This is probably my favorite of all of your videos. I lived in Florida for two years when my son was younger. We got extremely homesick so we moved back to NY. When I hit the border of NY I had a pit in my stomach. Within two weeks of being back here, my son said that he wished we never came back. I tried for years to find a job to get back there with no luck. Recently I landed my dream job working from home that allows me to live anywhere. With that said, I've started my purging and planning so I can get back to living in the sunshine!
I love the honesty in this video. We moved cross country to Florida almost exactly a year ago and I can so relate to the feelings of missing family. We left ALL of our family and came here just the 3 of us. It’s definitely not easy to do but also a rewarding feeling to feel like you are making dreams come true. 💕
Anybody moving can attest how difficult it can be. A family of your size? You all deserve an award! I moved from upstate NY in May 2019 and moved back to the snow and ice in December 2019. (Long tearful story🥺☹️) In time for COVID. I too didn’t branch out and meet others. I came across your videos today and I can attest to listening to signs! Your kids will be fine. You’re raising kids that will be flexible, tolerant and not afraid of change. Good job listening to each other and your kids. This was inspiring😀Not a day goes by that I don’t miss sunshine, looking at my car staying clear of salt, and just point blank regret leaving when I shouldn’t have.
When I went to Flordia twice I felt that my heart was in Flordia. I keep finding signs of Flordia and it's just nowhere like Flordia. Welcome back to Flordia! Florida with six❣️ Congratulations! I am really trying to figure out where we belong! We're going back to Florida for a month after we get married in June. Hopefully we'll figure it all out then. Great video!
I can so relate. I left Florida twice in the past 2 and a half years and it hurt every time. The first time I left was due to family issues, and the second time was because I got evicted. This time I'm making sure my return to Florida will be bigger than ever. I made so many great friends in Jacksonville and got to do things I never could have done elsewhere in the other places I lived.
I'm moving out of Florida. Born and raised here almost 36 years. It getting to the point where I miss North Carolina/Tennessee, miss the Mountains, the nature, etc the cool weather. I do love Florida just not liking how much it developed it is anymore with traffic. Actually miss the old slow paced, relaxing of Florida that I experienced when I was younger. Fast paced isn't for me anymore
We are moving somewhere around Davenport/Clermont in a month. We have three kids 8,4, and 6 months. I appreciate this video. We are pulling our 8 year old out of school in the middle of the year and we gave him the choice. I am constantly saying I hope we are making the right decision for him. Ultimately, i know it is. I have a great job lined up and we will be able to spend more time as a family.
Wife and I already did this too. We moved back to Illinois in July of 2018 because we found out we were expecting a baby. Baby was born in December and we moved back to florida two months later. Wife and I said we feel like we’re listening to our own story while watching your video. Lol. We’ve been here 3 years now and it’s the only place that feels like home. Also all the memories from home, the sights, and smells. We’re looking to buy a home next year and we’ve debated moving back to Illinois but we’re also thinking, will we regret it again. One minute, we’re moving back to Illinois for family and the next minute we’re staying in Florida. Lol The move is super expensive. We’ve done it as many times as you guys. Lol Our stories are nearly the same. Would be funny to laugh about those stories.
Most people who have lived here for many years dream of getting out of Florida. Its Sunshine and beaches here...that's pretty much it....they miss cool crisp air and hills...any time you go out, you sweat and get stinky...you have to shower 3 times a day...here especially on the Gulf coast...most of us are stuck inside with the A/C blasting for 8 months...well, you can go to the beach...after years of that...it gets old and boring...and too hot...so people starting drinking...we are sorrounded by bars....Lol...
Awesome to hear that your children looked forward to returning to Florida too. The Clermont area I hear is one of the safest places in Florida for severe weather and the location is good for families as well. Welcome back!
Don’t let anyone make you feel bad about your decisions. Don’t feel like you need to explain yourselves. You’ve given your kids the great example of not being stuck and don’t not make changes just because they are hard. I’ve lived in the same state my whole life and it took the restrictions of CONvid that has finally pushed me to make the move to Florida after 63 years of being stuck. Good for you. “Life is a Risk or it Nothing at All.”
I’ve also lived in both and Florida wins hands down. Grew up in Wisconsin, lived in Florida about 5 years, had to move back to Wisconsin and no lie, I miss it every single day. I’ll return someday, just can’t be today yet.
I know how you feel because I went to visit Florida 3 times and every time I come back to PA, I get very upset to leave Florida. Last night I looked at the temperature and it was 5 degrees and when I looked at Orlando Florida temperature, it was 64 degrees. I told my husband; we need to move to Florida ASAP, I can't keep living this way.. Is to cold for me and I need Palm trees around me. I'm very desperate to leave, that I drive everyone here nuts.
We just moved from Alaska to North Dakota by driving through Canada with a 26 ft uhaul and a van, 4 kids and 2 dogs. Wow! That was an eye opener. So stressful. Everyone said to sell everything. We didn’t listen. Next move, in about a year, will be from North Dakota to Florida. Hopefully we’ll be able to downsize a lot more next time. Cross country moves are no joke. Especially with kids.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey! We had planned to move to Cape Coral from Michigan last year and backed out due to hurting family and a few other reasons. We are now moving down next month and your story gives me peace that we will be ok and so will our 3 kids! Thanks for being our Guinea pigs 😉
We have done this also. well in the process. We are in Jersey and moved to AZ then back to Jersey. It was an emotional rollercoaster for the distance. We have decided to move again after waiting 3 years after moving back from AZ to make sure it's really what we want and not a phase also. we have family down there and we get so upset when we leave every time. our 9 year old said " Mommy and Daddy my heart knows its right in Florida." Well that was the final straw lol. so we know its the right decision plus we do have some family there. So I get the emotional part and the moving distance and aslo the comments about why are you pulling your son out of school yada yada. We talk as a family as a whole. Thank you for sharing
No place is perfect but Florida is damn near perfect in everything when u think about it. We miss family and we are far away but this state has so much to offer.
Love the honesty. Even though it wasn't without complication, it was logical. Sometimes (almost always) stuff happens in a personal and unique way. Welcome to the club! We're counting the days here. 2 months to go. 😱
I absolutely loved that you shared this video!!! I think this is my favorite of your videos I've seen so far. So authentic and open. I'm SO excited for you guys with this new realization that Florida is HOME!! Enjoy!!
Thank you, I have been missing New England alot lately since moving to FL, but this helped me realize I just need to visit New England more! Thanks for sharing! I think it's mostly nostalgia.
a year ago my family and I decided to move to FL and 6 months later our daughter didn't want to move and asked us to wait until dec as she was going to move out with roomates. Now her plans have been shots and is willing to move to FL again. What I need to do is upgrade my job class from dock worker to CDL driver as so I can transfer to any other company's terminal in FL. Plus I have to get my home fix up somewhat and this will be time consuming because I already work 60 hrs a week. We live in Portland, OR so it's going to be a LONG drive. My wife have back problems so this ling drive isn't going to work out and she don't want to Fly so not sure what we'll be doing. Glad you guys are back...I love Florida so much.
Nothing at all wrong with moving back. Don't be so hard on yourselves. We're all on this earth to find happiness and moving isn't breaking any laws lol. With that being said, I'm excited for you guys!
Many want to leave Florida sooo bad as well...its great for a couple of years then you feel trapped on a peace of sand. Bars and Restaurants are the only things to do...too hot most of the year to do anything out side...too crowded...its flat and hot and expensive too...
I’m from Saint Augustine and I’ve relocated to the Midwest. Florida is cool and all of that but limited economically. What I love about the Midwest is the education system for the kids. I want mine to have a sense of hometown pride. Classic American experience. I didn’t experience that as a first generation American born to immigrant parents. I hope you enjoy Florida. But I’m enjoying Wisconsin more. I found honest people and honest happiness.
