Great comment Hen.

Quote: (07-20-2013 11:38 AM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  

As for cost comparisons, housing is significantly cheaper in Montreal. Clothes and most consumer goods are cheaper in Miami.

I would agree with that from what I have seen about buying.

Renting short term in Montreal, you might not see that big of a difference.

It is cheaper, though generally speaking.

Quote:Quote:

As for nightlife, Montreal is way more accessible than Miami. There's a lot of politics to having a good time in South Beach. Guest lists, face control, etc. You can't just show up not knowing the right people and expect to get in anywhere and have a good time. That's not the case in Montreal. Lots of dudes - who would otherwise be big shots in whatever town they come from - have suffered humiliating defeats in South Beach.

This is a very valid point I think.

Miami requires you to get over a certain "hump" (so to speak), to really enjoy the benefits.

Montreal is probably is way better for "entry level".

For someone that knows how to navigate the "politics" of South Beach, it makes it easier since so many guys don't know how.

So the perceived difficulty can be turned into an advantage.

If a regular "major" city operates on the 80/20 rule, Miami operates on a 90/10.

Quote:Quote:

In terms of culture, I think Miami is easier to navigate than Montreal for guys from major American cities. Miami is a Spanish-speaking city and given that most large American cities have a significant latino population, you already have some exposure. It's also got the "American Dream" thing going with the lifestyle and glamour that's promoted out there so that's also something you will understand if you've been to Vegas or LA. For example, Ocean Drive's equivalent in Vegas would be the Vegas Strip, and in LA it would Sunset Strip. Places where people go to stunt silly.

Yeah, it is kind of counter-intuitive since I think Spanish in Miami is more valuable than French in Montreal, but for some reason Miami seems easier for someone like me with a West Coast and Las Vegas foundation.

Quote:Quote:

There's not really anything like Quebec in the US so even though the girls in Montreal mostly speak at least some English and it seems superficially similar to the US, there is a nuance that even I haven't fully grasped yet. It's tough to explain. You kind of have to go there to know it.

This is what I have been trying to explain.

There is some strange "nuance" in Montreal that I just don't get.

I feel making a connection with a girl there is more difficult than Miami or a major American city.

I feel girls don't quite "get" me, and I don't quite "get" them. It's very subtle but it is the 800 pound Godzilla in the room.

I was hoping you might have some insight.

Anyone?

Yeah regarding accessibility in Miami hen is spot on. I'm not sure how it is in Montreal. Unless you're ready to drop some coin, there's a good chance you're not getting into the hot spots unless you're willing to wait an hour, and even then it's still a decent chance you're not getting in.

Quote: (07-20-2013 03:42 PM)InternationPlayboy Wrote:  

Yeah regarding accessibility in Miami hen is spot on. I'm not sure how it is in Montreal. Unless you're ready to drop some coin, there's a good chance you're not getting into the hot spots unless you're willing to wait an hour, and even then it's still a decent chance you're not getting in.

Getting into venues in Montreal is not a problem. Seldom any cover charges and when there is one, it's negligible. For the really high profile places, you want to get there before they start to fill up if you want a clear lane no questions asked. If you're rolling solo dolo vs. a crew of fellas then no problem whatsoever.

Quote: (07-20-2013 03:26 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  

Quote:Quote:

There's not really anything like Quebec in the US so even though the girls in Montreal mostly speak at least some English and it seems superficially similar to the US, there is a nuance that even I haven't fully grasped yet. It's tough to explain. You kind of have to go there to know it.

This is what I have been trying to explain.

There is some strange "nuance" in Montreal that I just don't get.

I feel making a connection with a girl there is more difficult than Miami or a major American city.

I feel girls don't quite "get" me, and I don't quite "get" them. It's very subtle but it is the 800 pound Godzilla in the room.

I was hoping you might have some insight.

Anyone?

I think there's a few factors that helps explain this issue.

