Moving to Miami Like a Hot Shot

This article reviews Miami’s best neighborhoods and their vibes, it gives you local tips for moving to Miami and gives you a few personal tips from Miami locals about how to best settle in. Get ready to fall in love and learn Spanish! You will soon be living in La Vida Loca in Miami!

Moving to Miami

I'm In Miami B**ch

It is more than just a song, it is a way of life. Moving to Miami is an exciting adventure with its brilliant culture, simply perfect weather, and diverse neighborhoods and people.

To help you make the most of your move and settle in like a hot shot, here’s iMoving’s Miami local guide to the tips, tricks, and the best areas to consider. Good luck settling in!


Local Tips for Moving to Miami

1. Plan for the Weather (It Hotter Than Your Ex)

    • Humidity and Heat: Miami is known for its hot and humid climate. Girls get that hair treatment pack ahead of time! Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and be prepared for sudden rain showers. Umbrellas are your best friends even if it seems like it's nice out. 
    • Hurricane Season: Be aware of hurricane season (June 1 to November 30 plus minus). Consider disaster insurance and have an emergency plan that all family members know. Have 3 days of emergency supplies on hand at home just in case you are stuck during a storm. Make sure you have water bottles prepared in case the systems aren’t working.
    • Understand the Cost of Living Housing Costs: Miami can be very very expensive, especially in great neighborhoods. Budget accordingly and consider the cost of property taxes and homeowners' fees. Air conditioning will be a major part of your utility bill. Factor in higher costs for cooling and water usage. Factor in higher costs for taxis, groceries, and really all things in life. Especially when there is a famous artist in town or a big event, expect prices to jump even higher. 

2. Get Familiar with Local Transportation

    • Miami’s traffic can be relentless. Plan your commute and consider using public transportation or Uber to avoid the traffic when possible.
    • The Metrorail and Metromover are decent options for getting around. Biking and walking are also perfect in some neighborhoods.

3. Embrace the Localism

    • While English is widely spoken, Spanish is also like a second language thanks to the proximity to Latin America and the continual flights and connections.. Learning some basic Spanish phrases will be helpful to really fit in in Miami.
    • Explore Miami’s diverse culinary scene and vibrant nightlife. Since so many cultures exist in Miami, the food scene is epic. Don’t miss out on the cultural festivals and events. All the dates can be found online. 

4. Health and Safety

    • Familiarize yourself with local doctors you may need and emergency services. Miami has excellent medical facilities, but it’s good to know where they are. They also differ largely in cost from private hospitals to cosmetic services. 
    • Like in any large city, be aware of your surroundings and follow local safety advice. Some neighborhoods are safer than others, so do your research before closing on a new house or apartment in the wrong area of Miami.

5. Find Your Local Community

    • Join local clubs that interest you, organizations, or religious groups to meet new people and get involved in the Miami community.
    • Go to local networking events, mixers, and other gatherings to build a professional and personal network and feel alive in Miami.

Best Areas to Live in Miami (Yes we are biased)

1. South Beach

    • Vibe: Iconic, vibrant, and high-energy is the vibe. Perfect for a young soul who loves to party!
    • Highlights: Famous for its nightlife, luxury condos, and beautiful beaches. It’s a hotspot for those who want to be in the center of the action and don’t mind the noise and prices. Live there for some point of your life. 

2. Wynwood

    • Vibe: Artsy, eclectic, and hip. Hipster’s paradise.
    • Highlights: Known for its street art, art galleries, and creative vibes. It’s a great area for artists and those who enjoy art gatherings.

3. Coconut Grove

    • Vibe: Laid-back, charming, and historic. Good for families. 
    • Highlights: Offers a more relaxed atmosphere with parks and greenery, historic homes, and a strong sense of community. Ideal for families and those looking for a quieter area.

4. Coral Gables

    • Vibe: Family-friendly, and suburban.
    • Highlights: Known for its beautiful Mediterranean-style architecture, the best schools, and green spaces. A great choice for families and professionals seeking a more suburban vibe.

5. Little Havana

    • Vibe: Cultural, vibrant, and diverse. Speak Spanish here or you won’t feel a part.
    • Highlights: Rich in Cuban culture with lively streets, delicious food, and colorful street art. Perfect for those who want to experience Miami’s cultural diversity and dance.

6. Brickell

    • Vibe: Upscale, and modern. Great for a finance bro..
    • Highlights: Miami’s financial district with high-rise apartments, the best restaurants, and great nightlife. 

7. Design District

    • Vibe: Fashionable, upscale, and innovative.
    • Highlights: Home to boutiques, art galleries, and high-end restaurants. Ideal for those interested in design, fashion, and art.

8. Downtown Miami

    • Vibe: Urban, dynamic, and fast-paced. For those who love the city.
    • Highlights: This is the heart of Miami with a mix of business, entertainment, and cultural attractions. Great for those who enjoy a bustling city environment.

iMoving Tricks for a Smooth Move to Miami

  • Utilities: Arrange for electricity, water, and internet to be set up before you move in. Miami’s utility companies include Florida Power & Light and Miami-Dade Water & Sewer. Call ahead and have one less worry on a moving day.
  • Local Spots: Find nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential services to make settling in easier. Ask your neighbors where are the best spots to get fresh vegetables and buy locally!
  • Events: Go to an event you usually wouldn’t attend to take advantage of the new city you moved to!

Miami’ Finest Close Shop

Welcome to Miami! Things get fast-paced here, but once you settle in and learn some Spanish you will fall in love faster than those on summer vacation from college. Enjoy the best restaurants Miami has to offer with the nightlife spots that keep people flying in from around the world. Take advantage of the proximity and great flights to Latin America and enjoy Miami!


Get Answers with Our FAQs

There are ways to purchase or source free cartons. Most movers are happy to deliver your boxes for a fee when you book with them. You can also buy them at hardware stores.

Another option is to go to major chain and grocery stores and request their boxes from their daily deliveries for free. If you are shipping your goods you might even want to consider plastic cartons instead.

Every time you finish packing up another box or room, take a moment to celebrate your accomplishments. Acknowledging the small milestones helps you reach the bigger ones.

This will keep you motivated and boost family morale. Finishing up packing a room and cleaning it out is a bigger task than usual. Reward yourself.

Professional packers are not a must but will work at Lightspeed to get all your items packed up safely. While you might get stuck sorting through old junk, they will have your entire home packed up and bubble-wrapped in no time.

If you are in a time crunch, in the midst of important work projects, or just want to feel like a pro, consider using a packing full-service moving option. If you have many expensive and fragile items their service could be a must for you as well.

It can take anywhere from 5 hours to a few days. The real timing depends on multiple factors such as size, clutter, focus level, clothing preferences, and other items.

It’s more of a question for yourself if you plan to declutter or if you plan to throw everything in a box and call it a day. Plan according to this. Don’t forget to label as you go!

Know that you are working with a trusted and honest service provider. If you have even a flicker of doubt, walk away.

Don’t try to cut corners and save on an unreputable mover as we promise you, you will end up paying way more in hidden fees and damages. Or avoid all this and book with iMoving’s curated men.


Rachel Kaplan

Rachel has spent the last few years writing for moving companies while actually moving across the globe. After many years of moving between many states in the US, she moved abroad to try the remote work life. She’s a pro at moving all her things with her dog and hundreds of plants. Thankfully she’s a minimalist so moves aren’t too much of an issue.

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