Pros and Cons of Living in Miami: What To Expect When Starting a New Chapter in the Magic City

Is Miami a good place to live? We think it’s a no-brainer. Considered one of the most beloved and eventful cities in the nation, Miami is a hot spot for newcomers and Florida natives alike. Whether it’s for the warm weather, lovely beaches, top-notch restaurants, schools, or other attractions, it’s no surprise that the population in the city has been steadily increasing over the past few years. But before you take our word for it and make the big move, it’s important to consider both the pros and cons of living in Miami. After all, you want to make sure Miami is the perfect city for you. 

Fun Facts You Should Know About Miami

• The approximate population in Miami-Dade County is around 2.7 million.
• PortMiami is recognized as the Cruise Capital of the World. 
• The sandy stretches of Miami Beach are man-made, with sand imported from the Caribbean.
• Miami is home to the world’s largest collection of Art Deco architecture.

Fun Facts You Should Know About Miami

Beautiful weather, gorgeous beaches, and a vibrant nightlife scene are some of Magic City’s most beloved qualities, but there’s more than meets the eye. Before moving somewhere new, it’s important to get familiar with both the positive and negative aspects. Take a look at the top pros and cons of living in Miami.  

Miami’s South Beach is particularly popular during the summer.
(Source: Joël de Vriend via Unsplash)

Pro: There’s No Doubt About It: Miami Has Beautiful Beaches 

Miami boasts easy access to South Florida's coastline, meaning you’ll have the Atlantic right in your backyard. Some of the best local beaches include Surfside, South Beach, North Beach, Bill Baggs State Park, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, and Virginia Key Beach Park. 

South Beach is a particularly popular area during the summer. Tourists and local residents flock to enjoy its white sands and throw parties with loud music playing all day long. Want a more secluded beach experience? Head to Bill Baggs State Park to experience its historic lighthouse, long stretches of sandy shoreline, and nature trails.

Con: Tourism Is Often a Nuisance for Local Residents

South Florida has always been a tourist hub. During the winter and fall, in particular, the “snowbirds” start flocking in from the north, and things become more congested. Most of them reside in Miami’s trendy downtown areas and sunny coastal neighborhoods.

Trying to secure reservations at restaurants, attend special events, and even enjoy some time at the beach can be much more challenging during this time. Fortunately, most locals have gotten used to tourists and are much more familiar with tracking down the best spots to visit. The upside? The tourist season is your chance to explore some areas that are less visited, including Hialeah and Allapattah.

Pro: You Won’t Have To Worry About a State Income Tax 

One of the most appealing features about living in Florida is the fact that there’s no state income tax. Those who reside in Miami don't have to pay inheritance or estate taxes, either. And although federal income taxes are still required, relocating to this state could save you money.

Con: Miami Traffic Makes It Crucial To Plan Your Commutes

Miami has been ranked as one of the most congested cities in the world, and it can feel like you're competing with other commuters and tourists for road space. This can certainly be an issue, depending on where you work and which part of the city you live in.

Those who commute to work in Miami have to plan their days around the city's traffic. Most residents avoid rush hour by getting to work early or leaving a little later. During the colder months, traffic is particularly heavy, as the city hosts various events, including the Miami Open and Art Basel Miami Beach.

Everglades National Park is just an hour away from Miami, and a great place to experience the wild side of Florida.

Pro: There Are Plenty of Ways To Enjoy the Outdoors in Miami 

South Florida has plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, including almost 300 parks in Miami-Dade County alone. You can also experience the expansive Everglades and quickly access several of the area's best beaches. Some of the most popular spots include Miami Beach, Coconut Grove, and Key Biscayne. And since you’re on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, you’ll be able to surf, but you can also hang near the shore to work on your tan or go for a swim.

Outside the beach, you can also enjoy a wide range of activities, including tennis, hiking, cycling, and picnicking. If you're looking for a more laid-back vacation, visit St. Augustine, which dates back 450 years, or Palm Beach for a golf getaway.

Con: The Cost of Living in Miami Isn’t Affordable for Everyone 

With a cost of living score of 118.9, according to Best Places, the cost of living in Miami is nearly 20 percent higher than the national average and more than 15 percent higher than the state average. And although the city offers beautiful homes and great amenities, the cost of living simply isn’t manageable for some. 

