Are you considering a move to Miami Beach, FL? You’re not alone. A slew of tech giants has already packed up and headed south for Miami’s shores.
In January, Pieter Thiel of PayPal joined the crowds flocking to this up-and-coming city when he bought an $18 million mansion in Miami Beach.
You don’t need to be a billionaire, or even tech-savvy, to make the move to Miami Beach, but it’s a good idea to find out what it’s like before you leave. Here’s what to expect.
Miami Beach Real Estate
Due to the influx of newcomers to Miami-Dade county, house prices in the area are at an all-time high. It’s possible to find a condo within your budget if you shop wisely and you’re prepared to live a little further away from the beach.
If you’re looking at Miami Beach house rentals, it’s a good idea to consider a condo in a newer complex instead, where competition keeps prices at reasonable levels.
There’s no shortage of luxury real estate in Miami Beach, so if you’re in that league, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect place, especially with interest rates as low as they are right now.
Daily Aspects of Living in Miami Beach
Miami Beach offers a hip seaside environment but that doesn’t mean it’s unsuitable for families. There are several highly-rated elementary schools in the area.
You might want to search the mainland for the best option for your middle and high school kids though, there aren’t very many options in Miami Beach itself.
People from all over the world flock to Miami Beach for the laid-back lifestyle, great weather, and seaside access. So, you’ll meet people of all cultures when living here.
According to experts, Floridians can be cautiously optimistic about future employment prospects. With so many tech companies making the move south, it’s easy to assume that Miami’s positive job outlook should continue its pre-pandemic upswing.
Currently, most jobs in Miami center on hospitality and tourism and these are sure to get back into full swing before too long.
Thanks to its popularity as a vacation destination, the entire Miami area also offers an endless array of things to keep you busy when you’re not engaged in your daily tasks.
Things to Do in Miami Beach
This is where the Miami Area really stands out. There are plenty of Miami Beach restaurants, nightclubs, parks, and other recreational areas to choose from. These are some of the most popular ones:
Best Beaches in Miami Beach
You’ll find no shortage of seaside attractions in this island-like destination. Some of the best ones are:
Miami Beach – South Beach
Famous as the playground of the well-heeled beachgoers, South Beach welcomes every sunseeker to its shores. Here golden sands greet you and the ocean’s warm all year round.
All along this strip, you’ll find trendy shops, eateries, and a thumping nightlife when the sun goes down.
South Pointe Park
This gorgeous green strip on the southern tip of South Beach offers some of the best views in town over Port Miami, Fisher Island, and the downtown skyline.
You can also picnic, enjoy walking trails, or barbecue to your heart’s content in this pristine recreation area. There’s also a mini water playground for cooling off on a warm day as well as a steakhouse.
Ocean Terrace Public Beach
This is part of Miami Beach’s North Beach area. It’s a popular kite-surfing spot and a wonderful place for sunset strolls, sunbathing, and swimming too.
Miami Beach’s coastline is a bustle any time of year, and things can get crowded. Fortunately, you’ll find easy beach parking at a few parkades located in all the most convenient spots.
Outdoor Fun in Miami Beach
Pride Park offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, bike rides, dog walking, picnics, and physical exertion. You can also catch a game at one of the city’s 17 tennis courts, or head to Miami for a host of outdoor adventures.
Nearby Biscayne Bay State Park and Everglades State Park provide nature lovers with the breath of fresh air they need, both underwater and on land.
Wining and Dining in Miami Beach
Miami’s diverse cultural spread means you’re bound to discover some new dishes when you live in this part of Florida. You can explore new tastes and regular favorites at a host of restaurants across town.
These are some of the best-known ones:
- Farinelli for family-friendly meals
- Versailles offering traditional Cuban cuisine
- Ball & Chain for pub grub and fun times
- LT Steak & Seafood
- il Pastaiolo for Italian fare
Naturally, you can also take your pick from fast food, taco, burger, and pizza joints too.
Is Miami Beach a Good Choice for You?
Like any place on Earth, Miami Beach presents some challenges.
The wonderful weather comes with the threat of hurricanes from time to time, although most residents are well-prepared for these threats and accustomed to taking the necessary precautions.
Summers are blazingly hot in Miami Beach, with regular afternoon showers that last for about 20 minutes at a time. Again, you become accustomed to these vagaries of the Miami Beach weather.
If you’re squeamish, you might find Florida’s wildlife a little off-putting. Palmetto bugs and spiders are part of life in the Sunshine State.
The cost of living’s high throughout Florida, although low or non-existent taxes offset this considerably.
One last thing about Miami Beach is the traffic. The huge influx of new arrivals to the city means traffic’s at an all-time high too, making commuting a fine art.
Get Going!
Once you’ve mastered the traffic and parking issues you might encounter while living in Miami Beach, you’re all set for a lifetime of enjoyment.
This part of the world offers mild, welcoming weather, friendly people, and abundant opportunities.
For more information on the best places to live or vacation, explore some more of our travel articles.
