doral - 9/9/2006

how is life in Doral, with respect to everything that is being discussed in this forum?

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Those of you who live in South Florida are Lucky!! - 8/23/2006

I was born and raised in the Miami/Ft.Lauderdale region. I now unfortunately, live in Houston. I can say this, Miami is way better than Houston. I've read all the complaints here and judging by everyone's complaints, everyone will hate Houston. The air is more fresh in South Florida, more beautiful scenery, better clothes, food, fun, etc. Those of you who do not enjoy living in S.Florida should try to make the most of it. You never know where life will take you next. You could be living in a worse place. That's why I am trying to make the most of my situation. In regards to crime, at least you can pin point the high crime areas in S. Florida. Here in Houston, its everywhere. Even if you live in a "nice" area, you are surrounded by crime and bad areas. At least in S.FLA you can live on the Ritzy coast or live in very nice low crime, if any, suburbs like Cooper City, Weston, etc.

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One mean, expensive city! - 8/19/2006

After about 5 months living here, I've concluded that this is one of the most expensive, least friendly and most stressful cities in the USA. The cost of housing and just about everything else--health care, insurance, food, etc.--are about double what it costs anywhere else in the USA and the people are hateful, unhelpful, rude and unpleasant. There is a serious attitude problem here and everyone seems to be on the take or a crook. Try getting anything done or anyone to provide any kind of service. They don't show up most of the time, even after they've made a specific appointment, and they charge double when they do! Finally, the Cubans living here think they own the USA. They are arrogant, unbending and so conservative they refuse to learn English or adapt to any of the USA's customs. As a result, this city is more Latino than Latin America! In all the worst ways!

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SO GLAD I DON'T CALL MIAMI HOME - 8/14/2006

You know John, to call me a Cuban exile thats hilarious! I already told you I'm as white as they come. I am from Wichita KS and I have never even been to Cuba...I just know that from where I'm from Muslims/Arabic nation....not cool. Call me racist all you want. But isn't that the pot calling the kettle black!!! As far as I'm concerned all of you that have commented are VERY racist. But thats fine, I don't have to deal with the hell hole you all live in!

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Don't come to miami, jay!!!! - 8/12/2006

Jay, i am going to help you determine your future, and i am not going to charge you a cent. I am going to give it to you unbiased opinion of miami. I have been living in miami since i was seven years old, so i have a good insight of the culture and tendecy that only locals can see. First of all, the education level in Miami is not good unless your going to a nice middle class neighborhood like perrine. However, your standard of education might be higher and the level even at graded "A" school in miami might be low level education. Education in miami is lacking discipline, structure teaching, critical thinking, and sadly money for the schools. Now, perrine is a nice neighborhood to live, but the cost of the housing is expensive and there is no sight that will stop. You want to start a business close to MIA and sheraton hotel, which is close to miami. I am not sure what to tell you on that. i hope you have good luck on that. I am pretty sure you want your business to expand and you want to hired good quality people for your business. Miami lacks good quality workers and people. First of all, i am an immigrants, which i am proud of my background. Miami has very shallow people, rude, uneducated, not sincere, lacking professionalism, not very respectful, not law abbiding citizens and unwilling to learn english. The kind of workers you are going to hire will be low quality with a high turn over rate. Miami has a high turn over rate any job unless is government. Private sector is not doing enough to keep with the cost of living. You have people working two jobs and barely making it. You have stress worker, unhappy workers and unrealiable workers due to economics. Yes, they have a job, but a job that does not pay very well. Miami is a very beautiful city, but within the city is dying. Miami is like a beautiful and elegant lady, but within she is nothing but pure junk. There are good people in miami, but the culture in miami at times has taken over us because we can't allow others take advantage of us. "survival of the fitiest."

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What about Pinecrest? - 8/9/2006

Wow! I am really disturbed reading all these negative comments. I plan on opening a business in Miami, at the Merchandise Mart, Sheraton hotel(close to MIA) and my research tells me that Palmetto High is the closest "A" school located in Pinecrest, which is just 10 miles from Miami. So the commute wont be too bad, will it? Is life in Pinecrest as described in the forum? Any feedback is really appreciated. Btw, I visit Miami frequently and everyone seems friendly, although I understand that you have to live in a place to really soak it in. I am really confused now, this is more difficult than I thought.

