Lately, more and more people are moving to Miami. You can say that it always has been like that and you visit your gramma every once in a while. But this is actually a very different situation. While many decide to retire to Florida because of wonderful weather and 0% state tax, people who are moving now are at slightly different age bracket.
It started a couple of years ago and very sudden. We saw it coming, the recovery of real estate, huge business and tourism movement from Latin American countries, a growth of the port, all that collaborated to this superspeed growth. Miami changed completely in just 2 years and of course, you may be thinking ” oh maybe there are good job opportunities but what else is there for me? “
Miami is an interesting place to be. You can hear people complain about it all the time but deep inside those people love this place and don’t want to leave. So here I have for you 10 things about Miami that will make you come, fall in love and stay.
1. WINTERS
We are very thankful for our winters. Usually colder days begin around mid-December and can last long into March. Miami can get days as cold as 40F-30F, of course, the deeper inland the colder it will be. But this type of cold is very occasional and doesn’t happen every year.
Usually, our winter will get temperature around 50F at night and during the day it will rise to around 60F. Don’t be afraid! Even that, for us as tropical people, it is cold and you planned your vacation thinking of going to the beach in December those temperatures only will last a couple of days and by the weekend you will be back in your flip-flops enjoying the sun and the wonderful 80F.
2. VIBE
Truly multicultural and international vibe. being a portal to latin America Miami has been attracting all kind of people. Older generation retired here, young people from northern states will come to spend a winter. Also, many immigrants come and end up settling here. Miami probably has the biggest collection in the mix of so many different cultures that live together and everyone will gladly tell you stories from their land. That brings me to number 3
3. FOOD
Miami is an ultimate vacation for foodies. Miami is the place where you can try an original not changed and nor Americanized dish from so many Latin American (yes they all have very different cuisine) as well as European countries. Of course, that variety awakens creativity for new dishes and big chefs don’t stop creating new adventure-lands for our taste buds.
4. PETS FRIENDLY
Miami is a very open-minded and pet-friendly city. Every day more dog parks are created and pets adoptions have grown significantly versus purchasing. Miami is so pet-friendly that you will be enjoying pet gatherings, fairs for pets, pets get together almost every weekend. Some of the new buildings even include doggie parks within their amenities.
5. WARM WATER
Yes you know about the weather, yes, there are other warm places around, like California. But let me tell you about the WATER.
You can swim in the ocean all year round, however, watch for sharks as they come over during spring months. So for shark lovers, with some luck, you can spot a shark from the beach. (I never seen one so don’t be afraid)
6. PARTY
I am not only talking about nightclubs. We are a real party city, and there is a party for every taste. From networking events (yes those come with drinks and music) to private Yacht parties. Even that they are private there is still room for extra invitees.
We love getting on the boat or to a local bar for some special event with live music. We also organize our own parties just because we are party people down here. You can easily party every day of the week.
7. Happy hours
Happy hours are everywhere. Even the most exclusive bars offer them. Happy hour in Miami is not only a discounted drink, it will, usually, include the food too. You can read more about what is out there here. But be careful most of the happy hours are canceled right after Thanksgiving and through all month of December. But I got you, check my happy hour section and you will be fine.
8. Art Basel
After extremely quiet months in just one day, our streets get filled with artsy people and visitors from all around the world. You will hear so many languages spoken at the same time in the same place! People come to enjoy and/or showcase their art, the best world galleries bring their most selling artists, collectors come to hunt for new acquisitions. It is an ultimate experience mostly for empaths as you will be surrounded by so much positive and creative energy that it will last you for some good time!
Art Basel marks the beginning of high tourist season.
A recommendation:
If you are planning to visit Miami during art Basel, plan at least 4-6 months in advance. Also, plan for all of the opening parties and all the exhibitions that you will be attending as Art Basel only lasts 4 days and you want to get the most of it.
9. SOUTH BEACH
Of course I had to mention wonderful South Beach here. I can do its own list of wonders but mostly South Beach is a vibrant community with a lot of history into it.
Miamians might complain about its traffic and prices and amount of people on the streets but let’s face it, everyone comes here once in a while just to walk on its crowded streets and to taste its expensive drinks.
Check the best affordable happy hours here
check my survival guide to ocean drive
10. people
There are true Miamians who were born and raised here and never left. But mostly Miami is populated by people from somewhere. It is very common after asking a name of the person to inquire where are they from (and works as an icebreaker all the time).
Miami is a huge concentration of different nationalities and all of them call it home. You will be welcomed to this melting pot and will not even notice when you will become one of Miamians.
They will fight you over a Dolphins game they might even insult you and your team, but when the game is over they will be treating you to a drink or 2 and take you to the best party ever, (doesn’t matter who won). So if you were doubting if to come here or not, shred that doubt and come. Come for a weekend and you will stay forever!
