• Karla Cobreiro, 33, lived with her parents for nearly 10 years to save up enough to buy a home.
• In 2022, she bought her first home in South Florida without the help of a partner or spouse.
• Cobreiro said solo homeownership can be challenging, but she likes not having to compromise.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Karla Cobreiro, a 33-year-old vice president at global PR firm Quinn who purchased a home on her own in 2022.

The National Association of Realtors found that from July 2023 to June 2024, single female buyers made up 20% of all homebuyers, outpacing single male buyers, who made up only 8%.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

I'm originally from Cuba. My parents moved to the US when I was four, and I grew up in Miami.

I left at 18 for college, then moved back home after graduation to save money for my future. I'm grateful for that time, and I know many would love the chance to do the same.

Still, I didn't want to live with my parents forever.

Living at home meant sacrificing some privacy. There was commentary about what I was doing, why I was doing it, and how. It wasn't ill-intended, but it could feel like a lot at times.

By my 30s, the decision to move out really came to a head. I asked myself: "Does it make sense to keep living at home to save money, or should I take the leap and buy my own place?"

In the end, I decided to buy a home. I'd never truly lived alone, and I wanted my own space and control over my future. Most importantly, I was ready to start a new chapter.

I didn't have a partner then, but I didn't think that should stop me. So I went for it.

I was financially prepared to buy a home alone

For many immigrants, homeownership is a big part of the American dream. It was never a question of whether I would own a home, but when.

Knowing I'd be doing it all on my own, I approached homeownership with a methodical mindset.

I didn't want to be house-poor or struggle financially. I waited for the right moment — when I had a higher-paying job, had saved up a large down payment, and had built a solid emergency fund.

I lived with my parents for almost 10 years after college to save and set myself up for the expenses of homeownership: a down payment, mortgage, HOA fees, utilities, and insurance.

In November 2022, at 31, I bought a 900-square-foot condo in Downtown Doral, a suburb of Miami, for about $400,000.

Sometimes, I wish I hadn't overthought it or waited so long.

House hunting was a challenging experience

My homebuying journey started during the COVID-19 pandemic, when home prices and mortgage rates were much higher than before. By 2022, the South Florida real-estate market was incredibly hot.

Although I was financially ready, it was a tough time to be a buyer.

I found myself in bidding wars for homes, often walking away because properties were selling for $30,000 or more over the asking price, especially with so many cash offers.

I cried more about real estate than anything else. My twin sister, a real-estate attorney, helped me navigate the process. I would call her, frustrated, asking, "What's going on? This is insane! I didn't realize buying a house would be this hard."

I felt I had done everything right: I graduated from college, got a job, earned a master's degree, paid off my student loans and car, and saved 25% for a down payment. I had an 800 credit score and liquid assets — all on my own, without help from my parents.

I had checked the boxes and followed the appropriate steps in life. But despite all of that, I was met with rejection after rejection from sellers.

For a while, I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel and thought I would be stuck in my parents' house forever. But after a year of searching, my offer was finally accepted on the third home I bid on.

My condo is an investment in my future

I live in a one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo with a den, and my HOA fees are about $1,000 a month.

I have a 30-year mortgage with an interest rate of around 5%, and my mortgage payment is about $2,500.

The unit is smaller than if I were a DINK — someone in a dual-income household with no kids — but I think it's the perfect size for me.

The condo has a work-from-home space and enough room to entertain, plus a stunning, unobstructed sunset view.

I renovated everything except the floors, so I now have a brand-new bathroom and kitchen. My dad, who works in construction, helped with the renovations (and is always on speed dial for anything I can't handle myself).

I'm not sure how long I'll stay here, but I hope it's for a while. Maybe one day, I'll find a partner, and we'll buy a home together, and turn this place into an investment property.

I specifically wanted to live in a condo because didn't want to deal with yard work and, as a single woman, I felt it would be safer.

My building has concierge services, security, and a gated garage. The ground floor also has shops, cafés, gyms, and other stores.

When I lived with my parents, I was in a very suburban, family-oriented area where I had to drive everywhere — even just to get to the supermarket. There were no cafés or anything nearby. It wasn't the lifestyle I wanted.

Now, my place is very central, with easy highway access to anywhere I need to go in about 10 minutes. The neighborhood has a downtown vibe, is walkable, and offers plenty to do.

Buying a home alone was the right decision

Owning a home as a single woman is like a roller coaster — there are ups and downs.

Though I live comfortably, If I get laid off, break a leg, or face an emergency, I'm on my own. I always joke to my friends, "It's just me and this mortgage."

Still, I'm glad I didn't wait until I was in a relationship or married to buy a home. Owning a home with someone you're not committed to can get tricky, especially if you break up. There's no prenup and if you disagree about selling, that can get messy.

I enjoy owning alone because I can selfishly make decisions without having to compromise. I get to decorate my home however I like —and have the entire closet to myself.

Looking back, it was the right time for my parents and me to branch off and live our lives — me as a single woman in my 30s, and my parents as empty nesters.

We all have different paces and lifestyles now, but occasionally, I do miss living with them. It was nice hanging out, having my laundry done, or enjoying one of their home-cooked meals.

