I need a change of scenery in my life right now and am wondering if Miami is a city I should move to. I grew up in the SF Bay Area and have lived in San Diego for the past 6 years. I love it here but I have lived in CA my whole life and want to live somewhere away from the West Coast. After living in SD I realized I love the beach and need to live near the water and I prefer warmer climates so i though Miami might be a cool city to consider moving to. So just wondering if anyone has moved from CA, either Northern or Southern CA, to South Florida and what they thought of it? Also what is the city and area like compared in general and what's it like compared to SD? I have an urban studies and planning degree and am currently a junior transportation planner, so hopefully there are jobs related to those fields available in the area, if anyone knows about that please let me know.
I just basically want to know what Miami is like and if it's a good city to move to?
2007-09-21 09:38:12 · 7 answers · asked by Sav 6 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Miami
Also how much is rent? I split a 2 bedroom about 8 blocks from the beach and pay $700 and most 1 bedrooms in my neighboorhood range between $900-1500. Could I get a studio or one bedroom for about $800-1000?
Are utilities a lot? Our apt is about $60-75 a month year round but we dont have AC. are utilities a lot with AC?
2007-09-21 09:40:48 · update #1
I moved from LA to Ft. Lauderdale (30 mi N of Miami) and was there for 4 years.
Housing costs/rent are comparable to SD or LA, but the a/c will really set you back in the summer. Florida Power and Light (FPL) has high rates, and you can't survive there without a/c. You can't open your windows (even at night) because it is incredibly humid. The heat index makes 84F in FL feel like 100F in CA. Evenings, however, can be balmy and very pleasant.
Remember, hurricane season is from May 31 to Nov. 30. Summer has its merits; no tourists means no lines at the bank, grocery store, etc., and better service in shops and restaurants. Winter (Hah! like there is such a thing) means you'll get to wear a sweater sometimes. It never got below 55F while I was there.
I don't think I could have lived in Miami; I preferred FLL; less crime and prettier, but still close enough to Miami to get to South Beach for the nightlife.
If I had a choice, though, I'd live in SD or SF.
I came back to Ventura County; I prefer the weather.
2007-09-25 10:09:13 · answer #1 · answered by boogeywoogy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rent is about the same...to live near the beach, studios and one bedrooms run from $800-1600. Utilities are very expensive, AC is necessary and be prepared for $100 electric bills. Humidity is high here all year long and 24 hours a day. I've lived in Fl all of my life and I am actually moving out to LA this week. I feel like most people that actually like Florida are from here and lived only here all there lives...I don't know anyone who likes it coming from anywhere else in America. It's a very different culture here and be prepared for dealing with very shallow, fake people who do drugs. Also, finding a job here is impossible and most jobs do not pay well. Most jobs rather hire someone without a bachelor's degree just so they can pay them less than someone actually quallified for the job. Some people choose to live in Ft. Lauderdale because you still get the warm weather and beach lifestyle (and humidity) without the low pay, high cost of living and superficial, third world-like culture.
2007-09-25 06:29:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I moved from SoCal (San Diego County/El Cajon) to Florida and have regretted it ever since.
The humidity is awful! The cost of living might be SLIGHTLY lower but Miami is expensive. If you are really certain you want to make this move. I would suggest visiting Miami for a few days and check it out yourself. You could arrange a few interviews and schedule to look at some places to live.
Good luck on whatever you decide to do.
2007-09-21 11:48:26 · answer #3 · answered by Gadget_Girl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi dude,
My friend just bought a house down in Tampa and she regrets it.
She still has her house in Nor-Cal and probably will not move out of there for many more years.
As I said earlier, my friend moved to Tampa and she hates the extreme community. I know Tampa is in central Florida but you should know that you will be dealing with ridiculously steamy weather.
On the other hand, eventually you could own real estate easier than in SoCal.
Peace
Hunter
2007-09-21 12:36:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends on your age and lifestyle if you like a state with a lot of seniors no drive bys and alot of diversity. Florida is where you need to be learn a little spanish embrace the culture and you will be fine .
2007-09-23 20:37:46 · answer #5 · answered by THE GATEKEEPER 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My good friend moved from LA to Miami. He just moved back to LA.
2007-09-22 11:17:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my boyfriend moved from cali to florida and TOTALLY regrets it. he always talks about going back to cali. stay there! :p
2007-09-21 09:45:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