Mainly, the impact feminism has had on Montreal and Quebec in general, which was very distinct from how it evolved in the rest of Canada.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism_in..._in_Quebec

When I first started to scope out Montreal and talked to a couple of players who knew the scene out there, they all said that when it comes to girls, they will let you know and "choose" if they are feeling you. The girls there are considered the most independent, second to only Scandinavia. This seems to make sense when you also consider the fact that guys in Montreal (and Canada in general) are pretty calm and less aggressive compared to Americans.

This is much different from the culture of Miami, a place that has long been the stomping grounds of the wealthy and famous top dogs, whether they be drug dealers, royalty, corporate scions, etc. Couple that with the influence of Latin American culture, women there are used to and receptive to the confident, forward, assertive, bold/flamboyant type of guys. To even have access to these women means you've got something working for you.

In Montreal, almost any guy - regular or otherwise - can get into a venue where the fly girls roam.

How about contrasting specific neighborhoods? Last time I was in Montreal I wasn't that impressed with crescent St but Saint Laurent was absolutely amazing.

Quote: (07-20-2013 07:49 PM)philly22 Wrote:  

How about contrasting specific neighborhoods? Last time I was in Montreal I wasn't that impressed with crescent St but Saint Laurent was absolutely amazing.

This^^
Montreal is no different than from any other big city: it's a bunch of completely different and independent neighborhoods. What you'll find on Crescent has absolutely nothing to do with Le Plateau. And that's not even accounting for the English vs French factor.

Quote: (07-20-2013 12:06 PM)wsidemd Wrote:  

Miami, in terms of population, is not large compared to Montreal. Do you risk running into the same women in Miami?

Definitely not if you're on the beach and hit on the new tourists that come in every week. Other side, maybe but I haven't had any trouble yet. Although I do remember another thread where a guy mentioned that he was taking a break from brickell because he kept running into the same girls.

Living in Miami I'd run into the same girls all the time. If you spend a lot of time on the beach it's inevitable.

Quote: (07-19-2013 10:13 AM)DVY Wrote:  

@G-man- Hows rent compared in Miami v. LA in prime areas?

Pretty similar. Maybe Miami is a little less.

Remember, no state tax in FL.

And no things like jaywalking tickets in FL.

Quote:Quote:

How much is it go for a dinner for drinks and light food Miami v. LA v. Montreal?

High end?

Honestly, about equal.

One disadvantage to Miami Beach is that tip is included.

Quote:Quote:

Hows day to day logistical costs i.e. bribing bouncers, locking down spots, tipping the staff, parking( if you drive), taxis, etc etc? Miami v. LA v Montreal

Honestly, taxis are maybe more in Montreal.

LA is probably the worst.

Something is strange with Montreal right now, there is tons of traffic always at night and you can get stymied around Sherbrooke.

Miami is probably the best.

Quote:Quote:

I remember in your blog, a while back, that you mentioned Miami is a G/day type of city. Do you still hold that view?

That was a friend of mine that said that.

That is if a person is staying at a nice hotel ($300+ per night) eating a dope dinner ($100-200 per night) and partying hard ($500-600 per night).

Obviously it can be done for a lot less.

-------------------------------

I am going to add a new category to the match up:

Farmers Markets

Montreal has two phenomenal markets: Atwater and Jean-Talon.

Miami doesn't have anything that even comes close. It has some kind of hippy market in Coconut Grove, but that thing doesn't even compare. Honestly if Miami has one weakness it's farmers markets.

Montreal might kick most cities *sses in North America on this front, even thought the seafood is surprisingly weak.

Winner: Montreal

So the record stands at 10-5-5 with Miami winning.

Real close matchup.

Quote: (07-20-2013 08:26 PM)InternationPlayboy Wrote:  

Living in Miami I'd run into the same girls all the time. If you spend a lot of time on the beach it's inevitable.

That's what I'm worried about if I want to live in Miami, and hit the beach 2-3 times per week, and hit nightlife spots 2-3 times per week. It seems like I'd run into the same people pretty soon, except for tourists.

How's this compare to Montreal day spots and nightlife?

Quote: (07-21-2013 08:53 PM)wsidemd Wrote:  

Quote: (07-20-2013 08:26 PM)InternationPlayboy Wrote:  

Living in Miami I'd run into the same girls all the time. If you spend a lot of time on the beach it's inevitable.

