Getting to Know Miami- Your Moving Guide

Bienvenidos a Miami! The Magic City on Florida’s southern coast has attracted people going back thousands of years. It’s been memorialized in TV and movies for its tropical vibe, Art Deco look, and Latin culture. Some call it the Gateway to the Americas, the Capital of Latin America, or “The 305,” but if you’re here, it’s because you’re wondering if the palm-lined streets of this major city in South Florida could be your next home.

Maybe it’s the promise of a beachfront lifestyle or the lure of a city bursting with culture and arts. Whatever is drawing you to Miami, no doubt it is an exciting place to live. We’re here to give you an overview of what you might expect when you move to Miami.

Be Ready To Pay Out

People across the world want to vacation or live in Miami, making it a high-demand city. That demand drives all its costs up, from real estate to the bread in the grocery store. Be ready for higher expenses if you want to call Miami home. One housing affordability index placed it as the second least affordable place to live, even more expensive than Los Angeles.

Here’s how the City of Miami stacked up in Sperling’s Best Places Index:

From Sperling Best Places Index

It’s Still Growing

Over 6.2 million people called the greater Miami Metro home in 2021. Around 2.6 live inside Miami-Dade County, and within the city itself, 439,890. The city added almost 43,000 residents from 2010-2020. Some of its future growth will be limited by the highly developed city and how it can infill or build upwards.

Still, it’s a high-demand area that will impact your prices and cause congestion around town. Much of the growth is in the surrounding suburbs and greater metro areas.

Its Job Market is Strong.

A thriving economic center, Forbes Magazine rated Miami as the third-best metro for job growth in 2020. Unemployment was 1.9% in 2022 when the nation averaged 3.3%. Technology, entertainment, and tourism are driving business opportunities. Healthcare is another sector that has experienced robust job growth over the past decade. Miami also has a large concentration of international banks, making the financial industry equally prosperous.

Miami has one of the nation’s busiest shipping ports, cruise terminals, and a large international airport, all supporting trade and transportation. It’s a hub for goods flowing into and out of the state and Americas, and this sector continues growing.

Warm, Windy, and Wet

Miami’s climate is hot and humid year-round, with temperatures rarely dipping below the low 50Fs. Summer highs are usually in the mid-90Fs, and the air can get humid when the sea breeze isn’t cooling off the streets.

The rainy season runs from May to October. Winter brings shorter, cooler days that can bring some respite from the heat.

And, if you live here, dealing with tropical weather is a fact of life. Miami’s been hit in every direction by tropical storms and hurricanes. The low-lying coastal areas can be impacted by storm surges, high waves, and winds even if the storm doesn’t make landfall.

Getting Around Town

Miami’s public transportation is still a work in progress. Metrobus, Metrorail, and Metromover make up the Miami-Dade Transit system. The bus is the most unreliable, as traffic can back up the routes. Metromover is a free elevated rail service running a 4.4-mile route around downtown. They are decent solutions for getting to major parts of the city. Still, getting around by car is the easiest, as getting to the area’s attractions with the public system often requires multiple transfers.

Some neighborhoods are very pedestrian-friendly, like South Beach or Coral Gables. Others run trolley services that connect to public transit.

Even if you have a car, driving around Miami can be challenging because of its frequently congested highways. It’s the nation’s fifth worst metro for traffic. In downtown areas and on the beachfront, Miami neighborhoods have limited parking. Be prepared to wait in traffic and fight for parking spots.

Take Care Of Your Health

Miami has many hospitals and medical centers with quality health care and services, such as Cleveland Clinic Weston (no. 1 in Miami-Fort Lauderdale), Baptist Health South Florida, and the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Cleveland Clinic Weston was nationally ranked for gastroenterology and an overall no. 50 in the nation. University of Miami Hospital and Clinic were no. 51 in US News and World Report’s evaluation of over 4,500 hospitals. It was no. 2 in Miami-Fort Lauderdale and was nationally ranked in cancer, neurology, and ophthalmology. You can find nationally ranked specialists in various medical fields across the Miami metro, from geriatrics to children’s care.

