New to my channel and want to see more videos about Florida? Check out my Moving to Florida Playlist here: th-cam.com/play/PLTQbOpui9NO-Q25EZYW3oi07Tz-2wKOwg.html
i literally did not sleep last night. Practically trailblazed most of them. What's your email? As it stands, I am in need of friends -even for married bloke like myself. We can further correspond professionally. Hopefully you can see that I am doing everything in my power to prepare before 'the move.'
I’m so glad I found this channel! I graduated from UF and St Augustine has always been the place I wanted to live someday… I’ve been living in Los Angeles for 20 years, someday has definitely arrived and now EVERYONE is moving to Florida. Honestly, I had planned on moving there 10 years ago but it seemed to slow after being in L.A. Now it is so crazy in California! I’m finding difficult to leave for logistical reasons, love seeing inspirational videos like this reminding me anything is possible. It is there just DO it!
As a native Floridian, your list is spot on. If you haven't visited the panhandle beaches I would recommend a visit. There are no cities large enough to give you everything you mention in your list but the area is beautiful and mostly unspoiled by development. Thanks!
@@_theporkchopexpress What are of the panhandle? I am thinking of HollyBytheSea, Gulf Breeze, & Navarre....I hear Destin is nice but gets very touristy...
Where do you go that is "small-town", less people, conservative, yet plenty of local restaurants, and places to explore during the day? We are not night-life, crowded spaces people.
I was born and raised in Florida and have been all over the state. I now reside in South Carolina (moved for a job years ago). I was born in Clearwater Beach, Florida and it’s a wonderful place - you are right that it has a small town vibe. I’ve lived in Port Saint Lucie and Fort Pierce as a young child and loved it. The area has since changed and doesn’t have the wonderful “Old Florida” feel that I loved so much as a child. My family moved to Jacksonville, Florida when I was around 8 years old. Jacksonville was a great place to grow up in but the city has changed a lot as well (still have family there). The best sides of town in Jacksonville are the Southside and Beaches (South Jax Beach). When I was in my early 20’s, I moved out to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and absolutely loved it! It’s a wonderful, upscale, small beach community. I would always go to St. Augustine on my days off (I was in real estate as well). St. Augustine is my favorite place! Just like you, I can’t explain it as it just has this amazing vibe to me. Anastasia Island (where the beaches are) is so beautiful and natural. I’ve even thought about moving back and living near St. Augustine (maybe Vilano Beach or Anastasia Island). I will say that St. Augustine can get very crowded on the weekends due to it being a tourist town but that’s part of the charm. The Spanish architecture is breathtaking. Another great town/city is Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island. My brother lives there and my husband and I have visited many times. It’s very beautiful and has many historic areas around there as well. Great job on the places that you picked! I have family in Orlando as well and have spent a lot of time there. Tons of things to do but traffic can be a nightmare at times (especially around International Drive). However, traffic has really gotten crazy pretty much everywhere in Florida and in South Carolina (where I live now). South Carolina is beautiful and the people are so nice here but I catch myself missing my home state of Florida often. In fact, I found your channel because I was needing my Florida fix. Thanks for posting all your videos. Very informative and entertaining! 😊
Wow what a nice story and it's nice to hear from someone else who grew up here. Sounds like I nailed it according to you, and I do believe all these spots are really great picks and St Augustine is definitely the best. I am hoping to relocate there in the future, so much different than Miami. And thanks for posting about Jacksonville, a lot of people have been asking in the comments where are the best spots in Jacksonville, but I have no idea since I havent spent time there. Glad you found the channel😀
Hi Tina. Thanks for sharing your experience. We are retired couple contemplating a move to FL. Currently considering JAX and the surrounding areas. We would first plan a extended visit to get a feel before making a commitment. I welcome your and your brother's suggestions; what location(s) should we look into? Thank You!!!
I have lived in Clearwater for the past 20yrs have travelled all over this state. There are many nice place here in Florida. My advice to anyone thinking of moving here is depending on what your needs are. If your like me I needed a job affordable living and close to the beach and plenty things to do. Not all areas offer these thing. I found that Tampa Bay was best fit for me.
I live in Fort Lauderdale, while we have our faults, it’s cute! I will agree, Aventura is beautiful and so is Coral Gables. I’ve never visited Biltmore hotel but I have gone to Viscaya, it’s beautiful! I used to live in Downtown West Palm Beach and it was such a cute little city! I’m actually in St Augustine right now lol! I went to that same restaurant you were filming at. It was beautiful! I was so surprised about the nightlife in St. Augustine!
I like Ft. Lauderdale too! Primanitis has the best pizza up there! That is so cool you made it to the same place in St. Augustine. I have seen others here say the same. Somehow, everyone finds that place😊
To me the most important item is COST OF LIVING and cost of housing/renting -- that makes or breaks a decision when you have a limited budget. All else falls into place, most places are basically the same (same grocery stores, hospitals, etc.)
Ocala, Zephryhills, Belleview, Plant City, Lakeland, Port Charlotte, Arcadia. These are cheaper cities alternatives, best place is somewhere affordable and buying plane tickets twice a year. Sadly Florida is not cheap anymore.
Haven’t lived in Florida in about 20 years but IMO you cant go wrong with the gulf coast (Tampa to Naples). I personally prefer Sarasota but I’ve also lived in Pinellas County. If I had the money and either didn’t need to work or could work from home Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island is my favorite hidden gem. It’s in between Sarasota and Ft. Myers.
Thanks for this, I'm looking at those areas as well, except Ft. Myers, seems too far south for me. I want to be near the Tampa Airport, at least an hour or so.
Agreed gasperilla island longboat key and Siesta key, they have a military sunset every night where Taps is played and the American flag is lowered as the sun sets on the beautiful gulf
@@jdhjimbo Thank you for mentioning that. I did briefly look at the area, seems to be up and coming. I'm still heavily focused on the Tampa area at this time though.
As a native Floridian, I give a big thumbs down to Orlando! Disney ruined thousands of acres of Old Florida and contributed to urban sprawl. Full disclosure, I’m not a Disney fan, or theme parks in general. Since I’m from north Florida, I’m unfamiliar with the Miami area but Miami Beach is an unnatural beach and floods pretty badly in even mild storms. Also, the sprawl has damaged the Everglades which is terrible. Big thumbs up to St Augustine. I have many fond memories of St Augustine from my youth.
Glad you liked at least one on my list! But no matter what you or I think about any of these places, it won't stop them from growing and becoming bigger. I have seen other Floridians comment on that growth. But it is something that is basically impossible to stop and happens to all desirable areas in the world
This is a great video. Thank you. My wife was concerned with some of the crime stats she heard in Tampa. I had to remind her that we currently live in Metro Detroit and I never hear her saying we need to move out. If she is that worried about crime we should not be living here. Every bigger city has its good and bad parts but convincing her of that is almost impossible.
Thank you Scott! Yes hopefully you'll be able to convince your wife. You should bring her down and spend some time exploring Tampa. There are many great areas to live there
You're so right about all the other videos on this topic! They are purely based on statistical data and the super "safe" areas with low unemployment and good school etc, are usually very boring small towns no one would ever want to move to! Thanks for this practical information! Great video!
Thank you ! Yes, I was watching some of the other videos and just thinking like "this is so dry" and I was bored so I figured this would be a good video to make. So happy you enjoyed it😊
I am from Cleveland Ohio and we go to Sarasota Florida which is the Gulf side and we don’t like the East coast of Florida because it is too crowded. The City of Sarasota is just beautiful and Saint Armand’s Circle has all kinds of shops and Restaurants. Plus Sarasota has the number 1 beach in the USA . It is just one hour away from St Petersburg and Clear Water and the beautiful Tampa Bay. You forgot all about this when you mentioned Sarasota
Thank u for posting this I have lived in Florida damn near my whole life 24 years and I agree all the list in the videos are from people that have never visited or just came to Disney or Miami and think they know anything about it down here this is a much better list
No problem, really glad to hear you enjoyed it as a life long Floridian. I am not a lifer, but I have been here for a little over 12 years now and have been to all these places and they all have their own charms for sure. Thanks for watching 😊
I live in Tampa FL, I moved here from Coral springs FL in the fall of 2019. I've lived in Florida for going on 19 yrs, I love it. I'm a short drive from Clearwater Beach FL, they just recently started back up with the sunset parties. My wife and I love to just sit or walk the beach at sunset it's beautiful. We left Coral Springs cause we needed a change even though we loved south Florida it was time for a change. Plus I got a great deal on 1.3 acres of land in a gated subdivision were we built our dream home. We never run out of things to do, everything is only a few hours drive away every couple of months we go drive down to the Keys. You hit on a lot of great places, I can't argue with one thing. I would like to you to add one thing though. Lately people have been moving to Florida and six months later they're moving back home. It takes a good year to year an a half to really get into the Florida lifestyle. Let them know that and if they can stick it out they'll end up loving Florida as much as we do. Enjoyed your post.
Sounds like moving to tampa was a great choice for you. I am really happy to hear you liked my video as another Floridian and you are totally right! I have touched on the fact that a lot of people come to Florida but don't stay in some of my more recent videos. In a way that is good for the ones who truly love it here😀
Thanks!! Even though I am a realtor, I have NO interest in selling RE from the channel. I actually say that all the time in my videos, and people still call me😯
I live on Clearwater Beach. I was born here in 1958. My parents were born here. I'm still kickin thinking I'm still 24 years old. I still have my boat and I use it and sometimes spend the night on it. The islands north of Clearwater beach is where I take my boat. Dunedin up the street is perfect as well. Great bars and restraints. Safety Harbor the same! I had a contact lens lab in Coral Gables in the early 90's, right down the street from Coconut Grove. Miami was too crowded for me. I'll say this. I've been all over the state of Florida. My favorite beaches are on the gulf coast. If you go to Naples, check out 5th avenue.
@@MichaelBordenaro What is that guitar back there? I've been playing since I was 8 years old. I don't even know how many guitars I have now. It's a room full. I love em all.
Hi Michel...I lived in Florida for a few years on and off. I lived around Orlando in Altemonte Springs, Deltona and Casselberry. I also lived in Ft. Walton Beach in the pan handle. I loved it around that area. Destin Beach is a lovely spot. Living there you were not far from Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. I also want to say that I agree with you regarding St. Augustine. Went there several times and enjoyed each time. Lots to do there. I am enjoying your channel and all the conversation regarding this state. Makes me long for it. I now am back in my home country, Canada. and the way things are here right now, I am kind of sorry that I moved from Florida. Good luck on your new location and in the hunting process.
My wife and I visited Pensacola last year and loved it. Very laid-back. It has a lot of Veterans there, being a Veteran myself I like that. We are empty nesters and will likely be moving to Florida next year.
