Thinking about relocating to Miami from NYC? I did it in February 2021, put everything in a Dodge mini van moving to unknown—and it was the best decision of my life. I traded cold for sun, skyscrapers for palm trees, and discovered a whole new rhythm of living. But let’s be real: Miami isn’t for everyone. In this post, I’ll share the pros and cons of moving from NYC to Miami, what I love about it, what I miss from New York, and whether this move might be worth it for you.
Why I Love Living in Miami
1. Life by the Beach
Nothing beats living by the beach. Whether it’s morning walks, sunset swims, or just feeling the ocean breeze, Miami’s coastline is a constant source of joy and relaxation. I used to go to Rockaway in New York, lots of bike ride journeys or ferry rides. Also Hudson River offered water view from Chelsea Piers.
2. Sunshine All Year Round
Miami offers beautiful, warm weather year-round. Even when it rains, it’s usually just a quick tropical shower before the sun returns. No harsh winters, no snowstorms—just sunshine and blue skies.
3. Active & Outdoor Lifestyle in Miami
Miami is a paradise for those who love staying active. The outdoor activities are endless:
- Biking, rollerblading, or skating on the boardwalk along Miami Beach
- Running at the beach or boardwalk
- Pickleball and beach tennis in various free or paid parks and courts
- Ping pong clubs popping up across the city
- Yoga, sound baths, and other wellness activities in outdoor settings
- Paddleboarding, swimming, spikeball, and paddle sports at the beach or canals
If you love fitness and being outside, relocating to Miami might be your dream.
Why Miami Might Not Be for Every New Yorker
1. Limited Arts & Culture Scene
If you thrive on NYC’s world-class theater, opera, and live performances, Miami may feel lacking. While there are cultural events, they are fewer and farther between compared to Broadway or Lincoln Center.
2. A Much Smaller City
New York City is vast, both in terms of activities and the sheer scale of urban life. Miami, by comparison, is much smaller. This means fewer options for niche hobbies, dining, and entertainment.
3. Limited Nature & Outdoor Variety
In NYC, a short drive or train ride takes you to incredible hiking, whitewater rafting, or surfing spots. Miami, on the other hand, is mostly flat and hot year-round. The natural scenery doesn’t change much, and while there are state parks, they require driving, and many are filled with bugs (at least for my sensitive self). If you love diverse outdoor adventures, you may miss NYC’s variety.
4. Prices Have Skyrocketed
Miami used to be much cheaper than NYC in every way. Even during COVID in 2021, it was an affordable alternative for New Yorkers. But with the influx of people moving here, prices have climbed significantly. Rent in Miami, especially in desirable areas like Miami Beach, is now comparable to New York. While some aspects of daily life may still be slightly cheaper, the cost of living gap has narrowed significantly.
5. Nightmare Traffic
Driving in Miami is a disaster. The traffic can be horrendous, and if you rely on a car to get around, prepare for frustration. Public transportation isn’t nearly as efficient as NYC’s subway system.
6. Dangerous Drivers & Biking Risks
Miami is notorious for reckless driving. Many drivers don’t signal, and there are a lot of partygoers and intoxicated drivers, making road safety a major issue. If you bike on roads shared with cars, be extremely cautious. Memorials for cyclists are unfortunately common, especially on bridges where accidents can go unnoticed. Stick to bike-friendly areas if cycling is your main mode of transport. Also, road rage incidents can be terrifying—open carry laws allow people to carry firearms in their vehicles, and seeing pickup trucks with massive pew-pews is not uncommon. Personally, I wouldn’t live anywhere but the beach, just to avoid being caught in some reckless driver’s bad day.
7. Fewer Parks, Limited Food Scene
NYC is packed with parks and diverse food options from every culture imaginable. Miami, while filled with beaches, doesn’t offer the same variety of parks or international cuisine. There are state parks, but they are often far and not always enjoyable due to bugs and longer driving distances.
5. Limited Work & Business Opportunities
If you have a specialized skill set—such as being a doctor, accountant, or other professional—you can find good job opportunities in Miami. However, for those without a specialized career, it can be difficult to find work outside of hospitality, Uber, or Doordash gigs. The corporate job market is smaller than in NYC, and high-paying office jobs aren’t as common. On the other hand, if you work remotely or run your own business, Miami can be an absolute paradise.
Is Moving from NYC to Miami Worth It?
It depends on your lifestyle and values. If you’re craving sunshine, ocean views, and a slower pace—and especially if you work remotely—Miami can be a dream. But if you need cultural stimulation, mountains and forests, or fast public transit, you may feel the trade-offs.
Final Thoughts
Miami is an incredible place for those who love the sun, the beach, and an active outdoor lifestyle. It offers a relaxed pace of life and no harsh winters, but it also comes with downsides like limited cultural activities, bad traffic, rising costs, and a lack of diverse natural landscapes. If you’re considering the move, weigh what matters most to you—because Miami can either be a dream or a dealbreaker, depending on what you’re looking for.
And here’s some beautiful memories from New York. Hiking, lots of bike rides, Rockaway Beach, and winter ice creams.
