Some things to consider before moving to Miami
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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
Sergio | The Hammocks, FL