@@FloridaWithFive I've been here for 3 years, and I love it here. The emphasis on friendship and family is real in Wisconsin, people here are respectful, people are straight forward, kind and always willing to help. Kindness and friendliness is a way of life here, that's for sure. The hometown pride is awesome here and what I most admire is how people in Wisconsin have a "pride of ownership" mentality when it comes to their cities, towns and rural area's. Great place to live! I'm hopeful you folks are enjoying Florida... but I'm sure y'all miss a lot of things here in Wisconsin! Because, who wouldn't miss Wisconsin? lol :)
My husband and I took a trip to Florida in October because we wanted to see if it was a place we wanted to move to. Now being back home all we think about is moving there. We want to move to Fort Myers in the worst way. We can't wait to move but we have three young children and we need to save more money. I love these videos and watching them. We are from New England.
We jumped ship last June from upstate NY (similar weather) and live up on the Emerald Coast (panhandle)… gorgeous beaches and best decision in a LONG time. Loving the 65 degrees vs -10. 😎
I love your spontaneity! My family moved from New England to California when I was 7. As a kid it was really hard and I felt so culture shocked. As an adult we had the opportunity to be in Florida for 6 months and loved it. We went back to CA and I knew right away we needed to make the move. Fortunately the kids agreed and here we are the last 4 years. It was rough but so worth it. Make friends and set up your support network. Most people are super friendly here. Glad you followed your heart and it all worked out! 💞
My fiancé and I are moving out of Wisconsin eithwr when my lease is up (July) or after our wedding (august) and before my birthday (end of October). I truly can’t wait!! ❤️
We visited for 9 days and are moving to the Boynton Beach area. We live in Las Vegas and hate it. It is a hot dirty/dusty ashtray. The air in Florida is like a hug from Mom. Can't wait to be there.
My mom passed away in 2019, then my brother and I had a fallen out . So family gatherings don’t exist anymore. My husbands family was never very close . The only one family member that makes this hard is my adult 31 yr old daughter . She’s single , so no grandkids. But my husband and I have 2 younger kids 12&9. My Dad and step mom & brother & sister are in FL. And I would love more time with my Dad especially since he’s ’s getting older. Not too mention it’s single digits currently in MA! I just can’t convince the 31 yr old to join us & even though she’s grown and very independent, I feel guilty leaving her 🥺
Hello karen, Please don't feel guilty about leaving your 31-year-old independent daughter.... She will be fine. She can always come and visit you. If you don't make this move now while your other kids are still young and can adjust to moving to Florida. I can pretty much guarantee that you will die a miserable old woman always wondering what if? Where I'm at it is below zero and it is absolutely Disgusting! 🥶 Right now you have the advantage over a lot of people you have your dad down there. Get going before it's too late, if you know what I mean... about your dad. I am old and alone. Everyone of my family is dead and gone. I have no more ties here so as soon as I pay off my credit cards I am out of here! I hope I didn't come off too harsh but your story just really struck a nerve in me. Just remember.... This is it! We only have one life and once we die we don't get a second chance. Good luck!😊🌞🌴
So relatable. When we moved to Florida in 2018 we only made it two months. But on the day we were leaving Florida to go back north it felt wrong leaving. We got lost trying to get on I4 and ended up going through the city with a 26ft Penske truck with my moms car in tow. My husband will never forgive me for that one 🤣 Once we got back it was one problem after another. We have stuck it out here so that our daughter can graduate. 138 days till graduation. We are planning on moving back this June to Clermont. But as much as I want to be back in Florida I’m second guessing myself and wondering should we just stay here now that things are finally somewhat normal. Do I really want to start over again? Watching you guys keeps me motivated. Thank you so much for your channel and sharing your journey.
We went through all of those same feelings after moving back to Wisconsin, but didn’t stay long enough for it to fee “normal”. We felt like Florida was our true home the whole time.
I've had to move back to Michigan for family reasons and I am going through all the feelings you guys have had. It's freezing here and I miss how much thetr is to do there. I know one day I will be back there.
YAY! I'm so happy that your family is back in the sunshine state!! I knew you all would be back lol It was an absolute blessing to be able to go back, health is priority and you all got family time in! Your channel was part of my "research" 2 years ago for my move to Tampa so I was a little sad to hear that you all were leaving lol But what I've always enjoyed about the way you all handle moving, which is true for my family is that you all do everything as a unit.
I moved from WA to HI, and then sadly East Texas and now I’m thinking of going East, since I’m someone who needs sunshine most of the year to stay “happy”
I lived in Tampa Bay for 10 years and got brought back up north with a ball and chain for 5 years. I was miserable. I had life change and got myself back to Florida. This is where I belong, just like you.
I’ve been up in CT since late June and thought the same feeling. I thought I missed living where I grew up; however, 6 months later, now I realize that Florida is now home. Now, I’m planning on moving back within the next few months.
Moved to FL about a year ago (Miami) from Missouri and can't wait to move out of here to Colorado. This place is horrible to raise a family. Making 85k/ year is not enough to live comfortably down here. Traffic is horrible 24/7 people drive like maniacs and cut you off for no reason, it's so overpopulated there's a housing shortage, unless you want to spend $3500/month for a 3 bedroom townhouse then good luck, there's lines everywhere you go, gyms are packed all the time, always looking for parking spots and half of them you have to pay for again super overcrowded. the weather is horrible 9 months out of the year so hot and humid I can be sitting in the shade at 8 am and already sweatting bullets, most people are rude especially the customer service is the worse I've seen and have been all over the country and abroad, if you don't speak Spanish you will feel like an outsider all the time. It's flat, the palm tree scenery get old quik and unless you're right on the beach you can't see the distance or the ocean it's blocked with high rise buildings you need to be right on the beach to see the water. That being said, proceed at your own risk.
Thank you for sharing your experience. It seems like your issue is with Miami though, and not the entire state, right? Lots of people say Miami is entirely different than the rest of Florida.
@@FloridaWithFive my job allows me to drive and explore all of Miami Dade, Broward County and WPB and I've experienced slightly less traffic in Fort Lauderdale, Boca, Delray Beach and WPB areas but the housing issue is the same, unless you're rich I'd steer clear of south south east Florida in general specially if you small children like myself 2 kids under 6 years old. Decent 3 bedroom houses in decent areas start at 1/2 mil. Coming from a cheap state like MO we got used to live a different lifestyle buying a large nice house lots of land now living in a 2 bedroom apartment with $2200/mo rent nice gated community but we miss our house. We've only been to Kissimmee once last November to take the kids to walt Disney for a week and was about 10 degrees cooler and much nicer feel to it, less traffic and so forth but 1 week isn't enough to know how it is to live there. Not all is bad living down here we skipped the bitter cold snowy winter but so far the negatives outweigh the positives for us.
@@mikecrocop1 Yeah Miami is not the ideal place for families especially if you're coming from the midwest. Most people who move to Southeast Florida are the young and single crowd or retirees. North and Central Florida are much cheaper and more family oriented.
I'm so happy you guys were able to move back. You had a dream and you made it happen. I'm looking forward to moving to Florida. You're videos have helped me soo much and I Know if you guys can do it, I can too!
I am glad you guys were able to move back to Florida. Unfortunately I won't be able to join you guys in Florida for a little while still taking care of the parents. Hold the fort down for me! LOL
Just made the move from Kansas to Florida as I started a job on the 10th of January. It's an adjustment but in my case I have family here. My daughter is with her grandparents while I am working down here, so it's a little rough for both of us. But we adapt. It's what humans do.