I love them to pieces, and I'm truly grateful for their support and encouragement.

• Waymo One's robotaxis could threaten Uber and Lyft drivers' earnings if they get access to airports.
• Airport rides are among the most profitable trips for human drivers.
• Waymo One is offering airport trips in Phoenix and is awaiting approval in other markets.

If Waymo One's robotaxis continue expanding to airports, human ride-hailing drivers could see their incomes take a big hit.

Airport trips are "incredibly important" for ride-hailing drivers, particularly those who work near cities with major airports, said Lindsey Cameron, an assistant professor of management — whose research focuses on AI and gig work — at Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She added that airport pickups can be especially profitable because those rides often have higher fares, which are driven by strong customer demand.

"Those are the most lucrative rides," she said. "You've got a captive audience who wants to go home, and so they're willing to pay."

Many Uber and Lyft drivers have told BI their gigs are already less profitable than they were a few years ago — due, in part, to an increase in competition from both human and robot drivers. The threat of robotaxis further chipping away at their business has put some of them on edge.

Nicole Moore, a part-time Lyft driver and the president of the driver advocacy group Rideshare Drivers United, said that in the last couple of weeks, she's seen a significant uptick in concern from LA-based drivers about the impacts of robotaxis on their earnings. In November, Waymo One began offering rides to anyone in Los Angeles after previously operating a limited service with a waitlist.

"You put more drivers on the street — whether they're robot drivers or people — everybody makes less money," she said, adding, "We're thankful they're not in the airport yet."

Waymo One, which is owned by Alphabet, is the only company operating autonomous vehicles at US airports, Waymo told BI. It's also the biggest autonomous taxi service in the US: In October, the company said it was providing more than 150,000 weekly paid rides in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix. Additionally, the company announced this fall it will offer rides to the public in the Atlanta and Austin markets early next year and in Miami in 2026.

While Waymo One airport trips are available in Phoenix —and the company has approval to begin pilot testing at the Austin airport — robotaxis are still restricted from airports in Los Angeles and San Francisco. In these cities, approval for airport rides would come from groups that oversee the airports' operations.

The experts BI spoke to said it's unclear if and when robotaxis will receive widespread approval for airport trips in the markets they're operating.

Spokespeople for Los Angeles World Airports and the Airport Commission for San Francisco International Airport told BI there is no estimated timeline for when Waymo One will receive approval, but the groups are monitoring the robotaxi's progress.

The LAWA spokesperson said the airport can experience significant curbside congestion and that for driverless taxis to gain airport approval, they would need to operate safely and efficiently and not impact the airport's current commercial and private vehicle operations. The Airport Commission spokesperson said driverless taxis would need to demonstrate the ability to operate on freeways and in communities near the airport and ensure they could safely meet the needs of customers.

Waymo is pushing for airport expansion in the US

Waymo told BI that it's providing thousands of trips each week to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the most popular destination for its riders in the city. The company also said it's in active discussions with San Francisco International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport about expanding its fleet to these airports, but didn't give BI a timeline for when it expects to receive approvals.

The company added that it was granted approval to provide robotaxi trips on freeways in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin, but that it hasn't begun offering those rides to the public yet: Access to these trips is currently limited to Waymo's employees in San Francisco and Phoenix.

A spokesperson for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport told BI that the airport would monitor Waymo One's pilot testing before deciding whether to approve airport pickups.

Uber did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment, and Lyft said that its drivers have generally earned more on airport trips than on non-airport trips.

It's not just drivers who are feeling the pinch from Waymo One's expansions. GM announced on December 11 that it was retreating from the robotaxi business "given the considerable time and resources that would be needed to scale the business, along with an increasingly competitive robotaxi market."

Meanwhile, on December 5, shares of Uber and Lyft traded lower after Waymo announced it was expanding to Miami.

To be sure, Waymo isn't the only company rolling out robotaxis: Tesla and the Amazon-owned Zoox are also developing their own versions of a robotaxi.

Airport trips are some drivers' 'bread and butter'

Moore said that airport trips aren't as profitable for drivers as they used to be, but that they remain important.

"They have been our bread and butter for many, many years," she said.

Jason D., a 50-year-old driver in Phoenix, told BI he does more airport trips than any other type of ride — in part because he drives an Uber XL vehicle that has the space for luggage and multiple passengers. He said competing with Waymo One at airports and elsewhere has hurt his earnings.

"Driverless taxis are flooding an already competitive Phoenix market and taking money from human drivers," Jason D, who drives full-time for Uber and asked that his last name not be included for fear of professional repercussions, previously told BI. He added that Waymo One's cars also contribute to significant congestion at the airport because they don't know how to follow traffic officers' hand and voice commands.

Sergio Avedian, a part-time Uber and Lyft driver based in the Los Angeles area and senior contributor to the gig-driver-advocacy blog and YouTube channel The Rideshare Guy, told BI that airport drop-offs tend to be quick, pay relatively well, and often come with a tip.

In comparison, doing airport pickups can require drivers at major airports to wait in designated lots until a passenger books a ride. Avedian said this process can be frustrating, but that airport pickups often pay better than drop-offs because the fares are higher — which is why some drivers think they're worth the wait.