That's what I'm worried about if I want to live in Miami, and hit the beach 2-3 times per week, and hit nightlife spots 2-3 times per week. It seems like I'd run into the same people pretty soon, except for tourists.

How's this compare to Montreal day spots and nightlife?

In reference to the bolded...Fear not my brother.

Miami Dade county has a population of 2.5 million people. Everyday I see countless amounts of fresh hot new women. I do switch it up and hit new places all the time to spread myself out. You are correct though for being such a big county, Miami will feel much smaller. I do find myself seeing past acquaintances all over the city, and if it's someone I'd rather not see, I just act like they don't exist.

I was also super confused by this data sheet until I saw that it was more a Miami Beach thing. When I was in Miami I stayed in Brickell and felt the logistics were shoddy unless kept exclusively to downtown.

Quote: (07-20-2013 12:23 PM)Scarecr0w Wrote:  

Quote: (07-20-2013 12:07 PM)Moma Wrote:  

Quote: (07-20-2013 12:06 PM)wsidemd Wrote:  

Miami, in terms of population, is not large compared to Montreal. Do you risk running into the same women in Miami?

Are you serious?

Please change the title of the post, it should be Miami Beach vs Montreal.
Miami proper is a hell hole..

Wildly inaccurate statement.

Where do you hang out in Brickell, Downtown, Wynwood, Midtown, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove and Design that are "hell holes"?

Quote: (07-20-2013 07:49 PM)philly22 Wrote:  

How about contrasting specific neighborhoods? Last time I was in Montreal I wasn't that impressed with crescent St but Saint Laurent was absolutely amazing.

I don't do Crescent Street.

Quote: (07-22-2013 01:14 AM)Vicious Wrote:  

I was also super confused by this data sheet until I saw that it was more a Miami Beach thing. When I was in Miami I stayed in Brickell and felt the logistics were shoddy unless kept exclusively to downtown.

It can't be that confusing, I mention places in Miami when I include them in the report.

Miami Beach is where people will spend 90% of their time in Miami Dade county, so there is obviously a focus on that.

Would it have been more valuable to do a report on Miami VS Montreal and exclude Miami Beach?

Instead I included Miami where it makes sense. People should be fine on being able to figure it out.

Quote:Quote:

When I was in Miami I stayed in Brickell and felt the logistics were shoddy unless kept exclusively to downtown.

How are the logistics "shoddy" in Brickell?

You have a strip of bars and restaurants (some great) all in walking distance and girls from all over Latin America.

Brickell probably has better logistics than any comparable neighborhood in any Latin American big city.

You are a quick cab from Wynwood, Midtown and Design. Cabs are plentyful.

South Beach is a quick cab ride away. So is Coconut Grove and Coral Gables.

If those are bad logistics, you need to roll out in Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County.

What other neighborhood in the world has access to girls from every country in Latin America and has better logistics?

I would be interested in that info.

Quote: (07-20-2013 05:43 PM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  

Quote: (07-20-2013 03:26 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  

Quote:Quote:

There's not really anything like Quebec in the US so even though the girls in Montreal mostly speak at least some English and it seems superficially similar to the US, there is a nuance that even I haven't fully grasped yet. It's tough to explain. You kind of have to go there to know it.

This is what I have been trying to explain.

There is some strange "nuance" in Montreal that I just don't get.

I feel making a connection with a girl there is more difficult than Miami or a major American city.

I feel girls don't quite "get" me, and I don't quite "get" them. It's very subtle but it is the 800 pound Godzilla in the room.

I was hoping you might have some insight.

Anyone?

I think there's a few factors that helps explain this issue.

Mainly, the impact feminism has had on Montreal and Quebec in general, which was very distinct from how it evolved in the rest of Canada.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism_in..._in_Quebec

When I first started to scope out Montreal and talked to a couple of players who knew the scene out there, they all said that when it comes to girls, they will let you know and "choose" if they are feeling you. The girls there are considered the most independent, second to only Scandinavia. This seems to make sense when you also consider the fact that guys in Montreal (and Canada in general) are pretty calm and less aggressive compared to Americans.

