1. The Coffee Here Bites Back

When Miami residents need a quick pick-me-up, café Cubano is their go-to. It’s basically a sweetened espresso mix and it’s sure to put a kick in your step.

2. “Don’t Molest The Gators”

As with many places in Florida, you’ll see signs around Miami that say not to “molest” the local population of alligators. Take these signs seriously. Ignoring them in any way can lead to plenty of problems. Alligators are wild animals after all and Miami has plenty of them to go around.

3. Don’t Skimp On The Local Food

With so many transplants and such a rich history, the cuisine in Miami has been influenced by plenty of different cultures from around the world. If you’re looking for a great meal, don’t go to a chain. Instead, find a place that’s packed with patrons in your own neighborhood and try that instead. The general rule is the longer the line, the better the food.

4. Love For The Dolphins Never Dies

It’s no secret around the NFL, the Miami Dolphins haven’t been great the last few years. This doesn’t matter though, this local team still gets an abundance of love from the fans. Miami streets are constantly filled with people sporting their gear and optimistically talking about the next season regardless of the Dolphin’s latest performance.

5. Wear Your Sunblock!

The sun is strong in Miami. It’s always out and it’s always hitting you if you’re outside, regardless of whether you’re trying to work on your tan or not. Don’t make the mistake of skipping it only to realize you’re stuck inside for days during the recovery process.

6. A Trip To The Bahamas Is Basically A Day Trip

Roughly a two-hour boat ride away, day cruises to the Bahamas are totally worth the ticket price, which can be found for less than $100 round trip. If only going abroad was always this easy.

7. There’s Always Someone Tanner

On paper, Miami is technically home to a tropical monsoon climate. While that might sound scary, what it really means is that it’s almost always sunny and hot. Even average temperatures in the dead of winter don’t drop below 60. Miami is as close as you can get to a tropical paradise in the contiguous United States.

8. Leave That Snow Gear At Home

There’s actually never been any snowfall officially recorded in the history of Miami, despite some claims that there may have once been a few flurries in 1977. Regardless of whether or not that’s fact or fiction, residents here know not to buy a snow shovel anytime soon.

9. Miami Is Filled With Transplants

If you’re moving to Miami, have no fear—at least you’re not alone. As people become more mobile in today’s world, more and more people are picking up their lives and bringing them to the sunny coastline in the Magic City. Meeting someone who’s had family in Miami for several generations is getting increasingly rare.

10. Mentally Prepare For That Humidity

If there’s one downside to all that warmth and sunshine, it’s the Miami humidity. Even just walking outside to get the mail can have you breaking a sweat. Eventually, your body starts to adjust, but everyone in this town knows not to sweat a little pit stain.

11. Don’t Get Caught In The Rain

While Miami does get tons of sun, it’s also noteworthy for its sudden downpours. They usually only last a few minutes before the sun pops back out, but if you’re caught outside without an umbrella, you’ll regret it.

12. The Palm Trees Give Miami A Constant Vacation Vibe

It’s no secret that palm trees seem to be synonymous with tropical paradise and Miami has plenty to go around. Even if you can’t see the water, all of these leafy giants lining the streets will constantly remind you of the awesome city you’re in.

13. Find A Friend With a Boat ASAP

There’s no better way to spend a sunny day in Miami than on the bow of a boat working on your tan lines. With so much water access, tons of people have boats and the faster you find someone that will share, the better off you’ll be.

14. Budget For Tons Of Fitness Gear

Moving to Miami might be more expensive than you thought. After seeing how active everyone here is, you’ll have a hard time avoiding purchases like a bike, nice running shoes, fishing equipment, and yoga mats. People here are willing to do pretty much anything if it puts them in the sun, meaning you’ll probably catch the fitness bug too.

15. Fancy Cars, Everywhere

While Miami tends to get depicted as a nicer Beverly Hills every time it hits the silver screen, all of Miami’s residents aren’t living the lifestyles of the rich and famous. However, there are tons of wealthy people and celebrities that have homes in Magic City area and with those fancy homes come fancy cars. Don’t be that person that whips out their cell phone for a picture every time a Lambo rolls by.

16. South Beach Just Doesn’t Stop

Known for its beautiful beachfronts and insane nightlife, South Beach is the place to go if you’re looking to have an action-packed night of dancing and boozing. This area isn’t just for party animals either. It’s also the main spot to check out the best art, architecture, and fashion in the Miami area.

17. Miami Beach Is Not Miami

While Miami Beach is close to Miami, it feels like an entirely different world. It’s a coastal resort city known for the wealthy people that visit and live there. Mixing the two up when you’re giving or following directions is sure to lead to problems.

18. Everyone Here Is Basically A Super Model

Voted the best looking city in America by multiple companies year after year, it doesn’t take long to see how Miami has earned this reputation. A city filled with fit, tan, and fashionable residents, Miami is one place where it’s hard not to stare.

19. Watch Out For Tourists

One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Miami gets its fair share of tourists. Nothing is more annoying than when one suddenly stops mid-stride to take a picture or starts driving super slow down the road while they’re trying to follow their GPS to the “best Cuban in Miami.” Ask any Miami resident that’s been around for a while, the tourists here are quite the nuisance.

20. These Streets Are Diverse

One huge perk of living in Miami is the diversity that’s everywhere. With so many different people from all around the world moving to Magic City, there are tons of unique neighborhoods and a constant stream of festivals, each celebrating their own unique culture. Go to as many as possible, they’ve all got awesome music, food, and dancing.

21. Everyone Is A Heat Fan Now

Ever since the LeBron, Wade, and Bosh combo took the floor, the locals have felt a sense of revival for their love of basketball. Even though LeBron is gone now, the entire city still stands behind the Heat hoping they’ll have another shot at a championship title next season.

22. Prepare Yourself For Some Déjà Vu

There’s a reason certain Miami streets will look so familiar, tons of movies and television shows take advantage of this beautiful part of America. The list is huge, but a few of the more popular shows with scenes shot there include “Dexter,” “Golden Girls,” “Lost,” “Miami Vice,” “Caddyshack,” “Burn Notice,” and “Meet the Fockers.” It’s always a weird feeling when you pass one of the homes you’ve seen on television but don’t really remember how you recognize it.

23. People Take Serious Pride In The 305

Miami is an awesome place to live and the residents are well aware. Everyone in the Magic City is pretty much convinced their hometown is the only place worth calling home in the country. Of course, after soaking up that famous Florida sun, tasting the local food, and sinking your toes in the pristine sand on the beaches, it’s easy to see why. Like This Post? You’ll Definitely Love These: