I grew up in and currently live in Los Angeles. Giving a move to Miami serious consideration. There was always something I liked about Miami. That said, if I won the lottery I'd probably stay in Los Angeles (part-time anyway) and South America the rest of the year.
About me:
I am a white guy (non-Hispanic) who speaks decent Spanish and likes Latin women and culture (as in traditional Latin music/dancing like salsa, etc). I also love traveling to South America and Miami will allow me to make more frequent trips. I am mid-40's, single, never married, no kids. I look young enough to date ladies in their 20's but I date women well into their 30's as well. I recently started dating a woman from Costa Rica who is in her early 20's but IF I make the move I will be coming alone.....no family, not even a dog or cat, just me.
Why do I want to move?
In a nut shell, cheaper real estate and closer proximity to South America. Am I crazy to relocate for those reasons?
-If you think Miami/Miami Beach rents/house prices are bad try LA rents/home prices for a day. Insane!!! With a move to Miami I could sell my LA condo and transfer that built up equity to a more affordable Miami. A decent single-family house would be possible (a 2Bd/2Ba would be fine). I know this forum is Miami Beach focused but mainland Miami areas like Miami Shores and Coral Gables are on my list (after renting for a while). A SFH is not a must but if I were to get married in the next few years it would be nice to have that option.
-Also, being close to South America gives me lots of opportunities to meet a suitable woman from Colombia [or INSERT xx country here] who would be satisfied with the American "middle-class" lifestyle and is not expecting me to make a million bucks a year, etc.
The firm I work for has an office in Miami. So my pay would stay the same.
Miami (+): warmer winters, cheaper real estate, proximity to So. America, cleaner air, warmer ocean water
LA (+): better overall weather (low humidity), unmatched geographic diversity, more cultural institutions (museums, universities, etc.), a larger city with more options in most categories.
Last one is traffic: Seems like LA is worse. But LA has an increasing amount of light rail/subway options and Miami drivers have a rep as rude drivers. So maybe it's a wash? That said, I am an urban sort of guy and my commute in LA is VERY short and I'd try to live close to the office in Miami (which is in Brickell).
Thanks.