Hey folks, We have two kids and It's a a smaller city city with about 37,525 people. Crime rate is something to consider -South Miami Heights sits at 288.1 per 100K. Household incomes average around $64,657 in South Miami Heights. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cheers. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
18 upvotes
7 Replies
Brooks Jimenez
I've lived in Westside for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The traffic scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Susan J.
Used to live on the West side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
24 upvotes
native_noah56
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 46, moved here 1 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The walkability situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K 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.
23 upvotes
cool_xavier46
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely solid and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Riverside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
17 upvotes
Reagan Moore
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Charlotte M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (South) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
6 upvotes
Logan H.
I'm a physical therapist and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is average and there's always something going on.
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