With a current population of 486,388 people, Miami may be one of the major cities in the US, but it's evidently one of the least populous among them. And perhaps this is one of the city's strong points—there's more space for visitors and tourists. After all, being in the "Sunshine State" means the place is one of the ultimate summer destinations in the country. You could even say that it's summer all-year-long here as the sun always shines down on the city. The coldest it's ever been in Miami is, on average, 59.6°F, which mostly drops during the wintry month of January.
Nowadays, the US is pretty strict regarding borders and its immigration process. Depending on where you're coming from, you will need to get a US visa in order to gain entry to the country. However, thanks to the ESTA Visa Waiver Program, citizens from 40 countries can get into the US without a visa. They include the EU countries, the UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Chile, and more. But those are just for entry! To legally relocate to the US, you will need a Green Card. And you can only get that if you meet certain conditions like a petition from an American employer or marriage to a US citizen.
Taking a taxi and riding throughout Miami, seeing all the palm trees and whatnot here, is the ultimate way to travel around the city. At least, that's what movies and TV shows have shown throughout the years. And thanks to many transportation apps, you can easily book a ride to get to where you need to be with no problem at all. But don't underestimate public transport in Miami to just rely on taxis. In fact, the city boasts many technologically advanced modes of public transportation. Not the least of which is the Metromover, an overground railway system that looks straight out of a futuristic sci-fi film!
Despite the strong stereotypes associated with Miami, the city itself is incredibly diverse. All neighborhoods here each have their own charms, quirks, and unique offerings, as well as suitability for specific types of people. Aventura, for instance, is all about luxury living. Think elegant country clubs with vast golf courses and high fashion shopping for days. Brickell, on the other hand, keeps up the city lifestyle down to a tee. It's one of those districts that prove why Miami is referred to as the "Manhattan of the South." And for those who just want to live out a relaxing life by the sea, Key Biscayne is the coastal neighborhood for you!
Source: Flickr.com/ Steven Vance
While Miami may be touted as a luxurious city in the South, living costs here aren't exactly through the roof. Yes, some parts are expensive, particularly the neighborhoods with luxury apartments by the dozen. But you'll also find comfortable homes in the more affordable mid-range areas. Ultimately, however, the rent you'll pay here will cost around $1,000.00 to $5,000.00 a month, depending on its area and the number of bedrooms in it. And if you want to buy your own property here, it will cost you about $1,883.68 to $6,910.43 per square meter! Good luck earning that much!
Even though the US job market isn't at its strongest right now, this doesn't mean you'll have an impossible time finding a job here. Yes, it's going to be challenging, but it's doable! After all, the US is the "land of opportunity," isn't it? It's possible you were relocated here to work or know someone who got to live in the country thanks to the employment he/she landed. But how do you go about finding a job here? For one thing, you can rely on your network, especially since the population here isn't as big as in other major US cities. You can also go on sites like LinkedIn and Monster to find the best job that's suited for you.
You need not worry about your kids' education when you move here. Miami has many great schools that will ensure your little ones will get high-quality education no matter their level and skill. Coconut Grove Elementary School and iPrep Academy are just some of these well-respected institutions that your children will benefit from enrolling in. And since Miami is a very diverse city, you can take them to an international school like the Metropolitan International School of Miami as well. It will expose them to kids from different backgrounds, cultures, ways of life, and more.
Yes, American healthcare remains an extremely polarizing political issue in the US. However, as long as you get coverage for yourself or for your family, you'll be fine! Whether you want to rely on Medicare or decide to get private insurance from companies like Allianz Care of Cignal Global, you won't have to drown in debt when you or anyone in your family will need medical treatment. And it helps that Miami is also home to such fine hospitals, a few of which are even recognized internationally. The Cleveland Clinic Weston, the Memorial Regional Hospital, and the famous Mount Sinai Hospital are just some of these valuable institutions.
Don't let the TV crime dramas or violent video games fool you! While Miami isn't the safest city in the world, it's also not the most dangerous by a long shot! The crime rate here is only at a moderate 59.09% as of this writing which, while not as low as many would hope, doesn't necessarily mean it's a cause for alarm. In fact, it's even 64.81% to walk around the city during the day. And at night it drops to 40.41%, which is still generally moderate. There are areas here that you should avoid though, such as Flagami and Opa-Locka. They have high percentages of crimes in the city.
Please! Before anything else, understand the American tax system! You should already be brushed up on this before you settle down in Miami (or in any American city for that matter!). The US takes taxes very seriously, and even if you're a foreign resident here, you're not exempt from getting in trouble with the law if you make even the slightest mistake. A few general things to remember is that your income rate will depend on how much you earn in a year. And any property you own, especially when used for commercial purposes, is subject to tax as well.
You'd do well in opening an American bank account when you move here. It's better if you join an international bank that also operates in Miami. That way, you can also open a similar account with the same bank in your country if the said institution also does business there. Either way, a local account will help you manage your money better here. As helpful as they may seem, don't rely on online money-storing platforms all that much! At the same time, joining a local mobile network will give you enough wifi data to remain online wherever you are in Miami. Even when you're in the more rural parts of the "Sunshine State."
Moving to Miami may seem daunting at first, but in reality, it's not as intimidating as it sounds. This guide will ensure that you'll know everything you need to do and get in order to settle down here properly and lead a new life that's smooth sailing from here on out!
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