Thinking about a move to FL? Here’s a personal story for you:
I took this picture a few days ago while out walking the dog. It’s winter and I’m walking the dog in short sleeves–why do I mention this? Because I’m a Florida resident living the life we envisioned five short years ago.
Where does this story start?
Summer 2018 to be exact. Hubby’s brother was relocated to Jacksonville for work. My thoughts at the time? Who moves to Florida? That’s where people go to vacation.
We planned a surprise trip down to reunite hubby’s side of the family. I remember asking what to pack (as temps seemed colder than I expected in Florida). Brother-in-law quickly suggested layering as mornings can start cooler and you might be in shorts by mid-day. After a LONG trek down I-95 on Christmas we accomplished the goal/pulled off the surprise.
In the days ahead we were greeted by warm temps that helped me bounce back from illness faster than usual, took our 1st trip to St. Augustine, walked the beach (without winter coats) and saw the kids riding bikes and doing things our brains just said were not late-December activities.
What would it take to Move to FL?
As we loaded the car to trek home the thought was “what would it take to make this our reality?” We asked questions, researched, did the work (which often seemed like mission impossible) and made the decision we’d try it for a year and see. Fast forward 7 months–we found a rental in St. Johns County (we were advised this area was home to the top school district in Florida), packed a truck and drove south for a second time.
Having lived the entirety of our first 4+ decades in the Northeast, this was not a decision entered into lightly. That said – 4.5 years later – I tell everyone I can that this was the best decision we ever made. We won the neighborhood lottery in Julington Creek, everyone settled into work and school like a champion (which is made easier by all the people moving into this area) and we started calling Florida home.
Change is Hard but Change Can Offer so Much
If you are considering a move to FL, please feel free to reach out. I know our experience might not be the same for everyone. However, if you’re thinking about a big move and taking a chance–I would love to be an impartial sounding board. Life is short–take the chance. Nothing is forever and if Florida isn’t for you–at least you know you tried.