Is Miami really anything to be afraid of?? (Miami Beach, Kendall: insurance, credit card)

[r_k]

Why not just visit for a few days and see for yourself?

[hurricaneMan1992]

Statistically you're much more likely to die or be injured in a car accident...which happen quite often down here, much more than coastal Maine for sure. There are also the psychological effects of dealing with the traffic down here every day, which affect some people more than others--there's a reason why road rage is common. West Kendall has some of the worst traffic in South Florida and can be a long, stressful drive to the city and the beaches, and otherwise to get peace and fresh air many people have to drive in the same traffic just to get to a park... That would be my main concern as far as quality of life, health, and safety, not gangs (unless your friend is a dealer or something...). Most people will never have a problem living in Kendall. The vast majority of people who have problems will experience car vandalism or petty theft. Gated community is no escape as there are other people inside of the community plus their guests, so you never know.

[CTaxolotl]

I would say you should go down there and check it out for yourself. It is like any big city with positive and negative aspects. It is also, in my opinion, unique in that it has more of an international flavor than most US cities. If you appreciate the food and people of Central and Latin America (of which I am one), you'll see that the positive aspects outweigh the negatives.

There's a lot of places where you can find information about how to stay safe as a tourist and your Colombian friend can certainly fill you on on what's safe. As a person who's family has had a generations-long relationship with Miami (even though some of my family live there and others live elsewhere), I would recommend that everyone visit and get to experience the culture, the people, the food, the climate--all good!

[Sugah Ray]

Originally Posted by Winchupuata

and fortunately I had enough money to pay one of the gangs the toll to drive on their territory.

I also regularly pay rackets to the MDX gang. Very dangerous people.

[Sugah Ray]

Originally Posted by Northern Maine

Is Miami really that bad?

Yes

My friend (a Colombian) has lived there his whole life and never had a problem. he says there's nothing to worry about but I read these threads and people saw its horrible. People saw you cant even walk down the street or go out at night or you'll die.What? Is it really that bad?

Yes you can die, better not walk alone on deserted streets especially at night.

My biggest fear is being kidnapped by gangs or shot. Is this silly? Could this actually happen?

Yes it can happen and no it's not silly. You could die or end up seriously hurt.

Or am I just afraid because I'm white and not from the area.

No your fear is rational.

My friend has a room for me in a gated community in Kendall. He says I'm crazy for thinking this stuff.

Your friend is wrong.

I understand that the weather is hot and my driving is crazy but what else should I be worried about? Am I just crazy?

Worry about everything, especially not being able to communicate in English.

Thank you

Your welcome

[perry335654]

Live in Goulds, it probably has as much traffic in your Maine town, they do have stop lights in this Miami-Dade suburb though.

[ace587]

Originally Posted by Northern Maine

Hello, for two years my friend has been wanting me to move from my small, coastal town in Maine and go to Miami. I come from a very low population town that doesn't even have a stop light.

A few thoughts, please pardon my ignorance.

Is Miami really that bad? My friend (a Colombian) has lived there his whole life and never had a problem. he says there's nothing to worry about but I read these threads and people saw its horrible. People saw you cant even walk down the street or go out at night or you'll die. What? Is it really that bad? My biggest fear is being kidnapped by gangs or shot. Is this silly? Could this actually happen? Or am I just afraid because I'm white and not from the area. My friend has a room for me in a gated community in Kendall. He says I'm crazy for thinking this stuff.

I understand that the weather is hot and my driving is crazy but what else should I be worried about? Am I just crazy?

Thank you

You will be in for a shock. My sister used to work in York, ME. I've seen plenty of Maine folks have a culture shock. Better off in Ft. Lauderdale

[doggiebus]

Is Miami really that bad? Well it depends on what you are comparing Miami too? And what a persons likes and dislikes are. Your friend is Colombian, that says a lot right there ... Miami is like little South America in many ways. OP, you are from Maine, Miami will be a HUGE culture shock for you. The Broward suggestion (a very good one) would be a buffer in a transition from the small town life you are living to a big city life without a huge cultural shock too you from Maine.

You will not die when you walk down the street or go out at night, could you be mugged, raped, assaulted, yes. There is crime here (its a big city), you have to use big city common sense when you are out and about. If you are a woman, you don't want to walk down the street late at night by yourself or in a parking garage alone. As long as you don't live in a bad area or aren't hanging out with a bad crowd, you don't have to worry about gun shots. Your car or house getting broken into, yes that is a real concern even in nice areas of Miami. Again if you use your big city common sense like never leaving anything of value in your car, get a car alarm, etc. You won't become a victim. If someone breaks into my car, all they'll get is a comb and a few quarters if I have any.

If you want to see what the crime has been like in Kendall for the last month follow the link and put in the dates you want to see, zoom into Kendall and make sure you have the crimes checked you want to see Crime Mapping - Miami Police Department Don't be shocked when you see the board light up like a christmas tree with crimes, Miami is a big city.

The best thing would be to come down for a week in August when its hot, humid and rainy. This way you can see Miami at its worst weather wise. See how the drivers are ... See if its a place for you to live for a few years. If you don't like it after a year or more, you can always leave.

Originally Posted by Northern Maine

Is Miami really that bad? My friend (a Colombian) has lived there his whole life and never had a problem. he says there's nothing to worry about but I read these threads and people saw its horrible. People saw you cant even walk down the street or go out at night or you'll die. What? Is it really that bad? My biggest fear is being kidnapped by gangs or shot. Is this silly? Could this actually happen? Or am I just afraid because I'm white and not from the area. My friend has a room for me in a gated community in Kendall. He says I'm crazy for thinking this stuff.

I understand that the weather is hot and my driving is crazy but what else should I be worried about? Am I just crazy?

Thank you

[PDF]

No, but you should definitely be prepared. Have you spent any amount of time in big cities before?

[croatbob]

stay out of the hood and keep your nose clean and you should be fine. just make sure you have a job lined up as the economy sucks in south florida compared to the rest of the usa and the cost of living is high