My parents brought me to the United States in March of 2001 from our hometown of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Back then, I was a naive little boy who loved LEGOs and cartoons on TV, and quite frankly, I thought we were just going on a really cool vacation someplace really far away.
But 16 years later, here I am, residing in one of Miami's sleepy suburbs near the overly Hispanic Westchester neighborhood. I went to high school just a few blocks down the street, and I know a good portion of the city map like the back of my hand. I also know that several of my friends can't wait to get out.
There's an indubitable benefit to traveling to different countries and cities and seeing the world. But these friends of mine that want to get out; they mimic the frustration of caged animals when talking about the matter, as if living in the 305 is akin to containing a raging factory fire.
In attempting to understand their behavior, I've developed two theories. The first supposes that these individuals have had bad experiences in this city. Maybe they drive down the same neighborhood where a former lover who broke their heart lives, or maybe they feel out of sync with their current friendships and can't seem to really fit in with anyone. I'd tell these individuals to read my article on emotional immunity through strength, but short of that, their reasons for seeking exile are, if not rational, certainly understandable.
The second theory is one that I take more issue with. Some friends of mine are looking for an urban, inner-city vibe which they feel they can't find amongst the palm tree-lined suburban highways all across Miami. The perfectly sculptured communities and townhouses that dot the landscape here simply don't seem to cut it.
I'd urge these individuals to take a closer look at some of the neighborhoods and communities in Miami that actually do offer these vibes. Take Overtown, for example. A historically blighted neighborhood since the construction of Interstate 95, the community is now vastly improved, with the recent Overtown Music and Arts Festival being a prime example of how much safer and culturally prolific the locale has become. I attended the event and spoke with a local who's lived there his whole life. When I asked him about his thoughts on the festivities, he said something like that would have never happened in the 80's or 90's. Progress is taking place, and if you've ever visited, Overtown really does offer that urban vibe that these individuals are looking for.
Little places like this are all over Miami. Wynwood has been on the rise as a hip art district for several years, and reports of Hialeah heading in the same direction are also being heard. Miami Shores also offers this, as does Coral Gables and Miami Beach.
Miami is a melting pot of different communities, but not just because of the people living in them. Small-city feel, rural feel, suburban feel or big-city feel; whatever you're after, Miami's got it. You just have to look in the right places.
