Moving to Miami: Everything You Need to Know
From Crockett and Tubbs’ stylish clothing on “Miami Vice” to Will Smith’s “Welcome to Miami,” popular culture has long had a fascination with The Magic City. And there’s good reason for the attention. With its year-round summer weather, spectacular beaches, and glamorous nightlife, Miami has many charms to offer both visitors and full-time residents. But, if you’re considering moving here, there are a few things you should know first.
Art Basel is the Place to See and Be Seen
For one week during the year in Miami Beach, it’s all about Art Basel. The show features top galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa showing “significant work from the masters of modern and contemporary art, as well the new generation of emerging stars.” But for attendees, it’s the place to see and be seen.
You Can See Art All Year-Round in Wynwood
Speaking of art, Wynwood has plenty, too. Every second Saturday of the month, the Wynwood Art Walk brings tourists and residents to neighborhood art gallery openings, restaurants, and retail businesses. Then there are the Wynwood Walls. Conceived in 2009, it was a way to transform the Wynwood warehouse district into an art scene.
Sports Fans Have Many Options
Despite its smaller size compared to other major cities, Miami has three professional sports teams — the Miami Marlins, the Miami Dolphins, and the Miami Heat. It also recently inked a deal to bring in a Major League Soccer team. College football also has a strong backing, with the Orange Bowl played each year at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens and Miami Hurricane fans throughout the city. But don’t tell that to the Florida State University Seminole fans — at least not when the two teams compete in the fall.
Brush Up on Your Spanish — it Will Come in Handy
In neighborhoods such as Little Havana, it’s no surprise that Spanish is widely spoken. But the Cuban and Latin American influence can be found throughout Miami, making it very much a bilingual city. Knowing even a little bit of Spanish helps.
Miami Has Seasons
They’re just not the same seasons as other parts of the country. For instance, take “love bug” season. This refers to the two times of the year when you’ll see insects flying in pairs in what looks like an amorous embrace. Don’t worry; you’ll get used to it.
You’ll Get Used to Hurricane Season, Too
It runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, but the majority of storms happen in August or September. Long-time residents don’t even blink unless the storm has been deemed a Category 3 or higher. And if it’s only a Tropical Storm or Tropical Depression — “meh.” But every time a storm is brewing, you’ll be sure to hear stories about hurricanes past, especially Hurricane Andrew in 1992. That was a bad one.
There is a Difference Between Miami and Miami-Dade County
No, really. For example, Hialeah and Doral are both cities in Miami-Dade County. But, in casual conversation, most people just refer to them as “Miami.” In fact, that’s pretty much true for any neighborhood south of Hallandale Beach and north of the Florida Keys.
Public Transportation is a Work in Progress
Sure, the city has Tri-Rail, Metroline, Metromover, and Metrobus, but people still drive. Frequently. So, unless you happen to live in Brickell or another pedestrian-friendly area, plan on needing a car. The one potential bright spot — Brightline. The high-speed rail service in Miami will begin later this year, connecting existing service in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
Calle Ocho Lives Up to the Hype
In the Calle Ocho section of Little Havana, you’ll find hand-rolled cigars, fruiterias, meat markets, herbal stores, and windows with cafecitos for only 25 cents. Every year in March, the Calle Ocho festival draws more than one million people to the largest street festival in the country.
You’ll Sweat a Lot, but Still Carry a Hoodie With You at All Times
Even when the temperature is in the 90s outside with high humidity, you’ll still need some way to stay warm. Why? Because establishments (especially movie theaters and offices) like to keep the air conditioning blasting. So if you’re moving here from a colder climate, don’t toss all your sweaters and sweatshirts in the trash bin. You’ll need a few of them.