First off, Florida is not just beaches. It is filled with hidden gems worth exploring, which I will cover most of in this article. Besides all of the great and wonderful things that this state holds, it does require a few lifestyle changes that you should know.
1. Buy flood insurance
This depends where you are in Florida, but for Tampa and anywhere south, it is a good thing to have.
Tampa sits at an elevation about even with sea level. This means that when it rains, there are not many places for that rain to go. When I moved down here, we had a record level of rainfall for August. One night I looked outside of my window and saw a strong current of water pushing right past my house, it was about 3 feet deep. I had dealt with snow frequently while growing up in the north, but this is a different kind of precipitation to deal with.
Since there is no where for the water to go, other than creeping down your street, it is wise to have flood insurance for those rainy months in the summer. The rest of the year, you will be in good shape.
1. The heat really is not that bad, but be prepared.
You get summer / spring weather for ¾ of the year. The remaining months are hot and sticky. If you are thinking about making a transition to Florida from the northern states, be aware that the summer months are reversed.
People stay inside in the summer, as they do in the winter up north. It is too hot to be outside for long periods of time and air conditioning is actually your best friend. The summer months are filled with random rain spurts and possible hurricanes. So, staying indoors really is your best option. Unless of course, you find a beautiful day where there is not a forecast for rain and you venture out to a natural spring, which I will discuss shortly.
In short, be prepared for a hot summer. Sticky, gross, humid, but from the beginning of October through May, enjoy the beautiful weather that you friends back in the North will only dream of.
Bugs, floods, heat / possible hurricanes. Okay, we have covered all of the things that I had an issue with when moving. The reality is, the pros outweigh the bad and I would like to set the record straight and enlighten people about the forgotten wonders of Florida.
2. Florida is not all old people.
Before I moved, people told me that this state was filled with senior citizens who have retired to a warmer client. There are a lot of older people in Florida, but the state is not consumed with them. In fact, where I live, I hardly ever see any of them.
Florida is filled with young people, you just have to know what places to be. The majority of retirees live in small beach towns. Tampa and St. Petersburg is a prime place for young people to be. There is always something to do for young people.
3. Day adventures.
Florida, as mentioned earlier, is filled with hidden gems. It took me a few months to start researching these places, so if you are planning on moving to Florida soon, let me save you some trouble and tell you the most amazing places to check out.
For starters, St. Petersburg is one of the coolest places that I have ever been. I have traveled all over the country, and St. Pete is by far on the top of that list. If you are a foodie, have a love of urban art, or just are in need of a cool and laid back culture, St. Pete is a place for you to visit.
Just about everything in downtown St. Pete is independently owned. Small businesses run the streets, along with local vendors. Take a walk down Central Avenue and discover a free art show of murals hand painted by artists from all around the world.
If you are looking for a nature day adventure on a hot summer day, check out a beautiful Florida spring. I highly suggest Ginnie Springs. About 20 minutes from Gainesville, this spring offers a perfect spot for a day trip. The water remains 72 degrees year round, offering a refreshing spot to sink into on a hot summer day.
Do not forget to grab a pair of goggles for your trip, the spring is even more beautiful from viewing it under water. The experience is breathtaking and unlike any I have ever experienced.
Water sports are everywhere. Whether you have experienced active things on the water or not, while in Florida, it is a must. Paddleboard, Kayak, Canoe, Fish all year long. The best part about being in Florida that these things are never more than an hour away. If you like to be outside, venture out and get on the water. It is not only beautiful but also very enjoyable.
Hopefully, some of you find just a few of these things that I have mentioned helpful. Florida is emerging with fun and interesting opportunities. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of all those that the state has to offer.
