A scenic Florida city with a stunning shoreline, excellent attractions, and rich culture, Miami is an ideal place to live for young professionals, families, and retirees alike. Learn about the 15 pros and cons of living in Miami below!
Pros of Living in Miami
Magic City has several perks that make it a great place to live. From a diverse job market to scenic beaches and fun annual events, these are some pros of relocating to Miami.
Pro: Top Job Opportunities
Miami is an excellent place to pursue your dream job, offering a wide variety of careers, large companies, and a higher-than-average employment rate. The city’s key industries include tourism, finance, aviation, healthcare, and life sciences. Get started in a professional, production, or university job at a global food corporation and one of the largest companies in Miami, Cargill. Provide financial services to countless clients in areas like accounting, customer service, or human resources at the Royal Bank of Canada. Pursue work in Miami at Fortune 500 companies like Lennar Corporation, one of America’s biggest homebuilders, or World Kinect Corporation, a transportation energy supplier. Provide world-class medical care as a doctor, nurse, or surgical technologist at Baptist Health South Florida. Work on the ocean with Miami hospitality jobs at Royal Caribbean Group or Carnival Cruise Line. Find employment in construction, engineering, or finance at one of the largest container ports in the U.S. and the Cruise Capital of the World, PortMiami. Or get involved in aviation at the all-cargo air carrier Amerijet International or maintenance-focused Commercial Jet.
Pro: High-Quality Schools
There are several renowned colleges in Miami that are perfect for anyone pursuing a degree! Pursue undergraduate programs in finance, nursing, psychology, marketing, and more at a top-ranked private university, the University of Miami. Choose from over 130 different degree programs, including biology, hospitality management, and criminal justice at a public college in Miami, Florida International University. Develop your skills in areas like social work, nursing, arts and sciences, and more at the private Catholic college, Barry University. Find more than 300 degree pathways involving degrees, career certificates, and apprenticeships at one of the most diverse learning institutions in the nation, Miami Dade College. Train for an in-demand career in the healthcare, trade, and business fields at Florida Career College. Or study for your dream job in commercial arts, transportation, information technology, and more at a Miami technical school like Lindsey Hopkins Technical College.
Pro: Beautiful Beachfront
Ranked as one of the top beach cities in the U.S. with an average of 248 sunny days per year, it goes without saying that Miami is perfect for sunbathing. Take in over nine miles of stunning recreation across Miami Beach’s three major neighborhoods, South Beach, Mid-Beach, and North Beach. Explore must-see pier attractions like the Lincoln Road Shopping District or the Espanola Way artists’ colony while walking down Miami Beach Boardwalk. Cool off at a mini water playground, appreciate panoramic views of Downtown Miami and Fisher Island off South Pointe Pier, or visit seaside restaurants at South Pointe Park. Get your workout in or play games of beach volleyball along historic Ocean Drive at Lummus Park. Splurge on high-end shops, fine dining, and more off the shore at Bal Harbour. Or escape from the crowd to enjoy the peaceful, sandy trails at North Beach Oceanside Park Beach or kite flying, fishing, and skateboarding at nearby Haulover Park.
Pro: Family-Friendly Miami Attractions
Beyond beaches, Miami is a great place for family fun, with a variety of kid-friendly museums, zoos, parks, and more. Roam exhibits like the Castle of Dreams, Construction Zone, or Glass Lab at Miami Children’s Museum. Bring the family to see a stunning three-level aquarium or immerse yourself in an outer space experience in the Frost Planetarium at the Frost Science Museum. Get up close with lemurs, sloths, capybaras, and flamingos, or sign the kids up for adventure camps at Jungle Island. Plan an hour-long roadtrip for family-friendly recreation like snorkeling, canoeing, and fishing, or help your kid become a Junior Ranger at Biscayne National Park. Spark child-like wonder by exploring the Turtle Pond, Koi Pond, Native Garden, and Japanese Garden at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Go swimming with the family through waterfalls and cave-like grottos at the beautiful Venetian Pool in Coral Gables. Or visit any number of parks in Miami for family picnics, hiking trails, playgrounds, and more.
Pro: Year-Round Festivals in Miami
No matter the time of year, there’s always something to celebrate in Miami! Browse works from talented local artists and watch live mural painting while biting into festival fare at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival. Walk through a Contemporary gallery at Miami’s premier winter arts fair, Art Miami, and be sure to visit its sister festival, CONTEXT Art Miami. Head to Haulover Park for colorful kite displays like the 100-foot flying octopus and cuttlefish, or make and fly your own kite at the Skyward Kite Festival. Listen to elite DJs and headliners like Calvin Harris, David Guetta, and Steve Aoki at one of the largest EDM festivals in the world, the Ultra Music Festival. Sample dishes and drinks from culinary experts, renowned Food Network chefs, and sommeliers at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Celebrate Miami’s Latin culture with events like the Golf Classic, Miss Carnaval Miami competition, and the largest Latin music festival in the U.S., Calle Ocho, at Carnaval Miami. Watch independent American and international films from emerging and established filmmakers at the Miami Film Festival. Or participate in fishing seminars, take the helm of a mega claw machine, and explore the SuperYacht Miami marina at the Miami International Boat Show.
