Miami sucks, FIU blows (?) (Port St. Lucie, University: real estate, apartment, vacation)

[Hempdiddy]

Is that statement true - or not?

Hello all,

I've been reading the forums on Miami for a few weeks now and need to chime in with a couple of questions. I would like some advice from all sides regarding my current situation:

I'm a 26 year old single, white, non spanish speaking, educated, midwestern boy from MI who has lived in St. Lucie county for the last year. I moved from Michigan to S. Florida to gain some work experience because the economy in MI (and much of the North) is currently total crap. I work as a Planner at city hall here in the City of Port St. Lucie. The job here is great, but the social scene here is 100% non-existent. I applied to a Planner position at the City of Miami and have recently been offered the position (much to my suprise!) The amount of development/redevelopment in the city makes this a very enticing opportunity for me, but the posts on this site have me totally worried about a move to the city.

My situation would be like this: Work 9-5 M-F downtown and then two days a week attend a Masters of Real Estate program at the FIU building downtown. I'd be renting a room out of 2 bedroom place downtown or Coconut Grove trying to utilize as best as I can the city's public transportation. (is this even feasable? residents please fill me in here!) Relax on the weekends and hit the beach. To me, at first, it seemed like a midwesterner's dream come true, but it seems as though I'd be investing my time and energy in place that is somewhat of a foreign country that despises white boys and is generally a very difficult place to live.

I was in the city this weekend and had many conversations about the place all with complete strangers in shops, restaraunts, and the street. No one looked at me sideways, most were very polite, and all said that the city had its downsides but overall was a wonderful place to be. Some said Miami has to be "what your looking for" and "isn't really America", so having shared with you all my plans - what kind of fit do you think the city will be for me? I fully understand that every situation in ones life can be made to be good or bad by your own perceptions and efforts, but I would like the opinions of a few people that have no aquaintence with me and can really give me honest impressions. Thanks very much! I'm eager to read your responses...

- JH

[tallrick]

As a graduate of FIU myself I don't think it blows. The quality of faculty has declined in some programs, but the university itself has improved steadily over the decades. At the time I attended there was only two campuses, the south and North. South campus is on 1/2 the site of old Tammiami airport, next to the dade county youth fairgrounds. North campus is by the old landfill off US-1. The education you recieve there is comparable to any state university today.

As for transportation, none of Dade county's educational facilities are served by the metro-rail except the one who needs it the least, University of Miami. You would be reduced to riding the bus to connect, a ride almost as slow as walking. Not speaking Spanish will limit how far you can go in this third world city. Also be aware that developers are already slowing construction, and if the State of Florida fixes the tax problems in the state the city of Miami will again go bankrupt. Not a very good future for this place, nonwithstanding a hurricane.

As for white boys, a lot of people think they are a novelty. You'll find a lot of women checking you out unless you're ugly. Be aware that many of them are gold diggers, as in many cities and will look elsewhere if you don't have some cash to spend on them. Common sense will help you find the good ones.


You can do what you seek, but don't be surprised if you become as bitter as us natives, just give it time.

[dreamofmonterey]

I dont know about Metro rail- but public transport by BUS---no way. It is not possible in Florida. ONCE, I had my car break down and had a job interview in Ft Lauderdale (from Boca) It took 3 bus transfers and 3 1/2 hours. Unless you have a reliable car- you have no transport S Florida.

sunny

[doggiebus]

It sounds like you are doing your homeowrk and have a level head on your shoulder. Well, honestly the transportation system in Miami, isn't that great. There are buses that go between Coconut Grove, Downtown, and the beach. During the winter months you will fine waiting for a bus. Its the summer (as you know isn't short like in the mid-west) weather as you know, waiting for the buses in the heat/humidity and the afternoon thunderstorms, to me it wouldn't be nice all dressed in work clothing waiting for a bus.

We can't tell you that you will love Miami or you will hate Miami, we just can't as we are not you. As you can see on this forum we all have different views about living here. But what we are all doing, is giving our experiences here in South Florida. Have you thought about Palm Beach you will have a much better life and you could attend FAU, I know you got a job offer in Miami?

[Chelito23]

I also went to FIU....and it is a primarily commuter school, despite all of the money they have invested in the football and greek houses on the campus. It is a good school, for what it is.

I didn't even know they had a brank downtown, wow, when did that happen??? If you study and work downtown I think things should be fine. If you find an apartment in the grove near the metrorail, things would work out fine, even without a car. Sure, it would be an inconvenience, and prevent you from having much of a social life...since no one takes the bus to clubs, bars or shopping.

Miami is different from the Treasure Coast, but if you know what you are getting into, it sounds like it might be right up your ally. We need more urban planners here, or at least poiticins who will listen to them. You would definantly have a lesson in "politics" by taking a job here. Special interests run the show in MIA. Good luck.

[Hempdiddy]

Thanks so far guys . . . !

Chelito - I understand that FIU's main campus is quite a way to the west of the city, but there is in fact a downtown building:
http://business.fiu.edu/chapman/mast...eal_estate.cfm
FIU – Downtown Center, 22 East Flagler Street, 6th Floor, Miami, FL 33131
http://maps.google.com/maps?sourceid...2c+Miami%2c+FL

I have a car, but as a planner would like to give the public trans. a shot. Your idea is just what I had planned. Live downtown or in the grove near a rail stop. It seems (to me) like that would work well. I think the planning experience would be outstanding and appreciate your replies . . .

Any more thoughts about Miami "not being America" and how I might be treated as a non-spanish (but willing to learn!) speaking white...?

- JH

[doggiebus]

2005 Info, this doesn't include the illegals

1,440,551 Hispanics
486,381 Blacks
442,410 White Non hispanics
34,763 Asians
7,858 American Indians

[Chelito23]

I honestly feel, and many people will disagree....but if you are White, and don't speak Spanish you will be able to get by. There will be many cases of not understanding your neighbors, or people in stores....but if you are receptive towards the Latin culture and Spanish language in general, and are used to big city life, I can't imagine it would be hard for you. Especially if you live in the Grove. Now, if you were to live in an immigrant enclave things would be different (Little Havana, Allapatah, Little Haiti).

Miami does suck on many levels, but for what you need, it is great. No kids, planning for the area, interested in neighborghoods, trust me, you will be fine. You already have a job, so most of the obstacles are not even there. You may grow to love or hate Miami, but don't think that being White or not knowing Spanish will mean hating it here. It just depends on your mentality and tolerance for language and cultural barriers and willingness to learn and adapt (on your part).

Some people vacation here and deem this paradise. You seem to be coming with your eyes wide open and are receptive to the good and bad. People like you tend to do fine anywhere...

[JDMR09]

I hardly know spanish and you can defenitly survive. Youll come across somebody in a store or in the street that wont speak it as well but generally youll do just fine. If you dont mind it every once in a while. I think that if your gonna be working in downtown, living in dtown or the grove youll do just fine and theres busses that take you from the grove or dtown to the beach.

[CiXeL]

you may actually like miami because michigan sucks SO BADLY right now.
i know a few midwesterners here who like it simply because they avoid the snow and theres jobs. they live in broward though, hallendale specifically.