Cuban content creator @dabiel_oficial recently took to TikTok to explain his decision to leave Miami and return to what he now considers his true home—Houston, Texas.
In his video, Dabiel remarks, “I returned to Houston, I’m here, already at the airport,” immediately following up with, “No way, Miami was not what I expected!”
His experiences in Miami were far from favorable, as he faced disappointments, exorbitant expenses, and a lifestyle that did not meet his personal values and priorities.
Dabiel highlights that Houston offers a more affordable standard of living, equating it to an enriched quality of life.
He explains that savings on rent, including offers of a free month, allow him to enjoy activities such as going out, cruising, or simply taking time to relax at home.
“Here there are parks, water, pools, artificial beaches…” he asserts, in stark contrast to his past experiences in Miami, where he claims that appearances took precedence over substance.
The influencer also addresses the superficiality he encountered among some of his peers in Miami, stating, “I dress with a Mickey vibe, normal European style. They don’t… I had to wear a gold chain like a block, otherwise, they would look me up and down as if I were a starving person.”
Aside from financial burdens and societal pressures, Dabiel criticizes Miami’s notorious traffic and the negative demeanor of its residents.
“In Miami, when there’s traffic, it takes you an hour to walk five meters, literally. Such a bad situation, people with such a bad attitude,” he noted, expressing his frustration with the region’s daily inconveniences.
What ultimately pushed Dabiel to make the move back to Houston was a specific incident at a gas station.
While perusing snacks, an attendant yelled at him to hurry as she was about to close the register. This experience resonated strongly with him and served as the tipping point for his decision: “No, I’m done. I’m completely off to Houston,” he stated emphatically.
Though his work in Houston can be challenging—like spending a week driving a truck—Dabiel finds that he earns more than enough to enjoy a fulfilling life for the rest of the month. “Here you manage to make ends meet, and then you relax,” he explained.
In a light-hearted moment, he even quipped that he would prefer to face a tornado in Houston rather than endure the fast-paced, costly atmosphere of Miami.
Dabiel’s experiences may appear to be an isolated narrative, but he is not alone.
In recent months, numerous Cubans have shared similar negative experiences about living in Miami, shedding light on concerns such as high living costs, traffic congestion, and a perceived lack of community support among fellow Cubans.
For instance, user @xmen_coco expressed frustrations regarding the soaring cost of living, pointing out that two-bedroom apartments can be as much as $3,000, compelling many to share accommodations to manage costs.
Similarly, TikToker @cubitabella09 described living in Miami as “a complete chaos,” taking aim at the airport’s conditions, traffic issues, and subpar customer service.
Dabiel’s reflection on life choices has sparked a broader conversation about the challenges faced by Cubans navigating life in Miami, with growing sentiments advocating for a return to more affordable and supportive environments elsewhere.
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