You have been thinking for a long time that you want to move to the South. We all have thought about it. Finally, after all the wondering, you set your eyes on Miami. In fact, it is no wonder why you picked Miami, it is the best place to live whether you are single or want to settle down. Located in the Southwest Florida, Miami is the most populated city in the metro area. It is an international trade and financial center, and it offers great air quality and wide open green spaces, along with the white sandy beaches. In this guide we will go though what to know before moving to Miami to how to cut moving costs when moving there.
Find a Job and House in Miami
Finding a job and a house should be your priority before moving to Miami. Miami’s job market is weaker comparing to the rest of the US. Job postings in Miami have declined by 32% over the last one year, but don’t be discouraged. If you are determined to move to Miami, you will find a job. It may be harder in the beginning to find the one you want, but you will get there. There are open positions in the higher education institutions, health care and the entertainment industry.
Finding a house in Miami should be easier. There are plenty of houses and apartments for rent. You just need to pick your neighborhood and research. Prices will vary greatly depending on the neighborhood’s proximity of the seashore and downtown Miami. For more upscale neighborhoods you can expect listing price of over a million, while for the middle class places you can find homes for around $100,000 an up. Renting is the prime choice for students and small families alike. The price will again vary based on the location and the year of the building permit. You can find very affordable options around the city of Miami. Expect to pay around $1300-$1700 for a nice two bedrooms two baths apartments and houses.
Moving Guide Miami – Economy, Real Estate Market and Taxes
Even if job postings in Miami are declining, there are many major corporations headquartered there.
The most important things to know before moving to Miami concerns economy, real estate and taxes. Miami is an important financial and trade center in the US. It has a status of a global city and this classification is based on certain criteria, which the city has met. It is ranked 20th in the world according to the Globalizations and World Cities Research Network, and 11th in the US. Some of the ranking factors include economical and political state, and cultural and infrastructural characteristics. This world city has many corporations headquartered there such as Arrow Air, Bacardi, Benihana, Carnival Cruise Lines, Perry Ellis International, Telemundo, Univision and more. Because of its proximity to Latin America, it is a home to many multinational companies. Moving to Miami you will see one of the busiest international air and seaports. Miami International airport and Port of Miami are among the country’s most important trade ports. Thus, despite the economic dip there are still plenty of jobs there in some industries.
Since 2001 Miami’s real estate development has boomed. A number of projects for growing and beautifying Miami’s skyline have been undertaken and are still going on. Now Miami’s skyline is the third most impressive in the US after New York and Chicago. All these years the city has been growing, yet the collapse in market value was quite tangible in Miami when the bubble burst. Therefore, now you can find affordable housing in very desirable areas. Florida has one of the biggest foreclosure rates in the country, which can be convenient for investors looking at Miami. So, if you are planning on moving to Miami and have some cash saved now is the time to invest in a home there.
Among the many advantages of living in Miami is not paying high local and state taxes. Living in Miami, locals pay 7% sales tax, where 6% is state tax and 1% is county tax. Most services are generally not taxed and the state of Florida has no local and income tax. To many living on the east and west coast, as well as the Midwest this may sound bananas because not paying income tax is term unknown in the northern half of the US, and yet it is fact in the South.
Moving to Miami Guide – In and Around the City
Let’s continue with some interesting things to know before moving to Miami. This city has one of the largest airports in the world, Miami International Airport (MIA). There is also Opa-Locka Executive Airport which is more popular for business jet travelers and general aviation. You can also get an air taxi provided by variety of air charter companies and fly in a private aircraft or jet plane. Close by is also Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL), located 30-40 min north of Miami. This airport is smaller with less traffic, which makes it a bit easier when it comes to international traveling. FLL is also a cheaper alternative since lower cost airlines such as Southwest airlines and JetBlue prefer it then MIA.
Miami international airport is one of the largest airports in the world. This is real advantage for business and job possibilities.
Fort Lauderdale Instead of Miami?
Since we mentioned FLL, we should say a few good things about Fort Lauderdale. It is approximately 20 miles from Miami with around 1 million people and also a popular tourist destination. The city is known for its extensive network of canals within the city limits and of course beautiful beaches (more than 7 miles) and hip nightlife. Thus, you should definitely visit Fort Lauderdale before deciding on moving to Miami. Just like Miami, Fort Lauderdale offers amazing opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The city is smaller, but can entirely fulfill your expectation about living in the South as it can offer everything Miami can.
Attractions & Things To Do in Miami
Back to Miami now! This world city has a lot to offer when it comes to attractions and recreation. There are hundreds of things to see, do and experience. The nightlife there is stylish and you should definitely hit the boutiques if you want to get in some clubs. Dress to impress is the password for 99 percent of the places. There are plenty of museums and parks to see when you move to Miami, as well as beaches and restaurants of course. When it comes to events in Miami, there are very few in July and August because of the high temperatures, but the rest of the year is a never-ending runaway. Two of the coolest events are the Ultra Music Festival in downtown and Miami Fashion Week. So, get ready for exploring Miami for at least a few months until you say to yourself, now I know my city.
Moving To Miami – The Backbreaking Job – Find Miami Movers
Now it is time to turn to the grinding job of the actual move to Miami, Florida. A few major things you have to do to prepare for your moving to Miami. Since this is a global city, imagine that there will be a hundreds of moving companies competing for your moving job. You have to choose wisely in order to not get scammed. Your priority will definitely be to save on moving cost, but never hire a moving company solely based on the low moving price. Many rouge movers low-ball the moving quote just to get you to commit and at the end the price doubles. Start planning your moving by making a moving checklist where you should mark down all items intended for moving. Go through all your rooms and see what you actually need and what you may donate or sell. Then, you can call a few Miami movers and get a few quotes. Compare the moving price and services considering the type of your move and the distance you will travel.
If you are looking for Miami moving companies, read moving reviews and compare moving companies' rates to make sure you end up with a reputable one.
Research the Miami moving companies you have picked and check their customer satisfaction rate. You should always ask for testimonials and customer references. All legit moving companies will supply you with at least three current references and you should definitely contact them. Ask the companies for any additional fees and charges such as packing materials and travel fee. Remember at packing to keep all your valuables with you and to save on a moving cost pack as much as you can yourself. Read our informative article about top packing tips to get more great tips when packing and ease the process. You may also want to think about additional moving insurance in case something happens to your goods while in transition. Make sure you ask all your moving questions and stay in touch with your movers, especially if you are moving cross-country.
We can help you find Miami movers and get mover estimates – just fill the free moving estimate form to receive complete moving price quotes customized to your moving needs.
Planning your move to Miami in advance is easy with our what to know before moving to Miami tips. Please feel free to ask about or add other things to know before moving to Miami!