Miami has a large concentration of urgent care clinics if you don’t have a regular doctor or your symptoms need immediate attention. Some areas may have family health centers that provide low-cost preventive care, screenings, and vaccinations.

A Huge School System With Quality Education

Miami-Dade County Public Schools is one of the largest school systems in Florida and the nation, with over 300 schools. It’s a diverse student population with over 50 languages spoken. It doesn’t rank individually among the state’s best districts, but it has many top-tier schools within its system. For instance, the School for Advanced Studies (SAS) ranked no. 4 nationwide. Miami-Dade had eight more high schools placed in the nation’s top 100.

Miami has many options for higher education, including the Miami Dade College, University of Miami, Nova Southeastern University, Barry University, and Florida International University.

Living In Miami Isn’t Just About The Beaches

The city offers many attractions and activities for visitors and residents alike. In addition to its world-famous sandy beaches, there are plenty of outdoor activities like golfing, boating, fishing, and more. Here’s a quick breakdown.

Dining Scene

Be ready for a melting pot of flavors with abundant Latin and Caribbean cuisine. The South Beach Food and Wine Festival is just the tip of a culinary journey. All across town are award-winning restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs and James Beard winners. In 2022, Mamey and Zitz Sum, both in Coral Gables, were New York Times’ Top Restaurants.

In addition to tropical fruit smoothies, Cuban sandwiches, and fresh-caught seafood, Miami hosts a wide range of modern gastropubs and craft cocktail bars. Miami’s restaurant scene has classy rooftop bars for sipping high-end cocktails, world-class craft breweries, to places ideal for a quick margarita at happy hour.

Golf Courses

Miami and its surrounding areas house some of the most renowned golf courses in the world. From Caddy’s on Miami Beach to Trump National Doral to PGA National at Palm Beach Gardens, golfers of all levels will surely find something to challenge their game.

Find courses like the public Miami Beach Golf Course, where you can play 18 holes on iconic South Beach. The Biscayne Bay views are hard to beat at Crandon Golf Course at Key Biscayne. Donald Ross built the historic Biltmore Hotel Coral Gables, which today remains a well-regarded course and is used by the University of Miami women’s team. Popular Turnberry Isle has a top-rated 36 holes of play. Miami Shores County Club oft ends up on top course lists with its historical layout and Biscayne Canal views.

Sports

Sports fans can enjoy cheering on the three-time Champions Heat basketball team or rooting for the Dolphins football team, the only undefeated team in NFL history. The Miami Marlins represent the MLB, while the Florida Panthers are the hottest hockey team playing in the NHL.

For college sports, the University of Miami is home to the Hurricanes playing Division 1 in the SEC. Barry University and Nova Southeastern play Division II.

Dog Friendly

Miami is a very dog-friendly city in South Florida. Find many parks, beautiful beaches, and piers that allow leashed pets, including Greynolds Park in Oleta River State Park, Coconut Grove Dog Beach, and Oleta River North. Outdoor patios at restaurants and bars may welcome dogs but call ahead first to verify.

Attractions

Visit America’s oldest zoo, Jungle Island, or check out the Seaquarium and Miami Children’s Museum, which features science, culture, and art exhibits. Soak in the historic Venetian Pool, a spring-fed pool built in the 1923s in a former coral quarry.

The stunning Vizcaya Museum & Gardens will appeal to those looking for a bit of local history or a stroll through its lush gardens. In Coconut Grove, the Fairchild Tropical Gardens is a century-old sanctuary of unique plants and a favorite location for local weddings.

Tour the Biltmore Hotel, a historic landmark where Presidents stayed. Or admire the neon lights of the Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach, which exemplifies that architectural style and historic period. The Coral Castle Museum in Homestead is an impressive sculpted monument in coral rock that will leave visitors wondering how the builder did it.

Arts and Culture

The city’s famous art scene is abundant with galleries, museums, and performance spaces. This is where Art Basel descends once a year, transforming the venues and already artsy Wynwood District into avant-garde spaces. North of this district is the iconic Design District, an international destination with the Institute of Contemporary Art- Miami (ICA) being a must-see experience. The town has even more art museums, from The Bass’ 16,000 works on Miami Beach to Perez Art Museum Miami, where the building itself is a work of art.

