Moving to Miami, FL

¡Bienvenidos a Miami! 

There’s a reason Will Smith’s “Miami” was such a big hit. Miami, also known as “The 305,” is a Spring Break favorite for its toasty weather, gorgeous beaches and its vibrant nightlife. 

But if you’re thinking this city is just for the tourists, don’t worry. It’s also the permanent home of nearly 450,000 people who love it for its year-round great weather and the laidback lifestyle. (They probably also love that Florida is one of the nine states without a state income tax!)

From water sports to hot spot Florida destinations and cheering on the Dolphins, Miamians have a lot going on. Keep reading to learn more about living in Miami.

Miami is a True Melting Pot

Miami has one of the largest Hispanic populations in the country, leading to one of its best known nicknames: the Capital of Latin America. From Little Havana to Downtown, you’ll feel the influences of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries through vibrantly colored buildings, great music and delicious cuisine.

Speaking of cuisine: with all of these influences, the food scene in Miami is full of authentic dishes. You’re going to want to try fried snapper, the Cuban sandwich, mofongo, arroz con frijoles y croquetas, arepas and more. Check out Ball & Chain on Calle Ocho to grab a drink with your food!

If arts and culture are more your vibe, the Magic City (yep, that’s another nickname) has more than half a dozen independent movie theaters, plenty of museums, festivals and performing arts venues. Check out the Calle Ocho Festival, the Miami International Film Festival, the Florida Grand Opera or Night Owl Theater.

The Miami Design District is another hot spot for fashion, architecture, culinary arts and more.

Miami Boasts a Diverse Job Market and Low Unemployment Rate

While many cities in the U.S. saw the job market slowdown in 2023, Miami saw notable job growth. This was seen especially in the tech sector, with over 2,100 tech job listings toward the end of last year. It’s no surprise really: Miami makes itself known as a great place for startups and entrepreneurs to set up shop.

Miami is a cultural and industrial hub, as well as a favorite tourist spot. This generates a rich and diverse job market, with key industries including hospitality and tourism, finance, media and telecommunications (especially in Spanish-language media), international trade and agriculture.

Among its major employers you’ll find numerous cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian. Back on land, other top employers include Lennar, Ryder System and Laureate Education.

Miami’s unemployment rate is well below the national average and was recorded at just 1.6 percent in December 2023.

Gorgeous Beaches and Year-Round Sunshine Puts Housing in Demand

First: the good news. Florida has no state income tax, meaning your paycheck may stretch a little further. And you’re going to need it.

This sunny spot attracts plenty of new residents due to a high percentage of warm days and its white sandy beaches. Demand for real estate has remained high after the pandemic spikes seen throughout the country. The cost of housing in Miami is currently 51 percent higher than the state and national averages, making it one of the least affordable housing markets in the U.S.

With a median home sale price of $599,000, it’s no wonder that so many of the city’s residents prefer renting. In March 2024, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment was $1,585, and $2,098 for a two-bedroom.

Miami’s Neighborhoods Are Diverse and Full of Life

This diverse and eclectic city features stunning art deco and Spanish-inspired architecture, amazing food and plenty of beaches, but you’ll also find those quiet suburban areas to settle down and relax. Whether you’re looking for a home along the stunning coastline or you want to be in the heart of the city, there’s a neighborhood for you. Check out these highly recommended neighborhoods for those moving to Miami:

COCONUT GROVE

Only five miles from Downtown, this bohemian neighborhood is a favorite of young professionals and families for its green spaces, fun boutiques, galleries and its organic farmers market. It also has several great public and private schools.

LITTLE HAVANA

Known for its Latin-American influences, Little Havana is a vibrant neighborhood with great cuisine, lively bars, music and an artsy feel. With great schools and plenty of night life, it’s the ideal place for anyone new to the city.

DOWNTOWN

Singles and young professionals may appreciate being a part of Downtown’s hustle and bustle. Not only is there a high concentration of jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities, there’s also a great nightlife to help you get that work-life balance.

CORAL GABLES

This suburb is known as “the City Beautiful” for its Spanish architecture, botanical gardens and other green spaces. Though pricier than some other Miami neighborhoods, Coral Gables promises a safe community with great schools and lots to do.

KENDALL

One of Miami’s more affordable suburbs, Kendall is a great option if you don’t have to commute into the Downtown area. It’s a slower pace of life here with great schools and plenty of recreation for everyone.

Other neighborhoods to include in your Miami home search:

• Wynwood
• Brickell
• Aventura
• Bal Harbour
• Pinecrest

Skip Miami Traffic: Park the Car and Walk

Miami is the sixth most walkable large city in the country according to Walk Score, with residents able to accomplish most errands on foot. The site also gave it a decent bikeable score. No surprise there: Miami is made up of flat terrain and boasts plenty of sunshine. Who wouldn’t want to be out walking or bicycling instead of sitting in traffic?

If it’s a rainy day (or walking simply isn’t your thing), Miami provides a range of public transportation. The Metrorail, Metromover and Metrobus are affordable options, and the Miami Trolley will take you through parts of the city for free. Rideshare options are available and can get you to the outer areas of Miami-Dade.

Miami’s K-12 School District Gets an A (Again!)

Moving to Miami with kiddos in tow? The Miami-Dade School District is one of the largest in the U.S. and was recently given an A rating, based mostly on proficiency. This is the district’s fourth A in five years (in 2020, schools did not receive ratings due to the pandemic). That’s not too bad! In addition, four of the district’s high schools even made it into a list of best high schools in the U.S.

Folks seeking a higher education will have a number of local universities to look into in and around Miami, including the University of Miami, Broward College and Florida International University.

Snowbirds and Tourists Flock to Miami’s Mild, Sunny Winters

In the tropical Miami heat, air-conditioning is a necessity to survive the humid summer months. July and August are the hottest, with average highs of 91 degrees Fahrenheit. Miami is also situated between two major bodies of water that generate a lot of tropical weather. The city sees a significant number of thunderstorms and hurricanes, so you’ll want to be prepared for severe weather.

On the flip side of all this, you’ll enjoy pleasant, warm winters with highs often in the 70s and lows that rarely dip below the mid-60s. January is the coldest month, with average nighttime lows of 61 degrees and daily highs of 76. That means it’s basically t-shirt and flip-flop season year-round!

10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Miami

There’s a reason the tourists love flying to Miami, but residents live it up here, too. Whether you’re looking to party on the beach or something more cultural and lowkey, there’s plenty going on. Here’s a list of 10 must-dos in the 305: 

1. Walk through the vibrant and whimsical Wynwood Walls, an outdoor art museum that features graffiti covering more than 80,000 square feet of abandoned warehouse walls.
2. While you’re looking at the Wynwood Walls, grab a donut from The Salty, a local favorite.
3. Get a taste of Cuba in Little Havana, a Hispanic neighborhood full of Latin-inspired shops, bakeries, restaurants, art galleries and lively music venues.
4. Dine, shop and have some fun at the Brickell City Center.
5. Take a drive out of Miami to visit the iconic Everglades National Park, a 1.5-million-acre wildlife preserve known for airboat tours, alligators and other wildlife.
6. Cool off at the Venetian Pool, a historic public spot with an Italian theme.
7. Take the kiddos (or yourself) to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science for planetarium fun, light shows and interactive displays.
8. Take in some art at Pérez Art Museum Miami, a modern and contemporary art museum.
9. Relax at Oleta River State Park, great for kayaking, swimming, fishing and mountain biking.
10. Catch a Miami Dolphins game (or maybe the Super Bowl—Miami has been chosen more than any other city to host the NFL’s biggest event).