Lol I moved from florida to kansas. I was a lifelong resident of Florida but we needed change and wide open spaces, and I am enjoying the small town life of kansas the colder weather the snow ect. My kids can walk everywhere and its not stuck in traffic to go anywhere. For us it was the right decision.
I also prayed for a sign selling my house and moving was right next day Song gray skies are gonna clear up, kept running through my head It was a gorgeous sunny day. First in days. Then a car drove in front of me with license blu sky lol I was like ok! My house being built by Blue Skies
I have been wanting to move to Florida for awhile. I am a cna and my hubby dies traffic control. Some wants a medical career also. I really need to move for my health as I can’t stand the cold anymore. I worry about the job pay though and being able to afford the cost of living there. Are there any areas you can recommend that are safe and fairly affordable?
We moved here last month from Nassau County. I honestly have no idea how people do it in Florida on a Floridian salary. That’s why you will see so many of us who have pensions or savings from our salaries up north moving to the more expensive areas like Winter Garden. It’s crazy how a six figure job in NY pays like $55,000 in Florida. A gym teacher in Great Neck makes more than my neighbor across the street who has been a principal for 20 years! BUT… say goodbye to $15,000 in property taxes for a 1900 sq ft home and state date deductions etc. It can be done.
We Are a family of 5 as well, and we are So sick of the Midwest (Minnesota) winter's, The biggest thing we have struggled with is just making the decision where to move, we have considered Florida. South Carolina, Texas, California, bottom line definitely somewhere warm, we are both 100% in agreement that we want to move but have been Indecisive about where to. Taking everything into consideration, cost. Mostly Housing cost. Job, health insurance, currently we get it from the state. And We won't know anyone so ideally somewhere that people are nice, Schools we have a 9 yr old and twin 4 yr Olds. So just struggling with where, we have visited all of those and more, as of Right now I'm leaning towards Gulf Shores Alabama because it still has the beach but seems more affordable with car insurance and a few others things. I was Considering Clermont FL at one point, it looks like a really nice town and I'm into Motocross and a lot of Motocross guys have moved there from California.
We are closing on a real nice house in Saint augustine on Feb 10th!!! Sold our Jacksonville place for 100000 more than we bought it 2 years ago lol. Anyhoo lmk if you guys are ever in area. Love st augustine!!!
I'm so glad I found u guys! U r the reason and motivation we are taking the leap. We have the job offer and now they want us down there by 3/01 obviously this year. So my question is this even possible with a house to sell?! I think our house will sell super quickly but 10 years of clutter 🙉🙉. Any tips would be SO appreciated 🙏. We are so thankful for this opportunity but not sure where to even start to make this happen.
If you don't love it or haven't used/worn it in the past year, let it go. That's what I'm doing as I purge. Just remember to keep some jackets and sweat shirts as Florida can get chilly at times.
Do a video on towns where young retired. Ouokes might live, not the villages. Easy drive to stores, low taxes, condo time shares, apartments, low maintenance houses or condos, etc
@@FloridaWithFive I heard clermont is awesome! Olympus and everything else that’s coming to clermont is going to be great. Can’t wait to see your future videos guys!
We lost everything in hurricane Sandy in NY. Moved to MO for 6 months. Contemplated it permanently but none of us wanted to admit to each other that we didn’t like it down there. NY is becoming unlivable.
Smart children! Before you shared what your guys said, I had decided to comment that changing during the school year is actually better. It's easier to become a part of a group than entering in the beginning of a school year.
@@FloridaWithFive You are in a better place now. There is a lot of crime in Polk County. Now you are close to the Villages. How close are you from the gate of the Villages?
Seriously, and not too be noisy but how did you afford to go to Florida, back to Wisconsin and back to Florida? What kind of job do you have? Family money? I only ask cause I'm trying to move with social security and 401k. Please help us folks!
We are blessed in the fact that I have put myself in a place in my career where I am able to obtain jobs that pay me enough to provide for our family while still putting money aside. It is a good idea though, we should do some videos on moving to Florida on a budget!
@@FloridaWithFive Thanks for the reply. But most people are not as fortunate as you guys. I am retiring on Social security and a 401k of only about 200K. I have been fortunate to be in IT so I know SS payment for retirement is based on 35 years of highest pay. I was fortunate enough to make just over 6 figures for 15 of those years but that still is not a lot. I plan on using part or most of 401k (some small investments and ss to live off of) but the bulk of down payment by 401k to buy a house. But you supporting 8 people (especially 8 children) is very expensive. GOD bless you. But maybe one of you should get fixed! LOL. Yes a video for people like me and others especially if they should buy or rent. at 62 in June I plan to buy. I'm figuring out expenseses by watching yours and others videos and also checking Florida websites. I feel I can make a go of it comfortable compared to the cost in Philadelphia, PA especially due to the crime and property tax etc. So yeah any help for average people , even to pay a mover or move your self etc would be a great help. Thanks. CJ
@@FloridaWithFive Also I plan on moving very little. Just clothes, electronics. TV, etc. If the place is furnished, I've heard some people leave and just sell everything I'll live with their furniture and replace it bit by bit. Hell, I can sleep on the floor in a sleeping bag. Just need cookware and stuff (refrigerator) and the like. Sorry for the many replies. Love your content and honesty. At my age I wouldn't be able to do what you did. Heck, I'm not sure if I was your age I would of been able to handle the stress even knowing I could afford it. God Bless you all!
Hey I’m from Cleveland, west side on Clark Ave. Moved to Sarasota county 1.5 ago. Love it here, hate not having anyone, I mean no one to help us and that can be hard. It’s expensive so be prepared for a system shock. Right now we’re contemplating moving back because of family. The only reason to go back to crappy CLE. We have 3 kids and they all miss their cousins a lot. It’s tough. My wife and I decided if we move back it will be only until my youngest is done with school then we come back. Florida is home for us.
I'm in a very similar situation with not wanting to leave my hometown and family. It's so hard but it's something my husband and I have thought about for a while.
Glad to see you are well! We still are seriously talking about moving to FL. Been looking at the Ocala area but it’s so hard to go by internet research. Also seems iffy for my medical care down there. P.S. we are supposed to get 11 inches of snow tomorrow so I might just start walking to FL! 🐸
If you have questions about Ocala, let me know. That’s where we’re at. Moved back down here for the 2nd time just like them. Our first time we were in citrus springs, and now we’re in Ocala for the last 3 years. Anything you want to know about here, I’d be glad to help you out.
@@Trust_In_Jesus82 yes please! I’d love to hear any opinions you have on the city. We have never been there. Would you consider it safe? Do you know if the public schools are good? Are there a lot of tourists in the area?
@@chantellenolan Honestly it’s a very boring area. Lol. The only good thing is you’re an hour and a half away from Orlando and an hour and a half away from Tampa. So Ocala is kind of in the middle of everything. There’s basically zero tourism in Ocala. I will say our Marion County Sheriffs do a great job, but there definitely is still crime. We’ve been here 3 years and I haven’t had any problems. I’m not too sure about the schools. With everything going on, we’ve decided to home school our new kindergartener. We have just about every major business and big chain. Most of the businesses are on the road called college rd (200). We have about 4 Walmarts here. Lol Ocala is quite big, it can take you about 30 minutes to get from one side of Ocala to the other. My wife works at the hospitals here. We have two big hospitals. Ocala is known for the horses. Still lots of country left here. John Travolta is known for living here. I would consider living here safe. We come from the Chicago suburbs and it’s definitely safer than that. Like I said, we haven’t ran into any problems. We have security cameras on the house and haven’t seen anything suspicious near our house. You can find more information by looking up the Marion county sheriff on Facebook. As well as Ocala Starbanner for local news.