Haven’t been over that way yet but I’ve also heard that it’s nice. I’m sure it’s an exciting time being an empty Nester and making that transition to Florida. Congrats!
The panhandle of Florida is more like an extension of Alabama. But the beaches there are gorgeous and in need of rebuilding since that hurricane (hard to keep track of the names) The base around there makes for veteran fellowship for you. Thank you for your service and welcome home.
Very nice place to visit & of course, cheaper home costs for coastal areas than other parts of Florida but the hurricane risks are too high - I think its best to rent.
St Augustin is great. But have you checked out Viera? When I landed a job at the space center, I was told by friends in the area that this is the best place to live for a number of reasons. It’s a young family centered suburb of Melbourne. There’s loads to do around here and it’s 15-20 minutes to Satellite and 25 minutes to cocoa beach. We also have great food! Consider taking a day trip and I think this place will creep into your lists!
I agree with St. Augustine. I went there the first time in 2008 and I’ve been back a few times since. Definitely my favorite place that I would want to live in across Florida.
I just love your videos as I grew up in South Florida in the mid 60s Homestead was our home when it was only avocado orchards and the everglades. My grandparents built the 4th house on Pine Island and we spent most holidays there Such amazing memories. Thanks Michael for your hard work and for sharing it with me 🙂
This is a respectable list. I recommend checking out Ocala for a very different Florida experience. It is GORGEOUS horse country. It definitely doesn't fit the beach destination vibe. But it is BEAUTIFUL
i like marco Island. 30 minutes south of Naples. very tropical. easy to navigate on the island. alot more quiet that most beaches in florida. we are bout to purchase a condo there and i am glad its considered sleepy and boring lol i dont want a miami or clearwater. Marco has great beaches and a more laid back atmosphere compared to naples. its also only a 2.5 hour drive to the keys for my keys disease lol
Sounds like you have done your homework and found the right spot for you. Marco Island is definitely more of an older crowd, but that does have its perks like you said👍
Thank you so much for this video. I'm hoping to move to Florida within the next year or two. As a single woman its a slightly daunting even though I have visited many times before. An honest opinion from one who has actual experience is fantastic and helpful.
If you like fishing and great housing my suggestion is Landolakes kinda like living on the Outskirts of Tampa lots of lakes, all the perks of a big city without the crowds, because Landolakes is central to lots of major Florida attractions
I was raised in Naples back in the 70's love thar area. But have to say...being a 3rd generation Floridian you'll want to avoid Orlando i lived there for a few yrs and if you love traffic and construction..move there..Vero Beach is a great small quiet town...i love it...the Treasure Coast is a great place to live 🌸🌴
Yes a lot of people say the same about orlando, but if you are into the parks, then I assume that is why most people want to be there. To have all year round access to them. Treasure coast is beautiful, looking forward to doing videos there in the future!
I absolutely hate Orlando for its traffic and endless construction. You cant drive 2min without entering a construction zone. There are no trees left to make room for 6 lane+ roads 😑
@ do you prefer beach, inland, farmland, hunting? St. Pete... guaranteed by the old Indian, never will have another direct hit by a hurricane. Check that out. All these places you have named have changed so much over the years, I don't know what to recommend to you. If I were to go back it would be to St. Pete.
I love your page🌞....because you actually take the time to respond to comments and that’s Awesome❤️...You are my new go to guy for any Florida questions!
Thank you very much! Yes I do try to answer everyone and will continue to do so until that is no longer possible. I know some videos literally get thousands of comments within just the first couple hours, but I am not there yet lol. If ever miss you, it's not on purpose. I have seen a few times already where I never actually see a comment or I miss a reply, but I will always make an effort😀
Miami Beach, my home! Memories of hanging out @ Aventura Mall, shopping in Sunny Isles/Bal Harbour...ahh the memories. Been in Chicago for the past 20 years and ready to head back to Fl. Thanks for the video!
I’m happy I can drum up some of those old memories for you. Sounds like you’re ready to return home! It is funny also how many of us “trade places” i used to live in Illinois for 20 years now I moved down here. You used to live here and now you live in Illinois LOL
I have a vacation home in Panama City Beach . I live in Indiana . Not to far for us or family to drive down to vacation also. We have been coming here for over 35 years . We raised seven kids coming down here once maybe twice a year but now we own a home here. We really never run out of things to do and we live the beaches beautiful white sand . We are now taking grandkids where we took our kids . It is very affordable but u will spend more on food because who wants to cook with so many great places to eat and so many nice bars also . It is a great place . I have been all over the state of Florida except northeast but we do love places like Ilamorada. I also find this place has reàlly changed over the years most hotel have changed into condos. When we were still renting condos we found the Splash was a big hit with the kids. Pier park is great every store u can imagine right across from pier and beach . My electric bill runs high in this heat but besides that I love it here. I am very close to water . St. Andrews park is awesome. It has a calm lagoon to swim in that is great for kids . Lobster festival at Scooners is terrific also .
Panama city beach is one of the places highest on my list that I would like to visit in the panhandle along with Destin Florida. Have heard a lot of good things about both places. Sounds like you and your family have really enjoyed it over the years 😀
@@MichaelBordenaro Yes we have it has an amusement park also plus some rides at the Pier Park boardwalk . Great fun place to go . If you like steak or seafood try Saltwater grill it is a very good place , Angelos is a good steak house also.
You left our Broward County. I live in Tamarac, west Broward. Quiet community, 10 miles from the beach, Coral Springs next town has the most restaurants, and some are terrific.
I’ve been living in most of Florida for most of my adult life. I agree with most of your presentation; however, the beaches of the Jacksonville area are highly underrated, particularly Atlantic Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach.
Thanks for saying so Andy. So far the beach in St. Augustine was the only beach in the area that I have been too, but I am putting the beaches you named on my list of places to visit!
I picked St Augustine. It’s exactly as you described although job opportunities are limited. It’s a 30 minute drive to Jacksonville. I used to live in Cocoa Beach actually Patrick Air Force Base when i was still in the military and I loved it but I don’t know what civilian opportunities are there except Harris Corp which makes radios for the military
St Augustine is my favorite spot, not necessarily for economic opportunity, but more for the overall lifestyle and vibe. Most working folks may need to commute to Jacksonville for work, but living in St Augustine is probably one of the BEST spots in all of FL 👌
Ever been to the Fort Walton Beach area? I live in Brevard county but I stayed in a hotel in Fort Walton Beach last Labor Day when hurricane Dorian was lurking offshore. The beach sand is like white sugar. Lots of beaches and restaurants but still had a small town feel.
I visited the area 3 weeks ago with the intention of staying in Destin but that airbnb was in Fort Walton area (Eglin). Absolutely love the whole area. I love aviation and seeing the fighter jets and helicopters along the beach was amazing.
My personal favorite in Florida is Cape Coral, and specifically Cape Harbour. It's close to all the shopping in Fort Myers, easy to get to the updated Fort Myers airport and close to my favorite islands, Sanibel and Captiva. Also it's close to Fort Myers beach, downtown Fort Myers and Matlacha. Cape Coral has the most canals and houses on a canal or waterfront than any other city in the world! And that includes Venice Italy...You can go kayaking down the canals to sight see the beautiful waterfront properties or through mangrove islands to find yourself surrounded by wildlife. The city has lots of amenities and is close to Naples, Siesta Key, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. There's even a high speed catamaran that takes you to Key West faster than by car and you can return the same evening. My favorite are the beaches in Sanibel and Captiva...so tropical you would not be wrong in thinking that you were anywhere in the Caribbean. When you leave Cape Coral by boat and head due south west you can reach Cancun Mexico too. Cape Coral is truly a magical place. My parents had a condo in Arlen House in the mid to late 90's which was later purchased by the Trump family and renovated. It's located across from Haulover beach in Sunny Isles. I've been to Aventura mall, and Bal Harbour. I've also stayed quite a few times in Miami Beach at the Marriott Courtyard at Oceanside; a renovated art deco hotel (Cadillac) on the beach and on the boardwalk. It's close enough that you can take the trolly to downtown Miami Beach where all the action is or if you like walking you can take the boardwalk. I've also been to Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Key Largo, Key West (2x's) and Orlando which is one of my favorite cities in Florida...there's so much to see and do and not just in Disney or Universal Studios. One of my favorite vacations was when my wife and I stayed the Dream Hotel located behind the Versace compound at 11th Street right in the middle of all the action. I've been travelling to Florida since 1994 and I've never had a bad experience. Also let's not forget Sawgrass Mills Mall in Sunrise across from the Florida Panthers Arena where the shopping experience is totally off the charts!
I love your testimonial of FL! So true, there is much more to the state than Disney. I have been to most of the places you mentioned as well, and they are all great and have their own charms. Cape Coral however is still on my go list and have heard many great things. I know Arlen house too btw, I have done a few leases there over the years 😉
I live in Saint Augustine so I agree 100%... came to visit from North Carolina and we ended up staying we loved it so much! Also- Harry’s is the best restaurant here for sure!! Great video!
I did my trial run in Pompano Beach and really liked it. Much more than the gulf side. I have a small stainless steel business in OK and want to move down to do sculpture business there. I have my first artificial reef sculpture going into the Underwater Museum of Art near Grayton/Miramar Beach in October!
Oh very nice, glad you did the trial run, and now you know that you like Pompano better than the gulf👍 That sounds like a cool business and I know this becoming more of a thing here with the underwater sculptures. Sounds interesting!
You can tell you live in/near Miami and the nearby locations due to the amount of detail/time spent on them as opposed to places you have only visited. Sarasota has the Ringling Museum which is also an old mansion. There are Anna Marie Island and others nearby. Lots more. St Petersburg is NOT Clearwater. They are close by, but so are a lot of the places near Miami you mention. Downtown St Pete is a hopping place. Go visit and find out. I do love Clearwater Beach, but it is super expensive to love there. I lived in Pinellas County for over 30 years between Clearwater and St Pete. 10 minutes to the beaches. 10 minutes to the bay and over to Tampa.
I've lived in Rainbow Lakes Florida for about 7 years. It's a small quiet town. If you drive 15 miles east, there is Ocala. There you will find everything, restaurants, golf courses, horse farms and open land.30 mins North of that is Gainesville, which is a bustling college town. Home and land prices in these areas are much lower than the bigger cities AKA, Orlando or Tampa. I pay $830 a year in taxes on an acre of land with my own water well. It's also cheaper to buy a condo for rental income vs a high priced one. "It's not what you make..its what you keep".
