A young Cuban woman who has lived in Miami for 11 years sparked a debate on TikTok by sharing her thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of staying in the city versus seeking new opportunities elsewhere in the United States. Dayanis, who has been in Miami since 2013, posted a video exploring the pros and cons of living in the Sunshine City, based on a conversation she overheard between two Cubans.
Pros and Cons of Living in Miami
"There was a Cuban telling another, 'You know Miami is a mess, nothing works here, people struggle a lot to get ahead, but we’ve gotten used to the little we earn here because, no matter how bad it is, it's still better than Cuba,'" she began.
In her extensive reflection, the young woman acknowledged that she initially stayed in Miami due to the language and the Cuban community, but now feels she could have had a more comfortable life if she had decided to move.
"A mistake I made was staying here in Miami. I feel that I could have had a better life if I had decided, along with the father of my son, to leave Miami back then," she elaborated.
Despite the economic challenges, the young woman believes that Miami offers many advantages, such as cultural familiarity and access to 'Cuban' products and services, which are not always easy to find in other states: "Remember, no matter how many jobs you have or how expensive everything is, it's in this great city where you decide to stay because of the language. It's this great city that welcomes those who don’t have the best English skills," she noted.
However, she also encouraged newcomers to consider relocating if they believe it would improve their quality of life: "If you’ve just arrived and have the possibility to move... move. Don’t stay here in Miami because right now, Miami is tough for everyone to thrive."
Dayanis' post has led to a flood of comments from other users who shared their own experiences of living in Miami or other parts of the United States. Some agreed that moving to other states could offer better opportunities, while others defended their satisfaction with the city.
"I've been in Miami for 23 years and I’m not going anywhere... my daughter was born here"; "I’ve achieved everything in Miami, thank God"; "Miami is for people who are settled and have their properties and have been here for years. It’s not for newcomers"; "I arrived in 2013 with many goals, willing to sacrifice, and I thank Miami for many good moments and some bad ones. But I’ve managed to improve year after year and achieve stability"; "You’re still in time to leave Miami, you can’t live in a city if you don’t like it. This country is free. But don’t criticize Miami for your failures"; "I lived in another state for six years, speak English, and am a certified IT professional in the USA. In my profession, I’m earning more here in Miami than in the other state where I lived. You have to be prepared, there are opportunities here," commented some.
Others, however, supported moving or shared their success stories in other cities: "In 22 years in Florida, I couldn’t buy a house while earning well, but with four kids and working for myself, I moved to Georgia and now own four houses and will never go back"; "I’m Cuban, living in South Dakota. I lived in Miami, didn’t do badly, but here I’m closer to financial freedom. You can learn English"; "I lived in New Jersey, then Miami for 20 years and never had anything, and now in Tampa, I own my house"; "I lived 20 years in Miami, and it’s my second Cuba, but I’m very happy where I live today outside of Miami"; "I don’t speak English and live in Kansas City, work for a cleaning company, get paid $20 an hour, and rent here costs $670, whereas in Miami, it would be $2,000"; "I’ve lived in California for 11 years, and English hasn’t been a barrier. When you want something, you can achieve it"; "I lived in Miami since 2016, and 1 1/2 years ago moved with my husband and child to Austin, TX, and have achieved what we couldn’t in the previous seven years. Those who dare, do it," others added.
Dayanis concluded her message by encouraging people to break free from complacency and always strive to improve their quality of life, regardless of location: "You, Cuban, are a risk-taker, so don’t settle; they sell Café La Llave everywhere."
What do you think?
Should You Stay in Miami or Move Elsewhere?
Here are some questions and answers to help you decide whether to stay in Miami or explore opportunities in other parts of the United States.
What are the main advantages of living in Miami?
Miami offers cultural familiarity, a strong Cuban community, and access to Cuban products and services, making it easier for newcomers to adapt.
What are some disadvantages of living in Miami?
High cost of living, economic challenges, and the need for multiple jobs to make ends meet are some of the disadvantages mentioned by residents.
Is it better to move to another state for better opportunities?
Many people have found better financial opportunities, lower costs of living, and improved quality of life by moving to other states like Georgia, South Dakota, and Texas.
How can someone decide whether to stay in Miami or move?
Consider your personal and financial goals, job opportunities, cost of living, and quality of life. It may also be helpful to hear from others who have made similar decisions.