Everything You Need to Know When Moving to Miami, FL
Miami's laid-back vibe and warm, sandy beaches make it a popular tourist destination. If you want to move somewhere with sunny, palm tree lined streets and a vibrant nightlife, you might want to think about moving to Miami. Let's take a look at everything this city has to offer, and if you decide to relocate, give us a call. Our crews at College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving will move your stuff so you can relocate without all the stress of packing and renting a truck.
Demographics
According to the United States Census Bureau, Miami's population is 442,241, with just over 11,000 people per square mile. The city's rich cultural influences are a result of the incredibly diverse group of people living inside the city's limits. Currently, Hispanic and Latino people make up about 73% of the city's population, with the rest of the city being represented by 16% Black and 11% White people. The median income in Miami is $39,049, which is far below the national average of $62,843.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Miami is higher than the average city, but it only makes sense to pay a little more to live in a tropical paradise. The average home costs around $317,700 in Miami, which is about $100,000 more expensive than the average home in the United States. Rent prices are much more affordable, at around $1,183 per month. That's comparable to the national average of $1,062 per month for an apartment.
Job Market
The unemployment rate in Miami is 3.8%, which is slightly higher than the national average. There are many opportunities for employment in and around the city, in a variety of fields. Some of the largest employers in Miami-Dade County include:
- Miami-Dade County Public Schools: 33,477 employees
- Miami-Dade County: 25,502 employees
- Federal and State Governments: 36,300 employees
- Baptist Health South Florida: 11,353 employees
- University of Miami: 12,818, employees
- American Airlines: 11,031 employees
- Carnival Cruise Lines: 3,500 employees
- Miami Children's Hospital: 3,500 employees
Around 78% of adults in Miami have received their high school diplomas, which is below the national average of around 88%. Additionally, almost 30% have gone on the obtain their Bachelor's degree, which is only slightly below the national average.
Public Transportation
Miami has an extensive bus system that travels throughout the city and to Miami Beach, making it easy to get to work or your favorite restaurant for dinner. The Metrobus routes travel throughout all of the shopping, entertainment, schools and hospitals around Miami and you can buy tickets via an EASY Card on the Metrobus app. Tickets are $2.25 each way, or you can pay $5.65 for a 1-Day Pass. Buses arrive every few minutes and you can access bus maps on the app to see where the bus is at in real time.
Parking in Miami can get expensive, and it's cost-effective to get a monthly pass for $45. Residents can do this via their EASY Card or EASY Ticket, or they can purchase a 1-day parking ticket for $4.50. Commute times in the city are around 30 minutes, which is just a few minutes longer than the national average. Before you leave, you can always check the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) website for local lane closures and construction updates.
Weather and Climate
Miami weather is warm, year round, making it a popular tourist destination. The average summer highs are around 88 degrees and winter lows dip to only 61 F. Miamians don't have to worry about snow and ice, but they do have a hurricane season each year that can bring brutal winds and flooding to the area. From June 1st through November 30th, hurricanes blow in, and it's important to keep an eye on weather alerts in case a hurricane is headed toward the city.
With such beautiful weather all year, residents enjoy spending time outside in the sun. In fact, Miami ranked as the 4th healthiest city in the country, according to Livability.com. It's easy to live a healthy lifestyle in a city with such beautiful weather and over 800 parks to explore. The Everglades National Park and the Biscayne National Park surround Miami, encompassing over 1.5 million acres that are filled with unique wildlife and natural landscapes.
In addition to its many parks, residents enjoy snorkeling, paddle boarding, fishing and hanging out on one of the city's sandy beaches.
Things to do in Miami
Nightlife
Miami is the world's best place to experience an exciting nightlife , and the city is famous for its clubbing scene. People travel across the world to visit Miami's hottest clubs, and the city streets are filled with the beats of lively music on the weekends. Clubs like LIV at the Fontainebleau and E11even Miami are popular destinations, and if you love salsa dancing, you've got to visit Little Havana. Wynwood is an artsy neighborhood that's filled with rooftop bars and clubs like The Dirty Rabbit, a Latin-influenced club with lively music and dancing all night.
