Baltimore (Woodlawn) vs. Miami (Kendall) (Largo, Coral Gables: for sale, renting, insurance)

[nontradstudent]

Hi,

I currently live in Florida, but quite a distance from Miami. I have two wonderful job opportunities in two very different places, and was wondering if someone had some input on this.

I really like living in Florida, but have never really been to Miami. The Miami opportunity would be in my field and I would be making very good money. I would be able to train with an expert in my field. However, once I am committed there, it would be difficult to relocate. I am not hispanic, but I do speak Spanish.

The other opportunity would be located in Baltimore. It would not be directly in my field, but would utilize a lot of the skills I have. That job offers a reasonable pay, but much less than Miami. However, it offers superb benefits in terms of vacation time, insurance, etc. That job also offers far more flexibility if I should choose to relocate in the future. The potential to earn more exists, but is not guaranteed. Even in the best case scenario of promotion, I would make about 1/2 to 1/3 of what I would in Miami. As a former Ohioan, I do not like cold, and I really hate gray skies, but I am willing to go back North for a good opportunity.

I have a child who will be starting kindergarten in the fall, and I know that the schools are reputed to be overall better up North than down here. I have a spouse who would have to find a job in either place. I have considered the property taxes and insurance in Miami, and it seems to balance out with the addition of the state and local income taxes in Baltimore. The cost of housing is similar.

What is hard for me to distinguish is the quality of life differences (other than weather) since I have never lived in either place. Is there anyone who has experience with both who can compare them?

Thanks!

[Chelito23]

If you are all about the Florida lifestyle and warm weather, Miami winds hands down. Money isn't everything. Bad choice to go where the money is, especially when you have a child entering into school. The decision suddenly becomes less about you....

Also, what does you husband do for a living?

Baltimore is a nice place, my brother lives there (Guilford). They have a beautiful Inner Harbor area downtown, which is what Bayside was meant to be. They also have the water and beaches not too far, a Seaquarium, is located near DC, Philly and even NYC is close...so you have a lot very close. It is expensive as well, but I would love to know what kind of a job pays more in Miami than in Batimore DC area? I find it hard to believe that in the long term you would max out there less than your starting salary is in Miami.
Just how much is very good pay for you? That is subjective, and many people post the same and are in for major sticker shock when they get here. A 350,000 home can easily have a 10,000 TAX bill yearly. It is a trade off, but if your job will be paying you in the 6 figures annualy, Miami might be a possibility...and only a possibility at that. Good luck.

[WLeonardAthas]

I was born and raised in Baltimore County, Maryland. My mother lived in Woodlawn and I worked there for about seven years. When I was 34, I left and have lived and worked in south Florida since(20 years). Here is my "Readers Digest" version of the pros and cons to both areas as far as my humble opinion will go.
Miami-Pros: beautiful weather. The summers in Miami are not nearly as oppressive as the 95% humidity 95 degree days of summer in Balto. No state income tax in Florida; lots of job opportunities; clear beautiful ocean water minutes away; Florida Keys right down the road; lots of outdoor activities; The Bahamas are very close; a lot of diversity in people, culture, restaurants and things to do and see; little or no need to keep up a "winter" wardrobe; friends and family wil always visit you in the winter and you can sit around and look at the snow scenes on TV.
Cons-Miami: Ridiculous costs for home insurance and property taxes; possibility of becoming overdosed on diversity; for the most part at least in Miami, the lanugage preference is not English; very crowded on highways and the beaches; hurricane season; crime is very high; overall a high cost of living in housing. Schools are just so-so.
Baltimore-Pro: Maryland is a nice state. Baltimore has some very nice people and outstanding restaurants. You are close to D.C. and other attractions such as skiing, Cheaspeake Bay, the ocean is about 140 miles away. There is a lot of culture in the general Baltimore Wash D.C. area and the schools are very good and many outstanding colleges and universities are in or close by the area.
Cons-Bato: Maryland's unofficial motto is, "If you can dream of it, Maryland can tax it." Very high crime rates; overcrowding; very high state and county taxing schemes; the weather is for my money awful. It never really rains, it just leaks for days on-end. Very crowded and my family and friends all wish to live elsewhere. Did I mention the "S" word (SNOW)?
Overall, both are large metropolitian areas. Both have poison and prizes, both have assets and deficits. I have never wanted to leave Florida because I like the outdoors, I love the weather (and no state income tax) and being able to do the things I enjoy 12 months a year. I like the outdoors, but if that is not a major consideration, then go with your heart. I can say this though, the cold really punishes a human being and if we were meant to live in that firgid weather, then why do we not have fur? Having said that, I am considering moving to Montana! What does that tell you, only that you must follow your heart. You only have one trip around the track. Good luck.

[jhlcomp]

This can be a hard call. The obvious for lifestyle is Miami. My brother still lives in Baltimore. I lived in Virginia and worked in DC for years. My main reason for moving was weather and the whole inside the beltway mentality. Coming down here cost me career wise.

If I were in my 20's or 30's trying to establish a career, I might think of moving back, but not as a permanent move. But it all depends on your career. What is your job offer - what area? Thank you.

[nontradstudent]

I would be an attorney in Miami vs. a pretty good federal policy position in Baltimore. I have prior federal service with the same agency at a lower level. Within a few years, I would expect to make $200-300K in Miami and likely would cap out at $90-$120K in Baltimore.

[Chelito23]

Good job! Great pay. I think you could afford Miami. Personally, I would choose Miami if I had that kind of salary.

[nontradstudent]

Well, I pulled the trigger yesterday and chose Miami. Thanks for all your input, and I'll keep reading the boards!

[jjnnino]

Originally Posted by nontradstudent

Well, I pulled the trigger yesterday and chose Miami. Thanks for all your input, and I'll keep reading the boards!

With that salary ... Depending on your commute I would look at renting in areas like Coral Gables , Pine Crest , Brickell or Aventura . Forget living in Kendall !!!

The above areas have beautiful homes , nice parks , restaurants , shopping and void of some of the crap that really hinders Miami .

Give yourself an opportunity to enjoy the nicer sides of Miami , it will make up for all the negatives .

[ilovethekeys]

I'm trying to move south (keys etc). Lived in the Balto area all my life,43 yrs. Crime sucks and the cost of living really wouldn't matter and the waether is sooo awesome in Miami. Baltimore is not a dream local, sorry!

[doggiebus]

Originally Posted by ilovethekeys

I'm trying to move south (keys etc). Lived in the Balto area all my life,43 yrs. Crime sucks and the cost of living really wouldn't matter and the waether is sooo awesome in Miami. Baltimore is not a dream local, sorry!

My parents have doublewide for sale in Key Largo on canal with bay access, for 500k? Let me know if you are interested.