For as long as I can remember, California has been my home. I have grown accustomed to its way of life—the bustling cities, the coastal beauty, and the endless opportunities. Yet, after spending my entire life there, I began to feel that it was no longer the place where I wanted to build my future. I started to realize that sometimes, change is not only necessary but also good. That’s what led me to make one of the biggest decisions of my life: moving across country to Florida. Over the last few months I’ve gotten so many questions about my reasoning so I thought I’d put it all out there.
1. Cost of Living
It’s no secret California is known for its high cost of living. From housing to everyday expenses – it honestly just became overwhelming. EVERYTHING costs more there and I didn’t like the direction it was going. Moving to Florida has allowed me to break out of any financial stress I ever had. The lower cost of living here makes it possible to build a more sustainable future and suddenly my dream of owning a home at the beach became an actual reality instead of a far-fetched fantasy.
2. Crime and Safety
While California offers so much, I began to notice an uptick in crime in even the best of areas. It made me question the safety of my surroundings. Florida, especially the community I chose, felt like a place where I could relax, knowing that my environment was safer. Feeling secure in my day-to-day life became a priority for me, and honestly it’s given me that sense of calm.
California’s homelessness crisis is heartbreaking. It was hard to ignore – having grown up in San Diego my entire life I had never in a million years thought it could get so bad. The sheer scale of the problem left me feeling uneasy. I knew I wanted to live in a place where this wasn’t as overwhelming.
3. Politics and Quality of Life
Love me or hate me – I’ll be honest—politics played a role. Over time, I began to feel that California’s policies didn’t align with my own values, and I wanted to live somewhere with a different approach to governance. Florida’s focus on lower taxes, fewer restrictions, and greater individual freedoms seemed like a better fit for me. It felt like a place where I could thrive without some of the constraints I experienced back in California. To be honest, it’s been life-changing.
4. A Better Life for My Future
At the end of the day, the move was about more than just immediate benefits—it was about my future. I wanted to build a life where I could flourish personally, professionally, and financially. Florida offered that fresh start, with a lifestyle that felt more sustainable for the long term – a place where I could afford to live well, enjoy the beach lifestyle and feel secure in my surroundings.
5. Owning a Beach Home
One of the most exciting parts of this move? The reality of owning a home AT the beach – my lifelong dream. In California, coastal living comes with a steep price tag, insane property taxes & utilities etc..but in Florida, that dream became achievable. The thought of waking up to ocean views, walking along the sand everyday, and enjoying a laid-back lifestyle was incredibly motivating. Florida’s warm weather and scenic beauty perfectly matched my vision of the future. I honestly feel like I’m living in a permanent vacation and I’m so grateful for it.
6. Embracing Change
Having lived in California my entire life, making a move like this was no small decision. But through this process, I’ve learned how powerful and necessary change can be. We often get so comfortable in our surroundings that we forget how refreshing and invigorating it can be to step outside our comfort zone. This move has been that leap for me—a way to embrace change and start a new chapter in my life.
Conclusion
Leaving California after 36 years wasn’t an easy choice, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself. Florida has given me the chance to live a more affordable, peaceful, and fulfilling life while turning my dreams into reality. More than anything, this move taught me the value of embracing change. Stepping out of my comfort zone has opened doors I never knew existed, and it’s clear now that this new chapter was exactly what I needed to create a better future. It’s truly enriched my life in more ways than I could have imagined. Sometimes, stepping into the unknown is the best way to find where you truly belong.
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