Pro: A Variety of LGBTQ+ Resources & Great Pride
Miami is a hot spot for gay-friendly culture, events, and resources, which makes it the perfect place for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community to call home. Discover weekly community events, publications, and attraction recommendations at the LGBT Visitor Center, sponsored by the Greater Miami LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. Seek empowerment and education at young adult organizations like Pridelines and Safe Schools South Florida. Support safe spaces that serve the wellbeing and community of Miami’s LGBTQ+ women at Aqua Foundation for Women. Celebrate queer culture at events like Pride Lights the Night, the Miss Miami Beach Pride Pageant, and the iconic parade at Miami Beach Pride. Experience an eclectic weekend filled with headliner concerts, drag shows, and DJs at Wynwood Pride. Discover culturally-diverse films throughout the year highlighting the LGBTQ+ experience at OUTshine Film Festival. Stop by for weekly events like House Party Tuesdays, Fresh Wednesdays, or Sabroso Thursdays at Miami’s longest-running gay club, Twist. Or check out iconic nightly performances and drag shows in Miami while enjoying craft cocktails on the rooftop of Palace.
Pro: Major Sports Teams
Good news if you’re a big fan of professional sports—Miami is home to several major franchises! Get tickets to watch the Miami Dolphins (NFL) make passes and score game-winning touchdowns at Hard Rock Stadium. Cheer for clutch three-pointers and off-the-backboard bank shots from the Miami Heat (NBA) at the Kaseya Center. Grab popcorn and ballpark dogs while watching pop flies and home runs from the Miami Marlins (MLB) at loanDepot Park. Get rowdy for last-minute goals scored by Inter Miami CF (MLS) from the bleachers of Fort Lauderdale’s DRV PNK Stadium. Or watch the Florida Panthers (NHL) strike pucks across the ice while jockeying for position at Sunrise’s Amerant Bank Arena.
Pro: Amazing Visual & Performing Arts Scene
Home to an array of art fairs and year-round art galleries, Miami and Miami Beach are vibrant hubs for visual and performing art. Explore striking works from over 200 leading galleries and over 4,000 artists at the three-day international art sensation, Art Basel. Interact with an awe-inspiring and immersive mirrored maze with light-based displays at Superblue Miami. Learn about the history of graffiti with exhibits like Scale Up, Off Site, and The Wide World of Graffiti at the Museum of Graffiti. Get up close with Miami street art from over 100 featured artists including AIKO, ASHOP CREW, and Hebru Brantley in the heart of Wynwood at Wynwood Walls. Tour a vast collection of contemporary works and rotating exhibitions like Perpetual Motion and Jason Seife: Coming to Fruition at the Perez Art Museum Miami. See bold choreographed performances from the Miami City Ballet, listen to world-class opera at the Florida Grand Opera, or experience an ensemble concert from the New World Symphony at venues across the city. Or get tickets to family-friendly musicals or dance theater shows at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.
Pro: Great Local Restaurants
Avid foodies can line up for a taste of international cuisine that reflects the city’s diverse identity at some of Miami’s best restaurants. Relax and lounge while biting into Miami brunch dishes like Toro Salmon Tacos, Baby Back Ribs, or a Crazy Buddha Bowl at Crazy About You. Take the family out to enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine like Roasted Chicken Au Jus, Vaca Frita, and Grilled Pork Chops at Versailles Restaurant. Enjoy relaxed Italian dining with Baked Clams, Beef Tartare, and Tagliolini Nero at Boia De. Pull out a chair for some of the best sushi in Miami like the Blue Crab Hand Roll, Bincho Nigiri, and Kanpachi Nigiri at OMAKAI Sushi. Order homemade dishes like Ropa Vieja, Vaca Frita, and Pan con Bistec from a top Latin American restaurant in Miami, El Palacio de los Jugos. Experience 8-course or 11-course tasting menus featuring dishes like Butter Poached Lobster & Shrimp Toast, Scallop Aguachile, and Charred Venison Tenderloin at a Michelin Star-winning restaurant, Stubborn Seed. Or take a seat for casual Miami seafood like Grilled Salmon, Deep Fried Shrimp, and Lemon Pepper Tilapia at Flanigan’s.
