It depends on lifestyle and priorities. Brickell and Downtown Miami are best for those who want a fast-paced urban environment with high-rise condos, nightlife, and business hubs. Coral Gables and Coconut Grove offer a more suburban feel with tree-lined streets, historic homes, and access to top schools. Miami Beach is ideal for those wanting to be near the ocean, though it comes with premium pricing and heavy tourist traffic. Doral and Kendall are popular for families due to lower housing costs and a quieter suburban environment. Little Havana and Wynwood offer cultural immersion with a vibrant arts and food scene, while Edgewater and Midtown provide a balance between city living and waterfront access.

Public transportation in Miami is improving, but most residents still rely on cars. The Metrorail and Metromover provide limited service within Miami's urban core, mainly connecting areas like Brickell, Downtown, and the airport. The Brightline high-speed rail is expanding, making intercity travel between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach more accessible. Metrobus covers a wider area, but traffic delays make it unreliable at times. Ride-sharing services, cycling infrastructure, and an expanding commuter rail system are helping, but congestion and limited public transit options remain major concerns for residents.

Miami has a diverse economy with strong industries in finance, real estate, tourism, healthcare, and international trade. The city is a major hub for Latin American business, attracting multinational corporations. Tech startups are growing, with an increasing number of venture capital firms investing in Miami-based companies. The hospitality and service industries remain significant employers due to the county's reliance on tourism. However, wages in some sectors may not always match the rising cost of living, making it important for professionals to seek higher-paying industries or remote work opportunities.

Miami-Dade can be a good place for families, but it depends on the area. Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, and Weston offer top-rated schools, parks, and family-friendly communities. Suburban areas like Kendall and Doral provide more affordable housing while still offering good schools and amenities. However, some parts of the county, especially urban areas like Downtown Miami and Miami Beach, are better suited for young professionals rather than families due to high-density living, nightlife, and traffic congestion. Schools in some districts may be overcrowded, so researching school zones is important when choosing a neighborhood.

Traffic congestion is one of the biggest downsides of living in Miami-Dade. Highways like I-95, US-1, and the Palmetto Expressway (SR-826) experience heavy traffic, especially during rush hours. The city's layout and reliance on cars lead to frequent delays, and parking can be difficult and expensive in high-density areas. Brightline, Metrorail, and planned transit expansions are helping to alleviate some of these issues, but commuting can still be time-consuming. Many residents plan their schedules to avoid peak traffic hours or opt to live closer to work or transit hubs.

Florida has no state income tax, but property taxes and insurance costs in Miami-Dade can be high. Property taxes vary depending on location and homestead exemptions but generally range around 1 to 1.5 percent of a home's assessed value. Homeowners insurance is expensive due to Miami's vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding. Many properties require separate windstorm and flood insurance, which can significantly increase costs. Buyers should consider these expenses when budgeting for homeownership in Miami-Dade.