This is much different from the culture of Miami, a place that has long been the stomping grounds of the wealthy and famous top dogs, whether they be drug dealers, royalty, corporate scions, etc. Couple that with the influence of Latin American culture, women there are used to and receptive to the confident, forward, assertive, bold/flamboyant type of guys. To even have access to these women means you've got something working for you.

In Montreal, almost any guy - regular or otherwise - can get into a venue where the fly girls roam.

Interesting insight. Never thought about that.

I guess the obvious question is how do you "crack the code"?

----

Another reason might be as simple as I am being seen as a "visitor" in Montreal.

Even though I am there for a good stretch at a time (and one would think alleviate these concerns), I think this raises some flags in a Montreal girls mind and skepticism.

Whereas in Miami I am thought of more of a person who "lives" there and the flags and skepticism is not raised.

Not totally sure. One Montreal girl, who I did swoop, actually told me she didn't want to get too involved because I was "leaving". And I met here I think in June, and I was going to be there two more months. (Made the decision on staying Sept. later on).

Another factor that plays into this is the "vibe" of the two cities:

Miami has a very sexual/sensual vibe where swooping is always on the menu. Locals and especially tourist girls.

Tourist girls want to swoop in Miami, it is very similar to Las Vegas in that regard.

Montreal although it has kind of a "sin" vibe to it, it is more from the Male perspective than the female (ie strip clubs, massage parlors etc).

Again, tourist girls are from all over the world in Miami, with a "good time" being on the agenda.

Many tourist girls in Montreal are from Toronto, so people can read into that however they like if that is an advantage or not.

Montreal tourist girls seem like they are on a "girls weekend" type vibe, or bachelorette vibe, which is not conducive to swooping in my experience.

Tourist girls in Montreal are not an International crowd of girls looking to party.

Toronto girls in Montreal are down too party unlike in Toronto, but I try to avoid them when I am in Montreal.

Montreal has a cool European feel to it, Miami has a bit of a tropical feel to it.

There are other cool spots around the Montreal area, a friend recently told me of a great salsa club in the burbs which had talent of the scale. I am not sure what the burbs of Miami has to offer, Fort Lauderdale!

Sorry G, I know you are a big lover of Miami but for me I would take Montreal every time. Miami has too much attitude for my liking and you are probably one of the few dudes that does alright there. I am assuming you have that International playboy swagger!

Would you say that the intellectual, artsy type would do better in Montreal? Miami seems to have girls that like jacked guys more.

Quote: (07-18-2013 11:54 AM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  

Online Game

I don’t even really know what “Online game” is.

Winner: Who cares?

I'm laughing but I'm also gonna start experimenting in this field.

Quote: (07-21-2013 11:28 AM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  

I am going to add a new category to the match up:

Farmers Markets

Montreal has two phenomenal markets: Atwater and Jean-Talon.

Miami doesn't have anything that even comes close. It has some kind of hippy market in Coconut Grove, but that thing doesn't even compare. Honestly if Miami has one weakness it's farmers markets.

Montreal might kick most cities *sses in North America on this front, even thought the seafood is surprisingly weak.

Winner: Montreal

I like it!

Innovative!

Here are some other categories that I'm curious about..

Best University for Day Game? (Just kidding)

Best street food?
Best late night food?
Best breakfast?
Best Health clubs?
Best grocery stores?
Best donuts and pastries?

Wait, actually, none of this has anything to do with girls, so forget it.

I know Latins are the best at street food and late night food so I'm pretty sure Miami wins that..?

Who knows? What do you do for food at 3am or 5am in these cities?

Strip club kitchen? Room service?

Any late night food stands?

You know I am the Anthony Bourdain of the working class.

An advantage Montreal has is size- 1,649,519 to Miami- 413,892.

Explains why miami feels smaller and has the chance of seeing the same girls.


Population numbers are from wiki

Quote: (07-22-2013 03:52 PM)philly22 Wrote:  

An advantage Montreal has is size- 1,649,519 to Miami- 413,892.

Explains why miami feels smaller and has the chance of seeing the same girls.


Population numbers are from wiki

In 2012, the city of Miami had a population of 413,892. Miami-Dade County had a population of over 2 million. Many of the places people refer to when discussing "Miami" are actually located in Miami-Dade County and not in the city of Miami. Some of these places are Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Kendall, and Hialeah. Montreal's entire metro area is about 5 million. Miami's entire metro area is slightly larger. It's basically a wash.

Quote: (07-22-2013 01:27 PM)rudebwoy Wrote:  

Sorry G, I know you are a big lover of Miami but for me I would take Montreal every time.

No need to be sorry, well all have different opinions, experiences and perspectives.

I was just trying to give mine, based on a somewhat unique "head to head" (so to speak) experience of 4 months in Montreal followed by 8 months in Miami.

I am actually a big lover of Montreal as well (probably my 2nd favorite city all things considered at this point), and I tried to make this as unbiased as possible.

Quote:Quote:

Miami has too much attitude for my liking

Be honest, how much time have you actually spent in Miami and Miami Beach?

A few nights? (no shame in that, that is what most people do) Weeks? Months?

How many nights do you have out in Coral Gables, Midtown, Design, Wynwood and Downtown?

Or is your statement based on a few experiences in the tourist hotels and nightclubs from 15th st. to 24th st. like most people?

(No shame in that as 90-99% of visitors to Miami only see this including me on my first few trips to Miami.)

The reason I ask is because in my experience people that make sweeping statement about Miami like "Miami has too much attitude for my liking" are people that have spent minimal time there and if they have it is in the typical South Beach tourist haunts.

It is what a person many times says about Miami that has never been. In fact, I have had many people in California say this to me and when I asked them they had never actually been. It is kind of like the obvious default opinion people have about the place that aren't well versed.

That is kind of like the person who walks around Times Square and says "New Yorkers are always in a hurry and so rude."

Or the person who stands on Rodeo Drive, sees a bunch of expensive cars and says, "People in Los Angeles are so materialistic."

Or the person who goes to Paris and says, "All French people are rude."

Quote: (07-22-2013 05:07 PM)Merenguero Wrote:  

Quote: (07-22-2013 03:52 PM)philly22 Wrote:  

An advantage Montreal has is size- 1,649,519 to Miami- 413,892.

Explains why miami feels smaller and has the chance of seeing the same girls.


Population numbers are from wiki

In 2012, the city of Miami had a population of 413,892. Miami-Dade County had a population of over 2 million. Many of the places people refer to when discussing "Miami" are actually located in Miami-Dade County and not in the city of Miami. Some of these places are Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Kendall, and Hialeah. Montreal's entire metro area is about 5 million. Miami's entire metro area is slightly larger. It's basically a wash.

Yeah, Hialeah is a town of almost 250,000 alone.

Not to mention Broward County is another 1,748,066. Palm Beach county is another 1,320,134.

Girls from both those places frequently party in Miami Beach, even during the week.

I haven't seen the tourism numbers between the two cities, but I would guess Miami's are way higher.

Miami has a bigger "feel" to it, and although you certainly run into the same people, it is not unlike any other major metro. Montreal you run into the same people as well.

I would probably say the chances are higher of that in Montreal.

Quote: (07-22-2013 01:41 PM)ao85 Wrote:  

Would you say that the intellectual, artsy type would do better in Montreal? Miami seems to have girls that like jacked guys more.

Again, the "mainstream answer" would undoubtedly be that Montreal is better for the "intellectual, artsy type".

The stereotype, " Miami seems to have girls that like jacked guys more" is true, but there are other different scenes in Miami.

It is not like every guy in Miami is a muscled up monster. In fact, I have said it before, I rarely see those guys with hot girls.

However, most people are in shape. More than anywhere else I have been I think. More than places in Southern California as an example.

That being said, there are still hipster spots in Miami. Art gigs. Hipster restaurants. In these you will rarely see "jacked guys".

You can always get in where you fit in.






But yeah, I would say Montreal is better for "the intellectual, artsy type".