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An outsider's point of view. - 8/6/2006

Well I have been reading everyone's comments and if you all don't mind I have some things to say. First off I just can't believe that all of this racism is going on in the beautiful state of Florida! Its really very sad. I have family in Florida and we also have a summer getaway down there. I am from Kansas...born and raised. I know what you are all saying. But from my point of view...you all are bickering because hispanics have "taken over" your city/state. Thats ridiculous! I'll tell you one thing. I would much rather have HARD WORKING citizens who work VERY hard for the little wages that they get just to provide for their families come to the United States than a race such as the Muslim/Middle Eastern culture. Everyone one of them HATE Americans. You never know when they will do a suicide attack or plan some huge bombing. Have ANY of you EVER seen a hispanic plan such an attack as 9/11??? I didn't think so. All they want to do is work and be free from the conditions that they have. So open your doors and welcome them. Remember they haven't shed any American blood on our own soil! And...By the way, I am a very white blonde hair blue eyed girl from the heartland!

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Some things to consider before moving to Miami - 8/5/2006

Born in Miami, I can safely say I know my hometown pretty well. I have watched it grow into a thriving, bustling, cosmopolitan city. The jobs are plentiful if you are in the travel, logistics/export, healthcare and restaurant-hotel industry. (Don't come here looking for a job if you are a Scientist, Engineer, or General High-tech background, industry here is extremely limited ) also, lawyers here in over supply and many are taking jobs as paralegals..so Miami may not be the best career option.. One more career note.. If you are a teacher or police officer here, the pay is disproportionatly low in comparison to the cost of living..so be aware of this BEFORE making the big move. Comming from a Hispanic background myself, I enjoy the local cuisine, I can converse with ALL the locals ( English and Spanish ) and enjoy the natural wonders of the everglades and surrounding swamps. It is important to note however that there are some things that are getting out of control. For instance, the cost of Windstorm insurance..( Yes HURRICANE insurance for your house ) + homeowner's insurance. In recent years, the prices of SKYROCKETED! In fact, most private insurance companies, no longer operate in South florida. Many folks can ONLY get a State backed insurance called: Citizen's insurance. Just to give you an idea, a 4 bedroom, 2 bath home, 20 miles inland from the ocean, can have an Insurance premium of...are you ready...??? $5,500!!! ( that's actually pretty good ). Yes...20 miles from the ocean! In recent years, hurricane ( 12 hurricanes have hit florida in 3 years ) have become almost a Florida past time. They tear apart roofs..knock down trees, fences, and anything you leave outside.. Like what you hear so far?? Then, there is housing. I live in a home that is 30 miles from Miami ( Yes, the suburbs ). I am NOWHERE near the action and I can EASILY get...420...430,000 for my house. I have ZERO land and am living in the "boonies". Remember, high property prices means HIGH taxes. Property Tax for a $400,000 home... $8300.00 a year. So if you hear negative comments about Miami from others..It might just be the simple fact that..we cannot afford to live hear anymore, salaries remain disproportinatly low and everyone is just frustrated. On a positive note..It never snows, there are TWO seasons..wet and dry, and there is an exceptional variety of food to eat. never a dull day... But if you move to Miami and are not basking in the sun..or going out to eat..or enj

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vacation destination - 8/5/2006

Living in the midwest, Miami is one of our vacation destinations during the cold months up north. Every city changes and miami is no exception. Rude drivers and traffic jams have increased dramatically and so has real estate prices ( have friends who live there ). Not quite sure how people can afford to live there since the economy is driven mostly by low paying tourism and service jobs. Residents are not as friendly as they used to be but I can definitely say the same about the Midwest. Beaches and water activities are still a good reason to visit Florida and the latin cuisine is a welcome change to the sandwich routine.

