As a third generation Miamian, nothing makes me happier than to see my hometown come into its true position as a global city. Here are just a few of the reasons that people are calling Miami home.
Miami is the sun and fun capital of the world.
Miami Beach icon and resident Jackie Gleason said it best when he welcomed people to the area in his weekly variety show. Since the 1950s, Miami’s fabulous weather and miles of shoreline have been a beacon to live in the city that has no winter. The beaches are not just naturally beautiful, but also studded with truly beautiful people.
English is the second language.
“Bienvenidos a Miami,” to quote the Will Smith song. Truly a multicultural city, the fact that Miami has become the no. 1 U.S. destination for Spanish speaking travelers gives a little bit of Latino sabor to the living experience.
The Cuban immigration in the 1960s forever separated Miami from the rest of Florida and made it feel unlike any other U.S. destination. You can live the lovely life of an ex-Pat without every leaving the country. Hablamos Español, but you will hear dozens of languages everyday.
The numbers work.
Miami residents still enjoy a life without local and state income taxes. The working wealthy, who can call anyplace home, are choosing Miami now more than ever. Add an overall lower cost of living, cultural amenities and reasonably priced real estate and you sum up why Miami is the sixth-ranked world city for wealth.
Silicon Beach.
Cultivating entrepreneurship and tech start-ups have earned Miami a spot in the top five tech cities. Medical technology is leading the pack, but at every co-working space in the city you will find dozens of dot-coms vying for that next round of angel funding.
The people.
What really makes Miami home is the people. Political debates are amicably argued over cafecito at the coffee window. In times of crisis, like Category 5 hurricanes and real estate bubbles, this community unites to rebuild together in record time. You may get cut off in traffic, you may get cut off driving down US1, but when you need real help or support, this community will cradle and motivate you in surprising ways.
Miami, having gone through a challenging and awkward adolescence, is now emerging as a smart, tech savvy, multilingual, grown-up city of the future. It will continue to mature with each new person that moves here. I can’t wait to see what’s next…Aqui en Miami. Nothing is impossible.
Beth embodies impressive accomplishments from her 30 year career span. She is currently the President of Compass.