28 Single Female from Austin moving to Miami...? (Tampa, Hollywood: rent, condos)

[glasshousegirl]

Once I sell my house here in Austin Im moving to a major US city by myself. Ideally Manhatten would be my pick but isn't practical affordability speaking. Im drawn to the blue water and location of Miami. My worries are the superficial people, crime, and ability to make friends and create a life in Miami. I have stayed at the Boulevard Hotel on S. Beach and hated it as people partied and fought all night long and we were there to spearfish at 6am every morning. So I know to avoid that scene. It sounds like Brickell will be great for me to buy a condo and live in. I have 2 chihuahuas hope they are allowed.. I work in mortgage loss mitigation and I shouldn't have a problem finding a job. Being from TX (especially Austin) people are friendly, down to earth, and most are genuine. I like concerts, bar settings not clubs, resturants and trying new foods. I'm open to most activities and interested in whats going on in the world news etc. I like to freedive, go fishing or spearfishing, movies, wine, sushi, happy hour etc. I'm excited to be in a diverse city and learn Spanish. I am concerned I may feel alone though as I've read the people there can be cliqueish. Iam attractive and petite so I question how safe I will feel walking around alone in the city. So I hope to get there and do my best to make alot of friends and eventually find a boyfriend. Thats the plan... So here are my questions

Does Brickell have resturants, bars, and grocery stores I can walk to?(like Manhatten) If so what part or area of Brickell? What is a dang good deal on a 1/1 condo to buy?

Is there a white working proffesional community in the Brickell area? I have read South Americans which is sweet but I don't want to be the token white girl. lol And how hard would it be to find friends?

Are there white men in their 30s..... (ideal man would have a boat or like to fish etc ) are they there?? I might be surprised and find a latin lover ...

I plan on driving to the Keys. Are there boat trips to the bahamas, are there groups of people that do that or is that a good way to meet people? or cruises... what do people do for fun in Miami?

What is the Hollywood area like? would I feel safer there?

thank you for your feedback I do appreciate it, i know my spelling sucks and please no mean comments

[PapaPump]

Wow! This is a lot to get into, but I can try and do my best. Being from NYC myself, and currently a Miami resident of several years, I may be able to give you my take on Miami...

Miami is NOT like Manhattan. In fact, the only thing it may have in common with Manhattan, would be the nightlife. It's the best on the east coast south of NYC and world renowned. There is no shortage of places to go in terms of restaurants, clubs, and lounges. The weather is tropical, and generally warm year round. However, the humidity during the summer is rough. It's not the heat in Miami as much as the humidity that makes it rough. You will get used to it eventually but it does get uncomfortable from July through mid-October. For fishing, jetskiing, and such, you can sail out of Miami Beach, or Coconut Grove as they would be the closest. However, the keys are just as good, if not better to sail out of.

If I was working in Brickell, I would avoid Hollywood. It's okay to live in but you may find it a bit boring compared to South Beach and Brickell. More importantly, your commute will not be too pleasant, as traffic is not to be taken lightly. If you want a Manhattan-esque feel to it, Brickell will suit you just fine. That's why I live here. You can walk to a lot of bars and restaurants, even work if you're lucky. Over the past 3 years, the nightlife has exploded, and it's a more laid back alternative to South Beach, which is less than 10 minutes away with no traffic.

The Bahamas are an hour plane ride away, or a four hour booze cruise. I went last weekend and had a blast. It's only 300 bucks for the cruise and a 2 night stay at a nice resort. It's a perfect quick getaway from Miami, and believe me, you will need it sometimes. Key West is a 3 hour drive and is also awesome, as well as the mid and upper keys too where you can do plently of fishing, and watersports. All of these places being so close by make it a big plus to living here.

