Miami Crash Course – Live Like a Local
Feeling tired of the winter, stress and rushing from one place to another? Would you prefer living somewhere where the sun is always shining and people are laid-back? Then welcome to Miami! Whether you’re moving to Miami in pursuit of a job, better life or opportunities, our Miami Crash Course will give you the necessary information to feel like a local once you arrive!
Miami Crash Course: The Numbers
Miami is the seat of the Miami-Dade County in the state of Florida, and it’s also a major port on the southeast of the state, right on the Atlantic ocean. While it takes the title of the most populous metro area in Florida, it is also the second most populous metro in the Southern United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, around 5.5 million people live here. As far as the metropolitan city goes, the population is significantly lower. Only 400,000 people call the city their home.
The metro’s area is some 6,000 square miles, while the city itself lies on only 56 square miles. The city is on the ocean, so it’s no wonder that its elevation is just 6 feet, with its highest elevation reaching the staggering 42 feet!
You can discover more about the city on miamigov.com.
Miami Crash Course: Short History
Miami was settled in 1825, and incorporated in 1896. It was named after Mayaimi, the Native American people who lived around Lake Mayaimi (now Lake Okeechobee). It is noted to be “the only major city in the United States conceived by a woman, Julia Tuttle.”
Miami Crash Course: The Climate
Miami has a tropical monsoon climate. This means hot, humid summers and short, warm winters. If you love warm weather – great news! The average temperature in Miami in January is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit! On average, the highs fail to reach the 70 mark only on 12 days per year. The city also has no recorded accumulation snowfall since the records have been kept!
There is a dark side to this climate though, and it’s the thunderstorms. Miami has more thunderstorms than most cities in the United States, with the average of 80 days per year reported as having thunder. These storms are strong, with frequent lightning and heavy rain, and sometimes they do damage with straight-line winds or large hail.
There’s also a great tip any local will tell you – wear layers. Even when it’s hot and humid, entering a building may bring a new ice age to your life. The locals often air-condition their interiors so much that you’ll be shivering if you have no multiple layers to keep you warm.
Miami is a Tourist Trap
One of the first things you’ll need to know is that Miami is the second most visited metro in the United States, right after the New York City. This means the city gets busy. For some people this is great – you can expect friends and relatives to visit you quite often. For other people – not so much. The income of tourists makes traffic unmerciful. The laid-back lifestyle just adds to the suffering of those who like to arrive on time. Do not expect that. Things in Miami often run late. It’s just in the way of life.
Locals in Miami
What is the first image that pops into your mind when you think about Miami? Is it the beach? As funny as it may sound to some people, Miami residents do not spend all their time on the beach. Just like in other big cities, the locals in Miami try to evade the tourist destinations – South Beach included. But do not worry – there are many other things to do in Miami!
Home of the Art Deco District
If you are a fan of Art Deco architecture, then stroll down to the Miami Beach Architectural District. The district where Gianni Versace resided, it is filled with beautiful, pastel-colored buildings from the 1920s and 1930s and is a sight to see!
Cuban Heritage
If you are feeling a different sort of vibe, then make sure to visit Little Havana for a unique experience. Calle Ocho, between SW 8th Street and Tamiami Trail, is the historic center of Miami Cuban heritage. You can try the fantastic food, enjoy many cafes and parks, and once per year, enjoy the fantastic Calle Ocho Festival here. It is the culmination of the Miami Carnival and is a huge one-day fiesta you should not miss!
Miami Crash Course: The Challenges
Just like any other place, Miami has its own set of challenges. You may be a fun of hot and humid weather, but surely you aren’t a fun of the flooding. Living in Miami means living with the risk of flooding – so prepare for that. When buying a house, make sure to check the where your house sits in the floodplains. Sometimes, you will have to set aside some money for a significant homeowner insurance.
Another challenge every Miami local faces is the animals. If the thought of bugs makes your skin crawl, you might want to reconsider moving to Miami. Bugs, spiders, even snakes, and alligators – all live in close proximity. Living in Miami and not seeing a bug in your house is just a dream. Have you ever seen a Palmetto bug? You will now!
Choosing the Right Neighborhood
If you are sold on the idea of moving to Miami (and why wouldn’t you be?!), it’s time to pick the right neighborhood for yourself. Each neighborhood in Miami is different and diverse, but they are all equally charming. However, there are some pointers we can give in this Miami Crash Course.
If it’s a beach life that you crave, head to Miami Beach, Surfside, Bal Harbour or Sunny Isles Beaches. Brickell and Downtown Miami are for those who love the excitement of the city living. For charm and a wow factor, go to Coconut Grove or Coral Gables. Finally, if you are keen on suburban lifestyle, then Doral and Homestead might be our choice.
Anywhere you go, your local Miami Movers will be there to help you. If you are moving to the Sunshine state from another state, then check our long distance Miami movers. Any way you go, they will not disappoint! So, hurry up, call your Miami Movers and become a part of one of the most amazing places in the United States.
Welcome to Miami!
