Potential Relocation to Miami: Miami v. Baltimore (rental, mortgage) - Florida (FL) -Miami-Dade County - Page 3 - City-Data Forum

twiggers · 05-23-2008, 05:32 AM

Miamiblue: You are absolutely right. The whole city/traffic/crime thing isn't really a big deal. I mean, locking your doors? That is just common sense. Not leaving things out in your car? Again, common sense. However, deciding just based on the postdoc is hard because I do have to take into account whether or not we could survive financially, without incurring any new debt (I'm currently climbing out of 66K in CC debt - will be paid off before we move, and don't ever want to go there again). One of our original options was going back to CA (San Diego or LA) and we never flinched about rent prices, even though they are equal to Miami. So I have a feeling some of the weather issues are popping up (mostly from my hubby - he likes cold, I like hot). We'll likely be making a decision within the next couple of weeks though....so I'd love to continue hearing input!

miamiblue · 05-23-2008, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twiggers

Miamiblue: You are absolutely right. The whole city/traffic/crime thing isn't really a big deal. I mean, locking your doors? That is just common sense. Not leaving things out in your car? Again, common sense. However, deciding just based on the postdoc is hard because I do have to take into account whether or not we could survive financially, without incurring any new debt (I'm currently climbing out of 66K in CC debt - will be paid off before we move, and don't ever want to go there again). One of our original options was going back to CA (San Diego or LA) and we never flinched about rent prices, even though they are equal to Miami. So I have a feeling some of the weather issues are popping up (mostly from my hubby - he likes cold, I like hot). We'll likely be making a decision within the next couple of weeks though....so I'd love to continue hearing input!

It sounds like you have a tough decision on your hands. The cities seem to cancel each other out in many ways, putting them pretty much on a level playing field. The fact that you and your husband like opposite types of weather makes it even more difficult!

I don't really know enough about Baltimore to really add anything there - I've only been there once and will be going again the first weekend of June for a concert. It has a lot more historic buildings in the downtown area, and they have some great restaurants and cultural options. The city seems to be pretty gritty, but typical of a large metro in the mid-atlantic area. I liked the feel of it when I was there, despite knowing that it does have a reputation for crime. One thing it has going for it in my opinion is the proximity to DC. I really like the DC area (as long as you don't have a reason to drive a lot, but at least they have the metro!) and have spent some time there because I have family there.

From my very limited experience, I got the impression that Baltimore had a little more in the way of "grown up" nightlife and entertainment options. Miami prides itself on its beaches and South Beach nightlife, but it is definitely a more "high maintenance" type scene geared to a young demographic that likes to party and tourists. It is certainly always great for people watching, but it isn't everyone's cup of tea. What kinds of entertainment options do you enjoy? Perhaps that piece of the puzzle might help you with your decision as well.

I would say to research your rental options daily in both cities and see which one seems to have more available units in a price range that is comfortable for you. One thing is for sure, no matter how much a city has to offer, if you are financially squeezed, it will not be as good of an experience as it would be otherwise.

chisoxfan · 05-23-2008, 10:28 AM

I don't have a lot to add because you've gotten a lot of good information and opinions here. But I grew up near Chicago, have lived in South Florida since 1987 and have spent a fair amount of time in Baltimore, so I can compare the atmospheres. Baltimore has more of a "Chicago" feel, although it's much smaller, of course. Lots of older neighborhoods, many of them fixed up, with row houses and bungalows, and a downtown with quite a few attractions. Definitely a strong blue-collar, working-class presence. I also like the fact that you're just down the road from Washington and close to New York and Philly, should you get adventurous. On the other hand, I find it hard to compare the atmosphere in Miami to anyplace -- it's much different than any other big U.S. city I've visited. Some people like this, some don't, and that's probably one of the reasons why there's so much, uh, spirited discussion about Miami on these boards.

heydade · 05-23-2008, 10:30 AM

plus, you can't get any real maryland crabcakes down here !

xS☺B☺s · 05-23-2008, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heydade

plus, you can't get any real maryland crabcakes down here !

