Florida Miami
Moving to Miami, Florida
Miami, Florida blends coastal beauty with vibrant city energy, rich cultural diversity, and a lively outdoor lifestyle. Neighborhoods like Brickell, Coconut Grove, Wynwood, and Coral Gables offer a mix of historic charm, modern development, and family-friendly amenities. Residents enjoy scenic parks, waterfront spaces along Biscayne Bay, miles of walking and biking trails, and easy access to beaches, boating, and year-round recreation.
Downtown and surrounding areas feature eclectic dining, cafés, and local breweries, from Cuban and Latin cuisine to modern farm-to-table eateries. Wynwood and the Design District host art walks, music events, and seasonal festivals, while cultural venues such as the Adrienne Arsht Center and Pérez Art Museum offer concerts, exhibitions, and community programming. The city’s cost of living is above the national average, and families have access to public, charter, and private schools, as well as nearby universities like the University of Miami and Florida International University.
With major highways, Metrobus service, and Miami International Airport nearby, Miami provides convenient transportation options. From its beaches and bayfront lifestyle to world-class arts, dining, and cultural experiences, Miami offers the perfect balance of dynamic urban living and a connected, vibrant community.
Miami by the numbers
City population
Median home price
Planning a Long-Distance Move?
Discover Miami: Top Attractions and Things to Do
Local Experiences
Local Experiences
Miami, Florida blends South Florida sunshine with vibrant outdoor living and a dynamic, multicultural community spirit. Locals enjoy strolling the tropical paths of Bayfront Park or Margaret Pace Park, kayaking through Biscayne Bay and the surrounding waterways, biking along the Rickenbacker Causeway or the Miami Beach Boardwalk, and exploring the historic neighborhoods of Wynwood, Coconut Grove, and Little Havana. Waterfront dining, local breweries, and seasonal events like Art Deco Weekend and Coconut Grove Arts Festival keep the social scene lively year-round.
Hiking, Biking & Trails
Miami offers an extensive network of scenic trails, waterfront promenades, and urban parks. The Rickenbacker Causeway and Miami Beach Boardwalk provide paved biking and jogging paths with stunning water views. Bayfront Park and Margaret Pace Park offer shaded walking trails, open green spaces, and access to kayaks and paddleboards. Nearby natural preserves such as Oleta River State Park and Everglades National Park offer additional hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife spotting opportunities, connecting residents to Florida’s unique ecosystems.
Family-Friendly Activities
Families flock to Bayfront Park for playgrounds, splash pads, and weekend events. The Miami Children’s Museum provides hands-on exhibits, STEM programs, and creative workshops, while Zoo Miami and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden offer wildlife encounters, butterfly gardens, and outdoor learning experiences. Seasonal farmers markets throughout the city, including Lincoln Road and Coconut Grove, bring fresh local produce, artisan goods, and kid-friendly entertainment.
Local Breweries & Dining
Miami’s craft beer and culinary scene thrives at breweries like The Tank Brewing Company and Veza Sur Brewing Co., known for spacious taprooms, live events, and rotating local food options. For dining, locals enjoy waterfront seafood at Rusty Pelican, Latin-inspired flavors in Little Havana, casual bites at La Sandwicherie, and innovative New American cuisine in Wynwood. Outdoor patios, vibrant nightlife, and fresh coastal fare help define Miami’s dynamic and eclectic dining culture.
Sports and Recreation
Sports and Recreation
Miami, Florida is a haven for active lifestyles and sports enthusiasts, fueled by sunny weather, strong school athletics, and abundant outdoor recreation along Biscayne Bay, the Miami River, and the city’s network of parks and urban trails.
While Miami doesn’t host all major league teams within city limits, pro sports are close at hand: cheer on NFL’s Miami Dolphins, NBA’s Miami Heat, MLB’s Miami Marlins, or MLS’s Inter Miami CF, while local excitement thrives through youth leagues, club sports, and high school athletics at schools like Miami Senior High School and Coral Gables Senior High School, known for competitive football, soccer, baseball, and swimming programs.
The city offers top-notch recreation facilities and access to South Florida’s unique natural landscapes. The YMCA of Greater Miami features fitness centers, aquatics, youth sports, and courts for basketball and pickleball, while Miami Parks & Recreation provides community classes, athletic leagues, indoor sports, and waterfront park activities. Residents enjoy athletic fields at Bayfront Park, Margaret Pace Park, and Alice Wainwright Park, splash pads and playgrounds for families, and scenic cycling and jogging routes along the Rickenbacker Causeway and Miami Beach Boardwalk. Beyond the city, Oleta River State Park and the Everglades National Park offer miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and wildlife exploration.
With warm, humid weather year-round and abundant sunshine, Miami makes it easy to stay active and enjoy outdoor adventures in every season.
Adventures
Adventures
Miami, Florida is an outdoor and cultural playground, set along Biscayne Bay and surrounded by beaches, urban parks, and vibrant historic neighborhoods. Bike or stroll along the Miami Riverwalk, paddle or kayak in Biscayne Bay or the Oleta River, or explore the shaded trails and mangroves of Oleta River State Park. Adventure seekers enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, guided eco-tours, wildlife cruises, and kayaking through quiet coastal waterways, while families love playgrounds, splash pads, and bike paths at Margaret Pace Park, Alice Wainwright Park, and the interactive exhibits at Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science.
History and culture enrich every outing. Step into the past at the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, explore contemporary and historic exhibits at the Perez Art Museum Miami, or wander neighborhoods like the Art Deco District, Wynwood, and Little Havana to admire colorful murals, gallery spaces, and iconic architecture.
Year-round festivals—such as Art Deco Weekend, Calle Ocho Festival, Miami Film Festival, and seasonal waterfront events—keep the city lively and full of tropical charm. Whether seeking outdoor adventure, coastal exploration, or cultural discovery, Miami delivers unforgettable experiences for all ages.
