820 Meridian Ave, 309

Thank you, 820 Meridian

I actually toured this apartment twice before signing my lease. Once in late 2023, well before I even needed to move anywhere, and then once again a few months before my move-in. How I got here was wild. I was living with my toxic ex girlfriend and we were gearing up to move in together at a different flat in south beach, but we ended up splitting up right before we moved in. Luckily, I had secretly insured myself with my contact, the property manager here, Scott - and had also secretly sent in first month's rent to lock myself in. I was already guessing the relationship was over. I moved in April 2024. This corner unit has so much sunlight. For the last two years, I have had no problem being on a perfect circadian rhythm. For being a studio, it sure feels like a smaller 1b apartment. It has a nice arch that, when walking through it, feels like you are entering another space. Nice mini kitchen, new appliances, etc. You definitely need a water filter jug to live here. The water comes out weird and fizzy for some reason I never bothered to ask about. Two bigger closets, plenty of storage for toiletries in the bathroom (for a man) and decently tall ceilings. Safety is good here - there's a manual key for entering the property, and then your unit has a 4 digit keypad to enter the room. I have grown so much here. The highest of highs and lowest of lows during my tenure in Miami have all happened while calling this place home. I moved in freshly single, and have been single the entire time I lived here. I started working out, cooking a ton, getting my sleep right, learned how to decorate a bit - my favorite memory about building this place up was finding a used fouton couch out in the alley just outside the building and bringing it in myself after inspecting it for no more than two minutes. It took me an hour and a half to get it all the way inside and up the three floors to my place. Living in this corner of South Beach, you will slowly and surely gain friends that double as neighbors. Everybody seems to be walking distance - eventually living here feels like you are on a college campus. Quick walk to anybody nearby. Some of my favorite memories were just acknowledging how awesome it is to have friends in such proximity, and taking advantage of it. You do not need a car here. For years I paid $20 per month to have unlimited bike rides via the citibike network all around town. You can get from Sunset Harbor to South Pointe in 10 minutes via citibike. I used to jump on a citibike after a night at LIV and make my way home swerving! South Beach will always be my favorite neighborhood in this city. Behind the tourist strip of Ocean Drive are some of the most down to earth, ambitious, beautiful people in that Miami has to offer. It takes a certain breed of person to fit in here - one that remains stoic and unafraid to be themselves. Those that cannot do that never stay around these parts for long. And if you ever have trouble sleeping, you can always walk over to the ocean at any hour of the night, jump in, and walk back home - that usually does the trick. Thank you, 820 Meridian!