"You have a chance of maybe catching a 'unicorn,'" he said, referring to the highest-paying trips. He added that many airport riders are business travelers who can expense their trips and are therefore less likely to balk at a high fare or not tip.

While robotaxis are already operating in the LA market, Avedian isn't overly concerned about robotaxis impact on drivers' earnings in the short term. But he knows the clock is ticking.

"Long-term, definitely it's going to be a threat, and that's why we suggest everybody not treat Uber and Lyft driving as a career," he previously told BI.

If more airports approve robotaxis, Moore said she hopes riders will value the customer service humans provide.

"Customers often expect you to put their luggage in the trunk — is the robotaxi going to do that?"

We want to hear from you. Do you work in the gig economy? Please fill out this form.

Correction: December 13, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misstated the number of weekly paid rides Waymo provided. It was more than 150,000, not 100,000.

• I attended Art Basel Miami Beach for the first time from December 6 to 8.
• During the weekend, I viewed several exhibitions, spoke to artists, and went to a party and concert.
• This article is part of BI's 2024 Art Basel series, taking you inside the art fair's global scene.

On the second level of the expansive Miami Beach Convention Center, I sat on a chair and rummaged through my tote bag.

It was my first day at Art Basel Miami Beach, and after trekking from the main entrance to the media center, where I picked up my press pass, I was already weary from walking in heels. Thankfully, I packed a pair of flat sandals.

Based on my research, I knew that Art Basel Miami Beach would be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. So, as a first-timer, I went with a plan: "Bring extra shoes, grab a map, have an idea of which exhibitions to view, appreciate the art, talk to the artists … and have fun."

I was able to do all of that and then some. Throughout the weekend, I enjoyed the various multicultural exhibitions presented by 286 galleries from all over the world. Bridget Finn, the director of Art Basel Miami Beach, previously told me that she believes this event is "often the platform where new trends in art appear." Based on the works I saw, I'm inclined to agree.

From cool installations to lively social gatherings, here are some of the top highlights from my weekend at Art Basel Miami Beach.

I arrived on Friday and was eager to dive in.

I arrived at the fair in the early afternoon on Friday, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. I was keen to see all the different artworks, but my main goal was to find some of the most alluring activations and exhibitions and speak with the artists behind them.

An activation at the UBS Art Studio caught my eye right away.

I was immediately drawn to an interactive setup suffused with bold red hues and pillars covered in yarn. The UBS Art Studio was showcasing a collaboration between Sarah Zapata, a Peruvian-American fabric artist, and Larry Ossei-Mensah, the curator and cofounder of the nonprofit art organization Artnoir.

The installation, called "Upon the Divide of Vermilion," allowed attendees to make mini pom-poms using yarn. Zapata and Ossei-Mensah said the goal was to make art feel fun and accessible to anyone.

"This is my first time showing at Art Basel, so I feel so thankful," Zapata told me while showing me how to use a pom-pom maker.

Ossei-Mensah hadn't made his own pom-pom yet, so he sat down to craft with me and talk about his career journey in the art world. "I started out doing photography and then expanded into writing about artists of my generation," he said while picking out his yarn. "Then I realized there weren't enough platforms for them to be seen, so I started curating."

He cofounded Artnoir in 2013 to create "community and connectivity for Black and brown folks, queer folks, and folks who have always felt in the margins," he said.

Crafting made me feel relaxed even though my creation didn't last very long.

My pom-pom featured soft pink and dark purple yarns. Sadly, I didn't tie it together correctly, so it fell apart in my tote bag by the end of the day. I didn't get a picture of my pom-pom before its demise, but I had fun making it so that counts for something.

Zimbabwean sculptor Terrence Musekiwa's exhibition was one of my favorites.

I was excited to view Musekiwa's exhibition after researching some of the artists who would be in the Positions sector, which highlighted emerging artists. I saw some of his sculptures online, but studying his humanoid creations up close and personal was mesmerizing.

Musekiwa's sculptures were unlike anything I've seen before.

Musekiwa told me that he comes from a family of sculptors and likes to explore classical elements using discarded materials such as copper wires, brass, and artillery shells. "I have so much in my mind about how I can execute something," he said. "Sometimes, I try to choose materials, but I have to let the materials choose me."

His works clearly resonated with attendees: Catinca Tabacaru, the owner of the eponymous gallery representing Musekiwa, told me eight of his sculptures were sold that week. (VIP attendees received early access to Art Basel before the fair opened to the public on Friday.)

As I was speaking with Musekiwa, another sculpture was snapped up by a collector from Tokyo.

Sagarika Sundaram, an artist who uses raw, natural fibers and dyes in her works, had some of her stunning textiles on display.

UBS, the global lead partner of Art Basel, commissioned Sundaram to create a centerpiece for the UBS Lounge, and I got exclusive press access to view it. The final product, titled "Released Form," was a large, striking two-sided textile covered with colorfully dyed and meticulously layered wool. The installation, which was draped from the ceiling, opened on either side, revealing a three-dimensional quality.