Thank you so much for the information because I am relocating and I was thinking Orlando I’ve been there several times or four times and I like the last one that you commented on which is Saint Augustine so thank you so much for the information awesome to have people like you doing these types of videos God bless Florida
Good for you listing places you have been to and experienced. Life is about living in a place and catching its vibe, and not about C of C stats, etc. You listed most of my favorite spots, with the Palm Beaches being #1 on the East Coast, and Sarasota #1 on the West Coast. I have stayed in Sunny Isles 3 times and like it, and love Coral Gables, but it is even further south! My grandparents lived in Dunedin, so I spent lots of time at Clearwater Beach, so many great memories there over a period of 30 years. The greater Tampa area has a lot of diversity (love the Hyde Park area), and more affordable than South FL, with more Midwestern expats, so not the Northeast intensity of South FL, where many tend to bring NY-NJ with them! I am not a fan of Orlando, though Winter Park is very nice. I do not want to live inland in FL, and most of Orlando is so new that it feels like living in a theme park everywhere! Naples is OK for retirees, but not enough there for me. The only city you did not mention (that is real nice) is Destin, in the Panhandle. St Augustine does give you a break from summer heat, but also gives you cooler winter days, which can be a turnoff. The crowds on George St are a bit much, too, and I am not sure if there is enough culture there, but it is a beautiful place, and the first destination for Flagler and his developments. There are other coastal towns that are pretty nice north of Palm Beach, but you generally have to drive elsewhere to get to things. Las Olas and much of Ft. Lauderdale is nice, but loved to death, so I will take WPB/Palm Beach. Every city in America has dodgy and ritzy areas, so glad you shared from your experience, and gave folks a good sampler.
Thank you Jim! That is how I make all my videos, based on experience. Sounds like you also have a quite a bit of experience with Florida. So many great places here!
I lived in Hallandale one month, and then around the corner in Hollywood on the beach for a year. That was a long time ago. For perspective, my beachfront studio in a high rise building was only $550 a month and that included some extra services. That very same 400 square feet now rents for $1500. So costs have gone way up, and I fear for many of us, the ship has just sailed. I have been back to Hollywood every few years, and the past 2 trips I found people living in hotel rooms. They can't find an apartment for less. That is a strong hint of rising cost of living. If you take a basic Uber ride, you'll be sharing that ride with strangers, unless you pay triple the fare. The supply of money has gone so high and the desire to be by the beaches has blown up with it. I see on your video list you discuss this issue, so I'll give that a watch. Thanks!
I agree with everything you said. It is getting tough out there for everyone. Even the place I used to live when I first moved to Miami used to cost $900 a month now rents for $1500 a month. The rising cost of living compared to wages has been an issue in our country for a while now and I think this pandemic is going to put an even bigger spotlight on it unfortunately. I appreciate the comment and for watching 👌
I live in Toronto, Canada... and I think your videos are great!👍🏽 very informative and personalized... as a potential snowbird to FL soon, you’ve really taught me a lot. Thx again 🙂
Going to St Augustine in 2weeks to house hunt With another family member who’s looking to move to Fl As well, I’m so excited to finally see the Sunshine State and start living my dream!
That is so cool! I am here right now! I drove by 2 houses with signs for sale and saw like 6 people in the driveway of each looking at the houses. Market is hot here!
St Augustine, yess! I live here and can confirm everything you say. I love Harry's Seafood(the restaurant in your video is so good, when I got married we took the families to eat there). My house is a little over a mile from downtown and end up either walking dogs or cycling downtown a few times a week. Its the perfect balance of relaxing, but enough tourists that it keeps great restaurants open. I also love how much history is here. It's like a history resort. There are still things I have yet to do and I've lived here 6 years. If you ever need recommendations or anything here, hit me up!
It is a fantastic area! You are lucky to live there Brandon, it does have a very nice balance like you said. I would move there in a heartbeat, but now the prices have shot up so much, I will wait for them to hopefully come down.
@@MichaelBordenaro Thanks for your information. Your videos got me to stay, so I might as well sub. A 20 year old tech nerd needs some guidance in a new area
Two spots I loved the most.....San Luis Obispo when I was a student in Cal Poly......St Augustine.....adopted that city for winters with all its history and pristine Beaches and the Spanish Quarter...( From Niagara Canada )
Clearwater’s Pier 60 Sunset Celebration is still strong and just started back up after closing down for Covid 19. Lots of buskers , entertainers, artists, and an outdoor movie theater. Lots of fun for everyone.
Tarpon Springs, FL ❤️🏺🌴. I love that place. One of best of childhood times. I highly suggest and recommend to visit there. You are only like 30 minutes away from Clearwater Beach. ⛱️ 🏖️. I love that place!!
Any areas you go to in Florida that are close to beaches are nice..I'm a beach person there's a lot of nightlife,Malls and tons of stores so many restaurants the more people that come to get away from the Cold more they keep building in Florida is getting overpopulated and everybody wants to be in a nice area close to the airport close to the beach close to Disney World for a middle-class average worker New Homes are like $300,000 to $400,000 and up..Around here.. I live in the Melbourne Beach area have a beautiful house with a pool -hot- tub- all screened in, to me it's Paradise every day and night, I've been to all the places that you named and it's all about the money if you buy a condo on South Beach I believe they are over $1-Million dollars.. 10 minutes from my house in two different areas they built about 10,000 condos or more and I heard the starting price .Is over $400,000.Crazy.. I heard everybody's leaving California New York , New Jersey , Pennsylvania, the North and West are all moving to Florida sick of the cold the fires and High Taxes 🏖🏝🌡🌞🌞🌡🌞⛳🏌️♀️🏄♂️🏄♀️🤽♀️🏊♀️🏊♂️🤽♂️
Agreed, having the right mix of quality of life and affordability is the best combo and its getting harder to come by here in FL. When I started making videos about FL at the beginning of the year, I read an article saying that FL is the number one state people are moving to in the US. Although, after living here for 13 years, my experience is a lot of people are always moving here, and many usually leave too, as it does not live up to their expectations or they miss family end up not liking it here etc
I relocated from the northeast to FL in 1990. Over the past 30 years, I've lived in Hollywood Beach, Hallandale Beach, Miami Beach, Tampa, Gainesville, Stuart, and Cape Canaveral; and know and like all of these areas and much of FL very well. Trying to decide on a FL retirement destination in a few years. I might spend a month or two in an AirBnB at a few top places to help make my decision. Spent a lot of time at Sunny Isles (before it got expensive and before it got named Sunny Isles), and like it very much. Miami Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, St. Pete, and Clearwater Beach as well. I've visited Tallahassee, Pensacola, Destin, Jacksonville and Daytona Beach, but don't have much in-depth familiarity with the panhandle or the northeast coast of FL. Housing prices, crime, congestion, traffic vary widely throughout the state.
Wow sounds like you have been pretty much everywhere in Florida! I think coming and spending a couple months in an airbnb is a great idea. In fact, my next video I will be discussing that very topic 😊
Tampa!! youre close to the beach. and youre close to orlando. you can make a day trip to basically anywhere and then to really get everywhere you can make a weekend trip to the farther parts. the tampa are also has great schools
D....LIKES St Petersburg also. Very safe ,great nightlife, amazing events in Vinoy Park most weekends and fabulous outdoor market every Saturday morning
I really liked this video. I love Miami Beach b/c of that surprisingly small town vibe. You bring home that in the end where one lives is simply a personal choice. We have chosen Hollywood b/c we like the lack of polish, which, of course, would not appeal to everyone.
Thanks a lot! Yes, Miami Beach definitely is a small town in a big city. I like Hollywood too! I always take everyone who comes to visit me to the boardwalk there to hang out and check the place out. Probably the best boardwalk area in SoFL👌
The best places I recommend depending on my little experience are: Aventura, Fort Myers. What to avoid: most parts of broward county except: Weston, Cooper City. Fort Lauderdale is getting trashy especially west part of Andrews ave. and north parts of broward Blvd.
I have just been back to Fort Myers from Fort Lauderdale. There are many new shopping malls building up and more traffics. I love Fort Myers too although here has different traffic problems.
Every town has less desirable areas, but once younscout a place, you can find neighborhoods you feel comfortable in. Ft Lauderdale is a huge magnet for new residents, so they must not be coming to the trashy areas. You will be hard pressed to find a better entertainment street than Las Olas anywhere in America!
Thank you I got a lot of good ideas as far as moving back to Florida St Augustine, Tampa/Clearwater sound great plus St Augustine all places I’ve been to. I use to live in Plantation and Lake Worth before. Thanks for the info.
Just discovered your videos and love all the good info… living in the Northeast forever, and l am happy here.. but have to say, when visiting FL one of my favorite places is Mount Dora.. it’s like a small New England town with palm trees , haha, that’s what l love about it…great shops, food, beautiful homes, etc… it’s not “beachy” and l like that, not being that kind of human… if ever I’d relocate it’d be to MD…. but keeping your list of favorites in mind 😉
St petersburg lmfao if you want to deal with drunk crackheads 90% of the time go there prostitution lots of crazy fuck shit going on there even when your minding your business cary a gun in florida always.
@@The1ByTheSea I want to live close enough I can visit the beach by walking to it. I want a house on a canal for easy fishing access. I've been looking at Bradenton but don't know much about that area other than what TH-cam can provide. it's probably time for the wife and I to visit, but the damn Covid.
Insurance is high dmv plates and registrations are pretty high cost .... Is hot really hot . But it can be fun . Just search the cost of living . Depending on where you are coming from you might see rent very high or very low if you are coming from NYC or places like that .
I used to live in Jacksonville. St. Aug is a GREAT choice for #1. We went there a lot and the vibe is so laid back but there is a ton to do. It's also just a short hop up to Jax or down to Daytona and Orlando.
I’ve lived in Boca Raton and now Port Saint Lucie. Been to almost all the places you mentioned. From my personal experiences, Boca was nice. Beautiful beaches, plenty of restaurants. But it was lacking in live entertainment which makes having a few drinks much more fun. we used to slide over to Delray Beach for bars/restaurants with live entertainment. Boca was also extremely busy in “season” which gets old quick. Traffic,, lines at the supermarkets and 1.5 hr waits for a table at a restaurants. Port Saint Luice has more yearly residents which makes it a more stable and a good place to live full time. But the secret has been out for a while and it’s growing quickly, getting busier. Real estate is still affordable. We love Miami, go there all the time to South Beach. Don’t know if I’d want to live there. Same with the Keys. Love to visit for more of a chill, laid back experience. Wouldn’t want to be there full time. But like you touched on, many cool exciting places in Florida are only a few hours drive away. In PSL we are pretty centralized. Good video.
