Moving to Little Havana? 7 Things You Need To Do Immediately!
Amit Bhuta
I use non-traditional marketing to inspire the most motivated buyers to pay the max for Miami luxury homes...
I use non-traditional marketing to inspire the most motivated buyers to pay the max for Miami luxury homes...
Embrace an urban lifestyle pulsating with vibrant traditions and personality as you find a home in the "heart" of Miami's Cuban diaspora, Little Havana, a melting pot of Latin American cultures!
Marvel at the electrifying community of Little Havana, the ULTIMATE representation of Miami's Cuban heritage lying west of Downtown Miami and Brickell to Douglas Avenue, with Miami River to its north and Coral Way to its south.
Albeit a small "dot" on the map, this tiny neighborhood fills its vibrant spaces with personality and rich culture, seen through its massive collection of Latin-inspired restaurants, bakeries, fruit stands, cigar shops, rum bars, art galleries, music venues, alongside a distinctly Latin American flair, leading Little Havana to become one of the Miami's revered social and cultural hubs, where hundreds of tourists flock for a glimpse of Magic City's dynamic culture.
With all these in consideration, it's not surprising how Little Havana has extended from being a weekend destination to an urban respite for locals looking for an affordable lifestyle in the city, ranking among Miami's top "bang-for-your-buck" districts where you'll find low-cost properties surrounded by significant creature comforts like supermarkets, pharmacies, shopping malls, restaurants, schools, and more!
And if you've already been "hooked" by this welcoming, tightly-knit neighborhood and have started to take small steps towards a complete immersion, congratulations!
To help you ease into your new Little Havana home comfortably, I'll be with you step by step, starting with the ESSENTIALS!
Here are 7 things you need to do IMMEDIATELY when moving to Little Havana.
(1)
Writing A New Chapter In Miami's Cuban Diaspora: Arranging Your Utilities In Little Havana
Kudos on finding a home to LOVE in the beautiful community of Little Havana!
Now that you've found your dream abode, you should take this opportunity to sort out the essentials to ensure a comfortable and quick transition!
While it's ideal to have your utilities up and running BEFORE you move into your new address, setting up electricity, water, and natural gas services WHILE you're moving in shouldn't pose a concern, especially since it'll only take a few minutes of your precious time!
Are you ready to begin this "no-stress" process?
To arrange your electricity, create or log in to your existing account at the Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) website and apply for service at your new address, new or otherwise.
New account holders need to submit their Social Security, Driver's License, Social Insurance, or Tax ID number, the new service address, and the connection date, and existing FPL customers only need to advise the disconnection date (old address), re-connection date, and complete service address for a service transfer.
A deposit of $25 (minimum) and other initial set-up fees may be charged upfront, whether you're a new or existing customer.
If you prefer a natural gas service for your Little Havana home, seek providers like TECO Peoples Gas or Florida City Gas (FCG).
After confirming availability, you may submit the necessary IDs and connection date (new customer) or advise the disconnection date, the complete address of your new home, and your preferred service transfer date (existing customer).
Your deposit fees may be based on the home's square footage or equal to twice the average monthly bill, and you may need to settle a connection fee before the service connection.
Last on the list is checking for water and sewer availability on the Miami-Dade Water & Sewer website.
Once confirmed, new customers must create an online account and deposit $50 for water, $50 for sewer, and a non-refundable $45 connection fee, and existing owners must also settle any outstanding balance before service transfer.
See?
Easy-peasy!
(2)
An Era Of "Smart" Everything: Boosting Your Lifestyle With Technology
It's common to feel homesick after moving away from extended family and friends, especially if you're from a different city, state, or country.
So, to avoid feeling "out of touch" with the world outside your new Little Havana home, hooking up to reliable internet and cable services is ESSENTIAL!
I'm telling you, once you get on the web with your favorite TV show in the background, you'll feel SO MUCH BETTER!
To find the best internet-cable packages around Miami, check esteemed service providers like Comcast Xfinity, and AT&T!
After choosing your provider and preferred bundle, apply for a new service by submitting your complete address and proper IDs online or in person at the nearest store, or if you're an existing Comcast or AT&T customer, request a service transfer as soon as you settle any remaining balance on your account!
You may also want to ask your provider about any deposits, activation/installation, and equipment rental fees upfront, otherwise, you may expect these charges to reflect on your first bill.
(3)
A Floridian Essential: Traveling Around Florida In Style
While most Little Havana residents enjoy a smooth commute around Miami via public transportation, there'll be times when you'll NEED to drive yourself to where you're going.
Ah, yes, that's life's reality.