Yeah but you can get stone crabs!

xS☺B☺s · 05-23-2008, 02:20 PM

Tough choice I'd say. To me, Miami is not really a place to study. How the hell are you going to study when you live in the wildest city in the USA? That's the advantage and disadvantage of MIA. The advantage is it's F-in' gorgeous. The disadvantage is it's SO F-in' gorgeous, you just want to go out to play all day every day and you get nothing done! It's like a 365 day summer vacation.

Baltimore is pretty Bleah IMO. But yeah, it is close to NYC and DC, so plus for that.

Barring study, no question, MIA wins hands down. But living in a dump like BAL where there's not much to do really, well you'll be able to keep your mind on your work anyways.

twiggers · 05-24-2008, 07:13 PM

Thank you so much everyone for your help and opinions and insight! We've been doing more looking around the internet regarding apartments and such in both cities....and we just keep coming back to square one. It would have been much easier had it been say, Miami v. North Dakota or something LOL

Ganyguy · 05-25-2008, 12:12 PM

I just moved last week from the midwest to Coral Gables. $1290/mo for a nice two bedroom 1 bath. No hurricaine windows OR shutters (a bit concerning). Still happy here, and after looking at several places, think we did very well. You can find dumps (even in the Gables) for less, but for something nice 2/2 for $1200 will be tough to find (also, allowing pets may raise your rent, we have a cat). There is a lot of rental property on Bird Ave, just a couple blocks east of the Gables, RIGHT at a Metrorail stop on Douglas Road. Haven't checked prices, but as it is not techically the Gables, it may be a bit better deal. Also, you want to be by the 'Rail, as traffic is fine IN Coral Gables, but if you need to go downtown for anything, you will feel like the target in a video game. Seriously, it is like the people on the highway are trying to kill you, seriously. - - - And I am a confident, near 50yo experienced driver.

Since it appears you are doing residency or fellowship program, you are not making a permanent life choice. Seriously, GO TO FLORIDA! Baltimore has the same problems with really, really nasty crime (can be avoided in both cities), horrible traffic, etc. If you ultimately want to live wear you can get change of seasons, you can do better than Baltimore, and UM and J Hopkins are roughly equal. Coral Gables is somewhere no one should miss the chance to experience.

-Granted I have just arrived, but have previously spendt serious time in Miami, and this choice was researched and labored over for more than a year.

twiggers · 05-25-2008, 05:33 PM

Gany: Thank you so much for your comments!!! If you don't mind me asking (or private message me)...where did you end up for $1290? IS that Bird Ave. area still a nice/safe area?

Ganyguy · 05-25-2008, 09:19 PM

Bird Ave IS a pretty safe area, it appears anyway (Brid ROAD is in the Gables, once you get into Mimai - the Coconut Grove area - it changes to Bird AVE). I did search for you of a few of the complexes I recalled the name of, and they mostly don't allow pets. :-( . Also, they were a bit more money than I thought they might be. Many were condos being subleased, so some even were furnished. Still, Coconut Grove borders on the Gables, so that would be easy for work, and Metrorail, and seems to be a highly regarded (safe and fun) part of Miami. Even closer to the Beach...

I ended up more in central Gables, not far from the Biltmore Hotel. It came down to this place (location, location, location) or a full 2/2 by US1 and Red Road (the SW cornor of the Gables). That other place was $1400, but VERY SPACIOUS, w/ a metrorail station a block away, security building, covered parking, etc.
In the end, I just wanted to be able to walk to the heart of the Gables. If I were working at the U, the place in the SW cornor would have been better. As it is, I have to drive a mile to get to park and take the rail to work (downtown). For wife and I it made sense, and it is prettier outside our door, little courtyard, etc.

Best of luck. You really should get the experience, UM is at the south end of Coral Gables, though completely in the city border. Even theose who don't like Miami are hard pressed to find anything to complain about in the Gables, it truely is "The City Beautiful". Non peak traffic hours, 15 minutes to SOBE, even less to the Airport. I came permanently, will I make it, or will 5 years find me somewhere else? However long this lasts, (kind of committed for at least 3-5 years) I doubt I will regret it.

Unlike anywhere else in the country I have lived, here Real Estate agents broker rental agreements for you. My agent was FABULOUS - not just point of sale, but follow up, and follow through. Totally fluent both English and Spanish, made the one day of selecting/signing/ etc. very easy. If you are indeed choosing Coral Gables over Baltimore, I would be happy to pass on her number.