Thank you for your insightful comment, and I agree with your comment about the live music and busy season in Boca. Even here in Miami we get a good chunk of tourists each year, but still not too bad in my neighborhood. Really glad you enjoyed the video 😀
Oh yeah, I have made several videos about that before. Some people even end up leaving bc they just cant take the heat for that long. Its a big adjustment
I was waiting for you to say St Augustine because I knew you loved the place. Glad you put Sarasota as I just bought a place there and love it. Great video man.
@@geocape7060 Yes definitely! Although, in the summer, daytime can be almost equally as hot in both places. Main difference being that St. Augustine gets some relief at night time, whereas Miami does not. Here it just stays hot and humid, day and night.
I was about to give a dislike, but I continued watching and realized it was your real experience, so, thank you for taking of your time to share with 🇺🇸 us
Thanks for sticking around and giving it a chance. YES, everything I said in this video is totally based on real experience and not googled statistics. Appreciate it 👍
This video was soooo helpful, thank you so much!!!!!!!! I’m looking to move from the D.C area and I must say this is the best video I’ve seen and you’ve really helped me narrow down my search
I really like Venice, FL. I’ve visited there, Sarasota, Daytona, and Orlando. I came to this video because I’m wanting to move somewhere in the country to call home for a few years maybe longer. Tampa seems to be pretty cool too
I've been to almost all of these places over the last 40 years, and like your list! I think our favorite is Sunny Isles/Aventura. We currently live about 30 minutes NW of this area, but frequent Sunny Isles often and enjoy the Aventura Mall every few months. In about 20 years we may move to a bayside condo in Sunny Isles. They are affordable right now. We would move sooner but we need our acre property for next 15 to 20 years.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the list and I like Sunny Isles too! Some people have said bad things about it, but I don't care, I live here and I know whats up😀
Michael Bordenaro Hey Michael , what’s bad to say about Sunny isles !🤔 it’s a great place to live and I’m going back to live there be looking for you!🌴
I found the “you can walk to what you want here” funny because after being in Vegas, the heat cured me of walking anywhere further than 200 ft away..lol Knowing the Florida heat, walking several blocks is a pass.
@@MichaelBordenaro m moving to Florida as a RN there in Naples hospital. You provided me real information which helped me to decide my future. Thanks a lot sir
My wife and I have been doing the snowbird thing for over 20 years. I was 41 when I figured out I could do my job with a laptop on the beach. We've been all over the state -quite a bit of it on a small boat. My only big objection to your list is Orlando. We'll drive 50 miles out of our way to avoid it. Not a fan of the mouse. St. A is near the top of our list too. The Keys are fun, but it's harder and harder to live there.
What a cool story! Orlando certainly isn't for everyone. I wouldn't want to live there myself, as I love the ocean, but it is fun to visit. Sounds like the life! Sail around FL and work from a laptop. Good for you and thanks for sharing and watching 😊
Good video. Been traveling to Florida 3x year for the last 5 years to see different areas. Stuart, Amelia Island, Daytona, Sebastian, West Palm, Siesta Key, Tampa, Homassa, Clear Water, Dunedin, Orlando, Ocala, Crystal River, Mount Dora, Ormond Beach, St Augustine, Flagler, and Sannibel Island. Of all the places I went to when it comes to beaches activities and quality of life I will choose Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach.
I rode my bike down the entire length of Florida, and I have to agree with you about Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach. It is so beautiful. Plus it has some of the most extensive bike trail infrastructure just directly to the south. Definitely a below-the-radar gem.
@@hejiranyc if you are ever in Amelia Island again go north into Georgia either St. Mary's which is a small coastal town or Jekyll Island which is beautiful and check out Driftwood Beach.
The beaches in Destin, Ft Walton Beach and Navarre are just beautiful. I’m in Gulf Breeze which is in the middle of Pensacola and Destin so lots to do, but with fewer crowds.
You are correct ☝🏾 a majority of videos talking about "best cities/towns" to live in Florida are uploaded by persons who never set foot in the state 😲 I also agree with you on St Augustine, which is also close to Gainesville (Alachua County) a city I really admire 🤠☝🏾
Gainesville and other areas inland are wonderful. A completely different vibe, but still have the great Florida weather (I must qualify that I'm a rare bird who loves the heat) wonderful parks and nature areas. Gainesville has that college town vibe and Devil's Millhopper, one of the deepest sinkholes in the country
Love this video, that your speaking from experience. I’m from Houston and been itching to move to clear water, visited there once as a kid and remember the beach being amazing which is my main concern of the place I move to and was really happy to hear you mention it on this list.
I live in Coral Springs, this is the only city in USA which has almost all famous Retail and Restaurant outlets at every corner. Also, close to Miami but cheaper housing rates.
I haven't really spent any time in that area, but glad to know you like it! I just went there a couple months ago for the first time to pick up my PS5👍
![Top 10 BEST PLACES TO LIVE In Florida [2024] | updated & improved!](/img/n.gif)
New to my channel and want to see more videos about Florida? Check out my Moving to Florida Playlist here: th-cam.com/play/PLTQbOpui9NO-Q25EZYW3oi07Tz-2wKOwg.html
Very helpful -Comfotable approach
How bout Pensacole - Spring Hill - Punta Gorda - Venice Beach
good video..........like the choices
@@grantnoroyan4083 Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it😀
@@opensecret4451 Never been to any of those places, except Venice, but I was only a kid so that is why none of them made the list
i literally did not sleep last night. Practically trailblazed most of them. What's your email?
As it stands, I am in need of friends -even for married bloke like myself. We can further correspond professionally. Hopefully you can see that I am doing everything in my power to prepare before 'the move.'
TH-cam is getting repetitive with people making fake videos just for views Im glad there’s people like you willing to make a useful video that’s real
Thanks a lot Adonys! Glad you feel that way about my vids, thats exactly how I try to be different than everyone else👌
I’m so glad I found this channel! I graduated from UF and St Augustine has always been the place I wanted to live someday… I’ve been living in Los Angeles for 20 years, someday has definitely arrived and now EVERYONE is moving to Florida. Honestly, I had planned on moving there 10 years ago but it seemed to slow after being in L.A. Now it is so crazy in California! I’m finding difficult to leave for logistical reasons, love seeing inspirational videos like this reminding me anything is possible. It is there just DO it!
I'm glad you found me too Kimberly! Thats right, anything is possible. I'm sure you'll figure a way if its what you really want 😊
As a native Floridian, your list is spot on. If you haven't visited the panhandle beaches I would recommend a visit. There are no cities large enough to give you everything you mention in your list but the area is beautiful and mostly unspoiled by development. Thanks!
Thank you! I plan on visiting the panhandle real soon on a road trip. Looking forward to it 👌
Just moved to the panhandle from Atlanta, and I’m kicking myself for not doing it sooner
@@_theporkchopexpress Nice, which area did you move to?
@@_theporkchopexpress What are of the panhandle? I am thinking of HollyBytheSea, Gulf Breeze, & Navarre....I hear Destin is nice but gets very touristy...
Where do you go that is "small-town", less people, conservative, yet plenty of local restaurants, and places to explore during the day? We are not night-life, crowded spaces people.
We moved to St. Augustine three years ago and it is the best!
is it bike friendly
Been there & it’s very cool. Old school Spanish style vintage construction of the buildings.
@@samelian1822 kinda
Don’t know what it’s like to live there but it has always been one of my favorite vacation destinations in Florida.
Had the best coconut shrimp at a sports bar there I tried a few years ago and it was amazing.
So true about Naples. Great for retirees and families. But someone hits the master switch at 9pm and the entire place goes lights out.
Ha ha Yep that’s definitely not the spot for me!
Got a condo in St Augustine. I’ve been all over Florida, almost all you mentioned. St Augustine is the best. Great choice!
That is awesome Dan! Its still my favorite place glad you thought so too 😀
It’s very cool but EXTREMELY touristy, more than international drive in Orlando
I love St Augustine!
I live in Venice and I would love to move there in a few months
We have a second home there. We love it
I was born and raised in Florida and have been all over the state. I now reside in South Carolina (moved for a job years ago). I was born in Clearwater Beach, Florida and it’s a wonderful place - you are right that it has a small town vibe. I’ve lived in Port Saint Lucie and Fort Pierce as a young child and loved it. The area has since changed and doesn’t have the wonderful “Old Florida” feel that I loved so much as a child. My family moved to Jacksonville, Florida when I was around 8 years old. Jacksonville was a great place to grow up in but the city has changed a lot as well (still have family there). The best sides of town in Jacksonville are the Southside and Beaches (South Jax Beach). When I was in my early 20’s, I moved out to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and absolutely loved it! It’s a wonderful, upscale, small beach community. I would always go to St. Augustine on my days off (I was in real estate as well). St. Augustine is my favorite place! Just like you, I can’t explain it as it just has this amazing vibe to me. Anastasia Island (where the beaches are) is so beautiful and natural. I’ve even thought about moving back and living near St. Augustine (maybe Vilano Beach or Anastasia Island). I will say that St. Augustine can get very crowded on the weekends due to it being a tourist town but that’s part of the charm. The Spanish architecture is breathtaking. Another great town/city is Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island. My brother lives there and my husband and I have visited many times. It’s very beautiful and has many historic areas around there as well. Great job on the places that you picked! I have family in Orlando as well and have spent a lot of time there. Tons of things to do but traffic can be a nightmare at times (especially around International Drive). However, traffic has really gotten crazy pretty much everywhere in Florida and in South Carolina (where I live now). South Carolina is beautiful and the people are so nice here but I catch myself missing my home state of Florida often. In fact, I found your channel because I was needing my Florida fix. Thanks for posting all your videos. Very informative and entertaining! 😊
Wow what a nice story and it's nice to hear from someone else who grew up here. Sounds like I nailed it according to you, and I do believe all these spots are really great picks and St Augustine is definitely the best. I am hoping to relocate there in the future, so much different than Miami. And thanks for posting about Jacksonville, a lot of people have been asking in the comments where are the best spots in Jacksonville, but I have no idea since I havent spent time there. Glad you found the channel😀
Hi Tina. Thanks for sharing your experience. We are retired couple contemplating a move to FL. Currently considering JAX and the surrounding areas. We would first plan a extended visit to get a feel before making a commitment. I welcome your and your brother's suggestions; what location(s) should we look into? Thank You!!!
I have lived in Clearwater for the past 20yrs have travelled all over this state. There are many nice place here in Florida. My advice to anyone thinking of moving here is depending on what your needs are. If your like me I needed a job affordable living and close to the beach and plenty things to do. Not all areas offer these thing. I found that Tampa Bay was best fit for me.
Agreed, good advice👌
thank uuuu that was the comment i was looking for!!!