I don't find the people here too friendly, and you may have to overcome some cultural barriers, particularly with Latins, but you should be able to make friends with no problem, as I have. You just have to have an open mind to meeting people, and not be closed. Finding decent single people down here to date is a whole other story. I have plenty of horror stories, as well as being told of some from other girls about guys they've dated. It's very difficult. But if you're looking for a casual, non-committal relationship, it's easier. There are single non-Latin 30 year old men here (I'm one of the few) and plently of Latin men obviously. However, if you're looking for diversity, outside of Latin America, there isn't much in Brickell, but you'll find more diversity in Miami Beach.


You being willing to learn Spanish is excellent, as it will open up a lot more doors for you job-wise. In Brickell, you will find many speak Spanish, but almost everyone speaks English too, so you will be fine. Miami Beach will be even easier. South Beach is not all crazy. You just need to live considerably west of Ocean Drive. West Avenue is a nice area, or better yet South of Fifth Street (SoFi) if you can afford it. I would also look into Mid Beach (north of 23rd street), as it is more affordable, close to South Beach, not that far from Brickell, but much more laid back.

But I would not rush into buying anything yet. Miami is not for everyone and you will realize that once you move down here. I would certainly rent so that way, you wouldn't be stuck here in case you want to leave.

Hope this helps.

[MissShona]

Originally Posted by PapaPump

Miami is NOT like Manhattan. In fact, the only thing it may have in common with Manhattan, would be the nightlife. It's the best on the east coast south of NYC and world renowned. There is no shortage of places to go in terms of restaurants, clubs, and lounges.

Good post, but I disagree with the quote above. I don't think Miami's nightlife can hold a candle to NYC's. I don't even think Miami's nightlife can hold a candle to Chicago's even! This is because Miami is very limited in the type of nightlife you can find. If you are into dance clubs...then fine. Latin & Caribbean music, ok as well. Anything else, you have 1 or maybe 2 choices (i.e. jazz).

Personally, I got tired of the Miami Beach club scene after about a year. The lone exception is Jazid. For everything else, I stuck to Broward (where I never even lived) and a few places on the mainland.

[WINTERFRONT]

Miami doesn't have a candle to hold, period

[Jellychips]

The sites can be beautiful.... but the people are rude. miami makes a good place to travel but defiantly not a place to live. Eventually youll get sick of people bad driving and being rude to you every chance they get.

Its kind of hard to enjoy a pretty place with rude people.

[Michael Di Meo]

Ok, I have not done one of these in a while - I'll kind of answer most of your points in order.

Firstly, it's ManhattAn not ManhattEn. Was that mean?

Superficial people? Yes, but there are also non-superficial people.

Crime? Yes, but there are hundreds of thousands here who have not experienced it.

Ability to make friends? It can be tough, but not impossible.

Create a life? Yes, no doubt. A life that you enjoy, well that's up to you.

Yes, there is a huge party culture here, but it all depends on your friends.

Brickell is a great neighborhood, but I would rent first before buying. It doesn't really have any true public parks, and there are barely any bike lanes, people don't pick up after their dogs, and outside of restaurants and bars there are no museums or cultural institutions, etc. There is nothing like an urban Zilker Park or Lake Austin greenbelt park.

Chihuahuas are allowed in many condo buildings.

Unemployment is 13.5%, so whether or not you'll find a job quickly, I have no idea. If the job requires interaction with the public on a local level, I would highly suggest to speak Spanish, because you'll be competing with many qualified people who are fluent, and will work for less money.

I used to live in Texas, my sister went to Biz School at UT, so I know Austin pretty well (have friends there). I know Texas like the back of my hand, so I know about the people. People here are not Texans at all.

Lots of concerts, but maybe you won't like the groups. Lots of bars, but maybe you won't like the scene. Lots of restaurants, but maybe you won't like the food. I've found a lot to like in all 3 areas. If you meet that special someone, you'll probably enjoy it a lot more.

Some people care about what's going on in the world, some people don't. It depends on the person.

The rest of your activity requests, you can find all of that here.

I love petite women, so do many other guys I know.

Brickell has a Publix grocery store within walking distance.