Quote: (07-22-2013 01:45 PM)Giovonny Wrote:  

Here are some other categories that I'm curious about..

Best University for Day Game? (Just kidding)

Best street food?

Neither place really has "street food", or at least what I consider "street food".

Winner: Draw

Quote:Quote:

Best late night food?

I am not a big poutine fan, but Montreal has some late night spots. I like Miami more, but this is going to come down to personal taste.

Winner: Draw

Quote:Quote:

Best breakfast?

I don't eat breakfast out.

Winner: Draw (inconclusive)

Quote:Quote:

Best Health clubs?

Not sure, I don't really go to health clubs, just boxing gyms. I would guess Miami, although there are plenty in Montreal too.

Winner: Draw (inconclusive)

Quote:Quote:

Best grocery stores?

Publix and Whole Foods dominate IGA and Provigo in my opinion.

Montreal has better meat and French stuff like Foie Gras. Miami better seafood and Latin produce.

Winner: Miami

Quote:Quote:

Best donuts and pastries?

I don't go that route.

Winner: Draw (inconclusive)

Quote:Quote:

Who knows? What do you do for food at 3am or 5am in these cities?

I like Dunn's in Montreal and Le Sandwicherie in Miami.

Quote: (07-22-2013 05:44 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  

The reason I ask is because in my experience people that make sweeping statement about Miami like "Miami has too much attitude for my liking" are people that have spent minimal time there and if they have it is in the typical South Beach tourist haunts.

There are tons of threads on here that go through this and honestly it gets tiring. People who stay in a tourist area in South Beach for a few days have no idea what they're talking about. When you go out on South Beach, you're generally getting a mix of tourists from Canada, the UK, and Zanesville, Ohio or bumfuck Michigan.

Great thread, 2 of my favourite cities in North America. G knows what's up. I'll try to add to it:

Surfing

This is one area that hasn't been discussed yet in the comparison, and I'm sure G is already aware of the info I'm posting below, but I thought it would be useful for others.

I'm a beginning surfer, I was lucky enough to have my first experiences on East Sea Level Drive (gated community) on Malibu beach, so I had the waves pretty much to myself.

Being Canadian inland, I don't really get any options to surf unless I travel, and will hopefully be hitting more spots in the future where the beach isn't totally packed.

Miami

From what I've seen, waves are small to non-existent here, I didn't get a chance to try last time I was visiting. And when you do see waves, expect it to be packed.






It also seems like you only see bigger swells a few times a year when the weather gets more abnormal or rougher.






Montreal

You can actually surf in Montreal, but it's a very different experience than beach surfing.

No barrels or bigger waves, so I can see why people would have less fun, since it's actually done on the St. Lawrence River.

The main spot is right by the famous architecture of Habitat 67 (you can see it in the background).



http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/07/10/tra....html?_r=0










Anyone here tried both?

Quote: (07-22-2013 08:35 AM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  

Quote:Quote:

When I was in Miami I stayed in Brickell and felt the logistics were shoddy unless kept exclusively to downtown.

How are the logistics "shoddy" in Brickell?

You have a strip of bars and restaurants (some great) all in walking distance and girls from all over Latin America.

Brickell probably has better logistics than any comparable neighborhood in any Latin American big city.

You are a quick cab from Wynwood, Midtown and Design. Cabs are plentyful.

South Beach is a quick cab ride away. So is Coconut Grove and Coral Gables.

If those are bad logistics, you need to roll out in Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County

What other neighborhood in the world has access to girls from every country in Latin America and has better logistics?

I would be interested in that info.

That's a leading question if I ever saw one. I could use the same logic and slag the place for not having any access whatsoever to Inuit and Eskimo girls. But that's not really helpful and irrelevant to my comment on Brickell logistics.

I have never been in California long enough for it to count (overnights). That's neither here nor there either.

I'm however comparing Brickell to the areas mentioned in the original post. Like you say yourself 90% of your recommendations are centered around Miami Beach. Reaching Miami Beach from Brickell I would argue is not a "quick cab ride away". The causeways can easily take 40 mins on a bad night. If there's a Heat game you can be gridlocked for an hour.