Living a Beach Lifestyle in Miami, Florida

Miami is the largest city in southeast Florida. Its famous beaches and vibrant scene  make it a popular tourist destination. Miami has beautiful beaches and bays, plus many interesting neighborhoods including the art-deco area of South Beach.  Although the city has many beaches, including those on barrier islands, South Beach is the place for beaches. Miami has a very large Cuban-American contingent. The overall population is over 413,000.

Where to Retire in Miami and Home Prices

There are many, many active adult communities in the area. In addition, many areas like Coral Gables offer very pleasant mixed generation housing options. The median home price in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale/West Palm Beach area was $550,000 in the last quarter of 2022, according to the National Association of Realtors. Part of the reason for the strength of the market is interest among foreign buyers looking for a safe place to invest.

What Is Special about Miami

Miami is one of the leading cities of the world, celebrated in the movies, books, and TV. It has the art deco neighborhoods of South Beach, the fancy downtown along the beach, Biscayne Bay, and many lovely old neighborhoods like Coral Gables. Not to mention the warmest winter climate of any major U.S. city. It is an international city with a large Cuban-American and South American population. Miami is considered a very walkable community.

What Is Not Special about Miami

There is a lot of crime and the negatives of an urban center. Plus it is hot and humid in the summer. Weather.com ranks Miami highly for "most overdue" to be hit by a hurricane.

Climate and Physical Environment

Miami is the southernmost big city on Florida's Atlantic Coast. So it is very warm in winter - the average Jan low is 63 and the July high is 87. June is the wettest month.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Miami has every conceivable kind of cultural outlet - from ballet to professional sports teams to the University of Miami and other colleges. Art Basel is one of the most important annual art exhibitions in the world. Road Scholars offers trips to Miami to explore its amazing culture. There are restaurants for every taste and palate, although many people are eager to sample the authentic Cuban-American cuisine that is popular in many neighborhoods. Our personal favorite is Versailles. Yes, it does look a little bit like a French palace in its decor, and there will be long lines. But the wait is generally not too bad and the food is great.

Crime

Crime in Miami is over double the national average.

Medical Facilities

There is a huge number of hospitals in Miami and many, many medical prationers in every medical speciality.

Transportation

Miami International is one of America's busiest airports with non-stop service to the capitals of the world. Fort Lauderdale Airport is also nearby. Mass transit in Miami is blessed with both commuter rail (Tri-Rail) and heavy rail (The Metro). Virgin Trains USA operates the Brightline train with service to Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach - Orlando will be connected in the near future. The MiamiCentral station connects to Metro Rail and the Tri Rail. Miami is a busy seaport and the popular base of many cruise ships.

Valuable Links

City-Data page for Miami.
Wikipedia for Miami

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