Moving to the Capital of Latin America
The vibrant and energetic city of Miami is one of the most popular destinations for snowbirds and all who prefer a warm climate and laid-back lifestyle. As someone moving from Chicago, you will be able to enjoy not only the year-round tropical weather and relaxed lifestyle but also delicious food and breathtaking beaches. If you speak Spanish, you are in luck as the first language of over two-thirds of the population is Spanish. The majority of Miami inhabitants speak both Spanish and English, while overall, there are more than 80 different languages spoken. This major port city is the seventh most populous in the US, with over 2.7 million people living in Miami-Dade County. It also has the third tallest skyline in the United States.
Climate
As a soon-to-be Miami resident, get ready to put up with heat, humidity, and flooding. In contrast to Chicago’s cold and snowy winters, Miami has a tropical monsoon climate with short winters that are mostly dry and warm. Its summers are hot and humid, while the hurricane season runs from the beginning of June until the end of November.
Housing and living costs
Even though Miami’s neighborhoods do not differ from one another, as dramatically as those of Chicago, they all are unique. The perfect mix of palm trees, clear skies, and Art Deco architecture makes Miami one of the best places to start a new life. With 25 neighborhoods and 40 “sub-neighborhoods”, it might be quite overwhelming to pick the right place. So, take time and do your research.
Miami is the 8th most expensive city in the US when it gets to rent. Therefore, expect housing prices to be much higher compared to Chicago. The living costs in Miami are 15% more expensive than in Chicago, while the median home cost is 44% more expensive.
Economy and employment
For the last two decades, the Port of Miami has been widely known as the “Cruise Capital of the World.” It is the busiest port in the US for both passenger and cruise lines. The city is also a major commerce, finance, and international trade hub and an important center of culture, arts, media, and the entertainment industry.
The Metropolitan Miami ranks second in the US for tourism. And Downtown Miami is home to some of the largest national and international companies, and it also has the largest concentration of international banks in the States. If you are going to look for a job in Miami, consider applying in any of these companies: Telemundo, Univision, American Airlines, Cisco, Disney, Exxon, FedEx, LEO Pharma Americas, Microsoft, Yahoo, Oracle, and Sony. There are plenty of government job opportunities at miamidade.gov as well.
Things to see and do in Miami
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami Seaquarium, Bayside Marketplace, Jungle Island, Collins Avenue, Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, Dolphin Mall, Virginia Key, and the Freedom Tower are among our top recommendations.
Miami also has over 800 parks including national parks such as the Everglades National Park and the Biscayne National Park where you can spend time with your favorite people or just go for a run to clear your head.
Moving to Miami with your car
As a new resident in the city of Miami, you will have to register your vehicle with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). Please, keep in mind that before registering your vehicle, you will have to get a Florida driver’s license, purchase a Florida auto insurance, and complete a VIN inspection and odometer reading. Visit the official website of Florida DHSMV for more info.