Concerned about (violent crime) (Miami, Havana: neighborhoods, schools, living in)

[mlwl8521]

My family is moving to a major city in Florida but not sure which one yet. We are considering Miami because of its cruise ports, big employers (including 3 cruise giants), and low cost of living. Both my wife and I are educated professionals.

Are there any parts of Miami where my wife and I can sleep, work, and shop without fear of being raped, robbed, or murdered?

I ask because I read that across America, there are 3.9 violent crimes per 1000 residents. In Miami, it's 11.6 instead of 3.9!

Now, is that just statistical hocus pocus or is that material?

[xS☺B☺s]

If you've got enough money and/or carry yourself well you can live in Miami with very limited chance of that. You can sleep very well in a High rise overlooking the bay or the ocean. If ya hafta sleep of the streets in Overtown, yer likely to run into some issues.

Biggest problem in Miami besides just dealing with day to day aggravation of aggravated people is sending kids to school. That's how it gets pricey. No kids? Hell, you could live real well on a DINK.

Most Miami violence is in isolated areas between troubled people. If you can get yourself to work three days a week and are just reasonably nice to most people every now and then, you will probably be viewed as an urban hero.

[FlyMIA]

What is your budget?

Unless you can't afford to live in a decent area you don't need to be in such fear.
Where did you see this statistic and how did other large cities match up.

Also oddest thing you said was Miami's low cost of living? Where did that dream come from?

[Coconut1]

Originally Posted by mlwl8521

Are there any parts of Miami where my wife and I can sleep, work, and shop without fear of being raped, robbed, or murdered?

Nope, you're toast!

[LordHomunculus]

C'mon mlwl, what is with all the paranoia? Just apply the same precautions you learned from living in Baltimore and you should be fine.

[miami_zed]

Little Havana is the most dangerous neighborhood. The old cubans have canes with the ends sharpened. You've been warned.

[boxus]

Miami is a salad bowl of crime; much of it happens in a few places, and at certain times of the day, very predictable in my opinion.

Also, a lot of crime happens between two people who know each other, many times engaged in what could be considered shady/illegal activity.

[LordHomunculus]

Originally Posted by boxus

Miami is a salad bowl of crime; much of it happens in a few places, and at certain times of the day, very predictable in my opinion.

Also, a lot of crime happens between two people who know each other, many times engaged in what could be considered shady/illegal activity.

More like a "fiesta bowl"! Eh? Eh?

[WrongStreet]

As long as you stay away from sketchy neighborhoods the chances of you being a victim of a violent crime are pretty low. You should be vigilant anytime you live in a big city and Miami is no different than any other large city in terms of it's crime and where you would find it. Like another poster mentioned, your biggest concern would be schools if you have kids, since Miami is known for not being the best in that department.

[MiamiRob]

This is the epitome! Somebody from Baltimore afraid of living in Miami!