WTF is up with window ac units?

So... Miami is one of the hottest cities in the US with the threat of natural disasters every year. Why does every 1br condo/apartment under $2500 have only window AC units for cooling? This is such a culture shock coming from someone who grew up just 2hs west. It just doesn't make sense to me. Central ac is cheaper, safer, and more efficient. If it weren't for grad school idk if I would be able to stomach this

If anyone reading this has ever lived in an apartment with a window AC please drop your experience below. Pretty nervous about what my summer experience will be like.