Why I Still Love Miami: 6 Reasons That Keep the Magic Alive

There are people who complain about Miami and bring up petty stuff like having to speak different dialects of Spanish just to order a coffee. Look, it’s not a cafeteria, but every morning I walk to my local coffeehouse, order an iced latte in English—no problem—and sit outside reading the paper with my dog, year-round. That’s how much I love this city, and I’ve only been awake for 20 minutes.

1. Living Miami Style

Miami is temptation central: incredible restaurants, cool bars and clubs, great shopping—basically endless ways to spend money. But here’s the best part: rents are still relatively affordable compared to other major U.S. cities. Back when I moved here, I found a furnished, renovated apartment in a prime South Beach spot for $1,250 a month back then. In New York or San Francisco, that budget would have gotten you a basement studio next to a dumpster. If I had bumped it to $1,400 or more, and you’re suddenly in a stylishly furnished high-rise on the Bay, a remodeled Art Deco gem steps from the sand, or a luxury spot with all utilities and parking included. One of my favorite finds was a beautifully furnished studio at the Mondrian—pool, gym, the works—for $1,500. Miami lets you live large without completely breaking the bank.

Miami’s rent situation has changed a lot since 2011—prices have climbed significantly, especially in South Beach and Brickell. That $1,250 furnished studio? You won't find anything close to that today without roommates or a commute from Homestead. Zillow says the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Miami Beach now is $2,549 per month.

2. Making Friends (and Having Fun) Is Actually Easy

I have friends in Brooklyn who still ask me with envy: “Wait, is that your friend who looks like a model, or the one who hosted the World Cup BBQ? Oh, you mean the girl in Brickell—got it.” Then they want to know how I made so many friends in just a few months while they’ve been in NYC for years and their only close pal is allergic to alcohol and in bed by 9:30.

Miami’s secret? Everyone here is new(ish). The city’s transient population means about 70% of people are actively looking for new friends—or at least someone to grab drinks with. Take advantage: hit up Miami Beach 411 meet-ups, follow locals on Twitter for tweet-ups, show up to that yoga class in Flamingo Park (yes, even if the sharp grass pokes through your towel), and strike up a conversation with the cute Latin waiter. Before you know it, your social calendar is packed, and your old hometown friends can’t keep up.

3. Let’s Have a Drink (Without Going Broke)

Going out in Miami can get pricey—sky-high drink prices aimed at tourists are real. I limit myself to about two nights out a week to keep the budget in check. But when you do go out, nothing beats Miami’s nightlife. World-class house music, top DJs, good-looking crowds, and the chance to break out your most fabulous outfit—the clubs here don’t have real competition in other cities. Want to keep it casual in jean shorts? Find a favorite local bar. Spots like Ted’s, Abraxis, The Playwright, or Redbar in Brickell offer chill vibes and drinks that won’t empty your wallet.

4. Cancel Your Cable—You Won’t Need It

Miami’s small size makes it easy to hit any event, and I’ve never gotten more invites anywhere else. My Facebook inbox is basically a nonstop stream of club nights, fundraisers, networking mixers, meet-ups, tweet-ups, gallery openings, and new publication launches. The city knows how to party. Halloween here? A DJ spinning outside until 5 a.m. Then there’s the Food & Wine Festival, Winter Music Conference, Art Basel parties—the list goes on. You’ll be so busy living life that Netflix can wait.

5. Finally, Your Chance to “Study Abroad” Without Leaving the U.S.

Living in Miami is like living in another country—in the best way. Largely populated by Latin Americans, Cubans, Europeans, Russians, and Americans running from colder climates, Miami gives you the chance to practice that rusty high-school Spanish while “studying abroad” without ever leaving the States. You’ll meet people from all over the globe, hear a dozen languages on every block, and get fluent faster than you ever thought possible. It’s cultural immersion with palm trees and mojitos.

6. “So What Do You Do?” Isn’t the First Question

For those of us who haven’t landed that cushy $70,000 advertising job or aren’t grinding 55-hour weeks hoping to make partner at a law firm, “What do you do?” can feel like a loaded question elsewhere. In Miami? You rarely hear it. And if you do, the person asking is probably just rude. People here don’t judge you by your job (or lack of one). Whether you’re a blogger, bartender, aspiring DJ, or just working to pay the bills, you’re good—as long as you’ve got enough cash to go out and a schedule flexible enough to hit the beach on a weekday. That’s living the dream.

The Bottom Line

Yes, Miami has downsides—flaky guys who ghost, leggy Brazilian competition, sketchy landlords, bugs, tourists everywhere, and grocery stores that sometimes feel like they’ve never heard of American food. But come on… it’s 82 degrees and a perfect beach day. The turquoise water, the sun, the vibe—it makes up for a lot. Miami isn’t perfect, but it’s never boring. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade it.

Editor’s Note: Originally published January 02, 2011. Updated in 2026 with new photography, while preserving Christy Degeoris' experience living in Miami.