The best and worst things about living in Miami
Watch out for those club promoters
It’s a love/hate relationship. Miami is basically an entirely different universe that’s somehow attached to the United States as there’s nowhere else like it. It’s not all sunshine and Will Smith songs, though. Miami has a lot to love about it, but there’s also quite a bit to hate.
Only a true Miami resident can properly assess the situation, so that’s exactly what I did.
What to love about Miami
The nightlife is like nowhere else
There is never nothing to do in Miami. Whether it’s club-hopping on South Beach or going to a local bar or a festival, you never run out of ideas for fun things to do during the weekends. Since the city is so big, there are so many different territories to explore for great adventure — and Instagram — opportunities.
The people are the greatest you’ll ever meet (sometimes)
Latin culture dominates Miami. All of my friends come from some kind of background of Latin culture (except me), and I love it because of the unconditional love and warmness they and their culture possess. You also can’t walk anywhere without hearing Reggaetón music blasting out of someone’s car. And don’t even get me started on how we greet people. If I grew up in any other environment, I can 100 percent say I would be a completely different person.
The beaches are flawless
Flooded with tourists year-round because of our hot weather, Miami Beach is one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit. Personally, I think Nikki Beach or South Pointe are the best spots to hit because they’re less populated by tourists and the water is crystal clear.
The food is incredible
Whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal or a formal one, Miami is notorious for its unique and delicious restaurants. Since the cultural influence is so prevalent, Cuban restaurants are on top of the food chain. Versailles is a top choice, and other restaurants like Barton G’s and Joe’s Stone Crab are, to say the least, memorable.
The shopping is top quality
Can’t find an outfit to wear to a special event? No worries, South Miami — The Grove, Dadeland, Merrick Park, The Falls, Aventura and many other shopping destinations have you covered. There are so many options to find cute clothes so if something comes up, it’s not even close to a problem to be able to pop by any of these places and buy an outfit. You can also never go wrong with Blush or Market in South Miami.
What to hate about Miami
Driving is a nightmare
Don’t even think about leaving your house at 3 p.m. any day of the week. You’ll be banging your head on your burning steering wheel wondering why you even thought you could make it to a doctors appointment at 3:30 (you won’t make it, but that’s okay because the doctors run on Cuban Time times a hundred). On top of the traffic, the aggressive drivers who think it’s okay to cut you off by an inch while also flicking you off add to the fun.
The stereotypes are so false
There are so many stereotypes about the people who live in Miami. The second I came to my college and told people I was from Miami, everyone assumed I’d be a party girl, super loud and also somehow Hispanic. Being rich, Hispanic and snobby are all Miami stereotypes. There’s also the stigma of being trashy or “ratchet.” Sometimes, these stereotypes are true, but most of the people I grew up with don’t fall under any of these categories.
The humidity will ruin your life
Sometimes I feel like there’s no oxygen in Miami because of how humid it can get. The air is so hot and sticky, I feel like I’m submerged in water. Plus, my hair is going right in a ponytail because it’ll frizz instantly.
The construction is a total mess
Since Miami is such a big place and the population is exploding, there are always construction projects happening. You can’t drive a mile without seeing multiple construction sights (which also leads to more traffic).
Promotors can get too aggressive
I have no problem with someone doing their job and some promotors are good people, but Miami club promotors can get overly aggressive. Even if I’m clearly sleeping at the beach, these people will still walk up to me and ask if I am ready to party the night away at their VIP table at Story. On top of the sunburn I’m probably going to get, I don’t think getting pushed around in a club is an entertaining idea.
In all, Miami is such a unique place to grow up with its bustling city to quiet Coral Gables suburbs, and I would never want to grow up anywhere else. 305 ’til I die.