Is $42,000 enough to live in Miami? (South Beach: mortgages, hotel, safe area)

[amIayankee?]

Make sure you become friends with the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce! Because your Hotel will most certainly be a member

[hurricaneMan1992]

If you don't "have to" be in South Beach, definitely check out North Beach. You'll get a little more for your rent and don't have to deal with the hassle of events/festivals in South Beach. If you plan to drive to work, Sunny Isles is not too bad of a commute to South Beach and you could afford place with more amenities. $42K should be enough that you shouldn't need a roommate.

[FloridaMan1209]

Yes, I don't have to be in South Beach, but I'd like to be a reasonable distance from work.

Does $800-$1000 get you a a nice place in a safe area in North Miami Beach?

[Coconut1]

Originally Posted by FloridaMan1209

I really don't need that much space. Just a regular-sized closet and enough bedroom space for a queen bed. Newer amenities and close to the action would definitely be a plus.

What would a decent apartment/condo rental get me in SoBe or Brickell? $1,000/month?

For $1000 a month in South Beach expect around 500 sq ft (a studio) and the building will be older, probably garden style.

I don't think you'll find anything in Brickell for that price.

[FloridaMan1209]

Thanks for the help!

I'm definitely not opposed to having a roommate or two. Is it safe to assume that 1 bedroom = $1,000+ no matter how many rooms are in the apartment/condo?

Better question: Where do all of the young professionals (my age/salary range) live??

[Coconut1]

I'm not sure I totally understand your question...

There are some studios price slightly below $1000, from $800+. A 1 bedroom unit will cost more than $1000/month, usually.

Most of the professional crowd is trending towards Downtown and Brickell, but there are some at the Beach. Your best bet is to live near where you work, or at least be connected to it by being on the Metromover or Metrorail line. Miami Beach does not have either line out there so your best bet is to either live out there, or like I said earlier, take an alternate route like the Venetian Causeway in if you do choose to live in Brickell or Downtown so you don't spend your days in traffic.

Another option you might consider is buying. Buildings Downtown like Loft and Loft II are affordable for your income, are newer construction and would give you your own space. I'm not sure if they're FHA approved or not.

[FloridaMan1209]

Buying is out of the question because I want to make sure I enjoy living in the area first. As someone above mentioned, visiting is a lot different than living.

Realistically, how long does it take to get to lower-mid Collins Ave (8th street - 14th) from Downtown during rush hour? I've done it before but can't remember how busy/how long it took.

If I were to move to Orlando, NYC, Boston, there would be many opportunities to live in a nice place, but have multiple roommates and each pay around $800-1,000.

Is that even an option in Downtown or Miami Beach?

[American1476]

Originally Posted by FloridaMan1209

Thanks for the advice!

I too love Orlando but can't find a job in my field there.

And that's what I'm worried about. I'm not sure if visiting Miami for two weeks total is the same as living there full-time.

are you crazy Miami's job market is way worse try going north not south friend.....

[FloridaMan1209]

Yes, overall it is.

I've been looking for marketing jobs in Orlando for months and only now do I have this opportunity in Miami.

[mm.miami]

It really depend on your life style..I m a single mom of 2, i have a mortgage, i have a car payment, a cell phone and few of the nice things kids required nowadays.I live in downtown, and work on the beach. All this on a $ 36.000 a year.