Spanish Miami

If you’re looking into Miami as a place to obtain your college education, chances are you've noticed a large Hispanic, mostly Cuban, population, and a very overall Spanish character to the city. The history of Miami shows how this influence came to be, and how Miami has become one of the most distinctive cities in the United States.

Geography is the primary reason for this heavy influence. Its relatively close proximity to Hispanic countries, such as Cuba, makes it an excellent place for Spanish people to emigrate, where they’ll find a culture similar to their own. After the onset of communism in many Latin American countries, the U.S. became a place of refuge for many escaping political turmoil. Many naturally came into the United States via southern Florida, found opportunities and a suitable climate, and thus made their home there.

When walking through the streets of Miami, you’ll likely hear more Spanish than English. One of the most diverse areas in the country, the population of Miami-Dade County is actually half-Hispanic. But one need not worry about managing day-to-day life and handling social exchanges. A good majority of these Spanish speakers are bilingual, and thus speak English with ease, making communication clear and simple.

From restaurants and law offices, to accounting firms and retail establishments, Hispanic-owned, ?operated, and ?influenced businesses proliferate and are largely successful. You can find authentic Latin American food, culture, and social events, making you feel as if you've traveled to another country, but all within the comforts of home.

Even the basic architecture of many of the buildings in Miami harkens back to the places of origin of the transplanted residents. Everything from housing and foods, to the places frequented, and even the language spoken; Miami is colorful and rich, as immigrants adapt the cultural heritage of their homelands to a new life.

The Hispanic influence is not relegated to retail or tourism-based industries. Cubans and other descendants of Hispanic nations are in places of high power in both the business arena, offering a truly unique take on the American way of life. Hispanics are now entering the political realm and making real decisions that affect society at large. The City of Miami boasts a Cuban mayor and at least three Hispanic city commissioners.

All of these influences have made Miami what it is today; a large, dynamic, multicultural city with a dramatically Hispanic feel that is one-of-a-kind. Opportunities for cultural enrichment, entertainment, and education abound in this vibrant metropolis. With plenty of educational institutions to choose from, and more than enough things to do in your free time, Miami is a place of fun, adventure, and promise, with a rich and deeply rooted Hispanic heritage that gives the city a feel and atmosphere unlike any other.