Is Moving to Miami Beach Worth It?
 

Hi. I am seriously considering a move to the Miami Beach area. I am still in a looking phase and nothing is definite. I am wondering if this area is worth living in or more of a nice place to visit? Is crime a serious issue on the beach? I visited several times and liked it very much but a move is a totally different thing. Would be very thankful to hear from people who really know the beach area day in and day out. Thanks.

There are a lot of factors to consider; where you are from and what type of environment you are used to? If you are a single, straight male you may not like it too much- lots of models live there but it's not too easy to meet people. There is a very large gay population, which is fine, but guys rollerblading in speedos is just too much. Also, It is not a very friendly city to live in- I think people are rude and 3/4 of them have trouble with the english language. As far as crime goes I think it's one of the worst. Just last week a local high school senior was kidnapped with her boyfriend,brutally murdered and then thrown out the car window on 1-95. This happened RIGHT on the beach in front of all the resaurants/bars. Also, have you ever driven a few minutes west of the beach and seen the severe poverty and extremely dangerous areas? They are right there, near where the cruise ships leave. I live in Ft. Lauderdale but our news is out of Miami and it's one crazy story after another. I've lived in D.C. and New Orleans so it's not like I haven't seen crime but this is pretty bad. I'd really look around more before making this decision- good luck!

I have lived in Miami all my life, and no, I'm not spanish. If you are coming from the east coast (NYC, Boston etc.) you will fit right at home. It is true that it is not as friendly here as Tennessee but thats okay with us. The murder that is spoke about in the above post was commited by 4 thugs from Orlando. Crime in this area has been going down for several years and it is alot safer now. There is always another trendy restuarant to eat at, a happening nightclub, and the best shopping around. The sun always shines and the weather is always warm. The beach is always a great place to relax. There is no place else in the US that can say ALWAYS warm. California is pretty chilly all year long at night. It is true that there is a large gay community, but also the largest jewish community outside NYC, as well as a prosperous Cuban community that is mostly middle class, as well as emerging Haitian and South American communities, and a large African American community. I am out on South Beach at least two nights a week for many years and I have never seen crime problems. There are a few homeless people but the city of Miami Beach is very residential and mostly Jews and Gays and is not dangerous. Some parts of Miami-Dade County are not too safe but the beach is not one of them. Good luck with your move. <BR>

This is positively a HOOT! Crime is surely a "serious issue". which cannot even be compared to NYC or Boston these days. Why, oh why, are you even "looking", unless, of course, you re gay and run around in Speedos?

ttt

I've lived on South Beach for 10 years and am an ex-NYer. When I moved here it was THE place to be, but it has gone downhill considerably. The recent kidnapping and murder was terrible, but on a daily basis you will probably be more concerned with getting your car stolen or broken into, which is a huge problem, even in private garages. The model scene is going downhill too, lots of agencies have left town. Additionally, many of the upscale gays are leaving. There are some very wealthy people who own condos on South Beach, but the 33139 census tract happens to be one of the poorest in Dade County. Aside from the few fancy condos (with many seasonal residents), there are a lot of very poor people who live here. There really is no social scene for professional, educated people. Walk down the streets and you will likely have to avoid ghetto kids (of all races and nationalities) and their pit bulls. And there are very few Jewish people left either, except for a visible very small Lubavich community, most have left for greener pastures. By the way, yes I'm looking to leave too.