The Cuban creator La Mami Azul shared on social media her experience after moving from Miami to Tampa, a decision she explained step by step in several videos that have gone viral among her followers.
"I moved from Miami to Tampa, and I promise I'm going to tell you all the gossip—how it went, prices, details, everything. But now, welcome to my new little home," said @la_mami_azul in the first video, where she showcased her new place and hinted that she would reveal the entire process.
Without contacts in the city and unable to find a local real estate agent, she opted for apps like Zillow and Realtor. “I relied on the Zillow and Realtor apps with the support of a real realtor, a friend of mine who lives in another state... I scheduled five appointments to see five different apartments in the area where I was looking,” she recounted. Time was limited: “We had half a day to see the five apartments and I decided on one of them because we had to go back to Miami, as the children's father had to leave for work that same night.”
In a second video, she offered recommendations for those planning to move: “Make a list of what you need and what you want in the apartment, house, townhouse, or efficiency... because that’s what you’ll be looking for, to avoid wasting time,” she said. She also advised setting a budget: “What you are willing to pay or what you can afford,” and paying attention to details such as pet policies: “If you have pets, you need to check that not all condos allow them... and those that do will charge you a fee.”
For families, he emphasized the importance of checking the quality of schools and the availability of therapies: "I called several agencies to ask if they had therapists... many told me there weren't any and that there were waiting lists... that alarmed me a bit, but I kept searching until I found one."
The posts generated a wave of comments. "These data are very important, thank you for making our journey easier," a follower expressed gratitude. Another confessed, "I want to move to Tampa," while several asked for a complete tour of her home. In response to the insistence, the creator replied, "I owe you the apartment tour, believe me, I'll make it happen; it's just that things are a bit chaotic right now," she joked with laughter.
Why move from Miami?
Miami remains one of the most expensive cities to rent in the United States. According to a report by Redfin, the average rent in December 2024 was $2,373, which requires an annual income close to $95,000. However, the average income in the city was only $57,157, which is 40% less than needed to cover the average rent.
Although prices have dropped slightly in some areas, Miami remains among the five least affordable cities in the country. This situation has led many residents—including Cubans—to look for alternatives in cities like Tampa or Orlando, where rents are lower.
Additionally, experts warn about the increase in rental scam advertisements. The most common frauds include nonexistent or unavailable properties and requests for upfront payments without guarantees. Authorities recommend always verifying the authenticity of the advertisement, being suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true, and never paying without visiting the property, advice that reinforces La Mami Azul's decision to use reliable platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving from Miami to Tampa
Why did La Mami Azul decide to move from Miami to Tampa?
The Mami Azul decided to move from Miami to Tampa in search of a more affordable place with a better quality of life. Miami is one of the most expensive cities to rent in the United States, which drives many residents to seek alternatives in cities like Tampa, where rents are lower and life is quieter.
What advice did La Mami Azul give for those planning to move?
La Mami Azul recommended making a list of needs and wants for the new home, setting a budget, and paying attention to details like the pet policy. She also emphasized checking the quality of schools and the availability of therapy services, especially for families with children.
What tools did La Mami Azul use to find her new home in Tampa?
The Mami Azul used applications like Zillow and Realtor to search for her new home in Tampa. Despite not having contacts in the city or a local real estate agent, she relied on these platforms with the support of a realtor friend who lives in another state.
How does the high cost of living in Miami affect the Cuban population residing there?
The high cost of living in Miami, especially in terms of rent, has led many Cubans to consider moving to other more affordable cities such as Tampa or Orlando. The gap between the average income and the cost of rent in Miami forces its residents to seek alternatives to improve their quality of life.
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