Miami, Florida- a Holiday Dream

Florida is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world and the perfect place for young married people who want to enjoy an unforgettable honeymoon. Miami, the third city in the top destinations in the U.S., after Los Angeles and New York, is a cosmopolitan metropolis, exotic and multicultural, where Spanish is used almost as much as English.

Today, Miami is a city full of emotion, color and textures, being also known as "The magic city" and "The America of the Millennium".

Sand beaches, an incredible blue sky, the ocean, palm trees, a lot of sun, shops, walks along the sea side, restaurants, clubs and fun, all these wait for tourists who wish to relax.

About Miami, Florida

Situated in the southeastern U.S., Miami is a very important city in the U.S. economy, with many company headquarters, banks, and institutions of entertainment: television, music, fashion, film. It is considered the city with the largest number of banks in the U.S., and because of the nearness of South America, it has become a true cultural center of the Hispanic population in the United States.

The highest building in the city, Four Seasons Hotel, has 240 meters and reveals the special place occupied by tourism in Miami's economy. This year, Miami was declared by Forbes the cleanest city in America; the number of parks, the artificial lakes, and the cleaning and recycling programs contributed decisively to this title. Also, in 2008, Miami was declared the third richest city in the U.S.

The most popular place for beach is Miami Beach, a settlement located on a strip of land at 5-6 km from the town, connected by the city throw the 195 freeway. The beach seems endless and the many islands that surround it have names with a specific resonance: Sunset, Star, San Marco or Palm Island. Everywhere, people who live here permanently or just come to visit, have just one concern: to have fun, with the obvious exception of those employed in the tourism services.

An Average Lifestyle in Miami, Florida

The flow of wealthy Latin Americans who come here influences significantly the economy. Miami is the city where they develop their businesses and many restaurant owners believe that if they have a restaurant in Los Angeles and New York, it is absolutely necessary to open one in Miami. The city is changing once with the revitalization of the center, and deluxe suites are built everywhere. While the prices of property have increased exponentially, the local people prefer the west side of the city.

Housing

Median house value: $225,758

Things to Do in City: Shopping, visiting Miami Metro Zoo, going to The Miami Seaquarium, going to the beach, going to the Miami Museum of Science, visiting the Miami Children's Museum and Parrot Jungle Island;

Cultural Activities in City: CARNIVAL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, Miami Symphony Orchestra, Miami Children's Museum, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami City Ballet, New World Symphony, Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theatre

Near-By Excursions: Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, Key West

Calendar of Events: Ultra Music Festival, Winter Music Conference, Miami Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami

Elevation: about -1 to 2 feet above sea level

Size: 55.27 sq mi (143.1 km²)

Weather

Annual Average Temperature: under 64.4 °F

Annual Average Rainfall: 59.02 inches

Economics and Demographics

Population: 1,637,100

Growth Rate: 21.35%

Median Age, 2000: 36

Median Household Income: $42,623

Principle Industries: Tourism, finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts and international trade

Higher Education: Colleges, universities and professional schools (within 30 miles): 22

Junior colleges and technical institutes (within 30 miles): 14

Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami, www.miami-florida.com , www.miamiandbeaches.com