Miami Relocation Guide

Looking to relocate to Greater Miami and Miami Beach? Welcome. You’re in good company, joining thousands of people moving to Miami for the cosmopolitan energy, diverse culture and beautiful weather, not to mention that the destination is an ever-growing hub for commerce, tech, entrepreneurship and international trade. Here’s a guide to help you get started on the move, from choosing which vibrant neighborhood to call home, to finding schools, getting around and getting settled.

Choose A Neighborhood & Find A New Home

Miami’s neighborhoods are as diverse as the people who live in them, and choosing the right one for you will go a long way in determining your quality of life.  For a buzzing city center, with great walkability and endless chances to meet new people, Brickell, Downtown Miami and Edgewater are top options. They’re ideal for single people or young couples without kids who want to be immersed in Miami’s urban energy.

For a slower, beachy pace, North Beach and Surfside are ideal, with slightly removed locales and easy access to the shoreline. For beach vibes with more of a city scene, South Beach is the spot, where you can walk to shops, bars, restaurants and the beach in minutes. Most residences in these areas are apartments or condos, with only a few single-family homes. For luxury condo living, head South of Fifth, which shares the same walkability as South Beach, with a quieter, upscale atmosphere.  

Families who want a little more space could consider Miami Shores, El Portal, and Miami Springs, small towns inside a big city with friendly neighbors and good schools. Farther south, Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay also have a suburban residential feel with newer, larger homes and big back yards. Farther west, Kendall offers a more-affordable suburban experience that is great for kids and families.

Families who want to be closer to the city may consider Coconut Grove, where artists, students, and young professionals live in bungalows hidden among thick tropical foliage. Its commercial center comes alive at night, making the Grove one of the best neighborhoods for restaurants. Nearby, Coral Gables is an upscale residential city with a vibrant downtown, filled with Mediterranean Revival homes and shady banyan trees.

To experience the most in Miami’s art scene, take a look at Wynwood. Several new apartment and condo buildings allow residents to walk to the neighborhood’s treasure trove of murals and art galleries. Little River is also up-and-coming, with some of the city’s most exciting new restaurants and smaller single-family homes. Buena Vista, which sits between those two neighborhoods, is a great option for families who want a house.

Find Employment Or Start Your Own Business

Government and hospitality are major employers in the area.  Miami-Dade County has an online jobs board. In the local hospitality industry, large companies like Royal Caribbean Group, Carnival Cruise Line, Miami International Airport, Miami Marlins, Hard Rock Stadium and  PortMiami are hiring frequently. 

If you’ll be starting or growing your own business, living in Miami offers tax advantages. There is no local corporate tax, a very low state corporate tax and no state personal income tax. The Miami-Dade County online portal and the U.S. Small Business Administration  offer tips and technical assistance. The county's official economic development partner, the Beacon Council, provides business assistance to companies expanding in the area or relocating here. The  Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce represents the private business sector and offers resources to local companies. There are also chambers dedicated to local municipalities and groups, including the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce, the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and more. Becoming a partner with us here at the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau is also a great strategy for local businesses.

Research Schools & Education Opportunities

Miami-Dade County Public Schools is the third-largest public school district in the nation. The district has an interactive tool that allows you to enter your prospective address and see which schools are available, including magnet and Cambridge programs. Greater Miami and Miami Beach offers private school options, too, including Jesuit, Catholic and Jewish schools. The area is home to several four-year universities, including Florida International University, University of Miami, Barry University and St. Thomas University. Residents can also get two- and four-year degrees at Miami Dade College, one of the highest-rated community colleges in the country.

Set Up Utilities & Get Settled In

Here is a short checklist of utility and service companies:

Electricity: Florida Power & Light Co. provides an online system for opening an electric service account.

Water: To apply for water and sewer service, visit the Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department’s online portal.

Trash & Recycling: There are both do-it-yourself options and garbage collection companies. Start your search on Miami-Dade County’s trash and recycling website.

Mail Forwarding: Change your address and set up mail forwarding with the United States Postal Service.

Voter Registration: Register to vote in Miami-Dade County.

Getting Around

You’ll need to register your car and get a Florida drivers’ license through the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department. Several expressways have tolls, and getting a SunPass will save money and hassle of paying toll-by-mail invoices. 

Public transportation options include Metrobus routes throughout Miami-Dade County. Metrorail runs from Dadeland South in Kendall north to Doral, through Coral Gables, Downtown/Brickell, and Hialeah. It also goes to Miami International Airport, though weekend schedules require a transfer.

In Downtown Miami and Brickell, the Metromover glides above the streets, navigating the busy urban core. It’s the best way to get around these areas, and completely free.

The TRI-Rail and Brightline offer rail service from MiamiCentral station.

Explore Culture and Recreation

Once you’ve gotten settled into your new home, you’ll want to get out and explore all the things that make the area so special. Weather is one of the biggest draws, and spending time outdoors is a must. The beaches at Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne are popular among locals, offering the feel of a deserted tropical island – with nearby barbecue shelters.

To immerse yourself in Florida nature, visit Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach, where you can rent kayaks and paddleboards and meander through untouched mangroves. The park also offers a small mountain biking course through its thick forest.

Miami is home to two national parks. Everglades National Park is a preserved swath of one of the most unique ecosystems in the world, with hiking and boating opportunities that get you into the thick of it. Biscayne National Park lies mostly underwater, with a trail of shipwrecks that’s become a global destination for scuba divers.

Miami is teeming with culture unlike anywhere else in the world. Stroll through Little Havana and Calle Ocho for a look at Miami’s Cuban heritage, complete with cigar shops and live salsa bands on the street. The Little Haiti Cultural Complex has regular programming with food and music showcasing the Caribbean island’s culture. For an education in Miami’s Black history, visit the Black Archives Lyric Theater in Historic Overtown and the historic Black Precinct Courthouse and Museum.