Did you know that almost 1000 people move to Florida from another state every single day? With that in mind, it goes without saying that Florida is an exceedingly popular pick for those looking for a change of scenery.
Now, there are many beautiful and fun places to live in Florida, but one of the best is Miami. That said, if you’re considering moving to Miami, there are few things you should know before packing your bags.
Miami is home to breathtaking beaches, an eclectic culture, and a vibrant nightlife, but like anywhere, it has pros and cons. To learn some of the most important facts about life in Miami, just keep reading.
The Weather is Unpredictable
Florida is known as the Sunshine State, which is a somewhat misleading title. Yes, it’s sunny a lot of the time, but it rains almost every day, especially in the spring and summer months. One moment it’s sunny outside, the next it’s pouring – sometimes while the sun is still shining!
If you’re coming a state in the center of the country, you might not be used to frequent hurricanes and tropical storms during hurricane season. But in Florida, you’re likely going to experience multiple hurricanes a year.
Another thing to remember is that Miami is at the very tip of Florida, meaning you’re completely surrounded by the ocean. And while this can be a pro at times, it’s also going to put you at risk for flooding.
When you’re buying a house in Miami, you want to pay close attention to where it is in the floodplain. The higher your flood risk, the higher your homeowners insurance, as well as your risk of suffering damages and loss from flood water.
Miami is More Than the Beach
Though Miami Beach is a popular tourist destination and worth a visit once you move there, it isn’t the only thing to do in the city. In fact, the only people who associate Miami with the beach are tourists.
When you live in the city, you’ll find a wealth of things to do in Miami outside of lying in the sand. You’ll find yourself avoiding touristy areas in favor of the many spots for locals, including everything from comedy theatres to art museums to cafes.
Living in Miami Can Be Expensive
Miami is an expensive place to visit for tourists, so it’s no surprise that buying an apartment or house in Miami is on the costly side. Of course, there’s a wide range of price points, depending on where you want to live. For example, a house on the ocean is going to be far more expensive than one further from the beach.
The average rent in Miami is about $1,700 per month, but keep in mind that this includes the astronomical rental prices of living on the beach or in one of the city’s exclusive neighborhoods. You can find apartments and houses for rent for less if the average is out of your price range.
In addition to rent, you can expect to pay a little more than you might be used to in utilities. This is because temperatures soar into the 100s in the summer months, meaning you’ll need to run your air conditioning often.
On the flipside, you shouldn’t need your air conditioner at all in the winter, as the temperatures don’t drop low enough to necessitate heat.
Spanish is a Common Language
Because Miami’s population is around 70% Hispanic, you’re going to hear a lot of Spanish when you move there. Spanish is such a common language in this region that if you’ve always wanted to pick up a second language, it might be a good time to start!
If you’re Spanish is rusty (or nonexistent), don’t worry, most people speak English as well. But the fact is, Miami is a bilingual city, so if you can get yourself to a conversational level of Spanish, you’ll be happier living there.
The Traffic is Legendary
If you absolutely hate sitting in traffic, Miami might not be the choice for you. This area of Florida is notorious for its traffic and poor drivers. You’ll see people switch lanes without using their turn signal, ignoring right of way laws, and doing their best to weave through the congestion.
When you make an appointment or plans with friends, it’s a good idea to leave early to account for the amount of time you’ll be waiting in traffic.
The Food is Famous Too
While it’s true that Miami is home to legendary amounts of traffic, it’s also where you’ll find some the best food in the country. Thanks to its rich, diverse culture, you can find some incredible meals in Miami, from the fanciest restaurants to the most casual food truck lots.
And because Miami is in such a tropical region of the country, you’ll be able to find some delicious homegrown fruits too. Avocadoes, oranges, lemons, grapefuits, and key limes are everywhere. Experiecing mango season, in particular, is a must for any new Miami resident.
Is Moving to Miami the Right Choice for You?
Although Florida is an extremely popular place to live, moving to Miami isn’t for everyone. Like every state and city, there are both pros and cons to living there.
That’s why it’s so important to consider your potential new home from all sides before making your choice. By taking the information learned here to heart, you’re much more likely to make the right choice for yourself and those you love most.
Interested in learning more about getting the most out of your next move? Take a look at our blog!