There are many good websites where you can find info on how to bid on condos and how to understand the market.

I really don't know what you mean by a "White" working professional community in Brickell. Are you talking about those born and raised in the US whose first language is English? Anglos? However you slice it, Latinos rule in Brickell (and I love it). Anyone else is a minority. If you really are making comments about being a "token white girl", it sounds like you might have some problems, because that is not a good attitude - no offense, just an impression.

White men? What do you mean by white men? Anglos? Cubans? Italians? Anglo/WASPS are a minority in Miami. You might be happier in Tampa, especially for the fishin' part, lol.

Blah blah blah for the rest. What do people do for fun? What a question. You need to ask all 2.3 million to get the best answer. I personally enjoy making hot passionate love to my girlfriend as much as possible.

What is the Hollywood area like? Would you feel safer there? Maybe you would feel safer. It is more Anglo then Brickell, but it's changing to more Latino. I know a few people who live there and they absolutely love it. I like it a lot. But I would dislike the commute.

I hope I wasn't too mean in my responses. I know a girl from Iowa who learned Spanish and is dating a Nicaraguan guy, she likes it here a lot. Most Anglos, however, leave Miami within 1-3 years, so I'd rent first.

My opinion? You should check into Tampa. It seems to have more of the "white people" that you mention.

[PapaPump]

Well, all of the tourists who come here from around the world for the nightlife can't be wrong!! Otherwise, there are plenty of places to go for just the beach and tropical weather. I'm not a club person either and in fact feel that the clubs in Miami and the beach don't hold a candle to NYC back in its club hey day. They are too small, fill up much of the area with tables of bottle service, and play the music way too loud. I'm all about the hotel bars and lounges. It also has some pretty good casual pubs and bars to chill out at too. The music is not as diverse as say NY but it's much more diverse than say Tampa which is primarily hip hop.

On the subject of Tampa, it is a wonderful place to live. I lived there for over a year and visit there a lot. It has way more "non-latin" people or (I hate using the term "hispanic" because being Latin is an part of a larger ethnic group from Latin America and not a race) and is much more American, similar to Austin. Definitely consider Tampa. It's not as metropolitan, but it also has great weather, the people are much friendlier, and the cost of living is cheaper.

[glasshousegirl]

Thanks guyus for your comments! It gave me so much to think about and ponder. I also got so excited to hear about the booze cruise and that there are chill places and bars to sit and talk. I doubt Ill be into the music at the clubs. Renting first makes sense until I really figure it all out. Plus that will allow me to get a sweet place in Brickell and live it up until I decide to purchase something practical. Despite all the cautions or things to think about Miami, it is still my #1 interest. I realized its a 3 day weekend so I mahy fly there to check it out. I will also look into Tampa I don't know much about it. I like Miami because I want to be emersed in something different from what I know. I have lived here my entire life and surrounded by people and family i know. I like the idea to start from scratch. I am one of those way too nice people and I think Miami may help thicken my skin a lil. However I still don't get why people like to be rude there. Its just easier to have a good day when people around you are friendly as opposed to pissed off. I need to learn not to take it personal. On the note that dating in Miami in hopes for a serious relationship is hard... I'm going to stay optimistic and that you can meet someone anywhere. Thanks again for the thoughts anymore comments are welcome!

[BlueIt]

Originally Posted by Jellychips

The sites can be beautiful.... but the people are rude. miami makes a good place to travel but defiantly not a place to live. Eventually youll get sick of people bad driving and being rude to you every chance they get.

Its kind of hard to enjoy a pretty place with rude people.

Spot on!


Why in the world would anyone want to leave Austin for Miami?? Austin is one of the better places to live in the country, Miami is one of the worst!

[Trails]

"people are friendly, down to earth, and most are genuine"

"Im drawn to the blue water"

Just wanted to throw it out there if that if these are the things you are looking for this says Honolulu, Hawaii to me. That's where I am looking. I like Miami, but I think Honolulu might be more livable, especially for nice, real people.