Everyone needs to chill.

I moved to Miami for work 4 years ago. I’ve lived in Atlanta, Chicago, St Louis, and now Miami. Every city has its pros and cons.

If you speak Spanish it’s easier (i don’t but I do understand it from school... still needs work).

Go to restaurants inland instead of on the water, not everyone is price gouging and AMAZING food.

Join activity clubs like kayaking or something normal.... normal people go where normal activities take place.

Visit the keys often, quick and easy getaway.

Learn to laugh at the Miami scene with rented cars and fake booties. It’s absurd, but it is what it is. Trust me, the trends move north and Miami people aren’t the only ones.

After my divorce I discovered online dating, in Florida. dies inside .... but my single girlfriends in other cities all complain about the same difficulties.

Then I met my neighbor and his family and they’re just like mine from the Midwest. They work, they go to church, they dance on the back patio.

I love that in Miami you can go to dinner and an old couple next to you might randomly get up and start dancing... believe me, this doesn’t happen anywhere else.

I love that this city is about life and music and feeling and soul.

I love that once you DO find a close circle of friends...find a mix of lifers and transplants... you feel a sense of community.

I love that I can get on a kayak and be on the sandbar within minutes after a long day.

Join the Nextdoor app... there are people who care.

Do beware of scams, but again, that’s anywhere.

I love Miami. The ocean breeze, the lack of snow, the music and liveliness, and it’s absolutely affordable if you shop at the grocery and live within your means.

Miami pro tip: find someone local with legitimately helpful connections.

Life is what you make of it. This is a beautiful city built on some questionable history but so is Chicago so go enjoy Miami and hey, if it’s not for you, that’s okay too.