Moving To Florida: Understanding The Pitfalls

Recently, we’ve come across several people on social media talking about their moves to Florida and their less than desirable experiences. It seems that many people have a dream of moving to paradise, whether that’s being nearby the Walt Disney World Resort or simply being in the Sunshine State with its beautiful beaches and weather, only to quickly learn that life in the Sunshine State is not a vacation all the time. For this reason, we want to share some of our thoughts on where we think people go wrong with their move.

Everyday Is NOT A Vacation

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that there are no fundamental differences between living in Florida and living wherever it is that you already live. Sure, there may be details that are different, but it’s not the same type of experience as if you were here on vacation. There are responsibilities and bills to be paid, politics, and all of the same challenges that you’ll encounter anywhere else, just here. While it’s nice to be in a place that is a vacation destination, life isn’t a vacation down here, and that’s very important to keep in mind.

The Climate Is Different Here

Another aspect to keep in mind is that there is a learning curve when living in a different climate. Florida is hot and humid, with the summer months being especially intense. This means, especially if you’re moving from a colder climate, that you’ll have to change the way you live in order to make living down here possible. This usually means changing habits and routines to manage things like the heat and humidity.

Critters & Bugs

One of the most notable changes that newcomers to Florida will encounter is the presence of bugs and critters. The climate in Florida is such that these creatures are unavoidable, but it's something that you can learn to live with and manage. It can seem terrible to someone who has not lived in this type of climate before, but it's not all that big of a deal. Like other aspects of the climate, it just takes time to get used to.

Hurricanes

Weather and storms are also a part of life in Florida, with the state being the most hurricane-prone state in the country. These storms can be devastating, but they are rather common down here, and there are ways to manage them. It takes time to figure that out, but we'll talk more about this as hurricane season approaches.

Diversity & Attitude

The people are also different down here from some of the places elsewhere in the country that many people are aiming to escape. There is a lot of diversity and a lot of different strong cultural influence around Florida, especially if you know where to look. This means that you'll have a lot of new cultures and people to explore, but it can also mean that you'll be encountering things that can sometimes be challenging, like different languages and accents that take some time to get used to.

You’ll also find that the overall attitude of people tends to be different here than in some other parts of the country. While it’s definitely not a perfect situation for everyone, there are a lot more people here who seem to want to be here and that can make for some interesting [and sometimes uncomfortable] encounters; particularly if you’re being salty about life here as compared to wherever it is that you came from. This is important to keep in mind, especially if you’re aiming to find connections with people over your dislike of this place you’ve moved to and haven’t gotten the hang of.

Tourism

Tourism is another aspect of living in Florida that is important to consider. Florida is a tourist destination, and that means that there are things you'll encounter if living here that not everyone wants to deal with. This can sometimes mean dealing with lots of traffic from unfamiliar drivers who are on the roads during peak holiday seasons. It can also mean that you'll have to navigate the tourist traps and inflated pricing in some areas. This is part of living in a vacation destination that we've talked about, and it's important to realize that this is going to be part of your day-to-day life in most parts of Florida.

At the end of the day, moving to Florida can be a wonderful experience for the right family, but it's important to understand what it entails. It's not a permanent vacation, and there are challenges that come with living in a tropical climate, such as managing the weather, critters, and navigating a tourist destination. However, with some preparation and willingness to adapt, these challenges can be overcome. Whether you're moving to Florida or anywhere else, it's important to remember that you're still moving to a new way of life. So, take the time to understand the realities of living in Florida and make an informed decision before making the move.

If you have any experience living in Florida, we'd love to hear about it in the comments below!