As I sat on the beach in Miami with my sunglasses on and the turquoise waters in front of me, I found myself thinking one thing: I could get used to this.
Although I’m a Los Angeles native, I’ve often thought about what it would be like to live somewhere else. Other than a brief stint studying abroad in Barcelona during college, I’ve never lived outside LA.
While trying to figure out my next move (literally), I thought I’d try living in different cities for a few months. Miami was my first stop.
I’d visited for short weekend trips, but never for an extended period. As a Californian, I was definitely drawn to its year-round warm weather and beaches.
And after spending just two months in the Florida city, I was smitten and pleasantly surprised by how well I could envision myself living there.
I stayed in a few of Miami’s neighborhoods and found myself easily making friends
Leila Najafi
Since my visit was in February and I was coming from LA, it was easy for me to adjust to Miami’s sunny and warm weather. Most days were around 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
During my trip, I stayed in a few areas of the city — South of Fifth, Edgewater, Brickell, North Miami, and Coconut Grove — to see which neighborhood I liked best.
Most people I know who’ve relocated to Miami have landed in Edgewater, a residential neighborhood lined with sleek high-rises and bay views.
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However, I found myself drawn to West Avenue, the west side of South Beach. It’s steps from Biscayne Bay with tons of fitness studios and bustling cafés.
Many people I met in this area seemed to love outdoor activities and low-key nights — it was nice connecting with like-minded neighbors.
During my first few weeks living here, I was surprised by how quickly I made new friends.
Compared to people in Los Angeles, locals I encountered in Miami felt more welcoming and socially open. People would regularly smile at me on the street and strike up a friendly conversation.
The city feels like it’s always buzzing with things to do
Leila Najafi
No two days in Miami felt the same and there’s no shortage of activities and events.
Some days I explored a new neighborhood, like Little Havana or Little Haiti, which are both rich in art and cultural history.
On others, I checked out whichever cool event was in town. The city hosts tons, like F1, Miami Concours, the Miami Open, Miami International Boat Show, and South Beach Wine & Food Festival.
I love trying new restaurants, so I also enjoyed the city’s vibrant culinary scene. I was able to check out tons of trendy new spots, from Mother Wolf and Claudie to Catch and Uchiko.
Leila Najafi
Most days, though, I just relaxed by the water on one of the many beautiful beaches.
On top of that, Miami’s also a great homebase for local day trips. I was able to easily get to Palm Beach on a recent visit and have Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Delray Beach next on my list.
I left the trip with hopes of living in Miami for at least half the year
Leila Najafi
All in all, with its mix of art, culture, and coastal living, Miami has become a place I could truly envision myself living.
The city felt lively and offered me the lifestyle I crave, with sunshine, a sense of community, and a steady stream of exciting events happening year-round.
During my stay, I found myself spending more time outdoors, easily meeting new people, and really appreciating how I was never too far from a beach.
I know my trip was just a small peek at what it could be like to live in Miami. The weather won’t always be as perfect as it was when I visited — hurricane season is no joke, and humid summer days can hit temperatures in the triple digits
But it seems like some of the major drawbacks — lots of traffic and high cost of living — are things I’m already used to dealing with after years of being in Los Angeles.
Though I’m not making a move just yet, I’m already considering living in Miami Beach for half the year.