Seasonal Events
Seasonal Events
Miami, Florida embraces year-round celebrations that highlight its tropical charm, vibrant arts scene, and lively community spirit.
Spring
As temperatures rise and flowers bloom, Miami comes alive with outdoor markets and cultural kickoffs. Seasonal farmers markets, such as the Lincoln Road Farmers Market and Coconut Grove Organic Market, offer fresh local produce, artisan goods, and live music. Spring festivals like Art Deco Weekend and Calle Ocho Festival bring workshops, performances, and family-friendly activities throughout historic neighborhoods.
Summer
Summertime in Miami pulses with music, festivals, and waterfront leisure. Events like Music on the Bay energize waterfront parks with live bands and local eats, while community gatherings fill areas like Bayfront Park with games, artisan booths, and family fun. Independence Day celebrations dazzle with fireworks over Biscayne Bay, parades, and concerts, while trails, South Pointe Park, and local waterways offer boating, biking, swimming, and picnics amid lush scenery.
Fall
With cooler breezes and pleasant weather, Miami celebrates harvest vibes through craft fairs and cultural festivals. Autumn events such as Miami Film Festival and Redland Oktoberfest highlight music, art, food, and seasonal produce, while local farmers markets and pet-friendly gatherings provide additional entertainment. Parks like Margaret Pace Park and Alice Wainwright Park offer scenic backdrops for hiking, biking, and cozy outdoor meet-ups.
Winter
Miami sparkles with holiday markets, seasonal concerts, and festive community programs. Indoor venues, cultural centers, and theaters host performances, gallery exhibitions, and music series, while local high school and college sports bring excitement to gyms and stadiums. Waterfront light displays and seasonal events create warmth and joy throughout the winter months.
Throughout the year, Miami’s calendar overflows with farmers markets, music series, art walks, and cultural celebrations that reflect the city’s welcoming, tropical energy and vibrant character.
Community Resources
Miami, Florida provides residents with access to a robust network of hospitals, medical centers, and specialty clinics both within the city and throughout Miami-Dade County, ensuring high-quality healthcare for all ages.
Jackson Memorial Hospital – As Miami’s flagship public hospital, Jackson Memorial offers advanced emergency services, surgical care, cardiology, oncology, maternity with Level III neonatal care, orthopedics, and specialized wellness programs.
Mount Sinai Medical Center – This private hospital provides comprehensive care including trauma services, neurology, pediatrics, women’s health, and innovative outpatient programs.
Baptist Hospital of Miami – A full-service hospital delivering emergency care, general surgery, cardiology, and specialized services for adults and children, playing a central role in the city’s healthcare network.
Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care – Facilities such as Miami Jewish Health Rehabilitation Center and Kindred Hospital Miami support patient recovery, physical therapy, and ongoing wellness.
The city also features numerous primary care offices, urgent care centers like MD Now Urgent Care and MedExpress, and specialty clinics affiliated with major networks, providing convenient preventive, diagnostic, and routine care.
Together, these hospitals and medical facilities ensure Miami residents have reliable access to advanced healthcare, emergency response, pediatric treatment, and long-term wellness services that support the health of the entire community.
Miami, Florida is a dynamic family hub renowned for its commitment to education at every stage. From highly rated public schools and specialized private options to accessible higher education and lifelong learning programs, Miami cultivates a rich academic ecosystem that nurtures growth, creativity, and achievement for learners of all ages.
Public Schools & Education
Miami is served by Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS), one of the largest school districts in the nation, covering PK-12 with a focus on academic excellence, equity, and holistic student development. Flagship high schools such as Miami Palmetto Senior High School, Coral Gables Senior High School, and Design & Architecture Senior High (DASH) provide rigorous curricula, athletics, and arts programs in supportive environments, with strong graduation and college readiness rates.
Specialized learning tracks, including STEM initiatives, gifted programs, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and enriched arts and music education, give students the opportunity to shape their educational paths and pursue personal and professional goals.
Private & Alternative Education
Families in Miami can choose from a wide variety of private and faith-based schools emphasizing tailored instruction and character development. Options include Ransom Everglades School (grades PK-12), Belen Jesuit Preparatory School (grades 6-12), Mater Academy Charter Schools, and Montessori or early learning centers offering hands-on, individualized experiences.
Miami, Florida operates under a mayor–commission form of government and is supported by city departments that provide essential services to residents and businesses.
Law Enforcement
Public safety in Miami is provided by the Miami Police Department (MPD), which emphasizes community-oriented policing, crime prevention, and responsive emergency services to maintain a safe environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services
Fire and EMS services are managed by the Miami Fire-Rescue Department, staffed by professional personnel providing fire suppression, rescue operations, and emergency medical care throughout the city.
Weather & Climate
Miami experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. Average temperatures range from approximately 63°F in January to 90°F in July, supporting year-round outdoor recreation, festivals, and community events.
Transportation & Mobility
Miami is well-connected with major highways including I-95, I-75, US-1, and SR-826, providing easy access to the Greater Miami area and South Florida. Public transportation is offered through Miami-Dade Transit, including Metrorail, Metromover, and Metrobus, while Miami International Airport (MIA) serves domestic and international flights.
Utilities & Waste Management
Essential services are managed by the city and private providers. Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department oversees water, sewer, and stormwater management, while electricity is supplied by Florida Power & Light (FPL) and natural gas by TECO Peoples Gas. The city promotes sustainability through recycling programs, curbside yard waste collection, and environmental initiatives.
Your Expert in Long Distance Moves to Bethel, Connecticut
Contact us or get in touch with a local agent
Request a Quote & Get a Free Moving Checklist!
This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.