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DO NOT MOVE TO MIAMI - 8/3/2006

Miami... where do I even begin? I'll list a conclusion, and then a personal experience. I guess it is important to note that I am a white woman from the northeast. • It's racist. Cubans don't like whites. Whites don't like Haitians. No one likes tourists. The "N-word" is used frequently. I find it very ironic that hip-hop artists always rap about Miami, considering that I've heard so many anti-black statements. In addition, I've heard employers talk about not hiring blacks! Personally, I've had Cuban people not serve me because I was white. • Its classist. People look down on you if they think you don't have any money. People constantly thought it was white trash because I drove a midpriced car. Ironically, I come from money. If you were wearing the wrong shoes (i.e., cheap shoes) in department stores or in boutiques, you will not get good service, if any service at all. • It's corrupt. Believe me when I tell you that you cannot trust anyone. The mail gets rifled through. We lost one of our rent checks when someone stole it in the mail. The phone company (not BGE, another alternative company) does not have customer service available. I would have to call every day in wait for three hours just to get someone on the phone. Even your job will rip you off. There are millions scams in Miami. • It's crime-ridden. My car has been broken into numerous times, once to steal only pennies. And a factory radio. • People are cruel. I saw a man having a heart attack on the side of the road. No one stopped to help him except for myself and a tourist from New York City! When we went up to the hotel where he was staying and asked if they would call an ambulance for him, they said that they would not. The rudely gestured over to a pay phone for us to use. • Substance use is rampant. One would expect this of any large city, but Miami takes the cake. Housewives are on “fat burners." Club-goers are on every drug under the sun, and many many people are in recovery. Also of note, eating disorders are very common. • It's very hard to find a job. I had a four year degree from a very good university in the Northeast, and this meant nothing in terms of the job. Jobs are gotten through who you know, not what you can do. Every job I've ever gotten in Miami I've gone through a connection (I knew a few people there before I moved), not through ads, or posting my résumé. Also, it is difficult if you don't speak Spanish. I'm sure this contribu

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A little about Weston... - 8/1/2006

Weston is a nice community with medium price to high end homes. It is a very well thought out and planned community. Dan Marino (former Miami Dolphins quarterback) lives there. Well, actually, he is selling his little abode, "Casa Marino", for about $16 million, if you're interested. I understand the schools around there are pretty good. Schools in Miami-Dade get a bad wrap. Elementary schools in good neighborhoods are quite good. I live in Kendall (SW Miami) and there are lots "A+" rated schools. Schools begin to slip in quality with secondary education, but there are plenty of excellent private schools to choose from. However, Broward county suffers the same problems. Schools in good communities are good. In lower income neighborhoods they are not so good. Driving from Weston to Miami? Well, depending on where in Miami you plan to drive to, expect a 1-2 hours to get where you want to go during peak drive times. If you are headed to the NW section of Miami, then it's about a 1 hour drive or so. If you are heading anywhere near downtown Miami...bring a book and some Prozac--it will easily take you 2 hours to get there. I would not recommend it for a long term career commitment. With all of the rude, inconsiderate, unsafe drivers in Miami, you will eventually probably snap and wind up experiencing some road rage.

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The Real Miami - 7/31/2006

After spending 7 yrs of my life in Miami & the rest of S. Florida, I'm saying good bye. I was born and raised in another G8 country (I am not Hispanic) and can tell you that Miami has not in the last 7 yrs nor will it ever function like a city in a first world country. Never in terms of speed, cleanliness, intellect, attitude, infrastructure, politics, debate, reason, hospitality, economics, socially, economically, etc. Unless you speak Spanish, life here gets harder! Even many Latins from deep South America don't think of Miami as a great place to live and raise a family (they have told me this) Hispanic politics and the associated mentality rule here. In order to understand this attitude and not get frustrated living here, you have to had spent some time down in Latin America proper (like i have). It's hispanic politics and business here being played with US dollars so the stakes are higher and so are the tricks! It's a city where you will meet many diverse people (mostly from the caribbean, central, and south america) The Latins will talk to you and pretend to befriend you but it's all "hot air"; something they are very used to giving when meeting people from non-hispanic cultures because they have simple minds. Once when I attended a business conference in Colorado and mentioned i represent a Miami company, many rolled their eyes. After 7 yrs, i now know why. If you are a businessman coming to do business here, i can tell you to be prepared for a lot of "no tengo dinero" (i have no money) or "its too expensive" and never/slowly get paid for your product/service. If you are a worker, good luck trying to find a lasting, stable job and afford a decent place to live with the paltry salary most here make. I know first hand that the court outcomes are rigged to favour the "cuban mafia" that live here. If you plan to come and buy property here in Miami/S. Florida, i can tell you that your hurricane/hazard insurance bill (which is requred by lenders) will cost you a min of $6K-$10K per year (if you can find an insurer who will sell it to you - most are exiting the insurance business here since its too risky because of the constant hurricane threats) and your property taxes will be 2% of the assesed value of your property (another $8K). Dont forget you'll still have to pay your mortgage payment! Most decent homes/condos here start at $450K now! You will pay $300k for a 30 yr old "chicken shack" otherwise! Miami was once a hidden treasure but those