@@Trust_In_Jesus82 Thanks for the info! Interesting that you mentioned the sheriffs, are you familiar with them? We homeschooled in K too. We are coming from 5 acres in the country and privacy (and a foot of snow currently).Do you have plans on staying? Did you rent/buy? Did you visit Ocala before you moved there? Do you have any family nearby? How did you adjust to the weather? Do your kids like it there? Are the bugs a nightmare? How many questions can I ask? lol.
@@chantellenolan Ask as many questions as you’d like! Lol The Sheriffs here are great. I follow them on Facebook and they’re quite funny to watch when they do video reports on Facebook. I’ve met Sheriff Billy Woods at a local Halloween event. They let the kids pet their horses, try on their equipment and get inside their SWAT vehicle. Very nice guys. Well there’s lots of houses here with a lot of land, lots of country areas. So you’d probably feel at home, minus the foot of snow! Lol That’s one thing I don’t miss, the snow. We currently rent and working toward purchasing a home in a year or so. We’re not sure if we want to stay here or take another adventure within Florida. We did visit Ocala before moving down. We packed the car up for a weekend trip and spontaneously drove down here from the Chicago suburbs. We drove around the area to see how we liked it. Wife landed a job here and we said well that’s where we are moving to. Lol It was an exciting adventure to drive down and say goodbye to snow. All of our family lives in Illinois. I do have a cousin that lives about an hour south of us in Inverness. The weather is great compared to frigid temperatures and snow. When it gets to cold temperatures like it is now (60 degrees) you’ll be running around in shorts and flip flops while everyone is bundled up like it’s -20 degrees out. I still wear shorts and flip flops when it gets colder. I will throw a hoodie on now. Lol Once your body becomes use to these hot summer temps, 60 degrees almost feels like 30 degrees up north. It’s weird, but if you move down, you’ll see what I mean. Lol. Tonight we are suppose to hit our first real cold temps of the year in the 30’s. Brrrrr. Nice thing about florida though, once that sun rises, it warms back up. So these cold nights don’t stick around forever. Yes the kids love it here. They basically wear flip flops year round. Our youngest is now 3 and he was only 2 months old when we moved down. Yes the bugs can be a pain the butt. I learned about fire ants the first night here. I kneeled down in the grass to attach the tow hitch to the moving truck and oh my god my knee turned into a stinging pain. Lol I got use to them after a while. Now they bite me and I just pinch them off me and throw them. One of the most annoying bugs is what they call no see ums. You legit can’t see them, but they feel like mosquito bites. The bites get itchy, but not as bad and don’t last very long like mosquito bites. The giant roaches are about as normal as a common black ant in your grass. Huge grasshoppers. Flying roaches which are called palmettos. They’re more annoying than anything. We have love bug season twice a year. Usually in April and then again in September. They fly all over the place and nearly look like black snow when you’re driving. Lots of car washes because they splatter all over your windshield and front of your car. I’m so happy when they’re gone after a few weeks. Lol The bugs are larger than life here. Northeast and the east side of Ocala has black bears because of the forest. They like to stroll through the neighborhoods over there looking for garbage. I’ve never personally seen one, but I’ve seen videos of them people post. I’ve yet to run into a gator in the wild.
So now you become a nomad family. Stuck between a rock and a hard place. You’ ll be moving back to Wisconsin again. Think of your kids, its not fair on them, having to be pulled out of a school system and having to make new friends.
We’re glad that you’ve got our family all figured out…good job! And we’re not originally from Michigan, we’re from Wisconsin. Thanks for watching and we hope you can find happiness! ✌️
I would rather raise kids in Wisconsin...than Florida... Wisconsin has culture, history, character, and hills....lol Florida is like living in a hotel or Cruise Ship.
Florida has waayyyyy more culture than Wisconsin. There are people living here from all over the world! There are festivals celebrating different cultures, authentic food, ect. And history? Florida is home to the oldest city in the US in St. Augustine. We’ve visited the ruins of multiple Spanish forts, found fossils from ancient animals, and so on. And the landscape? Although we live in the “hilliest” part of Florida, we would take the beach over hills any day. Not to knock Wisconsin, because we do love it… but is it where we choose to live? No. And it’s ok if you don’t agree! But the reasons you mentioned are bogus.
@@FloridaWithFive Florida is a flat huge peace of sand with old people....I would not raise kids here....when your kids are older, they will hate the beach and want to leave far away from the sand...people I know who live here full time would would look at me like I was crazy, if I asked them if they want to go to the beach...locals here would rather stay indoors to escape the angry sun and heat...
@@FloridaWithFive Please understand, I'm just giving you my experience. I'm in Sarasota, very wealthy retired people live here and a lot of very poor people live here as well. Once a guy I work with moved here probly 28 yrs old. He was excited..he's going to go Boating and hang out at the beach...all excited about the sun and palm trees...well he moved back after 6 months...Florida kicked his ass . He almost went homeless...the heat and the humidity and the stuffy people and the homeless and low wages and the crime...lol...blew his mind...I felt the same way...I moved here thinking wooo hooo party time...not at all...most people lay in bed all day...traffic...the crowds...either you go to the beach or go to the bars...retired people just stay home or go to Applebees....Nic Johnson is right...its just one huge nursing home....this is Gulf Coast Florida....🤓
This is probably my favorite of all of your videos. I lived in Florida for two years when my son was younger. We got extremely homesick so we moved back to NY. When I hit the border of NY I had a pit in my stomach. Within two weeks of being back here, my son said that he wished we never came back. I tried for years to find a job to get back there with no luck. Recently I landed my dream job working from home that allows me to live anywhere. With that said, I've started my purging and planning so I can get back to living in the sunshine!
Congratulations!! Be sure to keep us updated!
The grass is always greener...
Remote jobs are the best
I love the honesty in this video. We moved cross country to Florida almost exactly a year ago and I can so relate to the feelings of missing family. We left ALL of our family and came here just the 3 of us. It’s definitely not easy to do but also a rewarding feeling to feel like you are making dreams come true. 💕
Anybody moving can attest how difficult it can be. A family of your size? You all deserve an award! I moved from upstate NY in May 2019 and moved back to the snow and ice in December 2019. (Long tearful story🥺☹️) In time for COVID. I too didn’t branch out and meet others. I came across your videos today and I can attest to listening to signs! Your kids will be fine. You’re raising kids that will be flexible, tolerant and not afraid of change. Good job listening to each other and your kids. This was inspiring😀Not a day goes by that I don’t miss sunshine, looking at my car staying clear of salt, and just point blank regret leaving when I shouldn’t have.
When I went to Flordia twice I felt that my heart was in Flordia. I keep finding signs of Flordia and it's just nowhere like Flordia. Welcome back to Flordia! Florida with six❣️ Congratulations! I am really trying to figure out where we belong! We're going back to Florida for a month after we get married in June. Hopefully we'll figure it all out then. Great video!
The signs! Don’t ignore them! Lol 😂. Please keep us updated on what you choose to do!
@@FloridaWithFive Thank you for replying back! Yes the signs are a thing lol🤣🤣🤣
I can so relate. I left Florida twice in the past 2 and a half years and it hurt every time. The first time I left was due to family issues, and the second time was because I got evicted. This time I'm making sure my return to Florida will be bigger than ever. I made so many great friends in Jacksonville and got to do things I never could have done elsewhere in the other places I lived.
you got this cheers to creating a future that fits our souls
I felt that. Good luck hun 🥰
I'm moving out of Florida. Born and raised here almost 36 years. It getting to the point where I miss North Carolina/Tennessee, miss the Mountains, the nature, etc the cool weather. I do love Florida just not liking how much it developed it is anymore with traffic. Actually miss the old slow paced, relaxing of Florida that I experienced when I was younger. Fast paced isn't for me anymore
Yes...its just hot sand and old people....all the time...there are no hills waterfalls...cool crisp air...Florida is garbage....