I told Sundaram one side felt like a cosmic explosion of wool, and her eyes lit up. "Yes, it's controlled chaos," she said. She added that the other side was a "directional, pictorial abstraction." In the lounge, a large television played a short film shot by Ania Freer that showed how Sundaram brought the masterpiece to life with her team.

I saw captivating paintings created by the Brazilian artist collective MAHKU.

Finn told me MAHKU's exhibition was among the most exciting in the Positions sector. This particular work's bright hues and serpentine design had a charming energy.

On the second day of Art Basel, I gave myself a moment of stillness before jumping back in.

I was admittedly exhausted when I headed back to Art Basel on Saturday, but caffeinating with an iced chai latte helped. I also recharged a bit by taking some time to sit outside, soak up the sun, and enjoy the views before entering the venue.

I wanted to spend more time perusing as many exhibitions as I could.

I dedicated my second go-around to viewing Meridians, dedicated to large-scale projects, and Nova, which showcased works created within the last three years by one, two, or three artists, according to Art Basel's website.

Zhu Jinshi's oil paintings employed remarkable texture and color.

This piece, titled "This triptych is as gorgeous as the autumn in a scented room," featured thickly layered oil paints on a canvas that stretched nearly 16 feet wide.

A closeup of Zhu's work shows just how extraordinary it is.

Zhu's textural technique allowed qualities of beauty and heaviness to coexist.

Zhu's "Pathway" installation was another eye-catching display.

The colossal work was made from Xuan paper, cotton threads, steel frame structures, and bamboo.

Alice Aycock's "Goya Twister" created a dynamic illusion of movement.

Standing 15 feet tall, this structure — made from aluminum coated in white powder — was hard to miss and even harder to look away from.

Olafur Eliasson's "The galaxy of uncertainty," was made from beautiful glass spheres.

The reflections on the glass made this exhibit look different as viewers walked by it.

Art Basel Miami Beach also gave locals and visitors a chance to socialize at exclusive parties, including Nylon magazine's annual celebration.

The Nylon House party was an exclusive — albeit massive — bash. Celebrities such as Camila Cabello, who is Nylon's latest cover star, and Janelle Monáe attended the event.

Some VIPs were able to board a yacht.

A docked yacht behind the house added to the party's ritzy atmosphere — and allowed VIP guests to escape the larger crowd.

Hugel, a chart-topping DJ, performed a lively set.

A crowd full of celebrities, creatives, and influencers enjoyed mixes from the French-born DJ.

A dancer onstage also helped keep the energy up.

Hugel's set was entertaining, bringing good vibes and heart-thumping beats to the party.

Ludacris, the headliner at Nylon's party, came out and lit up the stage.

The Grammy-winning rapper performed hits such as "Stand Up," "Money Maker," and "My Chick Bad."

I also attended a Tribeca Festival concert hosted by Soul in the Horn at the Miami Beach Bandshell.

The concert kicked off with a set by L3NI, a DJ and producer. She's also the general manager of Soul in the Horn, a brand that unites music artists and creatives.

Luedji Luna, a Brazilian singer, took the stage in a stunning sequin dress and serenaded the audience.

Luna had a magnetic stage presence and connected with her band and the crowd as she sang and danced. I wasn't familiar with her music, but it didn't matter; I still had the most amazing time dancing and listening to her sultry vocals.

Natasha Diggs put on an electrifying set alongside a saxophonist and trumpeter.

Diggs, a Brooklyn-based DJ, brought her vibrant musical and sartorial style to Miami Beach. She mixed feel-good songs, including Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman" and Bill Withers' "Lovely Day."

• Blackstone opened an office in Miami during the pandemic, mostly as a hub for its tech workers.
• The firm is now focusing on building its Miami finance bench with local talent and 'homegrown teams.'
• A Miami-based Blackstone employee told BI what it's like to work for the PE giant in South Florida.

When Julio Garcia was a business student at the University of Miami in 2017, Blackstone was not on his radar of prospective employers.

It wasn't for a lack of interest, Garcia says — rather, a lack of opportunity.

A born-and-raised Miami native, Garcia was certain that he wanted to start and build his career in his hometown. At that point, Miami had not yet become the hub for financial titans that it is today, with companies like Blackstone, Citadel, and Point72 having opened offices or moved headquarters there.

Garcia's bet on Miami would eventually pay off in a big way. Blackstone, which manages over $1 trillion in assets, making it the largest alternative asset manager in the world, opened an office in Miami in 2021. At first, it was primarily a hub for tech employees who support the firm's primary businesses, like private equity and real estate — a group known internally as "finance." More recently, however, Blackstone has made a push to add more finance employees to its Miami location, like Garcia, who does accounting for the portfolio-management team.

Blackstone's Miami office is now home to about 70 finance professionals, including 15 from Garcia's team. And he now represents the type of talent Blackstone says it's hoping to attract for its Magic City office: local rather than transplanted.

"We're excited to keep building our finance function in Miami and to continue meeting the great, local talent here," said Chris Striano, COO of Global Finance at Blackstone. "Now more than ever, our focus is on cultivating homegrown teams, offering them opportunities for long-term development at the firm."

