by Elizabeth Miller
I always used to wonder where people moved after they left New York.
I think the answer may be Miami.
For those of you that don’t already know, I recently moved from NYC, where I lived for 10 years, to Miami, FL to work for the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation (for those interested you can read more about my job at Knight as a Communications Associate).
I’ve survived three full weeks in my new city and the new job, and I have even lived to tell about it.
In no particular order, here are several things I’ve observed in my first few weeks:
* I have trouble remembering where I park my car, but this is mitigated if I write myself reminder notes on my iPhone calendar.
* Finally, I have a country music radio station in my city – two actually!
* Driving oneself to the airport feels very weird, but I am not missing the MTA or NYC taxi cabs at all.
* Sunglasses are a must.
* I love loading groceries into my car. I don’t have to be able to carry everything at once (though I do miss FreshDirect).
* I notice how much gas costs.
* Apparently the streets flood in Miami Beach when it rains, and that’s normal.
* On a clear day, I can see the Everglades from my office.
* Florida drivers never use turn signals – ever.
* Most people assume I speak Spanish.
* One should always carry an umbrella.
* I’m already acclimated to the hot weather – earlier this week I was in Boston for work, and it was 60 degrees. I declared it “cold.”
At the end of September I will moving from my temporary housing in Brickell (rhymes with sickle) into South Beach so I can be closer to the ocean, but it’s still a really easy commute to/from downtown for work.
So granted, it hasn’t been a month yet, but I’m happy to report that I am absolutely loving my new locale and will even more once I move.
Most people tell me the best season in Miami is approaching, and I’m not going to lie – the thought of wearing flip flops up until at least November does sound pretty appealing! I also have a list of activities I’m looking forward to being in Miami for including the Miami Wine Fair, the Miami Book Fair, Halloween, Art Basel, and the Miami International Film Festival to name a few.
I especially want to thank all the family friends and friends of friends who have made me feel so welcome in Miami.
And for everyone else – if you’re ever in Miami/South Florida, please give me a call!
Cousin Rob said:
Loved Beth’s piece on Miami and living in Florida–she got it right on the money.
Only one thing wrong, dear cousin, your comment about flip-flops only until November….As a winter long resident of South Florida for 6-7 years now, I can assure you that except for a very few cooler mornings in December or January, you will be able to wear flip-flops through the entire winter. Please correct that observation come April please.
At a minimum, wear your flip flops when you visit us in Palm Beach…..