Top 20 Reasons to Buy and Live in Miami
Miami, located in Miami-Dade County, Florida, is a vibrant and dynamic city known for its diverse culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife. As a major cultural and economic hub in the southeastern United States, Miami boasts a rich tapestry of international influences, reflected in its cuisine, architecture, and arts scene. From the iconic Art Deco architecture of South Beach to the bustling streets of Little Havana, Miami offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and laid-back charm.
With its year-round sunshine, world-class shopping, and thriving cultural institutions, Miami attracts residents and visitors from around the globe seeking a cosmopolitan lifestyle in a tropical paradise.
Here’s a list of the top 20 reasons to buy and live in Miami prepared by the Miami Association of Realtors:
Happiest & Healthiest City in the U.S. — Miami is ranked the No. 1 happiest and No. 1 healthiest city in the U.S. by the annual Mindbody Wellness Index. Miami residents are the least stressed, most well-rested and have the highest residents who engage in exercise.
Most Welcoming & Diverse City in the U.S. — 53.7% of Miami-Dade is foreign-born and 74.9% of Miami residents speak a language other than English at home (U.S. Census).
“The Capital of Capital” — Miami is home to the second-largest financial center on the East Coast. 60+ international banks; 100+ foreign consulates, foreign trade offices and bi-national chambers of commerce; 1,400+ multinational companies.
“America’s Cleanest City” — Ranked by Forbes as “America’s Cleanest City” for its good air quality, green spaces, and clean drinking water. Miami is the only major “subtropical” city in continental U.S.; average temperature 75F/ 23C.
#3 Most Influential Art City in the World — From world-famous art murals in Wynwood to the Frost Museum of Science to Pérez Art Museum to Art Basel, Miami has undergone an incredible arts transformation. Miami also offers the best shopping from Lincoln Road & beyond.
World Famous Beaches & Waterways — Greater Miami has 84 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline & 67 square miles of inland waterways & more than 15 miles of world-famous beaches.
#2 Emerging Tech Hub in the U.S. — Microsoft, Blackstone, Goldman Sachs, CI Financial, Silicon Valley Bank & more opening HQs/regional hubs in South Florida. Nicknamed “The Capital of Capital,” Miami is ranked as the No. 2 emerging tech hub in the U.S. (Forbes).
#1 Market for Global Buyers — Florida is the top state in the U.S. & Miami is the top market for international buyers & is expected to outperform other U.S. markets long into the future. One of every five international buyers to the U.S. buy in Florida and 52% of them buy in the Miami area.
#1 Best Nightlife in the U.S. — Ocean Drive, Wynwood & more: Night clubs, bars, world-famous hotspots.
Top-Rated Schools & Highly-Educated Workforce — Award-winning public school district (4th largest in U.S.) More than 375,000 higher-education students across a dozen regional colleges and universities. Four R1- and R2-ranked research institutions in South Florida.
World-Class Healthcare — Baptist Hospital of Miami ranks as one of the highest performing hospital systems in the country. Miami Children’s Hospital top-rated for pediatric services. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute ranked No. 1 eye hospital in the U.S.
World-Renowned Restaurants — Miami is ranked as the No. 1 foodie city in America (Apartmentguide.com). Miami is now part of the prestigious Michelin Guide. The prestigious guide only rates Florida, California, New York City, Washington D.C. and Chicago.
Only City in the World with NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, and Formula 1 — Miami is home to many world-class pro sports venues and has hosted the most Super Bowls. South Florida is also home to the Miami Open tennis tournament, a PGA Tour stop (Palm Beach) & more.
Commercial & Investment Real Estate — Miami is ranked among the top 15 commercial real estate markets in the U.S.; South Florida also ranked No. 1 for best place to invest in North America (World Biz Magazine)
“Gateway to the Americas” — Strategic location between Latin America & Europe; “Capital of the Americas.”
Low-Tax, Pro-Business — Florida has no local & state income tax. Florida also has a low corporate income tax rate of 5.5%.
Top-Rated Hotels —Miami is home to the best hotels and resorts in the world. Miami boasts some of the country’s highest occupancy rates.
World Aviation Hub — MIA is America’s second-busiest airport for international passengers and #22 in the world; Ranked #1 for international freight; 166 non-stop U.S. and international flights. Ranked #1 for most flights to Latin America & Caribbean.
PortMiami — The world’s leading cruise port. Miami is the “Cruise Capital of the World.” 10th busiest container port in the U.S. Also, global gateway for cargo.
A Blossoming Rail System — Brightline high speed rail between Miami and Orlando with plans to expand to Tampa. Brightline is enhancing Miami’s 25-mile Metrorail, which services the airport and myriad cities.