Classified as an alpha world city, Miami is a place that does have it all. From a happening nightlife to gorgeous beaches to phenomenal career opportunities in finance, entertainment, media, commerce, international trade, and the arts, this is a city nearly anyone from any other location can move to and be fulfilled and happy. It offers something for everyone, which is why there are always a ton of people trying to find out how to move to Miami.
Miami Neighborhoods
Like any other major city in the country, Miami has a diverse assortment of neighborhoods. If you are moving to Miami to be in the heart of all the action, Downtown Miami is where you want to look for housing. It is South Florida’s commercial center and it is extremely walkable so getting around is easily done by foot. Homes range from modern hi-rises to historic buildings that are bursting with character.
South Beach – The Art Deco District: This area puts the sexy and chic into Miami’s persona. From colorful locals to senior snowbirds, the white sand and colorful art make this area a major hub for everything in Miami.
Midtown/Wynwood – This burgeoning area is undergoing a renaissance. Just north of downtown, you’ll find affordable rents and big-box retailers. It’s still a work in progress and where hipsters unite.
Coral Gables – Golfers, vacationers, and upscale shoppers flock to the region. Many houses are capped with Spanish-style tiled roofs, adding a slice of color to the area’s green, tree-lined streets.
Coconut Grove – A commercial success in the 21st century, this area has gentrified into a bustling region for eating, drinking, and spending cash. Don’t miss CocoWalk, a 4-story shopping, and entertainment complex.
Miami’s Climate
Warm winters and hot and humid summers make Miami a dream location for those who prefer to spend their days in flip-flops rather than shovel snow in boots. The wet season is May through October, but afternoon thunderstorms are generally welcomed as they relieve some of the heat and humidity. Plus, they usually don’t stick around all that long. Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. So, if you are moving to Miami, Florida, during this time you will want to keep a very close eye on the extended forecast. You may need to be flexible and have a backup plan.
Hurricane Kit
Speaking of hurricanes, putting an emergency hurricane kit together should be right near the top of your list of priorities. If your move is scheduled during this season, put your kit together ahead of time to bring with you, just to be on the safe side. The peace of mind you will feel alone is reason enough to put this kit together. Here is a simple list to get you started that you will want to eventually expand on.
- Water – Have 1 gallon per person available every day for at least a full week.
- Food – Canned, nonperishables, and snack foods are needed. If you have a baby and/or pets they need food, too. A gas-powered cooking stove or grill will be helpful. Even a small camping stove with cans of gel fuel will be better than nothing. You also need a mechanical can opener, paper plates, and plastic utensils.
- Apparel – Outerwear, waterproof boots, raincoats, and socks are important to have, as well as daily wear.
- Toiletries – Include deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, toilet paper, and anything else you need. If you have a baby, make sure you have enough diapers, wipes, etc., as well.
- Bedding – Extra sheets, pillowcases, and blankets should be included. Alternately, sleeping bags are also an option. You can usually find air mattresses on sale very cheap at the end of the camping season, too. If you get one, make sure that it has a pump or buy one separately.
- Documents – Buy a waterproof bag for social security cards, birth certificates, mortgage papers, insurance documents, vet records, cash, etc.
- Other – Also include a first aid kit, NOAA weather radio, solar phone charger, and flashlights and batteries. A generator will come in handy, too. If you get a generator, you will need filled gas cans, too.
Utilities
If you are moving into temporary housing there is a chance your utilities will be on and maybe even factored into the pricing. Otherwise, you will want to make sure your utilities are turned on before you arrive.
- Electricity – Florida Power & Light
- Water – Miami Dade County Water & Sewer Department
- Phone – Bell South (many smaller companies are also available)
- Cable or Satellite TV – Miami Cable Television (there are other options)
- Trash and Recycling – Check with your local city hall
Employment in Miami
Miami may have a high unemployment rate, but that does not mean there are no jobs available. Regardless of what degree, skilled trade, or goal you have there is an opportunity here waiting for you. You just need to look for it. There are countless companies headquartered here, including Alienware, Bacardi, Carnival Cruise Lines, Vector Group, Benihana, and many more. There are also more than 1,400 multinational corporations, such as Yahoo, Sony, Wal-Mart, Microsoft, FedEx, Exxon, and Disney. Miami job listings.
Miami is a major center for TV production. This is also a very touristy place, so hospitality jobs are plentiful. It may not be the job you are looking for long-term, but it will at least get an income coming in for now. Other top employers in Miami include Miami-Dade County, Baptist Health South, Florida Publix, Port Miami, and Miami International Airport.
Education & Schools in Miami
If you are looking for information, for now, to move to Miami because you want to attend college here then you have some pretty big decisions to make. This city has 15 public and private colleges and universities. University of Miami, Miami-Dade College, Florida International University, Barry University, and Miami Culinary Institute are a few that attract students from all over.
If you have children or plan on having them shortly, then elementary, middle, and high schools will play a big role in deciding where you want to live. The Miami-Dade County Public School System is the country’s fourth-largest school district. There is also a generous selection of private schools to choose from, as well.
Getting Around Miami
Miami-Dade Transit and the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority operate the public transportation system in Miami. This consists of commuter rail, heavy rail rapid transit, buses, and metro rail.
If you prefer to get a little exercise while you get around, you will appreciate that Miami is ranked 8 by Walk Score out of 50 of the country’s largest cities. The city is also ranked 44th most bike-friendly downtown area, as well.
Things to Do in Miami
Running out of things to do and see in Miami is not something to be concerned about. The downtown area alone has numerous museums, including the Miami Art Museum and Miami Science Museum. Miami is a hot spot for dance music, so there is no shortage of venues where you can find a good DJ and a dance floor.
There are 80 parks and gardens in the city. So, whether you need a tranquil place to reflect or a trail for your morning run, you will have plenty of natural spaces to choose from. A few additional attractions include Jungle Island, Monkey Jungle, Key Biscayne, Fairchild Botanical Garden, Coral Castle, and Charles Deering Estate.
Hiring Miami Movers
Hiring the right moving company can be very overwhelming. They all seem to have excellent reviews and similar pricing, so how do you decide which company to hire when you are moving to Miami, Florida. You look for an established company with a proven reputation.
Folks around the country already joke about Miami drivers. You don’t want a new company trying to navigate these chaotic roads with all of your belongings in their truck. Besides, you need a company familiar with the parking challenges, landlord requirements, etc. FlatRate Moving is the company more people turn to in the Miami area for a positive and smooth moving experience.