Firstly why Opa-locka, Florida?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Opa-locka
• State: Florida
• Population: 16,078 people
• Opa-locka’s quick summary would be recognized for its Moorish architecture and the lively Opa-locka Community Development Corporation this city reflects rich cultural heritage and community spirit.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 600 annually
• While this many move-out: 204 annually
• Net Migration: 396 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 790
• Number of Homeless people: 334

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its historic significance and affordable housing attracting diverse populations

Perk #1: Opa-locka Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 43%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Black
• The median income is (and growing)  $37,003
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Opa-locka is $59,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $21997 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Opa-locka’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 104 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,300
• Property Tax %: 2.24%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,250
• Rent for an average house: $1,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Opa-locka
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Opa-locka, Carol City, Miami Lakes, Golden Glades, and probably could include East Opa-locka
• Avg. Age of Homes in Opa-locka: 69 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.4%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Opa-locka’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Opa-locka are  Manufacturing, Retail, and Transportation
• Opa-locka Job Scene: small job market in local services and retail
• The General Tech Scene: small tech community with limited engagement primarily in logistics and services , ,
• Opa-locka Resident’s pay $1,600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Opa-locka: 7%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 80 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 2

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Opa-locka

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $96 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-95 runs through Opa-locka linking it to Miami
• Commute Time: 30 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: evening congestion on 183rd Street
• Transportation Score: 27 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Opa-locka: 12,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.7
• No. of Car Washes: 1 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Opa-locka: flhsmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 44 of 100
• Local Airport: Opa-locka Executive

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Opa-locka’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Flood
• General Weather in Opa-locka is best described as experiences warm winters with temperatures in the 70s and hot humid summers with occasional thunderstorms
• Winter Weather in Opa-locka i’d describe as warm and rainy
• Spring Weather in Opa-locka can be described as warm and humid
• Summer’s in Opa-locka are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Opa-locka is usually warm and humid
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 88 days in summer
• Days in a row in Opa-locka below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 66 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality predominantly impacted by traffic
• Opa-locka Winter Air mixed air quality significantly affected by urban factors

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Opa-locka Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Opa-locka 1
• While the number of trade schools inside Opa-lockas’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Opa-locka Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Opa-locka Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 14 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Opa-locka only Doctors is about 20
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time Opa-locka only Police Officers is about 64
• Crime Rate Index: 113/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Opa-locka’s Monthly utility bill average is $170
• Opa-locka’s Monthly Gym Membership: $28
• Opa-locka’s Water Quality Score: 48

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Opa-locka

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 1 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: diverse city known for its historical architecture and culture
• You might enjoy events at the Opa-locka Community Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Opa-locka  offers casual dining options and local bars where residents gather for evening social events

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Opa-locka

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features local eateries and casual dining
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 40 scattered around Opa-locka
• The Popular Sports Team is Opa-locka High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Opa-locka can be described as working-class politically mixed city emphasizing community issues
• Opa-locka’s Longer standing religious establishment is Faith Tabernacle Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Opa-locka Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Opa-locka has 6 Parks?
• Lakes of Amelia is Opa-locka’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Opa-locka Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-3pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, picnicking, and cycling

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Opa-locka Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Opa-locka can be described as urban life with a diverse cultural atmosphere
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Opa-locka local sports events exploring nature community picnics
• The Cities people commute to from Opa-locka are Miami 12 miles away Hialeah 6 miles away Miami-Gardens 9 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Opa-locka or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: evening congestion on 183rd Street. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Opa-locka’s Flood risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Opa-locka is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Opa-locka are Miami 12 miles away Hialeah 6 miles away Miami-Gardens 9 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 113 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Opa-locka has 0 days in a row below freezing and 88 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Opa-locka people have an average (positive or negative) $21997 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   334 homeless people living in Opa-locka. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general working-class politically mixed city emphasizing community issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Opa-locka.

Retiree & Senior Life in Opa-locka

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might be eligible for property tax credits aimed at reducing financial burden
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Opa-Locka Senior Center
• Opa-locka Senior Center features recreational programs meal services and support resources for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Opa-locka, Florida?

If Opa-locka, Florida ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Opa-locka, Florida, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!