Moving from Canada to Miami, Florida

The coastal metropolis of Miami, located in southeastern Florida, is a major leader in finance, commerce, culture, arts, and international trade. Located in a state with desirable weather and low taxes, more people make Miami their home each year. Here are some of the things you’ll need to know, and what to look forward to, when moving from Canada to Miami.

Before you start packing your things, be sure to review our guide for moving from Canada to the USA to ensure you’re fully prepared to cross. You’ll also want to have all of the proper documentation ready for when you arrive. Once you’ve got these sorted, you’re all set to start dreaming of enjoying some sun, sand, and surf.

Why Move to Miami?

There’s a lot more to Miami than what you may have seen on tv. From the week long Art Basel art fair that happens every winter to the Everglades National Park, there’s more to Miami than all-night parties. Some of the best things include:

• The Weather. It goes without saying that the weather in Miami is a sun-seeker’s delight for most of the year, with hot, humid summers that average around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and mild winters between 60 and 70 degrees. There is, however, a rainy season that comes with almost daily afternoon showers that are intense yet short (usually twenty minutes).
• The Food. If you consider yourself a foodie, Miami is the place to be, with authentic restaurants, cafes, and food trucks. Cuban food is especially popular, but you’ll also find delicious Italian places like Boia De in the Little Haiti neighbourhood or to-die-for Greek cuisine at Mandolin Aegean Bistro in the Buena Vista area. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll be able to find it.
• Reliable Public Transportation. While traffic in Miami is notoriously crowded, public transportation more than makes up for it. The Metrobus boasts over 95 routes and 1,000 buses to bring you from Fort Lauderdale to the Florida Keys while the Metrorail has 25 miles of elevated rails connecting northwest Miami-Dade to Broward and Palm Beach counties. For transportation within the downtown area, Metromover is a free service that makes small loops around downtown Miami and Brickell as well as connecting to the Metrobus and Metrorail.
• Diverse Culture. Strongly influenced by the Caribbean and Latin American communities, Miami’s culture is vibrant. You’ll enjoy an abundance of festivals, museums, and theatres that celebrate the cultural diversity of Miami year-round including the Carnival Miami, the Call Ocho Festival, and the Miami International Film Festival. Head to Wynwood neighbourhood on a sunny day to see murals and take art walks.

Know A Little Spanish Before You Go

If you’re moving to Miami, you’ll want to learn some Spanish. While it’s not a requirement, the city is basically bilingual due to a huge Hispanic population. You’ll be able to get by without needing to be fluent, but even knowing a few phrases and some slang will make things more fun and sometimes easier as many residents do not speak English in many shops, bars, and restaurants owned and operated by the Hispanic community.

Best Areas to Live in Miami

Miami neighbourhoods can best be divided between city and suburbs that are worth checking out. We’ve listed a few options for each here:

• Miami Beach. This is the ideal location for anyone new to Miami who wants to literally live on the beach. It’s hip, trendy, and you’ll never feel like you’re missing out on the quintessential Miami experience.
• Coconut Grove. Picture an old surf town that is stuffed to the brim with hippies, culture, music, art, and the best restaurants. That’s Coconut Grove. In the oldest neighbourhood in Miami, it’s right on the water but has the highest sea level in Miami.
• Coral Gables. If you thought the suburbs were boring, Coral Gables will make you think again. This historical hub of Miami buzzes with life whether that’s taking in a movie on the mile, checking out a yoga class, or sitting out on a patio during happy hour. There’s always something to do in Coral Gables.
• Pinecrest. Pinecrest is the perfect place for anyone with a young family or looking to start one. It features lots of land, good school districts, a charming villa and tropical gardens, and weekend farmer’s markets.

Locals’ Favourite Things About Living in Miami

Locals love Miami for the beautiful weather, diverse culture, and busy nightlife. If you’ve just finished a long week of work and want to get out of the house and experience Miami, check out some of these off the beaten path locales that Miamians love.

• If you’re looking for a simple, yet enormous, low-key marketplace, head to the Redland Market Village. With literal acres of merchandise to explore, locals aren’t kidding when they say there’s something for everyone here. There are also restaurants, food trucks, a kids’ entertainment area, live music, and an indoor farmer’s market.
• For performing arts enthusiasts, the Adrienne Arsht Center in downtown Miami offers around 400 different events year round, many of them free. The Center attracts some legendary performers for locals to enjoy but also serves as a venue for local artists looking to make their debut.
• Sunset Harbour is a hidden gem of a neighbourhood where the South Beach locals like to spend their time. It overlooks Biscayne Bay and is full of a wide range of stores, bars, restaurants, and more. Relax and devour a slice of cake from Icebox, or treat yourself to a drink in the elegant atmosphere that is the Purdy Lounge.

Make Your Miami Move with Trans Canada Movers

You’ve got enough on your mind when it comes to moving to Miami. Once you’ve found the neighbourhood you’ll be living in and are brushing up on your Spanish, leave the moving details to us. Trans Canada Movers has years of experience helping Canadians relocate to the USA and we’ll ensure your move to Miami is as efficient and stress-free as possible.

Contact us today to get started moving to Miami, and be sure to use our Moving Calculator here to request a custom quote for any items and furniture you’ll be taking with you.