In an interview with Business Insider, Garcia talked about his journey to Blackstone, the firm's efforts to bolster its hiring of local talent, and his experience as a young professional building a finance career in South Florida. He also walked us through a normal day living and working for Blackstone in Miami.

Blackstone's bet on Miami

Blackstone's Miami office is just north of the city's downtown, about a 10-minute drive from the Brickell financial district. The modern glass building — five floors of which belong to Blackstone — is just a few blocks east of the Biscayne Bay and bridges to Miami Beach. It houses Miami's Brightline train station and about 260 Blackstone employees across nine business units, including more than 100 in tech.

In building Blackstone's Miami finance bench, Garcia said the approach is not so much about transplanting employees but rather finding local talent committed to Miami.

"It wasn't just, 'Hey, let's just bring people that we already know just because they want to be in Miami,'" said Garcia. "There is also an aspect of we hope that you want to be here. We want you to be in Miami and be part of Blackstone here in Miami."

This has empowered Garcia and other colleagues to tap into their Miami-based professional network when it comes time to recruit.

"We feel like there's a strong backing from the top down," Garcia said, adding: "Top leadership has come and been able to talk to us and say, 'We believe in this and it's going to be one of our biggest achievements for the firm.'"

Miami is more than just great weather and scenic views, Garcia said. It also has a lot of hardworking and high-achieving people.

You can be in Miami and be "just as productive and just as connected," he said.

Building a finance career outside New York

Garcia was born and raised in Miami, a "true Miami native through and through," as he describes himself. His parents immigrated to the US from Cuba, and he was a first-generation college student at the University of Miami. He always saw himself living in Miami long-term, even as many of his UM friends in the industry flocked to other cities.

"Having strong roots, having family nearby for me was really important," said Garcia

Garcia sits on the global fund finance team within Blackstone's multi-asset investing division, also known as BXMA, which invests in both public and private market assets. The division currently has about $83 billion in investor capital.

With a master's in accounting, his first job was at KPMG's Miami office, where he focused on audits for asset management clients. Interested in the buy side, he then worked at Miami-based private equity firm HIG Capital.

One of Garcia's mentors from KPMG, Tyler Burke, was the first finance employee Blackstone hired in Miami. Garcia was soon the second, joining in August 2021.

Think of his role as a fund accounting expert.

"As we get information from our operations and they're doing the trades themselves, we're making sure the accounting, the books, and everything actually is what it's supposed to represent from the business side and ultimately going back to investors and all that."

He works daily with deal and operations teams across the company.

"We're in conversations with New York and a lot of the deal people up there as well," Garcia said. "It's all about how we make the real-life world make sense and transaction-wise look right in our books and records and make sure it's all flowing seamlessly in our processes."

Garcia said he's proud of how the city has changed and the career opportunities it now provides to people who want to call it home.

"We've seen so much of an influx of people and companies," said Garcia. "It gave me that satisfaction of knowing, hey, I get to be proud of my city and being here, and still work for such an amazing institution like Blackstone."

A day in Garcia's life

Early morning routine

Garcia says he starts out early — 5:00 a.m. — to walk his dog and write in a gratitude journal, which helps to put him "in the right mindset."

He also goes to the gym to work out. "I usually do my gym routine in the morning. It makes it easier to just get it out of the way, and once I come home from work, I can relax a bit more," he said.

Arrive and settle in at the office

Garcia goes to the office every day, usually arriving between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. He drives from his apartment near Brickell, about 10 minutes. Blackstone has a valet service at the office, so he is able to drop off his car without worrying about parking.

He likes to start out with an iced coffee. "Usually Miami is pretty hot, so I feel like I need some cooling down," he said.

On Tuesday mornings, the office usually offers pastries or bites from local restaurants or bakeries, he said. Croquetas, deep-fried ham poppers, and pastelitos, puff pastries filled with fruit or cheese, are common fare.

"It connects us more to the Latin culture and the things that I grew up being around every day," said Garcia. "Every single week it's a space for people to just go hang out for a few minutes before we get started."

Getting down to work

After reading his emails, Garcia usually starts each work day with a catch-up team meeting. It's about 10 to 15 minutes for the team to go over that day's "key deliverables," he said.

After that, he said, "there might be a couple of meetings or things that come up with the business — trade activity, deal flow — that might be happening on our funds."

"I would say the biggest thing, at least on a daily basis, that I'll do is review what we call our flash reconciliations, or the snapshot of our portfolio," said Garcia.

It's basically a report of overall fund and individual investment performance. They're prepared by offshore teams through a reconciliation process, who then pass them on for review and approval onshore. These snapshots are communicated up the business chain daily, he said.

"Everywhere internally, up to our portfolio managers, the people making the deals, they rely on that every morning, it relates to having an understanding of where the fund is at, and they'll probably make some activity or different decisions based on that."

Lunch near the office & afternoon work

Garcia's favorite lunch spot is Naked Farmer, which serves seasonal, locally sourced food, like the Backyard BBQ chicken bowl for about $15.