We are moving somewhere around Davenport/Clermont in a month. We have three kids 8,4, and 6 months. I appreciate this video. We are pulling our 8 year old out of school in the middle of the year and we gave him the choice. I am constantly saying I hope we are making the right decision for him. Ultimately, i know it is. I have a great job lined up and we will be able to spend more time as a family.
How is it going today for
You guys ?
Wife and I already did this too. We moved back to Illinois in July of 2018 because we found out we were expecting a baby. Baby was born in December and we moved back to florida two months later.
Wife and I said we feel like we’re listening to our own story while watching your video. Lol.
We’ve been here 3 years now and it’s the only place that feels like home.
Also all the memories from home, the sights, and smells. We’re looking to buy a home next year and we’ve debated moving back to Illinois but we’re also thinking, will we regret it again. One minute, we’re moving back to Illinois for family and the next minute we’re staying in Florida. Lol
The move is super expensive. We’ve done it as many times as you guys. Lol
Our stories are nearly the same. Would be funny to laugh about those stories.
Most people who have lived here for many years dream of getting out of Florida. Its Sunshine and beaches here...that's pretty much it....they miss cool crisp air and hills...any time you go out, you sweat and get stinky...you have to shower 3 times a day...here especially on the Gulf coast...most of us are stuck inside with the A/C blasting for 8 months...well, you can go to the beach...after years of that...it gets old and boring...and too hot...so people starting drinking...we are sorrounded by bars....Lol...
this video makes my heart sing because I am moving to Florida as soon as I figure out how to do it financially.
Awesome to hear that your children looked forward to returning to Florida too. The Clermont area I hear is one of the safest places in Florida for severe weather and the location is good for families as well.
Welcome back!
Thank you so much!
Don’t let anyone make you feel bad about your decisions. Don’t feel like you need to explain yourselves. You’ve given your kids the great example of not being stuck and don’t not make changes just because they are hard. I’ve lived in the same state my whole life and it took the restrictions of CONvid that has finally pushed me to make the move to Florida after 63 years of being stuck. Good for you. “Life is a Risk or it Nothing at All.”
A lot of people feel stuck here as well...stuck in the sand...
I’ve also lived in both and Florida wins hands down. Grew up in Wisconsin, lived in Florida about 5 years, had to move back to Wisconsin and no lie, I miss it every single day. I’ll return someday, just can’t be today yet.
I know how you feel because I went to visit Florida 3 times and every time I come back to PA, I get very upset to leave Florida. Last night I looked at the temperature and it was 5 degrees and when I looked at Orlando Florida temperature, it was 64 degrees. I told my husband; we need to move to Florida ASAP, I can't keep living this way.. Is to cold for me and I need Palm trees around me. I'm very desperate to leave, that I drive everyone here nuts.
We just moved from Alaska to North Dakota by driving through Canada with a 26 ft uhaul and a van, 4 kids and 2 dogs. Wow! That was an eye opener. So stressful. Everyone said to sell everything. We didn’t listen. Next move, in about a year, will be from North Dakota to Florida. Hopefully we’ll be able to downsize a lot more next time. Cross country moves are no joke. Especially with kids.
Just remember, its crowded and hot. It's like being snowed in for 5 months hot with the A/C cranked up.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey! We had planned to move to Cape Coral from Michigan last year and backed out due to hurting family and a few other reasons. We are now moving down next month and your story gives me peace that we will be ok and so will our 3 kids! Thanks for being our Guinea pigs 😉
No problem! Lol
Good luck with your move!
We have done this also. well in the process. We are in Jersey and moved to AZ then back to Jersey. It was an emotional rollercoaster for the distance. We have decided to move again after waiting 3 years after moving back from AZ to make sure it's really what we want and not a phase also. we have family down there and we get so upset when we leave every time. our 9 year old said " Mommy and Daddy my heart knows its right in Florida." Well that was the final straw lol. so we know its the right decision plus we do have some family there. So I get the emotional part and the moving distance and aslo the comments about why are you pulling your son out of school yada yada. We talk as a family as a whole. Thank you for sharing
Out of the mouth of a child (your son) comes wisdom! I loved that you listened to him and opened up about your true feelings.
Great parents you are!!!
No place is perfect but Florida is damn near perfect in everything when u think about it. We miss family and we are far away but this state has so much to offer.
Love the honesty. Even though it wasn't without complication, it was logical. Sometimes (almost always) stuff happens in a personal and unique way. Welcome to the club! We're counting the days here. 2 months to go. 😱
I absolutely loved that you shared this video!!! I think this is my favorite of your videos I've seen so far. So authentic and open. I'm SO excited for you guys with this new realization that Florida is HOME!! Enjoy!!
Its so great the whole family is in agreement that Florida is where to be. Bravo you two for taking the lead and making it happen👍
Thank you, I have been missing New England alot lately since moving to FL, but this helped me realize I just need to visit New England more! Thanks for sharing! I think it's mostly nostalgia.
I'm in New England and want to to move to Florida
I so agree. I left last year and now found myself going back.
a year ago my family and I decided to move to FL and 6 months later our daughter didn't want to move and asked us to wait until dec as she was going to move out with roomates. Now her plans have been shots and is willing to move to FL again. What I need to do is upgrade my job class from dock worker to CDL driver as so I can transfer to any other company's terminal in FL. Plus I have to get my home fix up somewhat and this will be time consuming because I already work 60 hrs a week. We live in Portland, OR so it's going to be a LONG drive. My wife have back problems so this ling drive isn't going to work out and she don't want to Fly so not sure what we'll be doing. Glad you guys are back...I love Florida so much.
Nothing at all wrong with moving back. Don't be so hard on yourselves. We're all on this earth to find happiness and moving isn't breaking any laws lol. With that being said, I'm excited for you guys!
I’ve been watching you both since 2020 and I still want to move to Florida sooooo bad!
Many want to leave Florida sooo bad as well...its great for a couple of years then you feel trapped on a peace of sand. Bars and Restaurants are the only things to do...too hot most of the year to do anything out side...too crowded...its flat and hot and expensive too...
I’m from Saint Augustine and I’ve relocated to the Midwest. Florida is cool and all of that but limited economically. What I love about the Midwest is the education system for the kids. I want mine to have a sense of hometown pride. Classic American experience. I didn’t experience that as a first generation American born to immigrant parents. I hope you enjoy Florida. But I’m enjoying Wisconsin more. I found honest people and honest happiness.
Thank you for your comment Richard. How long have you been in Wisconsin?
@@FloridaWithFive I've been here for 3 years, and I love it here. The emphasis on friendship and family is real in Wisconsin, people here are respectful, people are straight forward, kind and always willing to help. Kindness and friendliness is a way of life here, that's for sure. The hometown pride is awesome here and what I most admire is how people in Wisconsin have a "pride of ownership" mentality when it comes to their cities, towns and rural area's. Great place to live! I'm hopeful you folks are enjoying Florida... but I'm sure y'all miss a lot of things here in Wisconsin! Because, who wouldn't miss Wisconsin? lol :)
My husband and I took a trip to Florida in October because we wanted to see if it was a place we wanted to move to. Now being back home all we think about is moving there. We want to move to Fort Myers in the worst way. We can't wait to move but we have three young children and we need to save more money. I love these videos and watching them. We are from New England.
