A Cuban woman in Miami has sparked a heated debate on TikTok after expressing her frustration with the city and warning that she is seriously considering moving. In a video posted by the user @yusyvaldez17, the woman criticizes the lack of respect, the rudeness, and the decline in customer service in the South Florida city, with a powerful statement that has widely resonated: “I’m fed up with Miami, I’m about to move out of Miami.”
“I don't know what is happening in this town, but the lack of respect, the lack of education, the rudeness, and the regression in this community have been on the rise,” asserts the TikToker from her car, visibly upset. She clarifies that her criticisms are not related to the cost of living or her economic situation: “It has nothing to do with that; I'm talking about society, gentlemen. Wherever you go, there is mistreatment, a lack of respect, rudeness, and regression.”
The young woman, who claims to have been an advocate for the city, now says she is completely disenchanted: “I used to be someone who said there's nothing like Miami... gentlemen, I’m retracting that statement right now.” She also wonders if the intolerance she feels is due to her age, but insists that the problem is widespread: “It’s society; I understand that many people live in large cities and that everything is expensive... I’m not complaining about the economy, I’m complaining about society.”
His complaint also highlights the decline in customer service: “Customer service has been lost, along with respect, attention, and courtesy; everything is just like whatever now.” He concludes with a definitive statement: “I’m about to move to any state, just far away enough to truly feel like I’m in the USA.”
The video garnered thousands of comments, most of which supported his words. Some users shared similar experiences with treatment in businesses and public spaces in Miami, mentioning that they felt as if they were "in Cuba" or that they perceived a "total lack of courtesy and professionalism."
A good part agreed that the city has changed drastically in recent years, while others claimed to have found a better quality of life after moving to places like Lehigh Acres, Cape Coral, Tampa, or even states like Tennessee, Illinois, or Kentucky.
Some responses highlighted the contrast between Miami and other cities in the United States: “In Illinois, people are polite and respectful... that is what the United States is like,” commented one person. Another noted: “My wife came from Canada to try to stay in Miami, but she couldn't handle it. She says it’s like being in Cuba.”
Several users shared that they had already made the decision to leave Miami or are considering doing so. "I left 9 months ago and I’m not going back to live there," one wrote. Another stated, "I moved to West Palm Beach and we immediately noticed the difference in treatment and service."
Some argued that the situation is not unique to Miami, but rather a broader phenomenon: “It's all over the United States,” they said. There were also those who made ironic remarks such as “Miami is Cuba with local food” or “Miami was, but it no longer is.”
A growing debate
The statements from @yusyvaldez17 add to a series of testimonies that have gained prominence on social media in recent months. Since January, several Cubans residing in the U.S. have shared their decision to move from Miami to other cities, citing both economic and social reasons.
In January, a Cuban from Kentucky explained why he wouldn't return to Miami: “Do you think I'm going to stop paying $1,175 for my house to go pay $2,500 for a studio? Not a chance!”. In July 2024, another user shared that she left Miami 10 years ago and has no regrets: “From my experience, I have no regrets at all about the decision I made.”
More recently, testimonies from Lehigh Acres or Cape Coral highlight the advantages of moving to quieter, less congested places with a better social environment.
In another recent story, a Cuban claimed that he couldn't take it anymore and decided to leave Miami: “I'd rather live in a small, well-Americanized city, learn the language, work, and live peacefully.”
These accounts highlight an increasing debate within the Cuban community in the United States, particularly in Florida, regarding the weariness many feel about life in Miami, not only due to prices or traffic but also because of what they perceive as a degradation of human interaction and civic coexistence.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Discontent of Cubans in Miami and Internal Migrations in the U.S.
Why is the Cuban woman in Miami considering moving out of the city?
The Cuban in Miami is considering moving due to the mistreatment and lack of respect she perceives in the city's society. She asserts that it is not an economic issue, but rather a deterioration of human interactions and community coexistence. She mentions that the lack of education and poor customer service have increased and that this has contributed to her disillusionment with Miami.
What do other Cubans think about living in Miami?
Many Cubans in Miami share the discontent expressed by @yusyvaldez17, recounting similar experiences of mistreatment and lack of professionalism. Some have chosen to move to other cities or states in search of a better quality of life. However, there are also divided opinions, with some arguing that the problems are not exclusive to Miami, but rather part of a broader phenomenon across the United States.
What are the main destinations to which Cubans are moving from Miami?
Cubans moving from Miami are choosing places like Lehigh Acres, Cape Coral, Tampa, Tennessee, Illinois, and Kentucky. They are seeking greater tranquility, less congestion, and a friendlier social environment. These destinations provide a more relaxed atmosphere and, in some cases, more affordable living costs.
How does customer service in Miami compare to other cities in the U.S.?
According to the shared testimonies, customer service in Miami is perceived by some as lacking respect and professionalism, compared to other cities in the U.S. where a more courteous and respectful service is reported. Negative experiences in Miami have led some to move in search of a friendlier service in other regions of the country.
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