Lived in LA for 8 years, Scottdale AZ for 3....have lived in Miami for 3 and I'm staying here....
Housing is very reasonable for what you get (like living on the water
) (esp compared to LA)
No state income taxes
Has some international flair, and edgy entrepenural feeling (esp. compared to AZ)
Geographically the center of hemisphere (easy flights to Europe, South America, NY, LA, Africa, Middle East)
Great weather (as long as you live right on the water...that's key)
Nice selection of crazy fun places (the Grove, downtown Miami, south beach, hollywood, fort lauderdale, etc.....)....but also nice quiet neighborhoods to live in.
If you like boating....which I love....it's one of the best places in the world. (waterside bars and resturants....Bimini 3 hours away...the Keys....the Bahamas are 6 hours away....warm all year..etc....)
Of course there are downsides....EVERY place has them, but I love it and I'm staying.
