Miami is a heady cocktail of tropical sun, surf, sports, art and culture, amazing retail, mouth-watering cuisine, fantastic skyscraper condos and sybaritic homes. Miami is a world-class hub of commerce and tourism and an extraordinary city in which to live and invest. Blessed with a warm climate year-round, it is in fact one of America’s fastest-growing urban centres - yet with prices well below those of other large cosmopolitan cities such as New York, Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Developments
Explore Miami
Miami Beach & South Beach
Blessed with miles of perfect sandy beaches, the world's largest concentration of Art Deco buildings, stunning high-rise condominiums and a vibrant nightlife, Miami and South Beach are meccas for sophisticated visitors and residents from around the world. Miami Beach’s clear blue Atlantic waters and the white sand of South Beach, frequented by celebrities, are perfect for swimming, surfing, jet-skiing or relaxing by taking a daytime nap.
The Design District
The Design District reflects a vision for a rejuvenated neighbourhood responsive to its historic, urban and tropical context. It is a creative neighbourhood, as well as a shopping destination, dedicated to innovative fashion, design, art, architecture and dining. Often likened to Soho in New York, The Design District is one of Miami’s most cutting-edge neighbourhoods and is home to many upscale retail outlets.
Festivals and Celebrations
The Art Deco Weekend on South Beach in January is one of the major highlights of the year. It is a unique Miami-style soiree including music, fashion, and dressing up and celebrates early 1900s historical structures. Other events include the Miami Film Festival and Coconut Grove Arts Festival. The Calle Ocho street festival, taking place during the idyllic March Miami weather, is a series of vibrant cultural events celebrating Latin culture.
Wynwood
The gentrified neighbourhood of Wynwood is a trendy arts hub with bustling streets and an artistic flair. The ‘Wynwood Walls’ - a giant set of outdoor murals - has been the canvas for many famous street artists such as Shepard Fairey of the Obama Hope poster. The Wynwood Arts District attracts thousands with its many galleries, pop-up parties and unusual collaborations between musicians, artists, graphic designers and other creative types.
Living in Miami
Cuisine
Miami’s tropical atmosphere, rich history and natural produce - yuca, sugarcane and guava - make it the top place in America to enjoy authentic Cuban food. The ‘cubano’ – a Cuban fusion sandwich made of slow-roasted pork, cheese, pickles and mustard - is a must-have dish. ‘Pastelitos’ are sweet turnovers filled with guava, cream cheese and coconut, while the ‘Batido’ is a Cuban-style tropical milkshake – both of which are highly popular.
Shopping
Lincoln Road is a popular shopping district in South Beach which offers a large range of stores and restaurants. Lincoln Road hosts an all-day farmer’s market every Sunday and antique markets on various other days. Organic stores like Whole Foods Market, most likened to Woolworths in South Africa, and Trader Joe’s, provide healthy alternatives to stores like larger supermarkets. There are also plenty of large shopping centres in Miami.
Education
Miami has the fourth-largest public school district in the United States, as well as several major universities. Florida International University, the 11th largest university in America, is a public co-ed university and with top-ranked schools of business and architecture. The University of Miami, the highest-ranked university in Florida, is an elite co-ed private research-focused university with popular majors like business and medicine.
Travel
Many Miamians use cars, partly due to low-cost car rentals, as Miami is spread out over a vast distance. The Metrorail and Metrobus cover most areas but can result in lengthy journeys. However, the Metromover in downtown Miami is a more comprehensive system. This elevated monorail system provides spectacular views of the city and is safe, air-conditioned and low-priced. Cheap domestic flights make travelling within the US relatively inexpensive.
“The most exhilarating city in the USA now sways to a Latin remix of sensuality, salsa and South Beach style. The city boasts a fabulous Art Deco district, miles of beach, lively restaurants, a great party atmosphere and a fabulous climate.”
- Conde Nast Traveller