Is living in Miami worth it? When looking at other popular cities in Florida — including Orlando and Fort Lauderdale — you’ll find other options that don’t come with  the high cost of living in Miami. Orlando, for example, has a cost of living score of 106, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost of living score of 110.5. Other popular cities across the U.S., like Chicago, also have lower costs of living than Miami. 

To put it into perspective, if you’re a single adult living off of $43,700 a year in Miami, you can live the same quality of life in Chicago making a lower annual salary of approximately $42,000.

Pro: The Miami Weather Is Beautiful All Year

Many people flock to the Sunshine State during winter because it’s so much warmer. The weather in Miami in December rarely drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and from September to May, the weather varies between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit in Miami. That means — unless a rare cold snap hits — you won't need to bring out your winter coat to enjoy the various outdoor activities!

Con: The Summer Climate Can Still Cause Discomfort 

Although it’s warm year-round in Florida, the summertime is overwhelming at times. The state’s proximity to the equator already creates high temperatures, but the ocean adds in an extra layer of humidity, meaning Miami can be considerably warmer than other parts of the state. Although the temperature in the city rarely goes over 92 degrees Fahrenheit, the humidity can make those temperatures feel like it’s over 100. Not to mention hurricane season in South Florida begins in June and ends in November, and afternoon storm warnings are a common occurrence.

Many of the clubs in Miami are multi-level nightclubs with top-notch acts and bottle service, including E11EVEN, Club Space (pictured), and Basement.
(Source: Club Space via Facebook)

Pro: Miami’s Nightlife Scene Is Always Exciting…

The club scene in Miami is regarded as one of the best in the world, and you can even find a variety of establishments in the area that serve alcohol 24 hours a day! Many of them are multi-level nightclubs with top-notch acts and bottle service, including E11EVEN, Club Space, and Basement.

If you're looking for a more intimate environment, smaller clubs like The Dirty Rabbit, Treehouse, and Blackbird Ordinary can provide you with a more underground feel.

Miami also hosts Miami Music Week every March. Thousands of people flock to the city for Ultra Music Festival, plus nonstop pool parties and performances by some of the world's top producers and DJs.

Con: … But That Means There’s a Number of Loud Neighborhoods

If you're not a fan of parties and want to go home to a tranquil area, there are better places for you than South Beach. Due to the abundance of establishments in this area, including several hotels and nightclubs, the streets near Collins Avenue, Ocean Drive, and Washington Avenue are often rowdy at night. The noise levels continue to increase, especially during Spring Break and holiday weekends. If you're looking for more laid-back areas, the best places to live in Miami include Aventura and Key Biscayne.

Pro: Foodies Will Be Impressed With the Diverse Dining Options 

South Florida's fantastic food scene is a reflection of its ethnic and cultural diversity that include countries such as Columbia, Cuba, Costa Rica, and Brazil.

Looking for a great place to eat while out and about in Miami? These restaurants are among the best the city has to offer:

• La Carreta: Enjoy some Cuban cuisine at this establishment that has stayed very true to its roots over the years! La Carreta is a favorite among local residents and tourists.
• Blue Collar: Whether you’re in the mood for weekend brunch or weeknight dinner and wine, Blue Collar has something for everyone.
• Coyo Taco: Along with delicious tacos and tortillas, Coyo Taco is the place to be if you enjoy a strong tequila selection.
• Shorty’s BBQ: Best known for their ribs and pork sandwiches, Shorty’s BBQ is one of the most authentic BBQ restaurants you can find in the entire city.

Con: Safety Is Not One of the City’s Strong Suits 

Out of all the pros and cons of living in Miami, crime is one of the biggest downsides. It has been an issue within the city for quite some time. Miami is safer than only 11 percent of other U.S. cities, with about 30 crimes per 1,000 residents taking place. For violent crimes, in particular, you have about a 1 in 258 chance of being a victim. According to NeighborhoodScout, the rate of property crimes in Miami is 26 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the national average for all other communities across the U.S.

The relocation of companies from Silicon Valley has resulted in a boost to Miami’s job market.