What You Need to Know About Moving to Miami
Miami, FL, is also called the Gateway to the Americas. More than two-thirds of Miami's residents speak Spanish as their first language and were born in Latin America. Most of the people living in Miami are bilingual or multilingual, making the city a rich cultural center. The city is known for its Art Deco architecture, beaches, palmetto bugs and year-round tropical weather. If you are thinking of relocating to Miami, here is what you need to know in order to have a successful move.
Important Info to Know When Relocating to Miami
Miami's population is about 470,000 as of 2020, and the metropolitan area is home to nearly 6.2 million people, making it the seventh-largest metro area in the United States.
If you love to be outdoors, Miami is the place for you. Miami residents enjoy more than 800 parks throughout the city. Miami is also the only city in the United States to be surrounded by national parks. Everglades National Park and the Biscayne National Park enclose the city and offer ample opportunities for hiking, bird watching, canoeing, fishing and more.
Miami is also known for its hot and humid weather, so nearly all apartments, condos, rental homes and houses have central air conditioning. The city's location on the Atlantic Ocean does make it a risk for tropical storms and hurricanes to make landfall, so Miami residents should have an evacuation plan as well as at least three days of supplies in case they need to shelter in place.
The cost of living in Miami is higher than the national average. In particular, housing costs are expensive. One-bedroom apartments cost an average of $1,400 per month to rent. The city of Miami also has higher than average costs for groceries and transportation. However, the city does have public transportation that you can use in order to save money. The city operates trains, buses and trolleys. You can also lower your food budget by eating the locally-grown and harvested produce and seafood. There are many family-owned and operated restaurants featuring Cuban, Jamaican and Dominican food, among other ethnic options.
Jobs in Miami are centered around international finance and tourism. If you have expertise in banking, finance or investments, the many international banks may offer good employment opportunities. The service industry also offers many jobs in Miami. Miami residents pay state and federal income tax on their earnings. The area's sales tax rate is 7%.
Attractions and Fun Places to Go in Miami
All the public beaches, including Mid Beach, Northside Beach, South Beach and Bal Harbour Beach are top attractions. If you want a break from the sunshine, consider a visit to Frost Museum of Science, which offers an aquarium, planetarium and science museum. It is located next to the Frost Art Museum.
The Miami Children's Museum is a popular destination for families, and it offers educational and hands-on exhibits. If you enjoy the visual arts, visit the Pérez Art Museum, Lowe Art Museum or Institute of Contemporary Art. Hard Rock Stadium, Marlins Park and American Airlines Arena host sporting events, concerts and more.
Cool Landmarks to Visit in Miami
Miami has several interesting landmarks to visit. Check out the mural and art galleries in the Wynwood district. The Art Deco District in Miami Beach offers beautiful architecture, historic buildings and many night clubs and boutiques.
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts is the second-largest opera house in the United States and is home to the Florida Grand Opera. Check out the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a National Historic Landmark in Coconut Grove. It features 28 acres of gardens, walking paths and picnicking areas.
Moving Preparation Tips and Advice for Those Considering Moving to Miami
Miami has many neighborhoods, and it is a good idea to do some research in advance in order to find one that is a good fit for your lifestyle. Coconut Grove is a historic neighborhood with many shade trees. Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale are known for their nightlife. South Beach has a relaxed vibe. On the southwest side of the city, Coral Gables is home to the University of Miami and has a lot of apartments.
Hurricane season is from June through November. If your move is scheduled to take place during this time, be aware of the weather and use an app to keep track of any tropical storms in the Atlantic Ocean. The busiest times for a move are in May, August and November, so you may need to reserve moving services well in advance. Miami also has a large snow bird population, so rental units will be more difficult to find if you arrive in the late autumn or early winter months of the year.