A Journey to Sunshine: Why I Chose Florida Over My Hometown

For many people, the decision to relocate is a deeply personal one, often driven by factors such as weather, lifestyle, and convenience. For me, my journey to Florida was like a calling. It was a place where I felt I could live all the good days of the year and avoid the harsh realities of the seasons.

The Call of the Southwest

My initial journey to the southwestern part of the United States was through my work as a travelling nurse. I got to see various cities for extended periods, but it was Phoenix that captured my heart. The weather, the lifestyle, and the vibrant Southwest culture resonated with me. I found myself drawn to the antithesis of my home in West Virginia and Ohio, where snow and cold weather were frequent companions.

“I don’t miss snow cold and bad weather. Snow is only pretty for a minute from the window by the fire at Christmas. After that it is a gray cold slippery mess that makes driving treacherous.”

entiful Summers and Green Grass

After living in Phoenix and Arizona for a while, I set my sights on Florida, a place where summer is the norm and the climate is perpetually warm and inviting. I moved from West Virginia and Ohio, where the changing seasons had been a part of my life for my entire existence. But every season had its drawbacks, including the cold, snow, and potholes that ruined my car and taxed healthcare facilities unwillingly to provide quality care.

“I don’t miss potholes that ruin the bottom of your car and flooded rivers and low paying nursing jobs with too many patients. I don’t miss any childhood memories or my high school football team or how everyone is obsessed with stupid football and caters to the high school football team over every other student in the school.”

What I do miss are the green grass, the fireflies, and crickets, the autumn leaves, and the Ohio Valley pizza. It’s a bittersweet reminder of the life I once knew.

“I do miss green grass I can walk on barefoot, fireflies, and crickets at night in my brother's yard by the pond, Ohio Valley pizza, and the one remaining friend I have back there, and what family I have left there. That is really it.”

The Light Bulb Moment: 2015 and Beyond

My decision to move to Florida was solidified in 2015 when I first owned a motorcycle. This hobby made me acutely aware of the temperature differences between Ohio and the southern states. I quickly realized how the long stretch to warm enough weather for comfortable motorcycle riding in the summer was a big deal. In Ohio, even in the height of summer, temperatures could still be too cold for a comfortable ride, relegating me to staying indoors where the mercury climbed.

The stark contrasts in weather became evident when I began comparing my morning commutes. One image showed a dreary, cold Ohio morning at 25°F, while the other showcased the brightness and warmth of Florida at 84°F. This comparison reinforced my desire to embrace the warm climate year-round.

YouTube and the Dream of Florida

My decision to move to Florida was so strongly influenced by video sharing platforms like YouTube. Videos documenting the daily experiences in Tampa and other Florida cities provided endless inspiration. I watched countless videos, honing in on every detail, from the climate to lifestyle differences. I even created my own YouTube video to express my desire to move to Florida, racking up many days of disappointment with the weather during the spring and early summer.

Despite the initial challenges, the allure of living in summer permanently won over my heart. Every morning, I would check the weather forecast in Tampa, praying for sunny and warm days, and Greens with envy when the temperatures in my home state remained cold. This cycle continued until I finally made the move to the Sunshine State.

Conclusion

The decision to relocate to Florida was a defining moment in my life. It was a move that was influenced by weather, a preference for warmer climates, and a search for a living environment that matched my year-round desires. For those considering such a move, Florida offers a year-round dream, making it a dream destination for many like me.