Life in Miami

Living in Miami is a uniquely multicultural and global experience unlike any other in the United States.  You will get to enjoy life with year-round summer like weather where every day is like you’re on vacation, from Ocean Drive on Miami Beach to the restaurants and nightlife of Brickell and Wynwood.  More importantly, you will experience unique neighborhoods, from Little Haiti to Little Havana, and see the influence of many different countries from the Caribbean and the Americas coming together here in South Florida. 

The Health District Campus functions as a referral center for South Florida, the Caribbean, and Latin America. This wide distribution allows for a combination of training not only in local illnesses, but international pathology unique to this area of the world. As a County Hospital system, we have the privilege to serve a patient population with significant needs and to advocate for their well-being.

A note on cost of living 

Due to recent rises in inflation and housing costs, the cost of living in Miami has increased over 2022-2023 similar to other large cities in the United States. Many of our residents have been affected by the increased costs of housing. However, we are lucky to be supported by our resident union, CIR, which has a strong footing in our residency program, that is continually working on to increase compensation and benefits across all domains. Recent negotiations have been able to secure certain benefits like:

• Yearly adjustment to 60th percentile of national housestaff salary

• recent 3% wage increases on top of the above

• Compensation of $200-$475 for pull shifts

• $2,000 yearly professional allowance paid in July

• Up to $1000 anually for attending or presenting at conferences

Current negotiations for 2023 are under way. See below where in Miami some of our residents live, work, and play!

Where We Live

Popular Neighborhoods

Brickell/Downtown
Brickell is the financial center of Miami and is one of the more popular place for residents to live.  It is what makes up what many now consider one of the more memorable skylines of North America and consists of constant new developments.  These condos are famous for their world-class amenities and unbeatable views of Biscayne Bay and greater Miami.  For those looking for an urban center with a vibrant restaurant and bar scene, Brickell is ideal.  Mary Brickell Village is hopping every day of the week and is right at your doorstep.  The Metro also runs through Brickell allowing easy access to both the hospital and the airport.  Prices generally range between $2,500-3,000 a month for studios.  Buildings that are popular include: The Plaza, Icon, 1500/1600 Brickell, Ivy, Wind, and Axis to name a few.

South Beach
Many residents choose to follow The King’s lead and “take their talents to South Beach”.  Actually living on South Beach is very different from the images that the Kardashians and Snookie connotate of thumping house music, clubbing, and spring breakers.  In reality, most residents of “the beach” see it more as a quiet ocean-side community.  Most “beach people” own a bike or moped and once they pull their car into the garage on weekends it remains there.  Free time is spent people-watching on Lincoln Road, jogging along South-Pointe Park and the beach, and free outdoor concerts and movies at the New World Symphony.  Prices generally range from $900-1600 for a house/duplex or between $1,800-3,200 for a condo.  However, the buildings on the beach are older than those in Brickell and you generally don’t get the same “bang for your buck”.  Most choose to live along West Ave on the bay and live in The Floridian, The Waverly, The Flamingo, or the Mirador.  Although there is no public transportation from the beach to the hospital, it is a quick 5-10 min commute down the Macarthur Causeway with cruise ships, celebrity homes, and water on either side.

Midtown/Design District/Edgewater
This is the new up and coming area of Miami.  Those looking for the amenities and glitz of Brickell without the price tag should look here.  It is an easy 5-10 minute commute from the hospital.  This area is quickly becoming a trendy area of Miami known for fine dining and art galleries.  One of the most popular events is the monthly Wynwood Art Walk in which an army of food trucks descend on the Design District and the art galleries open up to the public with free wine.  It is also famous for the annual international art festival, Art Basel.

Little Havana/Allapatah

Just lateral to the bustling neighborhoods like Brickell and Downtown Miami are Little Havana and Allapatah, historic parts of the city with new areas of development with very close proximity to the hospital as well. Little Havana is beloved for its rich history and streets, which are always alive with activity and music. Much of the action happens on the neighborhood’s famous main street, Calle Ocho (8th Street), which is primely lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. Allapatah is a largely suburban neighborhood with deep roots in the cultural melting pot that lines its pre-gentrified history. Allapattah features a vibrant riverfront community along its southernmost border, the Miami River, with several new apartment complexes and marinas, as well as a large amount of development on the northern border due to the rising popularity of Wynwood nearby. Cost of living is humbler than its neighboring districts, with average rental costs in starting in the mid-to-upper $1000s.

Coconut Grove
This area affectionately known as “The Grove” is famous for its laid back atmosphere, bayside yacht clubs and boating, and relaxed dining and bar scene (standard dress at most restaurants consists of flip flops and a dripping bathing suit). The Grove is more reminiscent of a college town than a neighborhood in the middle of a bustling metropolis.  Free time in the grove can be spent going to nearby beaches at Key Biscayne, visiting Viscaya (a mansion built by a Robber Baron at the turn of the 20th century), or taking sailing lessons.  The Grove is more of a neighborhood and is mostly made up of stand-alone homes. It is the ideal location for those with a family or at least a dog with its multiple parks for the whole family. The distance to the hospital is also not much further than Brickell to the hospital. 

North Beach
For those who want to enjoy the white sand beaches and chill atmosphere of Miami Beach without paying the South Beach prices, there's North Beach. Starting around roughly 41st street, this area is home to a variety of different styles of living (home, apartment, and large condo). There are more waterfront options because the intercostal waterways begin to flow in this area. Prices generally range from $900 - 2500, with the higher end of the spectrum being a luxurious condo building with full amenities and a 24-hour concierge. The trip to Jackson is generally a little longer from this area - you need to budget 30-45 minutes to ensure an on-time arrival for work (unless you're on a rotation that requires you to be at the hospital at the crack of dawn). Free time can be spent enjoying the plethora of restaurants and maxing on the beach and sunshine.

Updated 9/28/23