My prison sentence has finally been served. (Miami, Coral Gables: living in, cost)

[TheHurricaneKid]

Figuratively anyways.


I've never liked Miami, both as a kid and an adult. This saturday I will be moving out of here and I will finally be a free man, released from the shackles of this city. While Miami is suitable for many people it never suited me for these reasons:

Not enough money.

The things that are fun to do in Miami cost money. Unlike the better-off families living here, the outdoor activities that I would find interesting cost too much money. I never was able to go jet skiing or go on a boat or have a car. I lived in the suburbs, a good 30 minutes from the beach and there weren't many fun things for me to do here. In addition, I didn't live in Coral Gables, an area of Miami that had trees, and I like my trees and shade very much.

Climate

I belong up north. The humidity is oppressive for me, UV rays are too strong, no snow, too much sunshine. I do bonsai for a hobby, the trees I wish to grow are up north. I like ice skating outdoors, you couldn't do that here.

Geology

I like riding my bike, and I like riding it on hills. Never was able to go to Biscayne Bay as often as I'd like.

Libraries

I visited Boston a few times and I liked the fact that my extended family lived within walking distance of the Boston Public Library. They have no such thing in Doral or Miami Dade county. They do have bookstores though, but my nearest book store, Borders, closed recently. The nearest large bookstore from here is Barnes&Noble, a nice 20 minute car drive away.

Biking

My suburb isn't necessarily a bike-friendly suburb. Riding a bike is a big part of my life, but drivers here drive too poorly to make it safe. I've been side swiped by a car once, on an empty road.

Surfing

The beaches near here are not suitable for surfing. I've always wanted to surf but, sadly this isn't the city to do that.

The people

Manners are sadly absent from many of the people I have interacted with.


I didn't come to this city by choice, and I never got used to this. This is not for me and I am happy to be moving away.

[Wild Style]

Safe travels and I wish you the best in your new location!

[snowchaser2002]

I so agree with you about the money thing...I stayed a few months in Miami a few years ago and the first thing I realized is "this is not a good city to be broke in!" I noticed it was you either was dirt poor or rich..That was just my impression...And I agree about the climate...I always wondered how anyone could get in the Christmas spirit when it was 85F but that is just me...different strokes for different folks! Hope you like your new location!! good luck and have safe travels!

[2ForTheSea]

Good luck to you on your move. There are a few points I can totally agree with you on. Money being a big one. Also, it is nice when you can live in a city, or suburb, where it's easy to be a pedestrian. It seems like almost every day on the news there's a hit and run of a walker or a bicyclist. This past weekend 2 cyclists were killed in a hit and run.
In all of the places I've ever lived, which has been many, I've never seen so many hit and run stories.

I'm originally from the Midwest, but I live here for my husband and our jobs. I've done everything I can to be friendly and mannerly, but am usually met with disrespect, disdain, or just plain ignored. Kindness is the biggest thing I miss about where I grew up.

I think you'll probably get replies telling you good riddance, but I'm happy for you if you've found a place you'll be happier.
We all deserve to be happy in our surroundings.

[Bjorn_Ironside32]

Hope everything goes well for you .

[popcorn247]

Wishing you much happiness in your new location. I hope to do the same in a few years, when I retire. Originally from the Midwest, I've never gotten used to the New York-Latino-Ghetto ways down here.

[ray1945]

Originally Posted by TheHurricaneKid

Figuratively anyways.


I've never liked Miami, both as a kid and an adult. This saturday I will be moving out of here and I will finally be a free man, released from the shackles of this city. While Miami is suitable for many people it never suited me for these reasons:

Not enough money.

The things that are fun to do in Miami cost money. Unlike the better-off families living here, the outdoor activities that I would find interesting cost too much money. I never was able to go jet skiing or go on a boat or have a car. I lived in the suburbs, a good 30 minutes from the beach and there weren't many fun things for me to do here. In addition, I didn't live in Coral Gables, an area of Miami that had trees, and I like my trees and shade very much.

Climate

I belong up north. The humidity is oppressive for me, UV rays are too strong, no snow, too much sunshine. I do bonsai for a hobby, the trees I wish to grow are up north. I like ice skating outdoors, you couldn't do that here.

Geology

I like riding my bike, and I like riding it on hills. Never was able to go to Biscayne Bay as often as I'd like.

Libraries

I visited Boston a few times and I liked the fact that my extended family lived within walking distance of the Boston Public Library. They have no such thing in Doral or Miami Dade county. They do have bookstores though, but my nearest book store, Borders, closed recently. The nearest large bookstore from here is Barnes&Noble, a nice 20 minute car drive away.

Biking

My suburb isn't necessarily a bike-friendly suburb. Riding a bike is a big part of my life, but drivers here drive too poorly to make it safe. I've been side swiped by a car once, on an empty road.

Surfing

The beaches near here are not suitable for surfing. I've always wanted to surf but, sadly this isn't the city to do that.

The people

Manners are sadly absent from many of the people I have interacted with.


I didn't come to this city by choice, and I never got used to this. This is not for me and I am happy to be moving away.

I understand completely. Sun and sand is not my personal environment. Give me the mountains any day. That being said, due to family ties, I've lived in S. Florida for 62 years and will probably die here.

Fortunately for me, I am able to enjoy mountain living in the late spring to early fall of every year. Must admit, I do enjoy S. Florida in the winter - so I guess I have the best of both worlds.

Happy trails to you....

[valicky]

Good luck to you on your move. I hope you pop in every now and then and give us updates on how it's going for you.
It might be too late now, but have you visited Morikami Gardens in Delray? They have some amazing bonsais there!

[BlueIt]

Congratulations on your escape!

This place just wears you out in so many ways..........and not the least of which is the (insert adjective) people.

[NeverBeingBoring]

It sounds like you have thoroughly thought out your decision. Not every place is right for every one. Best of luck to you in your new endeavor!