HOW TO MOVE TO MIAMI?

Moving to Miami: While for some, this idea may seem far-fetched or will forever remain an unattainable dream, for others, it's entirely possible. In this article, Investir US examines all the facets of moving to Florida, and more specifically, Miami.

Miami: A quick tour of the property

If Miami had to be summed up in a few words, residents would say that this city is anything but... boring. A somewhat simplistic summary that, in any case, perfectly captures the reasons why Miami is such a popular tourist destination. Of course, moving to Miami requires some careful consideration, which depends on several factors.

The city of Miami is home to some 430,000 residents. Beyond its boundaries, Miami-Dade County is home to 2.8 million people. This geographic area encompasses dozens of independent municipalities. It's worth noting that the population there is primarily foreign-born, 60% to be exact, the majority of whom are Hispanic.

In many ways, Miami is no different from other cities like New York and Chicago. Both colorful and confusing, the culture of Miami, Florida, is nonetheless very unique. Unlike most popular cities in the United States, newcomers to Miami settle there to enjoy the nightlife and beautiful beaches—a priority motivation over career advancement for many!

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Miami and the vagaries of the weather

Weather-wise, Miami has its pros and cons. Longtime residents are familiar with these, as are the risks that arise each year. For example, Miami residents should be wary of hurricanes and tropical storms, which occur from June to November. Hurricane preparedness involves stocking up on essential supplies, mastering evacuation plans, and being prepared for any disaster scenario.

In summer, the heat and humidity can be oppressive, making air conditioning essential. Aside from these uncertainties, the weather in Miami is generally superb from November to April.

The cost of living in Miami

While the cost of living may seem high for anyone considering moving to Miami, it's worth noting that taxes remain low. Living in Miami is certainly expensive, mainly due to the cost of housing. This can be offset by the low taxes, which allow some to save thousands of dollars each year.

Miami's sales tax is 7%, which is slightly lower than in other parts of the country. Property taxes vary by municipality. Generally, you can get a discount on property taxes if you pay your bills early.

Moving to Miami: Finding Accommodation

Downtown Miami is brimming with condos and rental properties of all kinds. Finding a home in Miami is one of the most important decisions when moving abroad. Rent or buy? The question is worth asking early on. According to the Miami Herald, the decision depends primarily on where a person wants to live in Miami County. Renters are flocking to the downtown area, and potential buyers are heading to neighborhoods like Homestead or Miami Shores.

Regardless of your situation, whether you're renting or buying, be aware that housing in Miami can be difficult to access. Even low-cost rentals remain out of reach for many families. The median price of a single-family home in Miami is $355,000. Lower-priced properties, on the other hand, are hard to find and sell very quickly.

Ideally, to find accommodation in Miami, call on a real estate professional, whether you want to buy or rent a property.

Our tips for finding accommodation in Miami:

Take the time to explore the market to spot good deals: at times, we see an influx of unsold apartments that are worth looking at;

Inquire about renting in a newer complex where the owner is expected to maintain competitive rental rates compared to other real estate complexes in the area. It's important to note that the decline in rental rates is largely due to massive construction in the area and an oversupply;

If you're planning to buy a home in Miami, do your research early on in the buying process, especially about the risks associated with the property: for example, if there's a high risk of flooding, homeowners' insurance will be significantly higher.

In the Miami luxury real estate market, if you're considering purchasing a property priced over $1 million, the inventory is relatively high. You'll find more homes for sale in Miami than in other U.S. cities, such as Los Angeles.

Moving to Miami… close to the center

Downtown Miami isn't the only interesting place for anyone looking to move there. It's worth looking into other areas like Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and Palm Beach County. This is particularly interesting for families who don't necessarily want to live in the areas favored by Generation Z. This choice also impacts the number of properties available and the price range.

Among the most popular neighborhoods in Miami:

Miami Beach , a trendy and, as its name suggests, seaside neighborhood. This place is ideal for anyone who wants to move to Miami and enjoy the good weather and the beach.

Coconut Grove , the oldest part of Miami. Located on the waterfront, Coconut Grove also faces the highest sea level in Miami. A former surf town, it is home to many hippies, cultural venues, music, art, and restaurants.

Brickell , considered the Manhattan of Miami. You can live in a skyscraper, have a view of the sea... Brickell is also a business center.

Beyond Miami:

Coral Gables , a historic center particularly popular with movie lovers, yoga lovers and happy hours!

Pinecrest is known for its excellent schools, beautiful villas, and magnificent tropical gardens. It also hosts a farmers' market on weekends.

Doral , a neighborhood that benefits from a prime location, at the crossroads of work and leisure. It is home to a good number of modern real estate properties.

Find a job in Miami

Let's face it: the job market in Miami isn't as competitive as it is in other U.S. cities. While there are jobs to be had in Miami, salaries are generally lower than in other major U.S. cities. In 2016, the median household income in Miami was around $45,900, significantly lower than the national average of $59,039.

However, Miami employment experts are reassuring, stating that finding a job in Miami is far from difficult. To do so, you must be reliable and truly willing to put in the time. Simply arriving on time and demonstrating integrity and reliability is reassuring for any employer. This is especially true in Miami. In this American city, it's all about proving your worth.

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Finding a school for children in Miami

Miami-Dade boasts a very large public school system. It's the fourth largest in the country, with nearly 400 schools serving some 340,000 students. Anyone planning to relocate to Miami with young children should take the time to find a good school and settle in a location that meets their goals for their children.

When choosing a good school, it's important to consider that two-thirds of Miami's population speaks Spanish. Therefore, learning Spanish is likely essential to ensure your children's integration, as well as your own. To do this, choose a reputable school with a bilingual education program.

Most schools offer open days where you can meet teachers and learn about the programs. Also, find out about parent-teacher groups and don't hesitate to contact them. Similarly, there are informal groups on social media that can help you connect with other parents.

Moving to Miami: Some Useful Tips

You're one of the foreigners looking to move to Miami. Before you move, here's what you need to know:

When traveling in Miami, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area, bring a cell phone with a GPS unit. Google Maps or Waze will do the trick. These apps inform users about traffic, road obstructions, and unexpected delays.

If you're from France and want to settle in Miami, you have three months to obtain a Florida driver's license. Your French driver's license is only valid for this period of your stay in Florida. You'll need to obtain an international driver's license. Go to the nearest DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) to complete the process.

If you have concerns about crime in Miami, check out the official map to see the risks associated with where you want to live in Miami.

Moving to Miami: To make your process easier and make the right decisions, surround yourself with competent professionals. Investir US is at your side, offering advice and support.

HOW TO MOVE TO MIAMI?