Miami may be one of the smallest major cities in the US (by land area) — however, it's also one of the fastest-growing cities in the country (when it comes to population). If you plan to move to Miami, you will be met by gorgeous beaches, friendly locals, and all-year-round summer. However, there is so much more to this city than sand and sunshine. Here are a few tips for adjusting to your new life in Miami.
People and language in Miami
Miami is the second most populated city in the state of Florida — after Jacksonville. Home to over 435,900 people, Miami is still growing. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the city saw a large influx of new residents from the Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest as the lockdown regulations in the city were lifted much earlier than in the neighbouring areas.
This is why you may expect central city areas to be densely populated and often crowded.
The largest ethnic group in Miami is Hispanic (making up over 71.3% of the population). And while English remains the official language in the city, Spanish is spoken by over 70% of the population. Depending on your command of English and/or Spanish, you may want to take some language classes before moving to the city — this would be of great help when navigating your new environment. Additionally, you may also enrol in language courses while in Miami.
Culture and lifestyle in Miami
Miami has a remarkably diverse culture that comes through in every little detail, from architecture to food and beyond.
If you are a fan of dining out, you will find all the cuisines of the world well-represented in Miami. A simple walk by the row of the city's beach cafes will give you a taste of some of the best dishes from around the world.
Living in Miami is a great way to experience other cultures. Here, you can meet people from all over the world and completely immerse yourself in a different way of life in the city's ethnic neighbourhoods like Little Havana or Little Haiti.
The city's architecture, food, people, languages, and more all reflect its multicultural character.
Miami has a stunning Art Deco district with over 800 historic buildings.
Health and Fitness in Miami
One of the things that may strike you about Miami is how conscious many of the city's residents are about their health. You will find various gyms, yoga studios, and wellness eateries in almost every Miami neighbourhood. You will see people jogging in the morning, exercising in parks, and will have plenty of motivation to keep to a healthy routine.
Exciting nightlife in Miami
Beach-adjacent neighbourhoods in Miami are great destinations for party-goers. A multitude of bars and clubs open their doors after sunset and offer lots of options to unwind after a busy day. This also makes Miami a great place to meet people, and everyone tends to be more relaxed and laid back than in other big US cities.
Weather and beaches in Miami
Last but not least, Miami is a tourist destination for a reason. The city has a pleasantly warm climate (even though some might find the summers to be too humid), beautiful beaches, and a generally laid-back atmosphere that makes it a very desirable place to live.
Adjusting to life in Miami probably won't be a big challenge for most people – and this relaxed, easy-going quality is why so many people love it. This sunny city is very friendly towards newcomers, and hopefully, it won't take long to feel right at home. Of course, feeling homesick in your first few months in a new place is perfectly normal. A good way to counter homesickness is to get more involved in Miami life or consider joining an expat club or community in your area. These types of groups often organize meetups and tours and may help you get adjusted to a new place.
For more information about life in Miami, check out our detailed Miami guide.
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