I live in Fort Lauderdale, while we have our faults, it’s cute! I will agree, Aventura is beautiful and so is Coral Gables. I’ve never visited Biltmore hotel but I have gone to Viscaya, it’s beautiful! I used to live in Downtown West Palm Beach and it was such a cute little city! I’m actually in St Augustine right now lol! I went to that same restaurant you were filming at. It was beautiful! I was so surprised about the nightlife in St. Augustine!
I like Ft. Lauderdale too! Primanitis has the best pizza up there! That is so cool you made it to the same place in St. Augustine. I have seen others here say the same. Somehow, everyone finds that place😊
To me the most important item is COST OF LIVING and cost of housing/renting -- that makes or breaks a decision when you have a limited budget. All else falls into place, most places are basically the same (same grocery stores, hospitals, etc.)
Good thing I made a video about that too !
Ocala, Zephryhills, Belleview, Plant City, Lakeland, Port Charlotte, Arcadia. These are cheaper cities alternatives, best place is somewhere affordable and buying plane tickets twice a year. Sadly Florida is not cheap anymore.
Haven’t lived in Florida in about 20 years but IMO you cant go wrong with the gulf coast (Tampa to Naples). I personally prefer Sarasota but I’ve also lived in Pinellas County. If I had the money and either didn’t need to work or could work from home Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island is my favorite hidden gem. It’s in between Sarasota and Ft. Myers.
Thanks for this, I'm looking at those areas as well, except Ft. Myers, seems too far south for me. I want to be near the Tampa Airport, at least an hour or so.
Agreed gasperilla island longboat key and Siesta key, they have a military sunset every night where Taps is played and the American flag is lowered as the sun sets on the beautiful gulf
@@mimisemptynest2735 Ft Myers has its own airport, but obviously not as many great connections everywhere as TPA.
@@jdhjimbo Thank you for mentioning that. I did briefly look at the area, seems to be up and coming. I'm still heavily focused on the Tampa area at this time though.
@@mimisemptynest2735 I like greater Tampa better myself, but wasn't sure if you knew Ft Myers had its own airport.
As a native Floridian, I give a big thumbs down to Orlando! Disney ruined thousands of acres of Old Florida and contributed to urban sprawl. Full disclosure, I’m not a Disney fan, or theme parks in general. Since I’m from north Florida, I’m unfamiliar with the Miami area but Miami Beach is an unnatural beach and floods pretty badly in even mild storms. Also, the sprawl has damaged the Everglades which is terrible. Big thumbs up to St Augustine. I have many fond memories of St Augustine from my youth.
Glad you liked at least one on my list! But no matter what you or I think about any of these places, it won't stop them from growing and becoming bigger. I have seen other Floridians comment on that growth. But it is something that is basically impossible to stop and happens to all desirable areas in the world
We agree
This is a great video. Thank you. My wife was concerned with some of the crime stats she heard in Tampa. I had to remind her that we currently live in Metro Detroit and I never hear her saying we need to move out. If she is that worried about crime we should not be living here. Every bigger city has its good and bad parts but convincing her of that is almost impossible.
Thank you Scott! Yes hopefully you'll be able to convince your wife. You should bring her down and spend some time exploring Tampa. There are many great areas to live there
If you want lower crime near Tampa move south of Hillsboro county and definitely don’t move to pinellas county
You're so right about all the other videos on this topic! They are purely based on statistical data and the super "safe" areas with low unemployment and good school etc, are usually very boring small towns no one would ever want to move to! Thanks for this practical information! Great video!
Thank you ! Yes, I was watching some of the other videos and just thinking like "this is so dry" and I was bored so I figured this would be a good video to make. So happy you enjoyed it😊
I lived in Bradenton, Fl for 14 years. I moved Dec. 94 but visit every year. It has changed alot but Anna Maria Island is still amazing.
I was born in Bradenton in1949. Yes, it certainly has changed
Love AMI
I am from Cleveland Ohio and we go to Sarasota Florida which is the Gulf side and we don’t like the East coast of Florida because it is too crowded. The City of Sarasota is just beautiful and Saint Armand’s Circle has all kinds of shops and Restaurants. Plus Sarasota has the number 1 beach in the USA . It is just one hour away from St Petersburg and Clear Water and the beautiful Tampa Bay. You forgot all about this when you mentioned Sarasota
The video was already pretty long, so I try to keep them as condensed as I can, while still giving as much info as possible👍
Lido Key was my favorite there. 😊
Thank u for posting this I have lived in Florida damn near my whole life 24 years and I agree all the list in the videos are from people that have never visited or just came to Disney or Miami and think they know anything about it down here this is a much better list
No problem, really glad to hear you enjoyed it as a life long Floridian. I am not a lifer, but I have been here for a little over 12 years now and have been to all these places and they all have their own charms for sure. Thanks for watching 😊
I live in Tampa FL, I moved here from Coral springs FL in the fall of 2019. I've lived in Florida for going on 19 yrs, I love it. I'm a short drive from Clearwater Beach FL, they just recently started back up with the sunset parties. My wife and I love to just sit or walk the beach at sunset it's beautiful. We left Coral Springs cause we needed a change even though we loved south Florida it was time for a change. Plus I got a great deal on 1.3 acres of land in a gated subdivision were we built our dream home. We never run out of things to do, everything is only a few hours drive away every couple of months we go drive down to the Keys. You hit on a lot of great places, I can't argue with one thing. I would like to you to add one thing though. Lately people have been moving to Florida and six months later they're moving back home. It takes a good year to year an a half to really get into the Florida lifestyle. Let them know that and if they can stick it out they'll end up loving Florida as much as we do. Enjoyed your post.
Sounds like moving to tampa was a great choice for you. I am really happy to hear you liked my video as another Floridian and you are totally right! I have touched on the fact that a lot of people come to Florida but don't stay in some of my more recent videos. In a way that is good for the ones who truly love it here😀
@@MichaelBordenaro
Hey man Florida is home, no place my wife and I would rather be. It's like being on vacation year round.
@@deathscythehell7937 I agree😀
WELL DONE! I'm tired of all the FL realtor video hyping their territory. This is definitely not that kind of video.
Thanks!! Even though I am a realtor, I have NO interest in selling RE from the channel. I actually say that all the time in my videos, and people still call me😯
I live on Clearwater Beach. I was born here in 1958. My parents were born here. I'm still kickin thinking I'm still 24 years old. I still have my boat and I use it and sometimes spend the night on it. The islands north of Clearwater beach is where I take my boat. Dunedin up the street is perfect as well. Great bars and restraints. Safety Harbor the same! I had a contact lens lab in Coral Gables in the early 90's, right down the street from Coconut Grove. Miami was too crowded for me. I'll say this. I've been all over the state of Florida. My favorite beaches are on the gulf coast. If you go to Naples, check out 5th avenue.
Very cool! I love the gulf beaches as well, I went all over the state last spring and visited so many great areas of FL😊
@@MichaelBordenaro What is that guitar back there? I've been playing since I was 8 years old. I don't even know how many guitars I have now. It's a room full. I love em all.
That vibe in west palm beach is wonderful, it’s the first time I hear about it.
Yes West Palm is a nice area, good middle ground for someone who doesn't want to be isolated but yet not in a total hustle and bustle
Hi Michel...I lived in Florida for a few years on and off. I lived around Orlando in Altemonte Springs, Deltona and Casselberry. I also lived in Ft. Walton Beach in the pan handle. I loved it around that area. Destin Beach is a lovely spot. Living there you were not far from Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. I also want to say that I agree with you regarding St. Augustine. Went there several times and enjoyed each time. Lots to do there. I am enjoying your channel and all the conversation regarding this state. Makes me long for it. I now am back in my home country, Canada. and the way things are here right now, I am kind of sorry that I moved from Florida. Good luck on your new location and in the hunting process.
I live in Altamonte Springs. Next to Maitland. I love it!
My wife and I visited Pensacola last year and loved it. Very laid-back. It has a lot of Veterans there, being a Veteran myself I like that. We are empty nesters and will likely be moving to Florida next year.
Haven’t been over that way yet but I’ve also heard that it’s nice. I’m sure it’s an exciting time being an empty Nester and making that transition to Florida. Congrats!
Awesome! 👏😎Thank you for your service 🙏
Always consider the hurricanes in this area.
The panhandle of Florida is more like an extension of Alabama. But the beaches there are gorgeous and in need of rebuilding since that hurricane (hard to keep track of the names) The base around there makes for veteran fellowship for you. Thank you for your service and welcome home.
Very nice place to visit & of course, cheaper home costs for coastal areas than other parts of Florida but the hurricane risks are too high - I think its best to rent.
St Augustin is great. But have you checked out Viera? When I landed a job at the space center, I was told by friends in the area that this is the best place to live for a number of reasons. It’s a young family centered suburb of Melbourne. There’s loads to do around here and it’s 15-20 minutes to Satellite and 25 minutes to cocoa beach. We also have great food! Consider taking a day trip and I think this place will creep into your lists!
I probably pass right by Viera on my last Florida road trip. Never actually stopped in and experienced it though I’ll have to check it out sometime
I agree with St. Augustine. I went there the first time in 2008 and I’ve been back a few times since. Definitely my favorite place that I would want to live in across Florida.
Nice! Yes it is my favorite as well and I may even relocate there in the next few years 👍
I just love your videos as I grew up in South Florida in the mid 60s
Homestead was our home when it was only avocado orchards and the everglades. My grandparents built the 4th house on Pine Island and we spent most holidays there
Such amazing memories. Thanks Michael for your hard work and for sharing it with me 🙂
I am very happy that you completely overlooked my area of the state.
Where is that 🙂?
@@dessimartinovski Northwest Florida. Please overlook us.
@@xrysoryba Seaside? Rosemary? Destin?🤫
This is a respectable list. I recommend checking out Ocala for a very different Florida experience. It is GORGEOUS horse country. It definitely doesn't fit the beach destination vibe. But it is BEAUTIFUL
Thank you. Yes Ocala is a place on my list they still haven’t visited yet. Hoping to make many new stops in Florida this year
Very good video.I like that you base yourself on personal experience.Actually check out the places you talk about.
i like marco Island. 30 minutes south of Naples. very tropical. easy to navigate on the island. alot more quiet that most beaches in florida. we are bout to purchase a condo there and i am glad its considered sleepy and boring lol i dont want a miami or clearwater. Marco has great beaches and a more laid back atmosphere compared to naples. its also only a 2.5 hour drive to the keys for my keys disease lol
Sounds like you have done your homework and found the right spot for you. Marco Island is definitely more of an older crowd, but that does have its perks like you said👍
Thank you so much for this video. I'm hoping to move to Florida within the next year or two. As a single woman its a slightly daunting even though I have visited many times before. An honest opinion from one who has actual experience is fantastic and helpful.