We jumped ship last June from upstate NY (similar weather) and live up on the Emerald Coast (panhandle)… gorgeous beaches and best decision in a LONG time. Loving the 65 degrees vs -10. 😎
You cannot overstate that! 😎
we have four daughters and asked them if they wanted to go back and it was a unanimous “no thanks!”. lol. best of luck. we’ve enjoyed your channel. 👍🏼
Lol! Thank you so much!
I love your spontaneity! My family moved from New England to California when I was 7. As a kid it was really hard and I felt so culture shocked. As an adult we had the opportunity to be in Florida for 6 months and loved it. We went back to CA and I knew right away we needed to make the move. Fortunately the kids agreed and here we are the last 4 years. It was rough but so worth it. Make friends and set up your support network. Most people are super friendly here. Glad you followed your heart and it all worked out! 💞
Well said! Thanks for sharing!
Where from in New England?
Ill be moving to Massachusetts in few months or NC/TENNESSEE hasn't decided yet. Moving up there from Florida
My fiancé and I are moving out of Wisconsin eithwr when my lease is up (July) or after our wedding (august) and before my birthday (end of October). I truly can’t wait!! ❤️
My husband and I moved here to four corners area in Aug, we are still adjusting, but we love it.
We visited for 9 days and are moving to the Boynton Beach area. We live in Las Vegas and hate it. It is a hot dirty/dusty ashtray. The air in Florida is like a hug from Mom. Can't wait to be there.
My mom passed away in 2019, then my brother and I had a fallen out . So family gatherings don’t exist anymore. My husbands family was never very close . The only one family member that makes this hard is my adult 31 yr old daughter . She’s single , so no grandkids. But my husband and I have 2 younger kids 12&9. My Dad and step mom & brother & sister are in FL.
And I would love more time with my Dad especially since he’s ’s getting older. Not too mention it’s single digits currently in MA! I just can’t convince the 31 yr old to join us & even though she’s grown and very independent, I feel guilty leaving her 🥺
Hello karen,
Please don't feel guilty about leaving your 31-year-old independent daughter.... She will be fine. She can always come and visit you. If you don't make this move now while your other kids are still young and can adjust to moving to Florida. I can pretty much guarantee that you will die a miserable old woman always wondering what if?
Where I'm at it is below zero and it is absolutely Disgusting! 🥶
Right now you have the advantage over a lot of people you have your dad down there. Get going before it's too late, if you know what I mean... about your dad.
I am old and alone. Everyone of my family is dead and gone. I have no more ties here so as soon as I pay off my credit cards I am out of here!
I hope I didn't come off too harsh but your story just really struck a nerve in me.
Just remember....
This is it! We only have one life and once we die we don't get a second chance.
Good luck!😊🌞🌴
So relatable. When we moved to Florida in 2018 we only made it two months. But on the day we were leaving Florida to go back north it felt wrong leaving. We got lost trying to get on I4 and ended up going through the city with a 26ft Penske truck with my moms car in tow. My husband will never forgive me for that one 🤣 Once we got back it was one problem after another. We have stuck it out here so that our daughter can graduate. 138 days till graduation. We are planning on moving back this June to Clermont. But as much as I want to be back in Florida I’m second guessing myself and wondering should we just stay here now that things are finally somewhat normal. Do I really want to start over again? Watching you guys keeps me motivated. Thank you so much for your channel and sharing your journey.
We went through all of those same feelings after moving back to Wisconsin, but didn’t stay long enough for it to fee “normal”. We felt like Florida was our true home the whole time.
I've had to move back to Michigan for family reasons and I am going through all the feelings you guys have had. It's freezing here and I miss how much thetr is to do there. I know one day I will be back there.
Good for you, you did what you needed to do and got back to where you needed to be. Fantastic, welcome back to Paradise !
YAY! I'm so happy that your family is back in the sunshine state!! I knew you all would be back lol It was an absolute blessing to be able to go back, health is priority and you all got family time in! Your channel was part of my "research" 2 years ago for my move to Tampa so I was a little sad to hear that you all were leaving lol But what I've always enjoyed about the way you all handle moving, which is true for my family is that you all do everything as a unit.
I moved from WA to HI, and then sadly East Texas and now I’m thinking of going East, since I’m someone who needs sunshine most of the year to stay “happy”
I lived in Tampa Bay for 10 years and got brought back up north with a ball and chain for 5 years. I was miserable. I had life change and got myself back to Florida. This is where I belong, just like you.
I’ve been up in CT since late June and thought the same feeling. I thought I missed living where I grew up; however, 6 months later, now I realize that Florida is now home. Now, I’m planning on moving back within the next few months.
Moved to FL about a year ago (Miami) from Missouri and can't wait to move out of here to Colorado. This place is horrible to raise a family. Making 85k/ year is not enough to live comfortably down here. Traffic is horrible 24/7 people drive like maniacs and cut you off for no reason, it's so overpopulated there's a housing shortage, unless you want to spend $3500/month for a 3 bedroom townhouse then good luck, there's lines everywhere you go, gyms are packed all the time, always looking for parking spots and half of them you have to pay for again super overcrowded. the weather is horrible 9 months out of the year so hot and humid I can be sitting in the shade at 8 am and already sweatting bullets, most people are rude especially the customer service is the worse I've seen and have been all over the country and abroad, if you don't speak Spanish you will feel like an outsider all the time. It's flat, the palm tree scenery get old quik and unless you're right on the beach you can't see the distance or the ocean it's blocked with high rise buildings you need to be right on the beach to see the water. That being said, proceed at your own risk.
Thank you for sharing your experience. It seems like your issue is with Miami though, and not the entire state, right? Lots of people say Miami is entirely different than the rest of Florida.
@@FloridaWithFive my job allows me to drive and explore all of Miami Dade, Broward County and WPB and I've experienced slightly less traffic in Fort Lauderdale, Boca, Delray Beach and WPB areas but the housing issue is the same, unless you're rich I'd steer clear of south south east Florida in general specially if you small children like myself 2 kids under 6 years old. Decent 3 bedroom houses in decent areas start at 1/2 mil. Coming from a cheap state like MO we got used to live a different lifestyle buying a large nice house lots of land now living in a 2 bedroom apartment with $2200/mo rent nice gated community but we miss our house. We've only been to Kissimmee once last November to take the kids to walt Disney for a week and was about 10 degrees cooler and much nicer feel to it, less traffic and so forth but 1 week isn't enough to know how it is to live there. Not all is bad living down here we skipped the bitter cold snowy winter but so far the negatives outweigh the positives for us.
@@mikecrocop1 Yeah Miami is not the ideal place for families especially if you're coming from the midwest. Most people who move to Southeast Florida are the young and single crowd or retirees. North and Central Florida are much cheaper and more family oriented.
I'm so happy you guys were able to move back. You had a dream and you made it happen. I'm looking forward to moving to Florida. You're videos have helped me soo much and I Know if you guys can do it, I can too!
I am glad you guys were able to move back to Florida. Unfortunately I won't be able to join you guys in Florida for a little while still taking care of the parents. Hold the fort down for me! LOL
Florida will be here whenever you’re ready!
Just made the move from Kansas to Florida as I started a job on the 10th of January.
It's an adjustment but in my case I have family here. My daughter is with her grandparents while I am working down here, so it's a little rough for both of us. But we adapt. It's what humans do.
Lol I moved from florida to kansas. I was a lifelong resident of Florida but we needed change and wide open spaces, and I am enjoying the small town life of kansas the colder weather the snow ect. My kids can walk everywhere and its not stuck in traffic to go anywhere. For us it was the right decision.
Yep - those were definitely signs! Welcome back home!
I have no regrets in moving! We got here last March
Welcome! Glad you are enjoying Florida!
I also prayed for a sign selling my house and moving was right next day Song gray skies are gonna clear up, kept running through my head It was a gorgeous sunny day. First in days. Then a car drove in front of me with license blu sky lol I was like ok! My house being built by Blue Skies
Awesome story! Thanks for sharing!
