City Guide / Miami

Moving to Miami, Florida: Relocation Guide

By Bri Hand | Aug 26, 2021
Palm trees in Miami

Miami, Florida, is a burgeoning metropolis with lots to offer. Unemployment is declining, development is on the rise, and the city’s rich culture, authentic food scene, and beautiful beaches are as lively as ever. With more people moving to the Magic City every day, you can’t ignore the appeal.

The metro area’s long list of perks might have you wondering, “Should I move to Miami?” There’s plenty to love about South Florida, and for many, the decision to call it home is an easy one. Here at Landing, not only do we have fully furnished apartments in Miami, but we’re also here to help relocations go as smooth and stress-free as possible. 

Whether you’ve already decided or are still weighing your options, here’s what you should know before moving to Miami, Florida:

Crunching the numbers

Before moving to a new city, it’s always a good idea to calculate how much it’ll cost to live there. The cost of living in Miami is a little higher than average. This includes transportation expenses, food, entertainment, and utilities. Since you need to keep your air conditioning on almost every day of the year, you can expect your electric bill to be relatively high, especially during the summer.

As for the housing market, prices are also somewhat high. Apartments in Miami rent for about $1,700 a month on average, roughly $200 higher than the national average. The real estate market isn’t as competitive as other major cities, though sale prices have seen a steep increase of over 15% since last year. Today, the median home sale price in Miami is $375,000.

While some aspects of living in Florida are a bit pricey, residents don’t have to pay state income taxes. Whether you’re self-employed or work for a company in town, this might help balance out your other expenses.

Finding a job in Miami

Unemployment is on a steady decline, and as a major international port, the city has robust trade and manufacturing markets. The area is also undergoing a substantial commercial and residential development boom and has an abundance of construction-related job opportunities. Not only that, but Miami is a hub for the financial industry and is welcoming many new tech firms and startups.

Some of the best organizations to work for in the area include:

  • TracFone Wireless (TFWI)
  • Perry Ellis International
  • Baptist Health South Florida
  • Brightstar
  • World Fuel Services
  • H.I.G. Capital
  • The University of Miami
  • The Hackett Group
  • Florida East Coast Industries
  • Lennar
  • Watsco
  • Miami Dade County Public Schools

Getting around Miami

Traffic in the area can be intense, but luckily, you don’t need to own a car to get around the city. With notable improvements to the metro area’s public transportation systems in recent years, there are many ways to get where you need to be.

You’ve got the Metrorail, a 25-mile rapid transit system with services to most parts of the city and the Miami International Airport (MIA). Then there’s the Metromover train, which serves the downtown area, plus the Metrobus with routes all over Miami-Dade County. Public transportation tickets range from free to a few dollars, but you can also get a monthly or annual pass.

Multiple rideshare companies, including Uber and Lyft, operate in town. Thanks to its mostly flat terrain and year-round sunshine, the city is bike-friendly as well. You can rent regular bikes, electric bikes, and electric scooters if you’re interested in exploring the city in the open air.

Preparing for the weather

Though this city is famous for its sun and year-round beach weather, it can get incredibly hot and muggy in the summer. You’ll want to plan accordingly with loose, breathable clothing, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bottled water whenever you head out the door.

Additionally, the area’s tropical climate is sometimes unpredictable. You might see a torrential downpour and flooding one day and then clear, sunny skies the next. And since it sits near the Gulf of Mexico, occasional hurricanes and thunderstorms with potential power outages are to be expected.

The best neighborhoods in Miami

With so many excellent neighborhoods, it can be hard to decide where to stay when moving to the area. Some of the best communities include Wynwood, Coconut Grove, Downtown Miami, Brickell, Little Havana, Kendall, South Beach, Pinecrest, and Coral Gables.

  • Wynwood: As the city’s art hub, this vibrant area is home to many artists and creatives. It has a number of must-see galleries and museums, plus lots of great bars and restaurants.
  • Coconut Grove​: For those interested in a more laid-back lifestyle, this is the place to be. It’s got an iconic boardwalk, excellent shopping, and truly striking art deco architecture.
  • Downtown​ Miami: With jaw-dropping high-rises, ample outdoor space, popular nightclubs, top-rated boutiques, and great restaurants, the downtown district has a little of everything.
  • Brickell​: As the city’s financial district, this urban neighborhood houses many investment firms and large banks. It’s also known for luxury condos, trendy eateries, and hip bars.
  • Little Havana:​ Located west of downtown, this historic community is full of culture. Not only that, but the Cuban food scene is almost unbeatable.
  • Kendall: This suburb is one of the safest and most affordable places to live in the metro area. With excellent schools and a semi-urban feel, it appeals to families and young professionals.
  • South Beach: The small upscale town of South Beach is known for its gorgeous architecture, high-end restaurants, booming nightlife, and stunning beaches.
  • Pinecrest: Located southwest of downtown Miami, this suburb attracts people who want to live a quieter lifestyle. The family-friendly residential community also has excellent public schools. 
  • Coral Gables: ​This mid-size suburban city has many cafes, restaurants, and parks. It’s one of the pricier neighborhoods in the metro.

Locking down an apartment in Miami, Florida

Landing is dedicated to changing the way people rent homes and travel. That’s why we offer thoughtfully designed, fully furnished apartments in major cities across the U.S. with flexible terms. You don’t need to sign a long-term lease or put down a deposit, and our prices are more budget-friendly than hotels.

When you browse our Miami rentals, you’ll find stylish, modern units equipped with all the amenities you need to settle in. We’re talking Wi-Fi, smart TVs, stainless steel appliances, in-unit laundry, air conditioning, and comfy beds with premium bedding. Not only that, but you’ll have access to 24/hour concierge services!

Moving to the area? Book your Landing today or contact us to learn more about our apartments.

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Bri Hand

Bri Hand is Landing's Content Marketing Manager. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts, with her partner and dog, Arlo, but relishes any opportunity she can to travel so she can try new foods, see gorgeous sights, and daydream about living somewhere new after visiting there for less than 24 hours.