You are very welcome! So glad the video helped you, and can give you some insight from my first hand experience 👌
Great video ,looking to move down Florida Venice ,st Augustine .Not to close to beach 👍👍👍
Both excellent choices👌
If you like fishing and great housing my suggestion is Landolakes kinda like living on the Outskirts of Tampa lots of lakes, all the perks of a big city without the crowds, because Landolakes is central to lots of major Florida attractions
Sounds like a cool place! I had someone ask me about it recently but I have never been there. Will have to check it out one of these days
I like Naples as a good “escape” from Miami Beach every once in a while.
I need to go back and check it out again. I was only there once and didn't get to enjoy much since I was there for a business meeting
Left Naples 24yrs ago never going back. I went to high school there and lived there for 20 yrs after that.
I was raised in Naples back in the 70's love thar area. But have to say...being a 3rd generation Floridian you'll want to avoid Orlando i lived there for a few yrs and if you love traffic and construction..move there..Vero Beach is a great small quiet town...i love it...the Treasure Coast is a great place to live 🌸🌴
Yes a lot of people say the same about orlando, but if you are into the parks, then I assume that is why most people want to be there. To have all year round access to them. Treasure coast is beautiful, looking forward to doing videos there in the future!
I lived in Orlando in the 90s but I would not now, but I live in Destin - Miramar beach now so I'm good.
I absolutely hate Orlando for its traffic and endless construction. You cant drive 2min without entering a construction zone. There are no trees left to make room for 6 lane+ roads 😑
I was born in Florida in 1949. You need to check out some of the smaller towns.
Yes I want to and look forward to really. It will be fun to do some updated versions of this video on the future once I visit more places 😀
@ do you prefer beach, inland, farmland, hunting? St. Pete... guaranteed by the old Indian, never will have another direct hit by a hurricane. Check that out. All these places you have named have changed so much over the years, I don't know what to recommend to you. If I were to go back it would be to St. Pete.
Lived in St. Pete beach for 7 years and LOVE the area. We always took day trips to Sarasota if we wanted a change of scenery. Love Florida's magic.
Yes those are both excellent areas, I am sure you had a blast😀
I love your page🌞....because you actually take the time to respond to comments and that’s Awesome❤️...You are my new go to guy for any Florida questions!
Thank you very much! Yes I do try to answer everyone and will continue to do so until that is no longer possible. I know some videos literally get thousands of comments within just the first couple hours, but I am not there yet lol. If ever miss you, it's not on purpose. I have seen a few times already where I never actually see a comment or I miss a reply, but I will always make an effort😀
Michael Bordenaro Even if it’s just 1 or 2 the fact that you respond is Awesome!
Miami Beach, my home! Memories of hanging out @ Aventura Mall, shopping in Sunny Isles/Bal Harbour...ahh the memories. Been in Chicago for the past 20 years and ready to head back to Fl. Thanks for the video!
I’m happy I can drum up some of those old memories for you. Sounds like you’re ready to return home! It is funny also how many of us “trade places” i used to live in Illinois for 20 years now I moved down here. You used to live here and now you live in Illinois LOL
Would you ever consider moving back to Florida or Chicago is we’re home is at ... I stay in Ohio can’t wait to move bk to Florida
Forget yo sunset party,! Siesta key drum circle is the place to be
Also the sand sculpture festival in november!!
I have a vacation home in Panama City Beach . I live in Indiana . Not to far for us or family to drive down to vacation also. We have been coming here for over 35 years . We raised seven kids coming down here once maybe twice a year but now we own a home here. We really never run out of things to do and we live the beaches beautiful white sand . We are now taking grandkids where we took our kids . It is very affordable but u will spend more on food because who wants to cook with so many great places to eat and so many nice bars also . It is a great place . I have been all over the state of Florida except northeast but we do love places like Ilamorada. I also find this place has reàlly changed over the years most hotel have changed into condos. When we were still renting condos we found the Splash was a big hit with the kids. Pier park is great every store u can imagine right across from pier and beach . My electric bill runs high in this heat but besides that I love it here. I am very close to water . St. Andrews park is awesome. It has a calm lagoon to swim in that is great for kids . Lobster festival at Scooners is terrific also .
Panama city beach is one of the places highest on my list that I would like to visit in the panhandle along with Destin Florida. Have heard a lot of good things about both places. Sounds like you and your family have really enjoyed it over the years 😀
@@MichaelBordenaro Yes we have it has an amusement park also plus some rides at the Pier Park boardwalk . Great fun place to go . If you like steak or seafood try Saltwater grill it is a very good place , Angelos is a good steak house also.
@@lisahartleyandcairo1262 Thank you for the tips!
You left our Broward County. I live in Tamarac, west Broward. Quiet community, 10 miles from the beach, Coral Springs next town has the most restaurants, and some are terrific.
After all this time down here actually haven’t ventured over into the coral springs area still. Pass-through but not actually checked out the area
I'm from Europe (Italy) and i want to move to the U.S. Thank you for your videos, you're very down to earth Michael!
Awesome! I know quite a few Italians here in Miami 👌 So glad you enjoy my channel😉
I am Polish from NJ and just yesterday I purchased a piece of property in one of these cities Michael mentioned
@@EwainParadise Congrats!! Good for you😀
@@MichaelBordenaro thank you 😊
I’ve been living in most of Florida for most of my adult life. I agree with most of your presentation; however, the beaches of the Jacksonville area are highly underrated, particularly Atlantic Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach.
Thanks for saying so Andy. So far the beach in St. Augustine was the only beach in the area that I have been too, but I am putting the beaches you named on my list of places to visit!
Agreed, I lived in Jacksonville too. All the beaches are beautiful
Sorry guys but I found the Jacksonville beaches disgusting.
Marco Island is beautiful and the beaches are clean and Agua green. The sands are white and it’s. Very nice.i recommend to visit.
Can't wait to visit Marco Island, its high on my list👌
I picked St Augustine. It’s exactly as you described although job opportunities are limited. It’s a 30 minute drive to Jacksonville. I used to live in Cocoa Beach actually Patrick Air Force Base when i was still in the military and I loved it but I don’t know what civilian opportunities are there except Harris Corp which makes radios for the military
St Augustine is my favorite spot, not necessarily for economic opportunity, but more for the overall lifestyle and vibe. Most working folks may need to commute to Jacksonville for work, but living in St Augustine is probably one of the BEST spots in all of FL 👌
I lived in Cape Coral for 3 yrs and as a single mother of 3 it was the best years we had. Cannot wait to move back, hopefully soon
Good luck on your move back Nancy!
Ever been to the Fort Walton Beach area? I live in Brevard county but I stayed in a hotel in Fort Walton Beach last Labor Day when hurricane Dorian was lurking offshore. The beach sand is like white sugar. Lots of beaches and restaurants but still had a small town feel.
Never been to anywhere in the panhandle yet. Still have many places I am looking forward to exploring in Florida in the future👌
please tell me it has nothing to do with Sam Walton.....
I visited the area 3 weeks ago with the intention of staying in Destin but that airbnb was in Fort Walton area (Eglin). Absolutely love the whole area. I love aviation and seeing the fighter jets and helicopters along the beach was amazing.
My personal favorite in Florida is Cape Coral, and specifically Cape Harbour. It's close to all the shopping in Fort Myers, easy to get to the updated Fort Myers airport and close to my favorite islands, Sanibel and Captiva. Also it's close to Fort Myers beach, downtown Fort Myers and Matlacha. Cape Coral has the most canals and houses on a canal or waterfront than any other city in the world! And that includes Venice Italy...You can go kayaking down the canals to sight see the beautiful waterfront properties or through mangrove islands to find yourself surrounded by wildlife. The city has lots of amenities and is close to Naples, Siesta Key, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. There's even a high speed catamaran that takes you to Key West faster than by car and you can return the same evening. My favorite are the beaches in Sanibel and Captiva...so tropical you would not be wrong in thinking that you were anywhere in the Caribbean. When you leave Cape Coral by boat and head due south west you can reach Cancun Mexico too. Cape Coral is truly a magical place. My parents had a condo in Arlen House in the mid to late 90's which was later purchased by the Trump family and renovated. It's located across from Haulover beach in Sunny Isles. I've been to Aventura mall, and Bal Harbour. I've also stayed quite a few times in Miami Beach at the Marriott Courtyard at Oceanside; a renovated art deco hotel (Cadillac) on the beach and on the boardwalk. It's close enough that you can take the trolly to downtown Miami Beach where all the action is or if you like walking you can take the boardwalk. I've also been to Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Key Largo, Key West (2x's) and Orlando which is one of my favorite cities in Florida...there's so much to see and do and not just in Disney or Universal Studios. One of my favorite vacations was when my wife and I stayed the Dream Hotel located behind the Versace compound at 11th Street right in the middle of all the action. I've been travelling to Florida since 1994 and I've never had a bad experience. Also let's not forget Sawgrass Mills Mall in Sunrise across from the Florida Panthers Arena where the shopping experience is totally off the charts!
I love your testimonial of FL! So true, there is much more to the state than Disney. I have been to most of the places you mentioned as well, and they are all great and have their own charms. Cape Coral however is still on my go list and have heard many great things. I know Arlen house too btw, I have done a few leases there over the years 😉
I live in Saint Augustine so I agree 100%... came to visit from North Carolina and we ended up staying we loved it so much! Also- Harry’s is the best restaurant here for sure!! Great video!
Wow that is awesome, I love it there! So happy you got to stay there, Harry's is great 😀
Love Florida! Coast to coast. Moved from up north 6 yrs ago. St Aug is home. You will have to drag me out of here.
Nice! I love it too, so many great places in FL😀
I did my trial run in Pompano Beach and really liked it. Much more than the gulf side. I have a small stainless steel business in OK and want to move down to do sculpture business there. I have my first artificial reef sculpture going into the Underwater Museum of Art near Grayton/Miramar Beach in October!
Oh very nice, glad you did the trial run, and now you know that you like Pompano better than the gulf👍 That sounds like a cool business and I know this becoming more of a thing here with the underwater sculptures. Sounds interesting!
Thanks for sharing your info about Moving to Florida.
You're welcome Matthew!
You can tell you live in/near Miami and the nearby locations due to the amount of detail/time spent on them as opposed to places you have only visited. Sarasota has the Ringling Museum which is also an old mansion. There are Anna Marie Island and others nearby. Lots more. St Petersburg is NOT Clearwater. They are close by, but so are a lot of the places near Miami you mention. Downtown St Pete is a hopping place. Go visit and find out. I do love Clearwater Beach, but it is super expensive to love there. I lived in Pinellas County for over 30 years between Clearwater and St Pete. 10 minutes to the beaches. 10 minutes to the bay and over to Tampa.