"Usually a couple of us from our team go grab lunch, whether we eat off-site or bring it back," he said. When eating in the office, they have the option to dine in what's known as "the hub" — a lounge area centrally located with seating and coffee stations.

Sometimes the company hosts "lunch and learns" led by portfolio managers or other high-level execs, he added.

"After that, we kind of just continue the rest of the day, maybe more emails, maybe different meetings," he said.

The work might include reviewing reports such as fund expense logs or net asset value (NAV) packages or doing research on any technical accounting or finance matters impacting assigned funds. He might also help coach or train junior staff.

Wrap up the day

Garcia usually ends his day at 5:30 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. He often heads straight home to spend time with his fiancee (they're getting married in Puerto Rico this month).

His evening routine of late has been "change, relax, and then we walk the Key Biscayne bridge," said Garcia. "Really good views and fresh air."

One of his favorite spots for drinks and hanging out is Medium Cool in South Beach, a swanky cocktail lounge with live music in the Gale Hotel.

To get a Cuban food fix, he has long frequented the famous Cafe Versailles restaurant in the city's Little Havana neighborhood.

"For a lot of people it's like a staple — you have to try it when you're in Miami," he said. "For me, Versailles is something I saw growing up. My whole family's down here and I would go with my grandmother and we would go late nights."

• Bridget Finn is the new director of Art Basel Miami Beach, set to have 286 galleries this year.
• Finn spoke with Business Insider about planning the fair and giving a platform to emerging artists.
• This article is part of BI's 2024 Art Basel series, taking you inside the art fair's global scene.

Inside the contemporary-art gallery Bortolami, there's a stillness unperturbed by the bustling sounds of its Manhattan neighborhood. It's especially peaceful on a sunny Tuesday afternoon when Bridget Finn — a veteran gallerist, archivist, and art dealer — arrives for our editorial shoot.

She warmly greets me and the photographer, Paola Chapdelaine, before changing into her photo-shoot attire: a black button-down dress adorned with bows on either side, yellow mesh boots, and statement eyeglasses. I feel compelled to compliment her chic ensemble, and she responds with a gentle smile and a soft-spoken "thank you."

As Finn poses against the backdrop of the gallery's exhibits, she looks right at home. After all, she's worked in the art world for over 20 years, climbing the ranks and building rapport at galleries around the world, including Bortolami. The latest feather in her cap is helming this year's Art Basel Miami Beach show as its new director. Her directorship started in September 2023, and she's spent the past year planning the 2024 art fair, set to commence publicly on Friday.

"Thinking about the show as a platform and how to develop structures of support for peers was incredibly important to me," Finn told me on a video call a week before we met at Bortolami, one of 286 galleries presenting works at Art Basel. "I have always been drawn to art as a way of forging cross-culture dialogue, and I think that art fairs are a huge player in this realm."

Shepherding an event as massive and multicultural as Art Basel is a tall order. Finn said she tackled it by taking "the role of a listener" and meeting with several stakeholders, including artists, "connoisseur collectors," and gallerists that are interested in showcasing their exhibitions. The objective, she said, is to accommodate everyone's desired experience and "have the best show possible."

Admittedly, Finn added, trying to meet everyone's needs was a challenge.

For instance, when her team members mapped out the floor plan at the Miami Beach Convention Center, a 1.4 million-square-foot venue, they had to consider multiple factors: how to physically plot booths and exhibitions, how to make the space easy to navigate for attendees, and how to sensibly connect different sectors in the massive building. If they made a change that affected a gallery's placement on the show floor, they had to ensure the gallery was aware and aligned with the decision.

"With everything in the art world, there was a balance of flexibility — figuring out where we can be flexible and then what is an absolute must," Finn said. "It was a learning curve."

This year, 34 galleries will make their Art Basel Miami Beach debut, the most first-time participants at the fair in over 15 years. They're "international in scope," coming from different regions in the Americas, Asia, and Europe, Finn said.

Exhibitors are chosen by Art Basel's selection committee, which sifts through hundreds of proposals and applications from galleries. It's a "very layered and involved " process, Finn said, but essentially, they're looking for submissions that are "a cut above the rest."

"Of course, there is some subjectivity to that, and that is up to them to define," she added.

Finn said she hoped the galleries would bring "a dynamic energy" that attendees can feel when they step into the venue.

"I would be so bold as to say that Art Basel Miami Beach is often the platform where new trends in art appear. It's where they get pushed even further," she said. She added that the slate of emerging artists, part of the fair's Positions sector, would help create a "feeling of freshness."

Finn said she's excited to see all the Positions works, notably exhibitions from three artists and a group: Agosto Machado, a New York artist and activist of Chinese, Spanish, and Filipino descent; Terrence Musekiwa, a Zimbabwean sculpture and installation artist; Diego Vega Solorza, a Mexican dancer and choreographer; and MAHKU, a Brazilian artist collective that uses its proceeds to buy, preserve, and protect land around its native village in the Amazon region.

Artnet's "Intelligence Report" said the art industry saw a dip in fine-art auction sales in 2023 — a snapshot of a larger trend of global art sales declining last year.

But Finn said she's seen signs of a bounce back throughout this year.

