If you’re thinking of moving to Miami Beach, but not sure if it’s the best place in Miami to live, here are some tips and insights for you from a native. I’ve lived all over Miami and settled in Miami Beach, so I have some practical knowledge about what it’s like to live here you may not find elsewhere.

I’ve explored this topic on my YouTube Channel and have embedded some clips below. Take a tour of my neighborhood in South Beach and check out my tips about moving and liviing in Miami Beach. After living there for over 7 years, these are my pearls of wisdom.

Pros and Cons of Living in Miami Beach

In the video above, I break down the pros and cons of living in Miami Beach. This list is based on the differences between living in the beach as opposed to mainland Miami.

Pros

  1. Centralized City
  2. Diversity
  3. Entertainment
  4. Affordability

Cons

  1. Traffic
  2. Transience
  3. Spring Breakers/AirBnbs
  4. Flooding

One of the main reasons people move to Miami Beach (aside from the actual beach) is the fact that you can walk everywhere. There are several grocery stores, retail shops, cafes, restaurants and doctors. So, you rarely have to leave. But when you do, prepare for traffic coming in and out.

It’s a diverse city, but it’s also transient. There’s a lot to do, which sometimes attracts noisy college kids. However, there is lots of affordable places to live here as compared to mainland Miami. Just be careful not to move onto a street that have flooding issues.

Difference Between Living in Miami Beach vs Miami


In this video, I illustrate some of the differences between living in Miami vs Miami Beach. It includes tips about traffic patterns (when you live in the beach, you usually go against traffic into Miami), practical information and my own insights on how it differs from living on the mainland.

What Miami Beach Looks Like in the Afternoon


Most of the videos of Miami Beach you might find will either be shot on the sand or at night on Ocean Drive. In the live stream above, I take a walk from Maurice Gibb Memorial Park in the Sunset Harbour area down to West Avenue in the middle of the afternoon. This is the more residential area of the city, closer to Publix and Fresh Market. (It was hot as hell, as you can see.)

two round white metal tables with chairs beside wall

5 Tips for Someone Thinking of Moving to Miami Beach

I haven’t made a video for these yet, but I have a few tips for anyone considering moving to Miami Beach:

  1. South Beach is the City Center

    If you want to walk everywhere and be close to the city center, check out South Beach. North Beach is more residential and oriented toward the sand; South Beach is more about entertainment, hotels, restaurants, etc.

  2. West Avenue is More Quiet than Collins Avenue

    Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive are closer to the sand, but also full of tourists. If you want to be close to Whole Foods, move closer to West Avenue.

  3. Look for Rentals on the Street, not on Apps

    This can be a challenge if you live far away, but the best deals on South Beach Rentals can be found by calling the numbers on for rent signs as opposed to browsing apartments on apps.

  4. Parking and Public Transportation are a Challenge

    Many apartment listings say there is street parking available, but make sure to check out the street parking permits with the city before renting a place. If you depend on public transportation, you may want to live and work in the beach if possible.

  5. Pet-Friendly City

    Miami Beach is very dog friendly. You might even see someone riding a bike with a lemur on his shoulder. However, if you’re apartment hunting, be sure to ask if pets are allowed and if there is a pet fee you need to calculate into your moving costs.

South Beach Apartment Tour

Check out the South Beach apartment I lived in for 7 years. Enjoy a photo tour of affordable decor choices and changing decorating fads of the 2010s. It was a small space, so I had to get creative to achieve the Miami Beach bungalow look I was going for.


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