I've lived in Rainbow Lakes Florida for about 7 years. It's a small quiet town. If you drive 15 miles east, there is Ocala. There you will find everything, restaurants, golf courses, horse farms and open land.30 mins North of that is Gainesville, which is a bustling college town. Home and land prices in these areas are much lower than the bigger cities AKA, Orlando or Tampa. I pay $830 a year in taxes on an acre of land with my own water well. It's also cheaper to buy a condo for rental income vs a high priced one. "It's not what you make..its what you keep".
I’m with you Michael!! My favorite place in Florida is definitely St Augustine!! Really love visiting there ❤️
Yes! It is wonderful, really look forward to going back😀
Thank you so much for the information because I am relocating and I was thinking Orlando I’ve been there several times or four times and I like the last one that you commented on which is Saint Augustine so thank you so much for the information awesome to have people like you doing these types of videos God bless Florida
You're very welcome Veda, so glad you got some good info out of the video 😀
Good for you listing places you have been to and experienced. Life is about living in a place and catching its vibe, and not about C of C stats, etc. You listed most of my favorite spots, with the Palm Beaches being #1 on the East Coast, and Sarasota #1 on the West Coast. I have stayed in Sunny Isles 3 times and like it, and love Coral Gables, but it is even further south! My grandparents lived in Dunedin, so I spent lots of time at Clearwater Beach, so many great memories there over a period of 30 years. The greater Tampa area has a lot of diversity (love the Hyde Park area), and more affordable than South FL, with more Midwestern expats, so not the Northeast intensity of South FL, where many tend to bring NY-NJ with them! I am not a fan of Orlando, though Winter Park is very nice. I do not want to live inland in FL, and most of Orlando is so new that it feels like living in a theme park everywhere! Naples is OK for retirees, but not enough there for me. The only city you did not mention (that is real nice) is Destin, in the Panhandle. St Augustine does give you a break from summer heat, but also gives you cooler winter days, which can be a turnoff. The crowds on George St are a bit much, too, and I am not sure if there is enough culture there, but it is a beautiful place, and the first destination for Flagler and his developments. There are other coastal towns that are pretty nice north of Palm Beach, but you generally have to drive elsewhere to get to things. Las Olas and much of Ft. Lauderdale is nice, but loved to death, so I will take WPB/Palm Beach. Every city in America has dodgy and ritzy areas, so glad you shared from your experience, and gave folks a good sampler.
Thank you Jim! That is how I make all my videos, based on experience. Sounds like you also have a quite a bit of experience with Florida. So many great places here!
I lived in Hallandale one month, and then around the corner in Hollywood on the beach for a year. That was a long time ago. For perspective, my beachfront studio in a high rise building was only $550 a month and that included some extra services. That very same 400 square feet now rents for $1500. So costs have gone way up, and I fear for many of us, the ship has just sailed. I have been back to Hollywood every few years, and the past 2 trips I found people living in hotel rooms. They can't find an apartment for less. That is a strong hint of rising cost of living. If you take a basic Uber ride, you'll be sharing that ride with strangers, unless you pay triple the fare. The supply of money has gone so high and the desire to be by the beaches has blown up with it. I see on your video list you discuss this issue, so I'll give that a watch. Thanks!
I agree with everything you said. It is getting tough out there for everyone. Even the place I used to live when I first moved to Miami used to cost $900 a month now rents for $1500 a month. The rising cost of living compared to wages has been an issue in our country for a while now and I think this pandemic is going to put an even bigger spotlight on it unfortunately. I appreciate the comment and for watching 👌
I live in Toronto, Canada... and I think your videos are great!👍🏽 very informative and personalized... as a potential snowbird to FL soon, you’ve really taught me a lot. Thx again 🙂
That's awesome, than you ! I am pleased to be able to help you learn more about FL for your snowbirding adventures 😎
same here , recently subscribed as soon as i watched the first video .thanks again. love and peace all the way from freezing cold Canada
@@newearth4071 that is so nice to hear!! I am honored to be able to help, and stay warm up there!
Going to St Augustine in 2weeks to house hunt
With another family member who’s looking to move to Fl As well, I’m so excited to finally see the Sunshine State and start living my dream!
That is so cool! I am here right now! I drove by 2 houses with signs for sale and saw like 6 people in the driveway of each looking at the houses. Market is hot here!
St Augustine, yess! I live here and can confirm everything you say. I love Harry's Seafood(the restaurant in your video is so good, when I got married we took the families to eat there). My house is a little over a mile from downtown and end up either walking dogs or cycling downtown a few times a week. Its the perfect balance of relaxing, but enough tourists that it keeps great restaurants open. I also love how much history is here. It's like a history resort. There are still things I have yet to do and I've lived here 6 years. If you ever need recommendations or anything here, hit me up!
It is a fantastic area! You are lucky to live there Brandon, it does have a very nice balance like you said. I would move there in a heartbeat, but now the prices have shot up so much, I will wait for them to hopefully come down.
I fell in love with Kissimmee, Florida. Such a lovely state, will be moving down there from Maryland
Very nice! Good luck on your move 😀
@@MichaelBordenaro Thanks for your information. Your videos got me to stay, so I might as well sub.
A 20 year old tech nerd needs some guidance in a new area
@@olafharoldsonnii4713 Thanks for subbing! Any future questions on my other content, just comment👍
I hope your Spanish is decent
Two spots I loved the most.....San Luis Obispo when I was a student in Cal Poly......St Augustine.....adopted that city for winters with all its history and pristine Beaches and the Spanish Quarter...( From Niagara Canada )
Nice, I have been to both as well, and agree, fantastic areas 👌
Agree 100 % on your list...I delivery every week in Florida and know all cities...so love it...good report👊🏾
Thanks! No one would know better than someone like yourself, who is always visiting these spots. Thanks for backing me up 👌
Clearwater’s Pier 60 Sunset Celebration is still strong and just started back up after closing down for Covid 19. Lots of buskers , entertainers, artists, and an outdoor movie theater. Lots of fun for everyone.
That's super cool, glad to hear things are returning to normal there. Definitely one of my favorite FL spots😀
Is it age friendly 40 and 50 yr olds!?
@@lisagrl89m.67 I would say yes. I saw all kinds of mixes of people there. Young / old, tourist / local, families and couples
Yes, definitely for all ages.
Tarpon Springs, FL ❤️🏺🌴. I love that place. One of best of childhood times. I highly suggest and recommend to visit there. You are only like 30 minutes away from Clearwater Beach. ⛱️ 🏖️. I love that place!!
Haven't been there yet but I want to check it out!
Any areas you go to in Florida that are close to beaches are nice..I'm a beach person there's a lot of nightlife,Malls and tons of stores so many restaurants the more people that come to get away from the Cold more they keep building in Florida is getting overpopulated and everybody wants to be in a nice area close to the airport close to the beach close to Disney World for a middle-class average worker New Homes are like $300,000 to $400,000 and up..Around here.. I live in the Melbourne Beach area have a beautiful house with a pool -hot- tub- all screened in, to me it's Paradise every day and night, I've been to all the places that you named and it's all about the money if you buy a condo on South Beach I believe they are over $1-Million dollars.. 10 minutes from my house in two different areas they built about 10,000 condos or more and I heard the starting price .Is over $400,000.Crazy.. I heard everybody's leaving California New York , New Jersey , Pennsylvania, the North and West are all moving to Florida sick of the cold the fires and High Taxes 🏖🏝🌡🌞🌞🌡🌞⛳🏌️♀️🏄♂️🏄♀️🤽♀️🏊♀️🏊♂️🤽♂️
Agreed, having the right mix of quality of life and affordability is the best combo and its getting harder to come by here in FL. When I started making videos about FL at the beginning of the year, I read an article saying that FL is the number one state people are moving to in the US. Although, after living here for 13 years, my experience is a lot of people are always moving here, and many usually leave too, as it does not live up to their expectations or they miss family end up not liking it here etc
I'm moving there in about a year and a half and am compiling a list of possible cities. This helped so much
Oh nice Ruth! Check out my newest version of this video if you have a chance. I mention all new places that were not in this one 👌
I relocated from the northeast to FL in 1990. Over the past 30 years, I've lived in Hollywood Beach, Hallandale Beach, Miami Beach, Tampa, Gainesville, Stuart, and Cape Canaveral; and know and like all of these areas and much of FL very well. Trying to decide on a FL retirement destination in a few years. I might spend a month or two in an AirBnB at a few top places to help make my decision. Spent a lot of time at Sunny Isles (before it got expensive and before it got named Sunny Isles), and like it very much. Miami Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, St. Pete, and Clearwater Beach as well. I've visited Tallahassee, Pensacola, Destin, Jacksonville and Daytona Beach, but don't have much in-depth familiarity with the panhandle or the northeast coast of FL. Housing prices, crime, congestion, traffic vary widely throughout the state.
Wow sounds like you have been pretty much everywhere in Florida! I think coming and spending a couple months in an airbnb is a great idea. In fact, my next video I will be discussing that very topic 😊
Tampa!! youre close to the beach. and youre close to orlando. you can make a day trip to basically anywhere and then to really get everywhere you can make a weekend trip to the farther parts. the tampa are also has great schools
D....LIKES St Petersburg also.
Very safe ,great nightlife, amazing events in Vinoy Park most weekends and fabulous outdoor market every Saturday morning
I really liked this video. I love Miami Beach b/c of that surprisingly small town vibe. You bring home that in the end where one lives is simply a personal choice. We have chosen Hollywood b/c we like the lack of polish, which, of course, would not appeal to everyone.
Thanks a lot! Yes, Miami Beach definitely is a small town in a big city. I like Hollywood too! I always take everyone who comes to visit me to the boardwalk there to hang out and check the place out. Probably the best boardwalk area in SoFL👌
The best places I recommend depending on my little experience are: Aventura, Fort Myers.
What to avoid: most parts of broward county except: Weston, Cooper City.
Fort Lauderdale is getting trashy especially west part of Andrews ave. and north parts of broward Blvd.
I have just been back to Fort Myers from Fort Lauderdale. There are many new shopping malls building up and more traffics. I love Fort Myers too although here has different traffic problems.
Every town has less desirable areas, but once younscout a place, you can find neighborhoods you feel comfortable in. Ft Lauderdale is a huge magnet for new residents, so they must not be coming to the trashy areas. You will be hard pressed to find a better entertainment street than Las Olas anywhere in America!
Enjoyed the video. So glad you included my favorite Florida city, Sarasota. I also love areas along the Florida panhandle especially county road 30A
Yep, it had to make the list! I still have not been to the panhandle, and I look forward to exploring it soon!
Hi James, do you know of any semi-rural areas in northern FL that are relatively safe and peaceful for a retired female with 3 dogs? Thanks!
