Axios Miami

October 17, 2023
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Today's newsletter is 750 words — a 3-minute read.
1 big thing: Gen Z is rent burdened
Illustration: Natalie Peeples/Axios
More than half — 60% — of Miami's youngest renters spend at least 30% of their income on rent, according to the latest U.S. census data, Axios' Sami Sparber writes.
Why it matters: Steep prices and mortgage rates pose seemingly insurmountable hurdles to homeownership — and renting isn't necessarily an affordable alternative.
- Spending 30% of your income on rent is "the new normal," according to economists at Moody's Analytics.
Driving the news: One in three Gen Z renters (34%) surveyed by Freddie Mac say owning a home feels impossible in their lifetime. That's up from 27% in 2019.
- Saving for a down payment is the biggest obstacle, those polled say. It's one reason the typical first-time homebuyer last year was a record-high 36 years old, per the National Association of Realtors.
The big picture: Across the U.S., pinched young people are fanning out from big cities, returning to their childhood bedrooms or moving in with partners.
- In all of the 100 biggest U.S. metros, over one third of the 15- to 24-year-old householders who rent spend 30% or more of their income on housing, Axios' Simran Parwani reports.

Zoom out: America's housing shortage has helped hike the cost of both buying and renting.
Yes, but: The vast majority of young renters are doing so for lifestyle reasons, preferring having the flexibility of being able to move, RealPage Analytics chief economist Jay Parsons tells Axios.
- Many Gen Z renters have lower incomes but also lower bills beyond rent, which allows them to live in pricier locations, according to Parsons.
Between the lines: Miami's rental market is cooling down faster than other major U.S. cities, according to a September National Rent Report by online housing platform Zumper.
- But it's still the nation's fifth-most expensive area, with median rent for a one-bedroom costing $2,690, per Zumper.
Reality check: Older Americans on fixed incomes are especially burdened by high housing costs, contributing to rising homelessness among baby boomers, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Go deeper: Student loan interest has started again, adding to affordability pressures.
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2. Cafecito: Sip on this news
Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios
🛬 Gov. Ron DeSantis chartered flights to Florida for Americans stranded in Israel over the weekend. He claimed at an event in Iowa that Palestinians should go to the "Arab states," saying the U.S. should refuse refugees from Gaza. (Politico)
🌡️ Global warming may be accelerating. September had a temperature anomaly of 2.58°F above average — the most unusually warm month ever recorded. (Axios Generate)
⚾ Kim Ng, the first woman to serve as general manager of a Major League Baseball team, declined to return to the Miami Marlins next year. (CBS Sports)
- The team wanted to hire a president of baseball operations above Ng, which led to her departure, according to ESPN.
⚽ Inter Miami's last home game of the season is tomorrow against Charlotte FC. The team will not qualify for the playoffs even with a win. (SportsMole)
3. Tuesday Takeaways: Inside Miami's record-breaking offense
Wide receiver Tyreek Hill takes the field against the Panthers. Photo: Megan Briggs/Getty Images
The Dolphins are off to one of the best starts in franchise history.
Why it matters: After dismantling the Carolina Panthers at home on Sunday, 42–21, Miami (5–1) is tied with the Kansas City Chiefs as the AFC's top-performing team.
Yes, but: The Dolphins are doing more than winning. They're dominating on offense and breaking records almost every week.
Driving the news: Wide receiver Tyreek Hill torched the Panthers for 163 receiving yards. His 814 receiving yards through the first six games of a season is the most in the Super Bowl era, per the NFL.
- Running back Raheem Mostert entered Sunday tied for the most touchdowns in the league (eight) and then filed another casual three-score performance.
- The only position player since 1970 to have at least 11 touchdowns this early in the season is former Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander, who had 12 scores through this point in 2005, the year he won MVP.
More crazy stats: The last time a team had 15 touchdowns through six games was in 1958.
- The Dolphins also lead the NFL in rushing and passing yards, which hasn't been done since 1941.
- And they're the only team averaging over 150 rushing yards per game (181.8) and over 300 passing yards per game (316.8).
What's next: Miami travels to Philadelphia for a Sunday Night Football matchup in what could be the NFL's game of the year so far. The 5–1 Eagles are the reigning NFC champs, and have one of the only defenses that might be able to slow down the Dolphins.
- Kickoff is on NBC at 8:20pm.
🛅 Martin is OOO.
🍁 Deirdra dreams of leaf peeping.
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This newsletter was edited by Everett Cook and copy edited by Nicole Ortiz.
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