Couple moving to South Miami Heights from out of state
OK so I'm a teacher here and You can expect to pay around $1,442 for rent here. With a population of 37,525, South Miami Heights is a smaller city. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Thanks for reading. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
24 upvotes
18 Replies
Pamela L.
facts
40 upvotes
Valentina Lopez
Totally agree!
39 upvotes
Eugene N.
Bought a house here in 2021 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
39 upvotes
Abigail
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 11 years. Moved from Portland for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is solid - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are underrated. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Peyton J.
Totally agree!
37 upvotes
lalocal2025
I'm a electrician and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
31 upvotes
Dylan Bennett
yeah no that's not right
28 upvotes
brielle_life
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 15 years. Moved from Atlanta for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is solid - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are pretty good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Dating scene is rough. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Mateo Morales
Moved here from Portland about 3 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to community vibe but Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Evan Mitchell
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
23 upvotes
raised_nathan38
preach
23 upvotes
Alexander Ramirez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 9 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into running, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
Isabelle Diaz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 40, moved here 3 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Fairview and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The outdoor recreation situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Charlotte, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
13 upvotes
Keith R.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is underrated in most areas.
7 upvotes
local_samuel94
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
5 upvotes
Elijah Jimenez
thanks for sharing
2 upvotes
Melanie L.
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
2 upvotes
Julian Bailey
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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