"Things are appearing to go in the right direction in terms of market stability and sales," she said. "Galleries have started thinking very strategically about how to define themselves and their program and the artists they work with in an art-fair context."

When done right, this tactical approach can help support the enduring role of artists, Finn told me.

"Artists have led the way through difficult times of transition in society throughout history. This is nothing new," she said. "They have this ability to bring people together, start a conversation in a way that may be challenging in other arenas, and impact change in society. I believe that so fully."

Waymo is partnering with Moove, an African mobility fintech that offers vehicle financing to gig workers, to handle fleet management operations for its robotaxi service in Phoenix and, soon, Miami.  The partnership marks several firsts. It will signal Waymo’s entry into Miami. And it’s also the first time Moove will enter the U.S. market and […]

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• A WalletHub study ranked 182 of the most-populated cities in the US by how fun they are.
• The study compared cities based on categories like costs and nightlife and parties.
• Las Vegas was ranked the No. 1 most fun city in the country.

As 2024 draws to a close, it's already time to start plotting next year's travels.

So, if you're looking for a fun city to explore — or an exciting new place to ring in 2025 — WalletHub's latest report offers a look at 182 US cities ranked based on how fun they are.

The personal finance outlet first identified the 150 most-populated cities in the US, as well as at least two of each state's most-populated cities. Then, to measure "fun," it compared those cities across three categories: entertainment and recreation, nightlife and parties, and costs. For those categories, 65 different metrics were considered, such as the number of attractions, the acres of parkland per capita, bar accessibility, cost of living, and average prices for beer and wine.

WalletHub said the data used in its report was compiled from the US Census Bureau, the Council for Community and Economic Research, Numbeo, Yelp, and previous WalletHub studies, among other sources, and was accurate as of November 4.

The most fun cities in the US "provide a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities for all types of interests, from sports to theaters to arcades, and they have plenty of diverse restaurants to try," analyst Chip Lupo said.

From Las Vegas to New Orleans, here are the 10 most fun cities in the US, according to WalletHub.

10. New York City

The 10th most fun city in the US is New York.

It received two top-10 rankings in entertainment and recreation, and nightlife and parties, placing fifth and eighth, respectively, out of the 182 cities.

According to WalletHub, the city is tied for the most park playgrounds per capita and has the fourth most dance clubs per capita. A previous WalletHub study also ranked New York as the fourth-best sports city in the country.

However, New York ranked last among the 182 cities for costs, as the cost of living database Numbeo reported that New York is the most expensive city in the country.

In addition to cost of living, WalletHub compared costs of items like wine, movie tickets, and average fitness-club fees. In New York, a mid-range bottle of wine and a movie ticket each cost about $20, while a one-month fitness-club fee costs nearly $150.

9. Houston

Houston's highest ranking was as the No. 15 city for nightlife and parties, with WalletHub reporting that the city was tied for the most dance clubs per capita.

The "Space City" also received two top-25 rankings for entertainment and recreation and costs, finishing 23rd and 25th.

Numbeo reported that people in Houston's monthly fitness-club fee costs about $39, while a mid-range bottle of wine costs about $13, and a movie ticket costs $15.

8. Chicago

The "Windy City" ranked the eighth most fun city in the US, with 10th and 11th place finishes in entertainment and recreation and nightlife and parties, respectively.

According to WalletHub, Chicago was tied for the most park playgrounds and most restaurants per capita. It was also ranked the 15th best sports city in the country.

However, the city also struggled in the costs category, ranking 151st overall.

7. San Francisco

The seventh most fun city is San Francisco, with top-10 rankings in entertainment and recreation, and nightlife and parties.

WalletHub reported the city was tied for the most festivals, restaurants, and dance clubs per capita.

However, San Francisco was one of the worst-ranked cities for costs, with WalletHub ranking the city 178 out of 182.

Similar to New York, people in San Francisco can expect to pay $17 for a movie ticket, $18 for a mid-range bottle of wine, and about $96 for a one month fitness-club membership, Numbeo reported.

6. Austin

Austin's ranking as the sixth most fun city in the US could largely be credited to its position as the seventh-best city for nightlife and parties.

With the city's robust reputation for live music — it's known as the "Live Music Capital of the World" — residents and tourists can enjoy music venues, festivals like Austin City Limits and South by Southwest, and dance clubs (it's tied for the most per capita).

The city also ranked 18th in entertainment and recreation, and earned a mid-tier 50th place ranking for costs.

5. New Orleans

As the home of the most famous Mardi Gras celebration in the country, it comes as little surprise that New Orleans would receive a top-five ranking for nightlife and parties.

"Crescent City" tied with San Francisco, Honolulu, Tampa, and Miami for the most festivals per capita, annually hosting the Essence Music Festival and the Voodoo Music and Arts Experience, among other events.

The city also placed 20th in entertainment and recreation as well as 76th in costs. In New Orleans, people can expect to pay around $15 for a movie ticket, $64 for one month at a fitness club, and $17 for a mid-range bottle of wine, according to Numbeo.

4. Atlanta

The fourth most fun city in the US is Atlanta, which placed sixth in nightlife and parties and eighth in entertainment and recreation.