So, if you don't have a Florida driver's license yet, you'll want to PRIORITIZE it as soon as you move to Little Havana!
Aside from being a REQUIREMENT within 30 days of establishing residence, a Florida driver's license is one of the first (and quickest) IDs you can get to make your Floridian residency official.
Oh, and you'll also need it to drive on all Florida roads!
So, to get that out of the way, visit the nearest Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) or any local office offering driver's license services and submit the necessary documents.
Click on the applicable residency status to know which documents to have on hand when you apply:
The initial Florida Class E license, including a learner's permit, is $48.00, a commercial driver's license (Class A) is $75.00, and an ID Card fee is $25.00.
For a complete list of driver's license fees, click here.
Don't forget —you'll also need insurance to title and register your vehicle(s) within ten (10) days of establishing residency.
Meanwhile, if you already have a Florida driver's license, notify the DMV of your new address for an updated driver's license to avoid run-ins with the law.
Usually, those with a current or previous driver's license from another state, country, or jurisdiction don't have to take Drug and Alcohol courses, Class E Knowledge exams, and the Florida Driving tests, but the Vision and Hearing test is mandatory!
(4)
Knowledge That Lasts A Lifetime: Learning In Little Havana
Here's some good news for families moving to Little Havana —
If you're worried about finding a school for your little one after you get settled in, don't sweat it!
Since Little Havana is only minutes from the city center, you'll have plenty in your midst!
And I'm talking about an A-list collection!
Yes, parents, you're looking at schools like Lincoln-Marti Charter School (Little Havana Campus), Mater Academy East Charter School, BridgePrep Academy Interamerican-East Campus, Mater Academy Kiwanis, Ada Merritt K-8 Center, and Young Women's Preparatory Academy — and that's just the tip of the iceberg!
In fact, Little Havana is brimming with public, private, and charter schools from elementary to senior high, so you're unlikely to run out of choices in and AROUND its perimeter!
So, for more information about schools in Little Havana, click on Schools in Little Havana or visit the Miami-Dade County Public Schools website for all the public schools near you!
Meanwhile, for more about Little Havana daycares, check out our blog, Daycares in Little Havana, and get the best childcare for your little one!
(5)
Swaying The Tides Of Life: Empowering Little Havana Through Voting
An immigrant who's a newly naturalized U.S. citizen?
A U.S. citizen without a voter registration?
Whichever you are between the two, moving to Little Havana without voter registration can pose a problem in the future — yours, your community, and the country!
Imagine being amidst all these outrageous changes and not having a VOICE to be HEARD!
So, if you're over 18 and a United States Citizen who meets all the requirements to become a registered voter (but still isn't one), submit your application with the proper IDs and documents through the Florida Department of State or the Miami-Dade County Elections Department online, by mail, or in person at the Elections Department or any Elections Branch office!
For other legal forms of identification and supplementary requirements, click here.
Any current and valid identifications with a photograph and signature (e.g., Florida Driver's License, United States passport, etc.) will suffice, so make this your utmost priority!
(6)
Preserving Little Havana's Future: Little Havana's Efforts To Sustainability
Are you almost done with your "moving in" checklist?
Add Little Havana's rules and regulations on it, too, including the current recycling and waste management guidelines!
Since you'll be joining a community set on cleanliness, preserving environmental health, and sustainability, you'll be doing the whole of Little Havana a favor by tracking, observing, and keeping to heart the established solid waste and recycling programs within your neighborhood!
So, to help you with this quest, check out these solid waste, "bulky" garbage, and recycling schedules below, as advised by the City of Miami Solid Waste Department:
- Garbage & Trash collection (twice a week)
- Free recycling collection (every other week)
- "Bulky" trash collection (once a week)
Failure to follow these waste management codes will result in a $500 fine or arrest.
For detailed information about schedules and fees in your zone, visit the City of Miami Solid Waste Department or check with your HOA.
(7)
Bringing Cuba To Miami: Summing Up Little Havana
Congratulations on reaching the end of your "to-do" list!
Now that you have all the necessities sorted, it's time to let your hair down and enjoy Little Havana to the fullest!
It IS a famous tourist spot, after all!
And now, this burgeoning cultural MECCA is your HOME!
Stroll along Calle Ocho and enjoy its Cuban gems, watch a performance while sipping your favorite cocktail at Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center, marvel at beautiful masterpieces at Futurama 1637, or spend the afternoon at Domino Park and watch the "uncs" play domino — I'm telling you, the possibilities in Little Havana are endless!
And if you need more information about Little Havana, don't forget to check out our blog, Explore Little Havana, to tailor your grand adventure to how YOU want it to be!
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