roughly 23% higher than you’d see throughout the nation.
Having said that, Miami is a much more affordable city to live in compared to other big U.S. cities like New York, San Francisco, or Washington DC. You can find plenty of decent deals in Downtown Miami due to the explosion of new condo developments in the past few years. Besides, there are many affordable neighborhoods you can choose to live in a little further away from the city center if you are willing to compromise a little on commute time and being away from the city bustle.
Spanish is Widely Spoken
While English is the official and most commonly spoken language in Florida, things are slightly different when you make your way down to Miami. Due to the massive influx of Latin American’s and the city being a Spanish colony before becoming part of the U.S., Miami has an overwhelming Latin American influence. More than half of Miami residents are Latino and converse in Spanish.
While you do not need to learn full-fledged Spanish, it would be great to learn a few helpful words and phrases to help you quickly fit in with the locals and make communication easier in different situations.
Job Market is Not as Competitive
The job market in Miami is not as competitive as in other major cities like New York or Los Angeles, which means ample employment opportunities are awaiting you in this vibrant and exciting city, especially in industries like tourism and transportation. Besides, there are whole hosts of international companies based in Miami.
With that said, the situation is less than ideal for the average worker. Miami’s salary or wage rates are somewhat lower than those of other large U.S. metro areas. On the bright side, the state of Florida is amongst 9 U.S. states that do not collect personal income tax. That means that working in Miami, you can keep more of your gross salary earnings and take home a larger chunk than what you would working in most other U.S. states.
It Has Crazy Traffic
Miami is one of the most congested cities in the U.S. and one of the cities with the worst traffic in the country. As with other big cities, you can expect to run into traffic and lengthy commute times often. A high influx of tourist population adds to miserable commute times, making things worse on the roads, especially during rush hours. Therefore, if you want to avoid delays due to traffic holdups and the consequent frustration, public transportation may seem a more viable option, especially when commuting to work.
Weather Has Its Challenges
Sure, Miami’s warm and humid weather makes for the perfect beach trips and outdoor activities nearly all year round. However, it also has a not-so-favorable aspect to it- the risk of hurricanes. With the rising sea levels and climate change, flooding always remains a concern in Miami during the summers and poses a significant threat to its residents.
Miami offers a unique living experience and a lot to explore as compared to other cities in Florida. There is a lot to look forward to, but before you pack your bags and uproot, keeping in mind a few details can help you make a well-rounded decision and settle in smoothly in this bustling Florida Metropolis.