The city is home to a variety of music festivals, like SweetWater 420 Fest, Atlanta Jazz Festival, and Shaky Knees Music Festival, all of which contribute to the city's nightlife score.

Atlanta was also ranked as a top 15 city for sports fans.

Meanwhile, the city's lowest ranking was for costs, where it ranked 124th.

3. Miami

The city synonymous with spring break — Miami — ranked third overall for fun, with top-10 rankings in entertainment and recreation and nightlife and parties.

According to WalletHub, the "Magic City" is tied for the most festivals and restaurants per capita, and it has the fourth most fitness centers and fifth most dance clubs per capita. The outlet added that more than 88% of Miami residents live within half a mile of the park, and that it is the country's leader for water sports opportunities.

And you can't forget about sports; with the Miami Dolphins, Miami Heat, and Inter Miami FC, the city ranked sixth overall for best sports cities in the country.

However, similar to other major cities on the list, Miami was hurt by the cost category, where it ranked 157th.

2. Orlando

The second most fun city in the US is Orlando, home of world renowned theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

But if rides aren't your thing, the city has plenty more to offer, as it tied for the most restaurants per capita and ranked second overall for nightlife and parties.

The city also has the second most fitness centers per capita and is the fifth best city for soccer fans, as both the MLS and NWSL have teams in Orlando (Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride).

And contrary to the rising prices of Disney tickets, the city itself isn't as expensive as some other major cities. It ranked 58th in the cost category, with Numbeo reporting the average movie ticket costs $15, a monthly fitness club membership costs about $40, and a mid-range bottle of wine costs $15.

1. Las Vegas

Last but not least, is Las Vegas. The most fun city in the US is ranked No. 1 in nightlife and parties and No. 2 in entertainment and recreation. (Honolulu took the top spot for entertainment and recreation, but ultimately did not make the list of top 10 fun cities.)

From casinos and dance clubs to sports stadiums, spas, and arcades, "Sin City" has it all. WalletHub reported that Las Vegas is tied with other cities for the most dance clubs, restaurants, and park playgrounds per capita.

All that fun doesn't have to break the bank, either. The city ranked 36th in costs, with $13 movie tickets, $25 monthly fitness memberships, and $15 bottles of wine.

It's a sign of the times.

Once a Democratic stronghold, Miami-Dade County, Florida, will honor President-elect Donald Trump by adding his name to a street after the Republican flipped the county by double digits in his historic 2024 election victory. 

"President Donald J. Trump Avenue is official in Miami-Dade County!" District 6 Miami-Dade Commissioner Kevin M. Cabrera wrote in a post on X.

On Tuesday, the Board of County Commissioners for the city of Hialeah voted 9 to 1 to approve the street name.

DNC CHAIR FRONTRUNNER OFFERS 'UNCOMFORTABLE' ADVICE TO DEMOCRATS AFTER CRUSHING LOSS TO TRUMP

"Today, we ratified the City of Hialeah’s initiative to honor President Trump’s legacy of championing freedom and opportunity by co-designating Palm Avenue—a vital artery in our community—as ‘President Donald J. Trump Avenue.’" 

Democrats on the County Commission could have blocked Tuesday’s approval because Democratic commissioners hold seven of the officially nonpartisan board’s 13 seats, according to the Miami Herald.

Only one member of the commission voted down the move because "they couldn’t assent given some of the former president’s derogatory comments on immigrants."

"I respect the fact that President Trump won the popular vote, the Electoral College and Miami-Dade County," Democratic commission member Marleine Bastien said in a statement reported by the Miami Herald. "However, his victory does not erase the collective trauma that immigrants and citizens alike felt during this election cycle."

Four Democrats joined five Republican members of the commission to vote for the renaming of the street, according to the commission clerk. 

FORMER LAWMAKER CALLS FOR COMPLETE 'REBRAND' OF 'TOXIC' DEMOCRATIC PARTY

"Miami-Dade County strongly supported President Trump during the election, and this designation serves as a lasting tribute to his leadership and vision for our nation," Cabrera said. 

The city is allowed to hang "President Donald J. Trump Avenue" signs on county infrastructure, including under Miami-Dade traffic lights along the city-maintained roadway with the county vote's approval, according to the local outlet.

Last year, city council approved a proposal to rename the road for Trump after Hialeah Mayor Esteban "Steve" Bovo announced the move and presented Trump with a street sign at a campaign rally. 

"Our city LOVES Donald Trump. The Cuban American community feels a sense of gratitude towards him," Bovo said in a previous interview.

LIBERALS DESPAIRING OVER TRUMP VICTORY ARE TURNING OFF THE NEWS: REPORT

Trump won Hialeah by 53 points in November, which is about 75% of the vote in Hialeah in last month's election. He also won Miami-Dade by more than 13%, the first time a Republican has won the county since 1988.

"This renaming honors President Trump’s steadfast commitment to putting America first and prioritizing the needs of the American people. It is a tribute to his vision and efforts to uphold the values that resonate deeply with our community," Bovo wrote in a statement on X. 

Fox News Digital reached out to all the Democratic members of the commission but did not immediately receive a response.