Moving to Miami? Here’s What You’ll Love, Hate, and Wish You Knew Sooner

Miami is like no place you’ve ever lived, and that’s why so many people are flocking here. But before you pack up your life and head south, there are a few things you need to know. You’ll love some things (hello, year-round sunshine!), hate a few others (seriously, why is the traffic SO bad?), and there are definitely a few surprises along the way. Let’s dive in.

What You’ll Love

The lifestyle.
Think: outdoor living all year long. Morning paddleboards, sunset dog walks, al fresco dinners in February. If you love fresh air and sunshine, this city is your playground.

The food.
Miami is a flavor explosion. You can have a Cuban cortadito for breakfast, Peruvian ceviche for lunch, and a wood-fired pizza for dinner, ALL in Coconut Grove, or opt for the best sushi you never saw coming. You’ll eat well, and often.

The neighborhoods.
From the historic charm of Coral Gables to the funky, leafy vibes of Coconut Grove, each pocket of the city has its own energy. South Miami feels suburban and central, Pinecrest is big on space and schools, and Palmetto Bay offers a little more breathing room with great value. They all have great restaurants, hidden gems, and their own special flavor. Be prepared to explore!

The cultural mash-up.
This is one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., and it shows up in the language, the music, the holidays, and yes, even the driving.


What You Might Not Love (At First)

The humidity.
Let’s just say…you’ll sweat. A lot. Like through your clothes, most days. Invest in a great blow dryer and keep a spare shirt in your car. Unfortunately most Halloweens my kids rip their costumes off because even at the end of October, it’s crazy humid. But trust me, the heat in the summer is worth the joy you’ll experience in the winter!

The traffic.
It’s not always bad, but when it’s bad, it’s soul-crushing. The key is knowing the side streets, timing your errands, and avoiding US1 at all costs from 4-7PM.

The insurance surprises.
Flood zones, windstorm policies, hurricane deductibles…it’s a whole thing. What most people spend on insurance in a year, we spend in a month! But don’t stress: I walk all my clients through it so you know what’s necessary and what’s just noise. And we don’t have to pay state income taxes, so it kind of sort of balances out.

The pricing.
You’re not imagining it…Miami real estate is PRICEY. But value still exists in every price range, if you know where to look. We dream of the days where we could buy homes for $300 per square foot, but those days are long gone.


What People Wish They Knew Before Moving

Every neighborhood is its own world.
Coconut Grove doesn’t feel anything like Pinecrest. Coral Gables has zoning rules that rival small countries. South Miami is walkable and charming, while Palmetto Bay is peaceful and spread out. You need a guide who gets the nuance. They are all so different!

School zones matter, even if you don’t have kids.
They impact home values, demand, and future resale. A great house in a sought-after school district is always a smart investment.

Property Tax Estimator.

I probably shouldn’t say this, but the property tax estimator on the Miami-Dade County website is not a reliable tool. It’s never right as it’s always going to over-estimate the taxes. It probably does so because there is no way to know what taxes you are actually going to pay, until after you’ve closed on the property. Maybe it would rather overestimate than underestimate. But if you are relying on the estimate for planning purposes, don’t! Ask a knowledgeable realtor to help instead, or call me. I’ll help.

Inspection surprises.

Every city is a little different when it comes to inspections and home issues, and Miami is no different. Knowing what’s common ahead of time can help you stay calm, set realistic expectations, and move forward with eyes wide open. Like mold, termites, and a/c problems… read my previous blog about this one: The Most Common Things That Show Up on Miami Home Inspections (And What to Do About Them)

The market moves fast.
Good homes in great areas don’t sit. Having your ducks in a row before you start touring makes all the difference.


The earlier you connect with a local expert, the better.
Seriously. I’ve helped clients avoid big mistakes and find their perfect spot just by talking it through early in the process. Even if you're six months out, it’s never too soon.


Want to Talk It Through?

Moving to Miami is exciting. and a little overwhelming. I was born and raised here, so I know a thing or two about this beautiful city, and I’d love to help make your move easier. I specialize in helping families relocate to areas like Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, South Miami, Pinecrest, and Palmetto Bay, and I’ll help you figure out which neighborhood, home, and lifestyle make the most sense for you.

👉 [Click here to schedule an exploratory call]

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The Most Common Things That Show Up on Miami Home Inspections (And What to Do About Them)