I just moved from ohio to florida love watching you guys !
As a Canadian I too love Florida !
Interesting content. we are moving fro. Wisconsin to Florida in couple months. Subscribed!!
I have been wanting to move to Florida for awhile. I am a cna and my hubby dies traffic control. Some wants a medical career also. I really need to move for my health as I can’t stand the cold anymore. I worry about the job pay though and being able to afford the cost of living there. Are there any areas you can recommend that are safe and fairly affordable?
I'm thinking about moving to Florida. Its cold here on long island. But I'm concerned about the low wages in Florida and the high cost of rent
We moved here last month from Nassau County. I honestly have no idea how people do it in Florida on a Floridian salary. That’s why you will see so many of us who have pensions or savings from our salaries up north moving to the more expensive areas like Winter Garden. It’s crazy how a six figure job in NY pays like $55,000 in Florida. A gym teacher in Great Neck makes more than my neighbor across the street who has been a principal for 20 years! BUT… say goodbye to $15,000 in property taxes for a 1900 sq ft home and state date deductions etc. It can be done.
TjL I want to move back to FL but the cost of rent in FL is so high right now
We Are a family of 5 as well, and we are So sick of the Midwest (Minnesota) winter's, The biggest thing we have struggled with is just making the decision where to move, we have considered Florida. South Carolina, Texas, California, bottom line definitely somewhere warm, we are both 100% in agreement that we want to move but have been Indecisive about where to.
Taking everything into consideration, cost. Mostly Housing cost. Job, health insurance, currently we get it from the state. And We won't know anyone so ideally somewhere that people are nice, Schools we have a 9 yr old and twin 4 yr Olds. So just struggling with where, we have visited all of those and more, as of Right now I'm leaning towards Gulf Shores Alabama because it still has the beach but seems more affordable with car insurance and a few others things.
I was Considering Clermont FL at one point, it looks like a really nice town and I'm into Motocross and a lot of Motocross guys have moved there from California.
That’s where we are at is Clermont!
Good luck to you whereveryou choose to go! Sunshine is good for you!
@@FloridaWithFive Thanks. I Like your videos keep up the good work 😀
Just moved from Waukesha Wi to winter garden FL 6 months ago
I actually started following you guys before we moved here❤️❤️❤️
Funny we moved to Florida and came back to ny and we are having the same feelings 😢
Haha love the Sign
We are closing on a real nice house in Saint augustine on Feb 10th!!! Sold our Jacksonville place for 100000 more than we bought it 2 years ago lol. Anyhoo lmk if you guys are ever in area. Love st augustine!!!
Hi, I'm from Colombia. My husband has a job offer in stoughton wisconsin and other one in kissimmee FL, we are so confused. Thank you for your video
I'm so glad I found u guys! U r the reason and motivation we are taking the leap. We have the job offer and now they want us down there by 3/01 obviously this year. So my question is this even possible with a house to sell?! I think our house will sell super quickly but 10 years of clutter 🙉🙉. Any tips would be SO appreciated 🙏. We are so thankful for this opportunity but not sure where to even start to make this happen.
It is possible, but you need to not think, and just get rid of stuff! Nice you get here, you will be glad that you did!
Look back in their earlier videos. They have one all about purging. And they mention it in a few other videos with extra tips.
If you don't love it or haven't used/worn it in the past year, let it go. That's what I'm doing as I purge. Just remember to keep some jackets and sweat shirts as Florida can get chilly at times.
I made it. I told you I would! Winter Park
Welcome!
Do a video on towns where young retired. Ouokes might live, not the villages. Easy drive to stores, low taxes, condo time shares, apartments, low maintenance houses or condos, etc
Wow lol I always watch for signs that was definitely one for sure.
That spotless kitchen oh my..👍👍
In regards to your move was there anything you did differently this time?
One thing, I do suggest buying vs renting.
I’m glad you guys are back.
Thanks! We are very happy to be here!
Awesome to see you guys came back to florida and fulfilled your dreams! Did you guys move back to Davenport?
We are actually in Clermont!
@@FloridaWithFive I heard clermont is awesome! Olympus and everything else that’s coming to clermont is going to be great. Can’t wait to see your future videos guys!
You guys are awesome hope to meet you some day!
Thats awesome!!
Dude! I just saw you on the news talking about the tornadoes in Clermont! My wife is like hey, look who that is!
Video up on fox 35 Orlando on TH-cam
We lost everything in hurricane Sandy in NY. Moved to MO for 6 months. Contemplated it permanently but none of us wanted to admit to each other that we didn’t like it down there. NY is becoming unlivable.
Lifelong New Englander but very serious about making the jump and heading to Florida...
What is it about Florida that makes you want to make the move?
🤗 Welcome back home to Florida..
Love your content, FWF! Can I ask how old the two of you were when you made the first move to the Sunshine State?
Erik was 34, Lindsey was 31
What do you do for a living?
Besides the real estate license?
I’m in construction management
@@FloridaWithFive What builder are you working for, if you don't mind me asking?
I am in commercial construction
Smart children! Before you shared what your guys said, I had decided to comment that changing during the school year is actually better. It's easier to become a part of a group than entering in the beginning of a school year.
We agree!
At least you are not in Polk County. You moved to Clermont, right?
Yes, but we did not mind Polk county when we lived there..
@@FloridaWithFive You are in a better place now.
There is a lot of crime in Polk County.
Now you are close to the Villages.
How close are you from the gate of the Villages?
Seriously, and not too be noisy but how did you afford to go to Florida, back to Wisconsin and back to Florida? What kind of job do you have? Family money? I only ask cause I'm trying to move with social security and 401k. Please help us folks!
We are blessed in the fact that I have put myself in a place in my career where I am able to obtain jobs that pay me enough to provide for our family while still putting money aside.
It is a good idea though, we should do some videos on moving to Florida on a budget!
@@FloridaWithFive Thanks for the reply. But most people are not as fortunate as you guys. I am retiring on Social security and a 401k of only about 200K. I have been fortunate to be in IT so I know SS payment for retirement is based on 35 years of highest pay. I was fortunate enough to make just over 6 figures for 15 of those years but that still is not a lot. I plan on using part or most of 401k (some small investments and ss to live off of) but the bulk of down payment by 401k to buy a house. But you supporting 8 people (especially 8 children) is very expensive. GOD bless you. But maybe one of you should get fixed! LOL. Yes a video for people like me and others especially if they should buy or rent. at 62 in June I plan to buy. I'm figuring out expenseses by watching yours and others videos and also checking Florida websites. I feel I can make a go of it comfortable compared to the cost in Philadelphia, PA especially due to the crime and property tax etc. So yeah any help for average people , even to pay a mover or move your self etc would be a great help. Thanks. CJ
@@FloridaWithFive I plan to move to Naples!!!!!!
@@FloridaWithFive Also I plan on moving very little. Just clothes, electronics. TV, etc. If the place is furnished, I've heard some people leave and just sell everything I'll live with their furniture and replace it bit by bit. Hell, I can sleep on the floor in a sleeping bag. Just need cookware and stuff (refrigerator) and the like.
Sorry for the many replies. Love your content and honesty. At my age I wouldn't be able to do what you did. Heck, I'm not sure if I was your age I would of been able to handle the stress even knowing I could afford it. God Bless you all!
FLORIDA WITH SIX*
Hi I’m from Cleveland Ohio is 15k enough for a family of 4 to move to Florida?
