Fort Lauderdale-Miami (Hialeah, Miami Beach, Homestead: high school, living, restaurant)

[BNBR]

Originally Posted by Wild Style

I lived in both Fort Lauderdale and Miami for a number of years.


Fort Lauderdale is more suburban, ie everything is spread out, not much in the way of walkability. Miami is more urban, at least in the urban core. Miami definitely has a distinct look and feel to that of Fort Lauderdale. The Hispanic population is also far larger in Miami than it is in Fort Lauderdale. That isn't necessarily a good or bad thing, it is just a reality. I definitely enjoyed my time living in Miami, more so than I ever did living in Fort Lauderdale.

Can you live in Fort Lauderdale and still live a Miami lifestyle? Ummm no, because you would need to live in Miami to live a Miami life style. The two are very different. You will just be a visitor on the days and times you go to Miami. Though I can't say there really is a "Miami Lifestyle" so to speak. I did get out and walk a LOT more in Miami than I ever did in Fort Lauderdale.

As much as some might want to deny it, I think Miami has far more of a Hispanic presence. I think that is one of the major differences. But it definitely isn't a bad thing. I lived in Coconut Grove and I never had any issues (though I would argue Coconut Grove has far less of a Hispanic presence/influence as compared to some other neighborhoods.). I would never live in Florida again, unless it was the last piece of land on earth. But with that said, if I HAD to live there, it would only be in Miami.

The hispanic presence has it's ups and downs. Being loud, obnoxious, and inconsiderate is one of the downs. But I also appreciate some of the cultural aspects of it.

We were out on one of the spoil islands recently, by ourselves, no problem. 2 groups of Cubans pull up on boats, not big groups, but they decided to absolutely blast their music. We had no problem with neighbors, but what makes them think the entire island wants to listen to their music? He just looks over and he really thinks he is bringing the party and, gosh, why wouldn't I want to listen to obnoxious music while we were quietly relaxing on the beach? This isn't unusual, wasn't surprising, and they are well known for being highly inconsiderate of others, intentional or not.

Almost annoying as white people with their dogs.... note: stay FAR away from dog beaches.

[Wild Style]

Originally Posted by BNBR

The hispanic presence has it's ups and downs. Being loud, obnoxious, and inconsiderate is one of the downs. But I also appreciate some of the cultural aspects of it.

We were out on one of the spoil islands recently, by ourselves, no problem. 2 groups of Cubans pull up on boats, not big groups, but they decided to absolutely blast their music. We had no problem with neighbors, but what makes them think the entire island wants to listen to their music? He just looks over and he really thinks he is bringing the party and, gosh, why wouldn't I want to listen to obnoxious music while we were quietly relaxing on the beach? This isn't unusual, wasn't surprising, and they are well known for being highly inconsiderate of others, intentional or not.

Almost annoying as white people with their dogs.... note: stay FAR away from dog beaches.

I didn't get the whole "loud" thing when I was in coconut grove at all. I think people confuse street/ghetto culture with ALL Hispanics. It is a certain segment of the Hispanic population that behaves in that manner. Just as it is a certain segment of European American culture that seems to treat dogs like human beings, and they take liberties with their dogs (not cleaning up after them, walking them off leash etc).

[JustKeepMoving]

I live in Miami, but as a white American I wish I lived in FTL or one of a couple of Broward suburbs. Come to Miami for nightlife a couple of times and you will probably get it out of your system.

[Pincho-toot]

People visit each of the cities, though not as a regular thing, on occasion. In my family's instance (Miamians) they would mostly go to Fort Lauderdale for hotels and beaches. Fort Lauderdale has the better airport IMO. They also get concerts that Miami doesn't get. I went up to Fort Lauderdale from Miami one year for an alt rock concert.

[deboinair]

In short. Miami speaks Spanish and Fort Lauderdale speaks English. You will find more diversity in Fort Lauderdale, unlike Miami which is a Cuban run city.

[deboinair]

Originally Posted by BNBR

Miami has a VERY hispanic culture. Honestly, I think it's too much. I like my mix, but you literally feel in a different country and "out of place" unless you are Spanish. And I say this in context - if you are trying to live that lifestyle and be a part of that culture. Visiting, some nightlife, etc... it's fine. Is there a defined cultural difference? Yes. But not THAT much. Lauderdale will feel a tad more "American" than Miami, but still have plenty latin influence.

Is it too far from Ft Lauderdale? No. But recognize that Ft. Lauderdale has plenty going on. Personally, I prefer Lauderdale over Miami any day.

This is very accurate. I thought I'd never say I'd like Fort Lauderdale over Miami. I grew up in Miami and saw the awful change. I remember when Miami was more diverse and Fort Lauderdale was pretty much all White. That has changed. It's crazy how Fort Lauderdale is more like how Miami was years ago regarding culture. Definitely a better mix in Fort Lauderdale now.

Miami is only good if you want to go to events. But Fort Lauderdale has plenty to do also now. It's just gets old hearing Spanish all the time. The last three years I lived in Miami, I never went out there. I would always go to Las Olas, the Hardrock, or and different festivals in Lauderdale.

[Bobdreamz]

Originally Posted by deboinair

This is very accurate. I thought I'd never say I'd like Fort Lauderdale over Miami. I grew up in Miami and saw the awful change. I remember when Miami was more diverse and Fort Lauderdale was pretty much all White. That has changed. It's crazy how Fort Lauderdale is more like how Miami was years ago regarding culture. Definitely a better mix in Fort Lauderdale now.

Miami is only good if you want to go to events. But Fort Lauderdale has plenty to do also now. It's just gets old hearing Spanish all the time. The last three years I lived in Miami, I never went out there. I would always go to Las Olas, the Hardrock, or and different festivals in Lauderdale.

What was the awful "change" you speak about? Why should hearing Spanish all the time bother you?

[Sugah Ray]

Originally Posted by MrKnight

I am relocating to South Florida and will be living the Fort Lauderdale area. From what I understand Miami is only about a 30-45 min drive from Fort Lauderdale? With that said, how is the relationship between both cities? Is there a defined cultural difference? Also, is it possible to physically live in Fort Lauderdale and enjoy a Miami lifestyle or are the cities too far apart socially and culturally?

No it's not that different. Most people in Broward think they are special because they don't live in Miami-Dade but the culture is pretty much the same except that some neighborhoods in Miami are very hispanic and Spanish is widely spoken in those areas. Broward also tends to have more poor and working class white people, you know the typical white southernern that you will also find in Homestead here in Miami.

There is really no need to travel to Miami or Broward if you live in those counties unless you live close to the county line. Both counties have plenty of entertainment, beaches and shopping. I know both counties very well but I'm an exception not a rule. Why would someone travel several miles to another county to get the same things they can get in their own county? Like another poster said, most people only travel when there are events like concerts and games.

[BNBR]

Originally Posted by Bobdreamz

What was the awful "change" you speak about? Why should hearing Spanish all the time bother you?

Why should hearing Spanish all the time be a bother? What a ridiculous question. If you don't speak Spanish, is it that odd that you might be more comfortable around English speakers? Mind you, there is a very defined difference in the mannerisms and culture with the Spanish crowd. It's not for everyone, and THAT IS OK. We don't need to pretend to be tolerant and PC all the time. I don't mind SOME Spanish crowd. One of my best friends is a Mexican in Miami. I enjoy hanging around, but I wouldn't want to be around that ALL the time as my place of residence.

[Tominftl]

I have to go to Miami once and a while. I dread it. It's like a different country. Most Hispanics in Miami speak English but don't. I would rather live in Broward any day. The few places in Miami-Dade that are livable are very expensive.