Restaurants
The city's Latin and Caribbean influences make for a truly unique dining experience, and there are plenty of amazing restaurants to try. Cerveceria La Tropical is a craft brewery that serves Cuban cuisine like fish tacos and plantain chips. Three X Social Restaurant & Rooftop Bar and Lounge serves amazing food and cocktails with a view, where guests can sit on the rooftop while they eat. It was voted one of the 10 best restaurants in Miami and the best music venue, according to the restaurant's website.
Museums and Attractions
Miami is filled with exciting attractions for people of all ages. In addition to its many parks, you can stroll along the Art Deco Historic District in South Beach or check out the beautiful Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Coconut Grove. The Venetian Pool is a natural swimming pool that's located in a coral rock quarry, and the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden boasts beautiful native plants in its lovely gardens.
If you're into contemporary art, check out the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) or stroll through the outdoor art museum called Wynwood Walls, where local artists painted the walls of buildings along the streets.
Libraries
There are 50 different locations in the Miami-Dade Public Library System, making it easy for residents to take advantage of its many services. The library offers home delivery services as well as e-content and creative activities for the whole family.
Neighborhoods in Miami
There are many neighborhoods tucked into the streets of Miami, but here are a few of the best places to live.
Miami Beach
Located just south of the city, Miami beach is an island that is seven miles long and only one mile wide. It's a tourist destination where everything is within walking distance from home. It's a great spot for affluent adults to live, with plenty of bars, restaurants and art galleries to explore. Mt. Sanai is also located in Miami Beach, and it's one of the country's best hospitals.
Brickell
Many people refer to this neighborhood as the "Manhattan of Miami" since it's filled with tall buildings and has an urban feel. There are many international banks in Brickell, making it a great place for people with careers in finance to live, and it's very safe. Homes and apartments are very expensive here, but the schools are highly rated, so families are willing to pay the price. In fact, Brickell International Academy and Tiniciti Preschool are fantastic preschools that set children up for a lifetime of educational success.
Coconut Grove
This historic neighborhood has a laid-back vibe and it's located by Biscayne Bay. Residents here enjoy a relaxed lifestyle and there are plenty of lovely boutiques and outdoor restaurants within walking distance of home. Many young adults are drawn to Coconut Grove thanks to its night scene, but there are also very highly rated public and private schools nearby for families with young children to enjoy. Coconut Grove Montessori School is also an excellent educational environment for children to experience self-led learning.
Edgewater
This urban neighborhood is packed with unique restaurants, coffee shops and bars, and everything's within walking distance of your home or apartment. The schools are highly rated in this neighborhood, and many families with children pick Edgewater since it also boasts several parks. You can enroll your children in the amazing public school system or opt for a private or charter school like BridgePrep Academy.
Relocation Expenses
When you relocate to Miami, you'll need to update your address to your new one. Luckily, you'll be able to keep your old driver's license. If you're relocating from another country, you'll need to update foreign license within 12 months.
Important Things to Know Before Moving to Miami
If you're trying to decide whether Miami is a good fit, consider the following pros and cons.
Pros
- Miami's weather is sunny and warm all year, making it a great place to enjoy the outdoors year-round.
- The sandy beaches and laid-back lifestyle make living here an easy choice.
- Diversity and rich cultural influences make Miami a unique city that's unlike anywhere else in the country.
Cons
- If you enjoy all four seasons, Miami may not be the place for you. It never gets cold enough to snow.
- The nightlife is world famous, but if that isn't your thing, you'll want to choose a neighborhood that's away from the party scene.
- The cost of living is high, but the trade off is a tropical location with sandy beaches, friendly people and a vibrant nightlife.