We love Miami and truly believe it’s the best city to live in the world today.
When the founding team of Dreamers arrived in Miami a decade ago, we knew a few things for sure: Miami is sunny, the beaches are beautiful, and everyone speaks Spanish. But this fascinating city… had many more surprises in store for us—ones we definitely didn’t expect when we packed up our lives and moved to a new country.

Miami gives us access to top cultural events, from Art Basel to Formula 1, world-class international chefs, and incredible restaurants. The food scene here is first-rate, with flavors from all over the world blending into an amazing experience. You can go to the theater and catch Broadway shows. Of course, you also have Disney just four hours away, as well as Busch Gardens amusement park in Tampa. Want to see alligators? Airboat rides are a must. And yes, you can even eat alligator. You can tour the city by boat during the day or under the moonlight and city lights at night. And let’s not forget the weather—it’s something you get so used to that before you know it, you can’t imagine living anywhere else.

At first, we had no idea where to find the best medialunas (those Argentine pastries that are absolutely non-negotiable in our world). We also didn’t know which schools were best for our kids or how the education system worked. (A nightmare—public, charter, magnet, private... ugh!) We had lots of “what now?” moments, and that was just the beginning. There are some things no one tells you when moving to Miami!

Building Credit: The Not-So-Glamorous Life Lesson
Before we even unpacked, we realized building credit in the U.S. is crucial. Without it, forget about renting an apartment, financing a car, or even getting a decent phone plan. One of our first stops was to get our Social Security Numbers (SSNs). This magic number is needed for almost everything: work, purchases—even to get a library card! And of course, to open a bank account and get credit cards to start building your credit. But here’s the trick: no one tells you how long it really takes for your SSN to arrive... it feels like waiting for your VIP ticket to the American Dream.
Credit tip: get several credit cards, use them, and always pay in full (even one late payment…!).

Learning “Miami Spanish”
If you thought you spoke Spanish, think again. The “Miami Spanish” you’ll hear around town is something else entirely. We had to quickly learn new words like “zafacón” (trash can—who knew?) and get used to the blend of accents that change every few blocks. Whether it’s Cuban, Venezuelan, or Colombian, the slang and pronunciation are enough to make your head spin. And don’t get us started on the Spanglish! You’ll find yourself Googling words like “guagua” (bus) and “playera” (t-shirt). Miami truly has its own language.

Culture tip: Be careful with your diet, because if you order Cuban coffee… well, let’s just say it’s 90% sugar, 10% coffee.
Another tip: For your medialunas, head to Manolo in Miami Beach or Graziano’s—or be ready to learn how to bake them yourself. Trust us, it’s a skill you’ll want to master.
Craving Argentine empanadas? Call us—we’ve got contacts who bake them at home and deliver to your door.

Schools, Schools, and More Schools
Let’s talk schools. Miami has plenty of options, but understanding how it all works is a whole different story. Charter, private, public… and don’t get us started on the paperwork. After tons of research, confusing meetings with teachers, and some trial and error, we finally figured it out. Now we can confidently say where the best schools are, which ones to avoid, and—this is big—if you choose private education, expect to pay at least $30,000 per year (minimum) per child in elementary school. Yes, you read that right. Private education in Miami is far from cheap.

Traffic—Welcome to the Real Miami Experience
You’ve heard about it, but nothing really prepares you for the reality of traffic in Miami. It’s like a bad breakup: always there, and takes forever to get over. When people say “Miami traffic is awful,” it’s not just a passing comment—it’s a lifestyle. A 30-minute commute elsewhere? In Miami, that easily turns into an hour (or more). So if you plan to live in the suburbs and work in Miami Beach, be ready to spend most of your day stuck in traffic.
And when it rains… forget it. Brickell turns into a mini Venice. Flooded streets are just part of the “tropical lifestyle” in Miami.

Choosing Where to Raise a Family: Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Coconut Grove
If you’re moving to Miami with kids, choosing the right neighborhood is key. After lots of research and trial and error, we found Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, and Coconut Grove are excellent family options. Pinecrest ranks first as the most family-friendly neighborhood, followed by Palmetto Bay. These areas are safe, family-oriented, and home to some of the best schools in the city, along with parks featuring playgrounds and courts for tennis, pickleball, baseball, and more. Want a place where your kids can ride bikes, attend great schools, and avoid crazy traffic? Pinecrest is your place!

But a heads-up: The average home price in Pinecrest is around $4 million. Coconut Grove is closer to $2 million, while Palmetto Bay is a bit more accessible at around $1 million. So, if you're planning to buy—be prepared!

What Living in Miami as an Expat Is Really Like
As expats in Miami-Dade County, we quickly discovered that Miami is more than a tourist destination—it’s a city full of opportunity and, surprisingly, a pretty walkable urban area. People from all over the world call Miami home, and the city truly embraces its international vibe. You’ll hear “bienvenidos” everywhere, and no matter where you’re from, you’ll feel right at home. If you’re ready to embrace the city’s multicultural energy, you’ll fit right in.
But note: this is only true for Miami. If you choose to live in Boca Raton, Tampa, or even Orlando, you might feel more like an outsider.

The Cost of Living in Miami: What You Need to Know
Living in Miami can be expensive, but it depends on where you live and your lifestyle. In fact, it’s comparable to other major U.S. cities like New York or Los Angeles. Keep in mind that prices here are based on late 2024 estimates, and your costs may vary.

Average Rent
In the heart of the city (think Brickell, South Beach, or Coconut Grove), rent isn’t cheap. Expect to pay between $3,000 and $3,500 for a one-bedroom apartment.
If you’re willing to live a bit farther out, areas like Little Havana or Westchester offer more affordable options, with rents ranging from $1,500 to $2,200 per month. The closer you are to the beach or nightlife, the higher your rent will be.
Ideally, a salary of $100K+ is the sweet spot for living comfortably here—though that depends on your lifestyle.

Groceries & Dining Out
Grocery costs vary depending on your household, but for a single person it’s about $100 to $150 per week, depending on where you shop. Trader Joe’s is a classic if you want to save a bit.
Eating out is also affordable. Casual meals cost around $20 to $30 at a local spot, while fancier places can range from $60 to $120 for two.

Transportation
Many expats (and locals) in Miami rely on cars. Gas prices range between $3.50 and $4 per gallon, but parking downtown can be pricey.
Miami also has public transport in the downtown area, with a Metrorail pass costing around $112 per month.
If you have a car, you can enjoy a fun road trip to Everglades National Park to spot some cool alligators and birds. Fort Lauderdale is another quick getaway, with a relaxed vibe and beautiful beaches just an hour from Miami.

The Dreamers Difference: We Get It
At Dreamers, we’ve lived it. We’ve gone through the chaos of adapting to life in Miami and came out the other side with a treasure chest of knowledge. We know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed—whether it’s finding the best food spots, sorting out your paperwork, or surviving traffic.
With Dreamers, you can count on a team that’s been through it all and knows exactly how to make your transition smoother. We’ve learned all the details so you don’t have to. From helping you build credit and find the best spots for yerba mate to navigating the school system and guiding you when life gets tricky, Dreamers is here to make sure you don’t just survive in Miami—you thrive!

So let’s start with the basics. Let us help you make your dream of living in Miami a reality—without all the confusion, stress, and headaches.