Thank you I got a lot of good ideas as far as moving back to Florida St Augustine, Tampa/Clearwater sound great plus St Augustine all places I’ve been to. I use to live in Plantation and Lake Worth before. Thanks for the info.
Glad you liked it and is helping you make a decision where to go next! So many great places here in FL 😊
Just discovered your videos and love all the good info… living in the Northeast forever, and l am happy here.. but have to say, when visiting FL one of my favorite places is Mount Dora.. it’s like a small New England town with palm trees , haha, that’s what l love about it…great shops, food, beautiful homes, etc… it’s not “beachy” and l like that, not being that kind of human… if ever I’d relocate it’d be to MD…. but keeping your list of favorites in mind 😉
Thanks a lot Gail, glad you are enjoying the channel! I haven't been to Mount Dora, I'll have to pass by on my next trip around FL 👍
as soon as I get my debt to 0 I am leaving New York
your videos are very informative keep it up!
That is a good plan👍 Take care of the debt first and then move with less to worry about. I will keep them coming
Nice video clip! You definitely hit it on the nail when it comes to St. Augustine, Fl.
Thank you!
You didn’t mention Down town Saint Petersburg. It’s beautiful. Restaurants, bars, waterfront, pier everything in walking distance
It’s really grown since I was there in the 80’s
St petersburg lmfao if you want to deal with drunk crackheads 90% of the time go there prostitution lots of crazy fuck shit going on there even when your minding your business cary a gun in florida always.
LOVE st pete
It is great. I've spent a lot of time there. There is definitely a homeless problem though.
Been considering a move and this is the best video I’ve seen so far.
Hey thanks a lot man! I appreciate that, and really happy you feel that way 😀
what is better Orlando or Broward County ? seems Broward County ,Florida is the best place to live in Florida .
@@The1ByTheSea It depends on what your budget is and also the lifestyle you are looking to live here in FL
@@The1ByTheSea I want to live close enough I can visit the beach by walking to it. I want a house on a canal for easy fishing access. I've been looking at Bradenton but don't know much about that area other than what TH-cam can provide. it's probably time for the wife and I to visit, but the damn Covid.
Insurance is high dmv plates and registrations are pretty high cost .... Is hot really hot . But it can be fun . Just search the cost of living . Depending on where you are coming from you might see rent very high or very low if you are coming from NYC or places like that .
I used to live in Jacksonville. St. Aug is a GREAT choice for #1. We went there a lot and the vibe is so laid back but there is a ton to do. It's also just a short hop up to Jax or down to Daytona and Orlando.
Yes St Augustine is a pretty awesome place. I really look forward to visting again. Location wise is excellent too like you say 👌
I’ve lived in Boca Raton and now Port Saint Lucie. Been to almost all the places you mentioned. From my personal experiences, Boca was nice. Beautiful beaches, plenty of restaurants. But it was lacking in live entertainment which makes having a few drinks much more fun. we used to slide over to Delray Beach for bars/restaurants with live entertainment. Boca was also extremely busy in “season” which gets old quick. Traffic,, lines at the supermarkets and 1.5 hr waits for a table at a restaurants. Port Saint Luice has more yearly residents which makes it a more stable and a good place to live full time. But the secret has been out for a while and it’s growing quickly, getting busier. Real estate is still affordable. We love Miami, go there all the time to South Beach. Don’t know if I’d want to live there. Same with the Keys. Love to visit for more of a chill, laid back experience. Wouldn’t want to be there full time. But like you touched on, many cool exciting places in Florida are only a few hours drive away. In PSL we are pretty centralized. Good video.
Thank you for your insightful comment, and I agree with your comment about the live music and busy season in Boca. Even here in Miami we get a good chunk of tourists each year, but still not too bad in my neighborhood. Really glad you enjoyed the video 😀
I moved to fort lauderdale from chicago 2 years ago, i like it but the heat 8 months of the year is a challenge.
Oh yeah, I have made several videos about that before. Some people even end up leaving bc they just cant take the heat for that long. Its a big adjustment
Lived in Ormond Beach for 8 years around 1986 and loved the area!
I could totally see that, was just there a few days a go, nice area!
I was waiting for you to say St Augustine because I knew you loved the place. Glad you put Sarasota as I just bought a place there and love it. Great video man.
Yes I do love it! I may move there in the future. Yep, I figured you would like that! I remember you said that before. Definitely a good choice 👍
@@MichaelBordenaro Miami has much warmer weather then St Augustine though, right?
@@geocape7060 Yes definitely! Although, in the summer, daytime can be almost equally as hot in both places. Main difference being that St. Augustine gets some relief at night time, whereas Miami does not. Here it just stays hot and humid, day and night.
I was about to give a dislike, but I continued watching and realized it was your real experience, so, thank you for taking of your time to share with 🇺🇸 us
Thanks for sticking around and giving it a chance. YES, everything I said in this video is totally based on real experience and not googled statistics. Appreciate it 👍
What made you want to give a thumbs down?
I agree. He has been honest.
Agree with Orlando! But … there are other spots and he covered really well.
This video was soooo helpful, thank you so much!!!!!!!! I’m looking to move from the D.C area and I must say this is the best video I’ve seen and you’ve really helped me narrow down my search
Oh that's so nice to hear! Really glad you enjoyed and that it helped you 😀
You move yet?
I really like Venice, FL. I’ve visited there, Sarasota, Daytona, and Orlando. I came to this video because I’m wanting to move somewhere in the country to call home for a few years maybe longer. Tampa seems to be pretty cool too
Those are all great choices really
I've been to almost all of these places over the last 40 years, and like your list! I think our favorite is Sunny Isles/Aventura. We currently live about 30 minutes NW of this area, but frequent Sunny Isles often and enjoy the Aventura Mall every few months. In about 20 years we may move to a bayside condo in Sunny Isles. They are affordable right now. We would move sooner but we need our acre property for next 15 to 20 years.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the list and I like Sunny Isles too! Some people have said bad things about it, but I don't care, I live here and I know whats up😀
I also love living in Sunny Isle, I live in Poinciana and it is spectacular!
@@muitidx that is a great spot in Sunny Isles, good choice!
Michael Bordenaro
Hey Michael , what’s bad to say about Sunny isles !🤔 it’s a great place to live and I’m going back to live there be looking for you!🌴
@@reneeimage3879 Some people say it is run by the Russian mob and stupid things like that
I found the “you can walk to what you want here” funny because after being in Vegas, the heat cured me of walking anywhere further than 200 ft away..lol Knowing the Florida heat, walking several blocks is a pass.
Haha yeah not everyone handle the heat. I've been here for almost 13 years now, so you get used to it
We have been to St Augustine twice and loved it! Harry’s is our favorite restaurant there!
Its such a great area, Harrys is awesome!
We live in Melbourne Beach, but St. Augustine is a place we visit a couple times a year and love it.
Melbourne is also a nice peaceful spot in Florida and you are lucky since you are much closer for a St Augustine visit anytime 😊
You are great sir, and I appreciate your efforts for helping people. You provide realistic view.
You’re welcome glad you liked my video😀
@@MichaelBordenaro m moving to Florida as a RN there in Naples hospital. You provided me real information which helped me to decide my future.
Thanks a lot sir
@@hasmukhkhalasi149 That’s awesome so happy to hear that!
My wife and I have been doing the snowbird thing for over 20 years. I was 41 when I figured out I could do my job with a laptop on the beach. We've been all over the state -quite a bit of it on a small boat. My only big objection to your list is Orlando. We'll drive 50 miles out of our way to avoid it. Not a fan of the mouse. St. A is near the top of our list too. The Keys are fun, but it's harder and harder to live there.
What a cool story! Orlando certainly isn't for everyone. I wouldn't want to live there myself, as I love the ocean, but it is fun to visit. Sounds like the life! Sail around FL and work from a laptop. Good for you and thanks for sharing and watching 😊
Good video. Been traveling to Florida 3x year for the last 5 years to see different areas. Stuart, Amelia Island, Daytona, Sebastian, West Palm, Siesta Key, Tampa, Homassa, Clear Water, Dunedin, Orlando, Ocala, Crystal River, Mount Dora, Ormond Beach, St Augustine, Flagler, and Sannibel Island. Of all the places I went to when it comes to beaches activities and quality of life I will choose Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach.
I have heard good things about Amelia Island and look forward to visiting one day. Glad you like the video and thanks for watching😊
I rode my bike down the entire length of Florida, and I have to agree with you about Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach. It is so beautiful. Plus it has some of the most extensive bike trail infrastructure just directly to the south. Definitely a below-the-radar gem.
@@hejiranyc if you are ever in Amelia Island again go north into Georgia either St. Mary's which is a small coastal town or Jekyll Island which is beautiful and check out Driftwood Beach.
The beaches in Destin, Ft Walton Beach and Navarre are just beautiful. I’m in Gulf Breeze which is in the middle of Pensacola and Destin so lots to do, but with fewer crowds.
So I've heard! One of the top places in FL on my list to visit. Glad you are enjoying life there!!
I just moved to Gulf Breeze from the Bay Area CA 3 years ago, really like the small town atmosphere and its white sand beach.
@@ptsolyndra5323 It’s a little slice of paradise isn’t it.
@@ptsolyndra5323 Congrats! Glad you are enjoying FL and the white sand beaches are the best👍 Don't get that in the bay area
But winter is cold!
Enjoyed the personal perspective. Very helpful and fun video. Thank you!
Thanks, so glad you enjoyed it!!
You are correct ☝🏾 a majority of videos talking about "best cities/towns" to live in Florida are uploaded by persons who never set foot in the state 😲 I also agree with you on St Augustine, which is also close to Gainesville (Alachua County) a city I really admire 🤠☝🏾
Thanks for the comment, glad you agree with my assessment. And all this is based on 100% real world experience. Thanks for watching 😊
Gainesville and other areas inland are wonderful. A completely different vibe, but still have the great Florida weather (I must qualify that I'm a rare bird who loves the heat) wonderful parks and nature areas. Gainesville has that college town vibe and Devil's Millhopper, one of the deepest sinkholes in the country
Love this video, that your speaking from experience. I’m from Houston and been itching to move to clear water, visited there once as a kid and remember the beach being amazing which is my main concern of the place I move to and was really happy to hear you mention it on this list.
Thanks a lot Aaron! Clearwater is a beautiful area and many nice beaches nearby. I think its an excellent choice if you move here 👌
I live in Coral Springs, this is the only city in USA which has almost all famous Retail and Restaurant outlets at every corner. Also, close to Miami but cheaper housing rates.
I haven't really spent any time in that area, but glad to know you like it! I just went there a couple months ago for the first time to pick up my PS5👍