A.C.
Hi D., I recently moved from miami to Orlando about 2 years ago. I will tell you that you will regret the move!! Miami is not a family oriented city. We left because the cost of living was so expensive that we couldn't afford to buy a home. Not to mention that it's so congested down there and the crime rate is through the roof. I have a 10 year old son and we lived in the Kendall area right by Dadeland mall which is considered a very good area and I never once let my son play outside for fear that something would happen to him. And although that can happen anywhere in the country in Miami the odds are a lot higher. My husband and I got married in 2005 and soon after I got pregnant. We both decided that we didn't want to raise our family in Miami and therefore moved to Orlando. Let me tell you that I only wish I would have moved long ago. I still have to go back to Miami every once in a while because we have our family there but every time I go I cringe at the thought of being there an entire weekend. Not to mention that I always think I'm going to get crashed from how horrible the people drive down there. Being that you are a single mother with a little girl, I really hope you think twice about moving down there because the quality of life is horrible down there. My son now plays outside everyday here in Orlando and has friends and all the parents know each other and help each other. In Miami I lived in a condo for 5 years and I never once met any of my neighbors because people are so rude and into themselves that no one will acknowledge you. I know I'm really bashing Miami but I didn't realize how bad it was until I actually left. I hope you make the right decision.
Please email me if you have other questions. Good Luck!