Then there’s the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and the New World Symphony with their world-class classical musicians.

Magic City has abundant cultural activities – from its Cuban influence to the Caribbean flavors that add to Miami’s unique identity. Besides Art Basel, enjoy lively festivals like the Calle Ocho Music Festival and Carnaval Miami. Revel in the speed as the Formula One Miami Grand Prix whizzes through downtown Miami, or cheer for the football teams in the Orange Bowl.

Architecture is core to Miami’s look and identity. You’ll see Spanish-Mediterranean influences near downtown Miami, the Art Deco strip of resorts near the beach, and brightly colored suburban homes in established neighborhoods.

Being Bilingual Is Highly Recommended

Miami is a true melting pot with many languages spoken. Some sections of town favor one language over another. Some 66% of the people here speak Spanish, and by one survey, only 24% of locals speak only English. It’s helpful to know Spanish and/or Creole so you can interact with more of the locals and get around town easier. For families, the city has many bilingual private schools for children.

Real Estate Market

Miami is a great place to move and begin a new life. The city offers some of the most beautiful real estate in the country. You have an incredible wealth of options to explore. Downtown and beachfront will predominantly be condos and downtown lofts. However, you can find suburban homes and luxury waterfront real estate in trendy neighborhoods. In short, there is a neighborhood to appeal to everyone.

The market is in high demand and has experienced price appreciation for 11 consecutive years as of the end of 2022. In fact, 2022 was its second-best total home sales year ever, right behind 2021. Homes and condos continued to sell fast during the year, averaging 35 days on the market.

In December 2022, Miami-Dade County’s median home price was $530,900, just a 1.1% year-over-year increase. Condos were at $374,500.

As for where to live in Miami, your choices are many! Explore the neighborhoods inside the city limits, or look at Miami’s top suburbs.

Miami Resources

For utilities, most of Miami is serviced by Florida Power & Light. They have an online system for opening your electric account.

The City of Miami’s water and sewer department covers water and sewer service.

Trash & recycling will vary depending on where you live in Miami. Service may be included in your HOA fees if you live in a condo complex or community. Check with your local real estate agent.

Visit the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Department to transfer any out-of-state titles and driver’s licenses. You’ll have 30 days to get your new license but just ten days to get a Florida driver’s insurance policy essential for titling your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Miami

Are house prices dropping in Miami?

House prices in Miami are currently experiencing stability without any sign of declining. Recent data shows that the median listing home price in Miami is $665,000, which remains flat year-over-year, and the median sold home price is $581,000.

The Miami housing market is considered a buyer’s market, meaning that the supply of homes exceeds the demand, which might lead to some price negotiations below the list prices. Overall, the market demonstrates resilience with slight forecasted growth, indicating that house prices are not dropping significantly.

Is it cheaper to live in Miami or San Francisco?

Living in Miami is generally less expensive than living in San Francisco. The median home price in Miami is around $581,000, whereas in San Francisco, it is significantly higher, at approximately $1.4 million. Additionally, the cost of living index for San Francisco (245.5) is substantially higher than that of Miami (118.9).

In San Francisco, housing, transportation, and food costs are among the highest in the country, contributing to a much higher overall cost of living. Therefore, for potential homebuyers looking for a more affordable lifestyle without compromising urban amenities and quality of life, Miami presents a more financially convenient choice.

What is the nicest suburb of Miami? 

If you’re a potential homebuyer in the greater Miami area looking for a family-friendly suburb, you may want to consider Coral Gables. “The City Beautiful,” known for its Mediterranean-style architecture, tree-lined streets, and excellent schools, offers a blend of upscale amenities and a pleasant suburban feel. The historic Biltmore Hotel, Miracle Mile shopping district, and numerous parks and golf courses are top attractions. Three other highly regarded suburbs of Miami include Pinecrest, Key Biscayne, and Palmetto Bay.

Which national parks are closer to Miami, Florida?

Biscayne National Park

Located about 20 miles south of Miami, in Biscayne Bay, Biscayne National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty, featuring fish-filled coral reefs, lush mangrove forests, and the northernmost Florida Keys. The park offers stunning underwater scenery and rich coastal habitats. Its islands boast secluded, pristine beaches perfect for swimming and relaxing under the sun.

