There are common questions I receive from Koreans considering a move to Miami. While visiting as a tourist is great, what is it really like for Koreans to live here?

It's better to understand Miami's unique characteristics rather than expecting a Korean community like in LA or New Jersey.

The first thing that stands out is the taxes. Florida has no state income tax. For those coming from California or New York, this difference can feel quite significant.

Even if you earn the same $100,000, you won't have to pay state income tax.

This can be a major reason for high-income employees, self-employed individuals, or freelancers to choose Miami.

The second factor is definitely the weather. Miami summers are hot and humid, which can be tough, but the winters are really nice.

In January, you can enjoy sunny days outside, going for walks or playing golf. For those who dislike the snow and ice of New York, this alone is a considerable advantage.

Families with children also have a long period for outdoor activities.

On weekends, you can go to the beach, visit parks, and swim, so there's hardly any winter where you're stuck indoors.

The third point is that immigrants don't stand out much here.

When you visit Miami, it's not just a city where you hear only English. Spanish is almost a daily language, and people from various countries mix together.

There's no atmosphere of looking down on someone just because they have a Korean accent in their English.

I think this creates a very comfortable environment for immigrants.

Instead of constantly being aware that you're a foreigner in American society, there's a vibe that everyone here has come from somewhere.

The Korean community has also become more comfortable than before. However, you should lower your expectations a bit in this regard.

It's not like in LA's Koreatown, where you can drive a few minutes and find Korean restaurants, hospitals, and markets where everything is in Korean. Still, in the Miami metropolitan area, you can find Korean restaurants, Asian grocery stores, Korean churches, and Korean language services, making it easier to obtain necessary Korean ingredients than in the past.

Another advantage of Miami is its international business environment.

It's a very interesting city for those doing business with Latin America. It's a place where companies and capital from Latin America, including Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, are continuously connected, and the finance, trade, logistics, and real estate sectors are well-developed.

If you're considering selling Korean products in Latin America or connecting the U.S. and South America, Miami's location itself can be a competitive advantage.

There are also various options for children's education. Depending on the area, there are decent public schools, magnet programs, and private schools.

However, in the U.S., even crossing one street can change the assigned school, so it's better to check the assigned school for the actual address before signing a lease.

Most importantly, what's interesting about Miami is that children grow up in a very diverse cultural environment. They don't just meet Korean friends but naturally interact with friends from Latin, white, black, Caribbean, and other backgrounds.

Ultimately, Miami is a city that suits those who enjoy warm weather and are open to new cultures rather than those seeking the comfort of living among Koreans.

If you try to live in Miami like you do in LA, it might be uncomfortable. However, if you approach it with the mindset of living like a true Miamian, it can be a very attractive place for Koreans to settle down.