South Florida

It can be expensive to live in South Florida. Here are some of the issues

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

This collection of stories focuses on Miami's struggles with high housing costs.

The first article highlights the financial strain on Miami residents, with rising rents reaching unprecedented levels, surpassing even cities like New York and Los Angeles. It tells the story of a single mother whose rent dramatically increased, leaving little room in her budget.

A second story discusses the burden of homeowner association fees, noting that a significant number of properties in Miami are subject to these additional costs. In addition, the interfaith group demanding action on high rent prices from Miami-Dade leaders underscores the county's significant affordability challenges, pushing for eviction diversion programs.

Read the stories below.

Stephania Germain, 24, who is on a Section 8 housing voucher, poses inside her apartment that she lives in with her daughter on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Miami. Germain was raised in foster care and is doing the best she can for herself and her baby. She says that even with the voucher, with recent increases it makes paying rent tough. “It just keeps going up and I don’t get a break to save, and I need new baby clothes, ya know they grow out of them so fast,” said Germain. By Alie Skowronski

NO. 1: MIAMIANS ARE THE MOST RENT-BURDENED PEOPLE IN AMERICA — AND THEY’RE STRESSED ABOUT IT

New Census Bureau data shows that Miamians spend a larger chunk of their incomes on housing than residents in all other major American cities. | Published October 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Max Klaver

Home buyers should review fees for homeowners and condominium association fees to see if the amenities are worth it, including pool, gym, clubhouse.

NO. 2: ARE FEES FOR CONDO AND HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATIONS WORTH IT? ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS

What buyers should know about the expense. | Published January 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by LEW SICHELMAN

Attendees listen to Mayor Daniella Levine Cava make a pledge to the community during the PACT Nehemiah Action Assembly on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in Cutler Bay, Fla. By Alie Skowronski

NO. 3: ’RENT IS TOO DAMN HIGH.’ INTERFAITH GROUP DEMANDS ACTION FROM MIAMI-DADE LEADERS

One of Miami-Dade’s most politically engaged interfaith groups held their annual assembly to press elected leaders to make housing more affordable and reducing evictions in Miami-Dade County. | Published April 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Lauren Costantino

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.