Hey I’m from Cleveland, west side on Clark Ave. Moved to Sarasota county 1.5 ago. Love it here, hate not having anyone, I mean no one to help us and that can be hard. It’s expensive so be prepared for a system shock. Right now we’re contemplating moving back because of family. The only reason to go back to crappy CLE. We have 3 kids and they all miss their cousins a lot. It’s tough. My wife and I decided if we move back it will be only until my youngest is done with school then we come back. Florida is home for us.
👍👍👍 FW6
I'm in a very similar situation with not wanting to leave my hometown and family. It's so hard but it's something my husband and I have thought about for a while.
Agreed. It is definitely a big leap!
Glad to see you are well! We still are seriously talking about moving to FL. Been looking at the Ocala area but it’s so hard to go by internet research. Also seems iffy for my medical care down there. P.S. we are supposed to get 11 inches of snow tomorrow so I might just start walking to FL! 🐸
If you have questions about Ocala, let me know. That’s where we’re at. Moved back down here for the 2nd time just like them. Our first time we were in citrus springs, and now we’re in Ocala for the last 3 years. Anything you want to know about here, I’d be glad to help you out.
@@Trust_In_Jesus82 yes please! I’d love to hear any opinions you have on the city. We have never been there. Would you consider it safe? Do you know if the public schools are good? Are there a lot of tourists in the area?
@@chantellenolan Honestly it’s a very boring area. Lol. The only good thing is you’re an hour and a half away from Orlando and an hour and a half away from Tampa. So Ocala is kind of in the middle of everything. There’s basically zero tourism in Ocala. I will say our Marion County Sheriffs do a great job, but there definitely is still crime. We’ve been here 3 years and I haven’t had any problems.
I’m not too sure about the schools. With everything going on, we’ve decided to home school our new kindergartener.
We have just about every major business and big chain. Most of the businesses are on the road called college rd (200). We have about 4 Walmarts here. Lol
Ocala is quite big, it can take you about 30 minutes to get from one side of Ocala to the other.
My wife works at the hospitals here. We have two big hospitals. Ocala is known for the horses. Still lots of country left here.
John Travolta is known for living here.
I would consider living here safe. We come from the Chicago suburbs and it’s definitely safer than that. Like I said, we haven’t ran into any problems. We have security cameras on the house and haven’t seen anything suspicious near our house.
You can find more information by looking up the Marion county sheriff on Facebook. As well as Ocala Starbanner for local news.
@@Trust_In_Jesus82 Thanks for the info! Interesting that you mentioned the sheriffs, are you familiar with them? We homeschooled in K too. We are coming from 5 acres in the country and privacy (and a foot of snow currently).Do you have plans on staying? Did you rent/buy? Did you visit Ocala before you moved there? Do you have any family nearby? How did you adjust to the weather? Do your kids like it there? Are the bugs a nightmare? How many questions can I ask? lol.
@@chantellenolan Ask as many questions as you’d like! Lol
The Sheriffs here are great. I follow them on Facebook and they’re quite funny to watch when they do video reports on Facebook. I’ve met Sheriff Billy Woods at a local Halloween event. They let the kids pet their horses, try on their equipment and get inside their SWAT vehicle. Very nice guys.
Well there’s lots of houses here with a lot of land, lots of country areas. So you’d probably feel at home, minus the foot of snow! Lol
That’s one thing I don’t miss, the snow.
We currently rent and working toward purchasing a home in a year or so. We’re not sure if we want to stay here or take another adventure within Florida. We did visit Ocala before moving down. We packed the car up for a weekend trip and spontaneously drove down here from the Chicago suburbs. We drove around the area to see how we liked it. Wife landed a job here and we said well that’s where we are moving to. Lol
It was an exciting adventure to drive down and say goodbye to snow.
All of our family lives in Illinois. I do have a cousin that lives about an hour south of us in Inverness.
The weather is great compared to frigid temperatures and snow. When it gets to cold temperatures like it is now (60 degrees) you’ll be running around in shorts and flip flops while everyone is bundled up like it’s -20 degrees out. I still wear shorts and flip flops when it gets colder. I will throw a hoodie on now. Lol
Once your body becomes use to these hot summer temps, 60 degrees almost feels like 30 degrees up north. It’s weird, but if you move down, you’ll see what I mean. Lol. Tonight we are suppose to hit our first real cold temps of the year in the 30’s. Brrrrr. Nice thing about florida though, once that sun rises, it warms back up. So these cold nights don’t stick around forever.
Yes the kids love it here. They basically wear flip flops year round. Our youngest is now 3 and he was only 2 months old when we moved down.
Yes the bugs can be a pain the butt. I learned about fire ants the first night here. I kneeled down in the grass to attach the tow hitch to the moving truck and oh my god my knee turned into a stinging pain. Lol
I got use to them after a while. Now they bite me and I just pinch them off me and throw them. One of the most annoying bugs is what they call no see ums. You legit can’t see them, but they feel like mosquito bites. The bites get itchy, but not as bad and don’t last very long like mosquito bites.
The giant roaches are about as normal as a common black ant in your grass. Huge grasshoppers. Flying roaches which are called palmettos. They’re more annoying than anything. We have love bug season twice a year. Usually in April and then again in September. They fly all over the place and nearly look like black snow when you’re driving. Lots of car washes because they splatter all over your windshield and front of your car. I’m so happy when they’re gone after a few weeks. Lol
The bugs are larger than life here.
Northeast and the east side of Ocala has black bears because of the forest. They like to stroll through the neighborhoods over there looking for garbage. I’ve never personally seen one, but I’ve seen videos of them people post. I’ve yet to run into a gator in the wild.
At least by moving there twice you were able to get rid of a LOT of stuff.
Still not enough!! Lol
So now you become a nomad family. Stuck between a rock and a hard place. You’ ll be moving back to Wisconsin again. Think of your kids, its not fair on them, having to be pulled out of a school system and having to make new friends.
We’re glad that you’ve got our family all figured out…good job! And we’re not originally from Michigan, we’re from Wisconsin. Thanks for watching and we hope you can find happiness! ✌️
I cant really say I care. I just know we dont need anymore people here...
I would rather raise kids in Wisconsin...than Florida...
Wisconsin has culture, history, character, and hills....lol
Florida is like living in a hotel or Cruise Ship.
Florida has waayyyyy more culture than Wisconsin. There are people living here from all over the world! There are festivals celebrating different cultures, authentic food, ect.
And history? Florida is home to the oldest city in the US in St. Augustine. We’ve visited the ruins of multiple Spanish forts, found fossils from ancient animals, and so on.
And the landscape? Although we live in the “hilliest” part of Florida, we would take the beach over hills any day.
Not to knock Wisconsin, because we do love it… but is it where we choose to live? No. And it’s ok if you don’t agree! But the reasons you mentioned are bogus.
@@FloridaWithFive Florida is a flat huge peace of sand with old people....I would not raise kids here....when your kids are older, they will hate the beach and want to leave far away from the sand...people I know who live here full time would would look at me like I was crazy, if I asked them if they want to go to the beach...locals here would rather stay indoors to escape the angry sun and heat...
@@FloridaWithFive Please understand, I'm just giving you my experience. I'm in Sarasota, very wealthy retired people live here and a lot of very poor people live here as well. Once a guy I work with moved here probly 28 yrs old. He was excited..he's going to go Boating and hang out at the beach...all excited about the sun and palm trees...well he moved back after 6 months...Florida kicked his ass . He almost went homeless...the heat and the humidity and the stuffy people and the homeless and low wages and the crime...lol...blew his mind...I felt the same way...I moved here thinking wooo hooo party time...not at all...most people lay in bed all day...traffic...the crowds...either you go to the beach or go to the bars...retired people just stay home or go to Applebees....Nic Johnson is right...its just one huge nursing home....this is Gulf Coast Florida....🤓