Pro: Vibrant Miami Nightlife
Miami Beach is considered one of the top party cities in the U.S., with glamorous bars and nightclubs along eclectic Ocean Drive and plenty more to see and do in Miami proper. Come alive for performances from top artists like Heart Attak, Five Venoms, and 50 Cent while sipping on cocktails at the 24/7 ultraclub, E11EVEN. Grab the mic and take the stage after drinking a Lychee Martini, Mezcal Paloma, or Smooth Criminal cocktail at Miami karaoke bar, Sweet Caroline Karaoke & Cocktails. Socialize amidst laid-back ambiance and vintage decor at a former speakeasy and the oldest bar in Miami, Mac’s Club Deuce. Relax in a backyard oasis while enjoying handcrafted cocktails like Patio Pounder, Tropical Storm, and Cool Runnings at Broken Shaker. Get a beachside feel in Downtown Miami with seafood and tropical drinks like Young Astronaut, Top Hat, and Mexican Opera at Jaguar Sun. Or let off some steam with axe-throwing in Miami and escape rooms like Odin’s Hidden Temple, Dr. Field’s Mad Lab, and Vampires: The Last Night at Axe Habits.
Cons of Living in Miami
While Miami is a fantastic city for recreation, residents can find it difficult to get around and adjust to weather conditions. Here are a few cons of moving to Miami.
Con: High Cost of Living
Due to the city’s prime location and luxury amenities, living in Miami without breaking the bank can be a challenge. The cost of living in Miami is 14% higher than the national average, making it one of the most expensive cities to live in the U.S. Additionally, Miami’s median home value is around 86% higher than the U.S. average, and the median rental price is around 31% higher. However, when compared to other major cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, the cost of living is significantly lower. Plus, living in Magic City means no state income tax or estate tax, which helps offset housing costs. The city is also working hard to create more affordable housing in Miami, with the help of increased county funding and the use of tools like the Miami Affordability Project (MAP) and Housing Affordability Tracker. Not to mention, many residents believe the city’s extensive amenities combine to justify a higher price tag.
Con: Hot, Humid Weather
Adjusting to Miami weather can be tough, especially if you’re used to colder climates. Miami ranks among the hottest cities in the U.S. and can come with uncomfortably high humidity. The average temperature in Miami ranges from 62 degrees to 90 degrees, rarely falling below 50 degrees, even during winter months. Miami also receives around 59 inches of rain per year, which is significantly more than the national average of 38 inches. However, the city receives no snowfall throughout the year, which is perfect for those who prefer a warmer, more tropical climate for lounging on the beach, enjoying water sports, and more. Additionally, the city of Miami offers several tips and resources for combatting heat-related illnesses and dealing with extreme heat.
Con: Tropical Storms
Located on the shores of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Miami often deals with severe tropical weather and has been named the city most vulnerable to hurricanes. Due to Miami’s above-average rainfall and rising sea levels, the city also frequently faces flood risks. Additionally, Magic City residents should be aware of other severe weather phenomena in Miami, including rip currents, thunderstorms, and tornadoes. Nevertheless, taking the proper precautions can help keep you safe, and the city provides several resources to assist. For instance, Miami’s Hurricane Guide provides instruction on the evacuation process as well as stocking up on essential supplies before hurricane season. This guide also comes with a resource for Storm Surge Planning Zones, displaying areas that are most likely to be affected by Miami’s hurricane weather. Similar resources are available for floods and other emergency scenarios.
Con: Busy Miami Traffic
It’s no secret that Miami is a popular tourist spot with well-traveled roads. It consistently ranks as one of the cities with the highest traffic delays and often sees heavy congestion. However, Miami is also considered one of the most walkable large cities in the U.S., and there are excellent options for Miami public transit available for use. Visit some of the best shopping, entertainment, and cultural hot spots around Miami via the Metrobus. Travel throughout Downtown Miami on the Omni Loop, Inner Loop, and Brickell Loop on the elevated metro system, Metromover. Hitch a ride from South Miami through downtown all the way to Northwestern Miami on the Metrorail rapid transit system. Or book flights for domestic or international destinations, including Latin America and the Caribbean, through Miami International Airport.
Con: Noise Concerns
Though Magic City is home to unmatched nightlife and downtown recreation, this can cause concern for those looking for a quieter lifestyle. Of all U.S. cities, Miami is one of the most visited, frequently playing host to lively events and loud celebrations during peak tourism seasons. It also ranks among the noisiest cities in America. If you settle down near Downtown Miami, you can come to expect a more crowded and loud environment. However, some of the best places in the Miami metro for finding a more peaceful atmosphere include Palmetto Bay, Coconut Grove, and Coral Gables. Plus, the City of Miami has enacted strict noise ordinances to reduce excessive sounds from horns, whistles, speakers, and more, helping prevent unsafe levels of noise pollution.
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This post was originally published 10/28/2019, and last revised on 02/14/2024 with updated information.