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If you hate it so much...move to Texas!!!! - 7/31/2006

Yes, Miami is mostly spanish speaking people. Yes, Miami has a lot of cubans here and yes a lot of them do not speak English. These people have lived in one of the most oppresive goverments of our time. Fidel Castro controls every move. Even their grocery shopping list. They jump into anything that will stay afloat in search for a better life for them and their families. They are brave enough to come to an unknown place with less than nothing and start a new life. Why don't you stop complaining and do something to help. You've had it all for all of your life so I don't think you should criticize. Miami is a great place to live. There is no place more diverse and fun than Miami. There are no beaches in the US as great as the ones here. There is no place where you can meet people from everywhere like you can do here. Why cubans don't speak spanish...Cuba is communist...HELLOOOO..they teach russian as a second language. A lot of cuban people know some russian. That is if they were lucky enough to go to school. Traffic...there is traffic everywhere and it has nothing to do with ethnicity...it has to do with the fact that there are 2 people living in a house with 4 cars. Crime....OH GIVE ME A BREAK!! Same as every other major city. You are complaining that Cubans do not speak English. Well at least some of them speak russian. What other languages do you speak???? Do you speak at least some spanish????? By the way I am not cuban I am from Puerto Rico. You hate it here so much...move to Texas where you will get your all English speaking people and be bored to death.

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Commute from Weston - 7/31/2006

My boss lives in Weston, and she loves it there. But, today it took her almost 3 hours to get to work in Coconut Grove. Today was an exception, it usually only takes her 1.5 hours. So, depending on where you are going, your commute from Weston might not be fun. A lot will depend on the weather, traffic accidents, time of day, etc.

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ups and downs - 7/30/2006

i lived in miami my whole life until a couple years ago. is true cubans run the city, they 've practically taken over. the schools are bad and the people are bad drivers. the jobs pay really bad but the cost of living is very low. however, if you are college student education is very affordable. is easy to get around if you don't have a car, there are a lot of things to do and places to go. service can be bad but it depends what part of the city you are in. the weather can tricky with the hurricanes. but miami has lot of diversity and is very rich and culture. i love my city because the way it is has taught me not to dicriminate against other cultures like i've experinced in other parts of this country. miami will make you a better person.

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what about Weston - 7/29/2006

I have heard that Cypress Bay is a good high school. Is Weston a good place to live, it is the only affordable community with a good school according to my research. I am not planning to live in Miami proper as I understand the schools there are not the best. Will commuting from Weston be a problem? Thanks again for all the info.

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Don't even think about moving here, Gringo (Cont.) - 7/25/2006

Most everyone in Miami speaks Spanish, that is partly why most of the Americans have moved away. I know people that have lived here for 30 years and still don't speak one word of English. Why? Beacuse they don't have to and don't want to. The Cubans, in general, feel they have a sense of entitlement here--like America owes them something. As far as I know, Cubans are the only foriegners that don't have to "fight" to stay here. They just touch the sand, and they can call this country home. Don't get me wrong, there are many great Cuban individuals here, but the mindset as a whole group is very arrogant, if not ignorant. As an American, doing business here is a never-ending chore. One gets the constant impression that he or she is being hustled or swindled. Oh, and if you happen to get in a car accident here, which in time you will, always call the police. The offender will always try to get out of it by offering you their cousin Javier who owns a body shop who will fix your car. Traffic is horrible. Crime is high. I don't go anywhere without packing a firearm, but I will say, I have had only few larceny incidents in my 35 years living here. Forget public transportation--It is a joke. Miami should be a model of "what not to do in Public Transportation". In case you think that I have something against Hispanics, let me tell you that is very far from the truth. My first wife and first love (deceased) was Nicaraguan with whom I have had two beautiful half-Hispanic children. My second wife is Mexican and 3 of my 5 best friends in the world are Cuban, Dominican and Colombian. It's not the Hispanis in Miami that I don't like, it is their attitude. By contrast, LA is more than 50% Hispanic, but you go can anywhere and the Mexicans (or whatever Hispanic culture they come from) will speak or at least try to speak English. They strive to give you good service, care about your dollar, are greatful to be in a this country and are willing and able to make a positive contribution. C'mon Miami Latinos---Assimilate! I long for the opportunity to flea back to the US, unfortunately, I am one of the lucky few gringos in this town that has a great job that pays well, so I am hard pressed to leave, or I would already be gone.

