Can someone tell me the truth about Miami?? What is it Really like!!! (Palmetto: neighborhood, taxes)

[cuba libre]

Originally Posted by BCreass

I'm talking about the city, in general. Go to any major university up/down the country and you'll find foreign students.

FIU only has like a 10% non-Hispanic White population. I'm sure it's the only major public institution (other than Southern A&M schools) with such a puny representation of whites. When you walk around campus, it often seems like half that 10%.

[angelo7221]

Miami is GOOD if your elevator opens up to a foyer and a beautiful face who goes by the name of "Salomon" who will let you try anything (downstairs, inside..no problem), a concierge named Tiobaldo who kisses your ass calling you MR ___ and a valet who gives you VIP's to Nicki Beach, and the ability to take a bella jornada to the antillean island of your choice on the weekend

Miami is BAD if you have to use more conviction than Winston Churchill to get Alba at the front desk in the emergency room to call a friggin house doctor, when the word "*******" sounds more familiar to you than "Aisle 3", and if your weekend block parties consist of nothing but the songs "Diamond Girl", "Tainted Love" and "Electric Boogie" on regular rotation with Gino Latino from mega 103 helming the DJ's chair..REALLY BAD...purgatory I hear is nicer.

[Leovigildo]

Originally Posted by cuba libre

FIU only has like a 10% non-Hispanic White population. I'm sure it's the only major public institution (other than Southern A&M schools) with such a puny representation of whites. When you walk around campus, it often seems like half that 10%.

________

When I studied there, 1979, there were no "non-hispanic whites" except some rednecks on BOG grants. They were dressed like a House in the Prairy, kind of John Denver types.

There were many Jews and the rest were Cubans, both groups were hard to distinguish.

[StilltheSame]

Your experience in Miami IMO depends on 1) where you live; 2) your age and marital status 3) your financial situation and most importantly on what you make of the experience. There are too many amazing places in this country that we are free to enjoy - we should not moan and groan about where we are. Anywhere you are you should enjoy what that area has to offer. If you arent willing to do that - then move on.

[Kamehameha]

So I'm in my late 30s, married and am moving to Miami for just a few months for business. My wife will be staying here out West while she tries to sell our house. Once it sells, we are moving to the Tampa area. I'm not 21 anymore and will not be going to clubs every night looking for women. Where should I live to get the best Miami experience? South Beach sounds fun and I like the idea of being near the beach. Any recommendations?

[cuban_p]

Kamehameha, As far as Tampa is concerned, I've only been there on occasions, I have several friends who live there & I hear that is certainly outgrowing Miami economy wise. Just like Miami, it has a large diversity of neighborhoods, as well as areas that are very popular among the partying & clubbing crowd. Now with respect to Miami, I've lived in it for 16+ years. Here's my advice to you as I am also married, in my early 30s. I strongly doubt that South Beach will be the place to fit your profile. Although fun & exciting for its multicultural good-looking young crowd, the wide selection of stores, art galleries, bars & restaurants; S. Beach is the focal point of the die-hard clubbers, gays, & in certain spots, urban gangster-wannabe troublemakers. Additionally, it's a city of mostly condominium lifestyle with the worst parking availability in Miami. For someone in your situation, I would recommend Coral Gables, or if you want to be near the ocean, head North along the Miami Beach coastline -- Surfside, Sunny Isles Beach, etc. Additionally on the priciest ocean front areas, there's Barl Harbor Islands, Cocoplum, Key Biscayne, etc. The issue with evolving in the city of Miami is that a nice neighborhood, could suddenly turn ugly & unsafe within a matter of blocks, so often you have to know the boundaries of the areas that you want to stay within. Hope this helps.

[Kamehameha]

Cuban_p- thanks for the info. That was exactly what I was looking for. I'm living in the mountains of Colorado, so the whole crime thing is going to be an element that I don't deal with now. Nothing really new for me, as I used to live outside of DC. It's just been a while. I'm not too worried about it, just not looking forward to it.

[ffire]

What would the main differences be between Aventura, Coral Gables and Brickell?

[stevep111]

I have lived all over the country including NYC and I can tell you I have never seen a more concentration of inconsiderate jerks in my life. Miami should have the motto "It's all about me" In order to get used to the driving before you move here (I DON'T REALLY MEAN THIS) try driving on the highway on the wrong side of the road for 10 miles. If you can get over the fear of almost dying 80 times in that stretch then you will be able to handle the drivers here. Seriously you don't need a map or GPS to know your in Miami because the first time you get cut off you will know.

[dadeguy]

Originally Posted by stevep111

I have lived all over the country including NYC and I can tell you I have never seen a more concentration of inconsiderate jerks in my life. Miami should have the motto "It's all about me" In order to get used to the driving before you move here (I DON'T REALLY MEAN THIS) try driving on the highway on the wrong side of the road for 10 miles. If you can get over the fear of almost dying 80 times in that stretch then you will be able to handle the drivers here. Seriously you don't need a map or GPS to know your in Miami because the first time you get cut off you will know.

dude you must not be driving in the same town I drive in. <edit> in my opinion this statement which I have quoted is patently false.