If South Florida and in particular Miami is so bad, then why so many Europeans love it so much? (Orlando: house, neighborhoods)

[robertobaggio]

I understand people love to think that South Florida is invaded with immigrants from developing countries who don't know any better, but actually it seems to be the most popular destination in the US for Europeans (French, Italians, and Germans in particular) so much that many across all ages are moving there every year. Why is that, if you think it is so bad?!? Afterall these people are from well developped, wealthy and beautiful countries, and they surely know what quality of life means. But they pick Miami and South Florida over the Carolinas, California, etc...WHY IS THAT???

[svendthrift]

It is easy to live in a city of foreigners or recently arrived residents when you are a foreigner or recent arrival. The emotional connection to the nation of the past does not exist and ergo hostility to the newness does not exist.

[Leovigildo]

Roberto

Weather, good weather.
Price, very cheap.
A lot of shopping places in relative vecinity.
Languages, at least for Spanish and Italian.
French don't have any problem either.
Strategical situation for cruises, for the Caribbean.
For example, Germans stop in Miami on their way to Costa Rica, etc.
Many having companies in Latin America live in Miami part of the year.

[robertobaggio]

Originally Posted by Leovigildo

Roberto

Weather, good weather.
Price, very cheap.
A lot of shopping places in relative vecinity.
Languages, at least for Spanish and Italian.
French don't have any problem either.
Strategical situation for cruises, for the Caribbean.
For example, Germans stop in Miami on their way to Costa Rica, etc.
Many having companies in Latin America live in Miami part of the year.

I would not call South Florida very cheap, especially when compared to other states like Texas.

I think the real reasons is that Europeans enjoy the Miami culture and vibe. Something that a lot of white Americans don't like or even hate. Similarly, Europeans find the "white" areas of the US very boring, so you don't really see them setting roots in the Carolinas, or Orange County, CA (which means it's not weather or the shopping the only reason why they choose South Florida).

[svendthrift]

I think the real reasons is that Europeans enjoy the Miami culture and vibe.

What is the Miami culture? I seriously doubt these Europeans move into "Miami" but rather into very specific areas of Miami (Beach) or CG and gated areas therein.

Something that a lot of white Americans don't like or even hate.

Blah. Which white Americans? Or are all white Americans xenophobic right-wing Christians? Have you been around this country at all?

Similarly, Europeans find the "white" areas of the US very boring,

Have you been to Europe? Which Europeans feel this? While the suburbs are not for me they are not at all less exciting than blue-collar neighborhoods in many European cities. Married people with kids are not the most exciting demographic, all over the world. Sure, the UK after 12am resembled a post-apocalyptic mess but life there is extremely boring - less London. Same for pretty much everywhere else (less the British problems with booze, though that continues into Scandinavia etc)

so you don't really see them setting roots in the Carolinas, or Orange County (which means it's not weather the only reason why they choose South Florida).

Well, those Euros who come for work actually might end up in RD or the burbs of So-Cal. The Euros who come with money in the bank will likely pick Miami (Beach) or many of the other wealthy playgrounds in the US.


Miami is a playground for the very wealthy and a trap for the poor. Only 50% of individuals in Miami even have a high-school diploma. Does that sound like a culture a sophisticated individual would enjoy? It is entirely possible to live an upper middle class life in Miami and not interact with actual, real Miami.

[Leovigildo]

Roberto

Oh, yes, Miami is cheap. You can buy a house for the price of a parking space for one car in any European city.

Food, cheap and very good, nobody believes anymore that in the US you can only eat junk food. Really, I'd rather eat any standard Red Lobster or NEOH in the US that in a fish restaurant in Europe, where you spend 130-150 dollars per head, and they serve you frozen fish (I know).

Nahh, Europeans don't care about "white", "black" or "checkered" areas.

Nobody goes to the Carolinas because nobody knows the Carolinas, and it's too big, you need a car, and in Europe they are used to "compact", strategic places, that has everything, mainly good beaches, sun, good weather and beer. (Sun Sex Sangria).

[EnjoyTheSilence]

Originally Posted by robertobaggio

I understand people love to think that South Florida is invaded with immigrants from developing countries who don't know any better, but actually it seems to be the most popular destination in the US for Europeans (French, Italians, and Germans in particular) so much that many across all ages are moving there every year. Why is that, if you think it is so bad?!? Afterall these people are from well developped, wealthy and beautiful countries, and they surely know what quality of life means. But they pick Miami and South Florida over the Carolinas, California, etc...WHY IS THAT???

Easy: SOUTH BEACH

European tourists don't go to Miami proper. They fly in & go straight to Miami Beach for the clubs, bars and beaches. Since the cost of flights to Miami from Europe have come down in price a lot, many Europeans come here as an alternative to Spain, Greece or Cyprus.

As for California, that's one heck of a long flight from Europe, compared to say Miami, or Orlando (another popular destination for Europeans).

[EnjoyTheSilence]

Originally Posted by Leovigildo

Roberto

Oh, yes, Miami is cheap. You can buy a house for the price of a parking space for one car in any European city.

Food, cheap and very good, nobody believes anymore that in the US you can only eat junk food. Really, I'd rather eat any standard Red Lobster or NEOH in the US that in a fish restaurant in Europe, where you spend 130-150 dollars per head, and they serve you frozen fish (I know).

Nahh, Europeans don't care about "white", "black" or "checkered" areas.

Nobody goes to the Carolinas because nobody knows the Carolinas, and it's too big, you need a car, and in Europe they are used to "compact", strategic places, that has everything, mainly good beaches, sun, good weather and beer. (Sun Sex Sangria).

Exactly....if someone from France, England or Spain is going to South Beach, they won't even need a car.

[mdiggs1]

Probably because it's warm year round and it's a party spot. Humans like warm weather; Our ancestors came from Africa, right on the equator.

Europe is cold; If I was from Europe moving to the United States I would highly consider decreasing in latitude also.

Plus, I agree compared to other places in the United States Miami is the top party spot, or the one most marketed to the world.

[robertobaggio]

Originally Posted by BCreass

Easy: SOUTH BEACH

European tourists don't go to Miami proper. They fly in & go straight to Miami Beach for the clubs, bars and beaches.

Not true, there is plenty of Europeans also in other areas of South Florida: Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne, Fisher Island. Probably different age range.