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Don't even think about moving here, Gringo! - 7/25/2006

I was born and lived in Miami for the last 35 years, and let me tell you, it is not easy being an American "gringo" in this city. I have traveled to many major cities in America, and Miami is the rudist city in this country. "In this country" is an oxymoron in this case, because Miami is far more indicative of a 3rd world Latin American country than an American city. The drivers in this city are extremely rude. They don't believe in defensive driving here, it is either "offensive" or "competitive" driving. Turn signals are counter productive. Hispanics, primarily Cubans, run the city--and it IS a banana republic here. Every public seat in this city has been indicted for something. The service in Miami, by and large, just plain sucks! Here the attitude is "you are lucky I am allowing you to spend your money in my establishment." If you don't speak Spanish you are often ignored or treated rudely for having the audacity to not learn "their" language after they graced "your" country with their presence. This carries through to even national chain stores like Walgreens, Home Depot or CVS. Rude, rude, rude. They just don't seem to care about your gringo dollar. The last time I checked, my dollar said George Washington, not Jorge Gonzales. Maybe it's the heat and humidity mixed with a lot of machista? The public school system is not bad here. In fact, it is pretty good, but unless you want your 14 year old daughter wearing low-rise pants with her thong sticking out, a belly ring and a tattoo on her lower back, then you probably won't want your daughter hanging out with any of the other students. The women here are for the most part very sexy and beautiful, if not slutty looking, which is great to look at, but not necessarily the kind of gals you want to have meet your mom. Miami is very, very superficial. It's all about how good you look or how much you have (or at least how much you can "look" like you have.) The weather in Miami is great in the winter, but is extremely hot and humid with near daily thunderstorms and intermitten hurricanes in the summer through the fall. The beaches are lovely, and generally well maintained. Don't even think about going to South Beach unless you want to pay $20 or more to park, and then still have to walk 3 blocks to get to the sand. Then you will probably just feel old and out of shape when you get there. Don't bring your little kids there unless you want them to get an eye full of topless, thonged women. But it is quite decade

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Moving to Miami - 7/20/2006

am moving to Miami soon and was disturbed to read so many negative posts, but encouraged again seeing the last two or three positive posts. I will be opening a retail business in Miami and plan on settling down there. I am not spanish but can communicate in that language in a fair manner. I have come across many Latin people and think they are very friendly and loving people in general, therefore I cannot understand some of the negativity in this forum. I would appreciate any more information with respect to high schools and housing

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Make a difference!!!!!!!!!! - 7/12/2006

Well folks... Born in Miami 1960, father was Scottish Irish Decent; Mother was born in El Salvador from Italian parents; I was married to a man born in Havana Cuba, from Spanish (Spain) and Italian parents,who served in the US Military with Honor and Pride. I have a son, born in Miami! Trully all "mutts" - exactly what the US is made of! (Please take no offence, just adding a little humor!) In this country where all our ancestors and even the present have migrated have created a cultured of mixed heritages - we seek peace and freedom. As history tells the stories, the diversity of cultures anywhere in the world can bring animocity as well as unity. In all aspects, we wish for unity and a balance to our 'quality of Life'. Let's use our energy to voice what we can do to make things better for ourselves and future generations in Miami, and elsewhere. Sometimes it takes only one person to make that difference regardless of criticism!! What is frustrating to most (I am sure you will agree), is that our beautiful city has grown in an uncontrolling speed. Look at how far west and south our city has developed. Cost of living, home ownership, transportaion, schools, job oportunities have all become a frustration! If you live in Kendall, I doubt you work in Kendall as there are not enough business oportunities in that area. Therefore your commute to the airport (with only a few roads and 836 to get you there), and into the city or Coral Gables becomes quite long. So a family commutes longer and has less family and personal time. Then we question why so many people call in sick, why there are so many car accidents and frustrated people on the streets? I think it's time to reflect on how we as unified city, regardless of our heritage, can make a difference! Let's face it the past is for the books... it's just History! We need to look ahead and plan for the future! Participate in activities that will ahve an impact.

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