Miami appears on the 2019 “Best Places to Live” list by USNews.com. Retirees, former athletes, and millionaires all seem to agree. But like any other metropolitan city, Miami has its upsides and downsides. People willing to overlook Miami’s downsides will find themselves an incredible place to call home.
Miami has been rated as one of the coolest cities to live in the world. You might be neighbors to celebrities, actors and sports stars. In terms of elevating one’s social status, few cities in the world come as close to Miami. This is because, over the past few decades, Miami has earned the distinction of being the playground for the rich and famous in the world. If you want to compare Miami to a similar city, it is only Monaco, in the South of France, which comes to mind.
Read on for things to consider about moving to Miami:
Pros of Living in Miami:
Miami’s job market is active and healthy. Its status as an international city has attracted many businesses to the area. Tourism and international business are two of the city’s top industries. Job opportunities in these sectors are numerous. Another benefit of living in Miami is provided by the state. There are no personal income or inheritance/estate taxes in Florida, which means residents aren’t required to pay as much money to the state.
That can make a big difference in the quality of life, especially among those with fixed incomes. But none of Miami’s benefits could be enjoyed at all without its sunny weather. The climate is tropical, so there’s no such thing as a cold, dreary day in Miami. Finally, Miami is home to some of the world’s best nightlife, shopping, and beaches. This makes Miami especially appealing to people who enjoy both fast-paced, urban living and laid-back beach vibes.
Cons of Living in Miami:
With a population numbering in the millions, crime and traffic congestion are rising problems in Miami. Also, the cost of living in Miami is among the highest in the country. Finally, any heat-sensitive people might do best to avoid the region entirely. The weather is hot and humid, and it intensifies even further during the summer months. Hurricane-preparedness is part of life in Florida, so that would be another aspect to consider about moving to Miami.
How to Tolerate Miami’s Downsides:
According to the 2010 U.S. census, 5.5 million people are happy to live in Miami despite its pitfalls. Crime, traffic congestion, and a high cost of living are to be expected from a life in the city, no matter which city that is. Most of these problems could be mitigated by choosing to move to the outer suburbs rather than the city of Miami itself. Hurricanes are rarely extreme if they do happen. And a few months of intense, blazing heat might be a small price to pay for a year’s worth of perfectly pleasant weather.
Gateway to the Americas:
Once nicknamed “the Gateway to the Americas,” Miami is now the seventh-largest city in the United States. Its culture, climate, and beautiful landscape have attracted plenty of visitors to its shores.
Even though there might be some negatives associated with the city, the positives far outweigh them. However, permanent residents face some of the same hazards that are found in any other major city. People should think about the pros and cons listed above before they consider moving to Miami. For the most part, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. Anyone willing to live with heatwaves and traffic jams will enjoy all the benefits Miami has to offer. Settling down in Miami can probably end up being the best decision of your life!