Visitors practice various water-based activities, including snorkeling, diving, boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. Key highlights of the park include Boca Chita Key, Elliot Key, and the historic Maritime Heritage Trail.

Everglades National Park

Teeming with untouched landscapes and adventure opportunities, Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, lies a mere 30-mile drive west of Magic City. This vast expanse of wetlands is home to a rich tapestry of wildlife, from alligators basking in the sun to exotic birds soaring overhead.

While primarily a wetland, the park also features coastal areas with breathtaking scenic views perfect for exploration. Visitors can embark on thrilling airboat tours, hike along picturesque trails, enjoy birdwatching, paddle through tranquil waters, and immerse themselves in the park’s vibrant ecosystems. Visit to enjoy the panoramic vistas of Shark Valley, the wildlife-rich Anhinga Trail, and the Flamingo Visitor Center.

What is a liveable wage in Miami?

According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, the living wage in Miami is approximately $24.26 per hour for a single adult with no children and about $39.58 per hour for an adult with one child. This calculation considers the average cost of necessities such as housing, food, transportation, medical care, and other essentials, ensuring a reasonable quality of life.

The average annual income required to meet these living wage standards varies significantly depending on family size. For example, a single adult needs a yearly income of about $50,464 before taxes to maintain a basic standard of living, while an adult with one child requires around $82,320 annually.

Which part of Miami is best to live in?

North Miami and South Miami are two coveted areas to set residence in Miami. North Miami offers a diverse community, cultural amenities like the Museum of Contemporary Art, and outdoor fun at Oleta River State Park—the median home price is around $424,278, above the national average but convenient for Miami.

On the other hand, South Miami, known as “The City of Pleasant Living,” features charming residential areas, a vibrant downtown with shops and restaurants, and the South Miami Hospital. Potential residents in this area will not lack quality of life but should be ready to pay top dollar for a house in South Miami since the city’s average home price is around $1.4M.

What taxes do you pay in Miami?

If you’re planning a move to Miami, be ready to encounter several types of taxes, but rest assured, Florida’s tax system is relatively favorable compared to other states. These are the main taxes you will pay as a Miami resident:

• Income Tax: Florida does not impose a state income tax, making it one of the few states in the United States with this benefit. Residents only have to pay federal income taxes, not state income taxes.
• Social Security and Medicare Taxes: Miami residents, like the rest of the United States, are subject to federal Social Security and Medicare taxes, commonly referred to as FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) taxes. The current rates are 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare. An extra 0.9% Medicare tax is levied on earnings over $200,000.
• Sales Tax: Miami’s combined sales tax rate is 7%. This includes the Florida state sales tax rate of 6% and an additional 1% for Miami-Dade County. There is no additional city sales tax in Miami,
• Property Tax: According to tax-rates.org, property taxes in Miami-Dade County are relatively high, with an average effective property tax rate of 1.02%. Based on median home values, this translates to an average annual property tax bill of about $2,756.

Understanding these taxes is not just about compliance; it’s about empowering yourself to plan your finances better when relocating to Miami. You can take advantage of its no-state income tax policy and prepare for other applicable taxes.

Which popular cities near Miami are worth visiting?

Popular cities near Miami worth visiting include Key West, North Miami Beach, and Orlando. Key West, located about 160 miles southwest of Miami, offers vibrant nightlife, historic sites, and beautiful coral reefs in the Dry Tortugas National Park. North Miami Beach, just 15 miles northeast of Miami, is known for its stunning beaches and diverse dining options. For a Central Florida option, Orlando, approximately 230 miles north of Miami, is famous for its world-renowned theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, making it a fantastic destination for families with kiddos and thrill-seekers.

Moving to Miami

Life in Miami is an exciting adventure. With its Latin and Caribbean-influenced culture, delicious food, and overall lively atmosphere, you’ll be sure to feel at home in no time! Whether you move here for the job market, cost of living, great weather, or various activities, Miami is an excellent choice. Explore more of Miami with a local real estate agent.