I moving from Florida to Wisconsin via Georgia (for 1.5 years). My daughter married a Wisconsin boy, and they moved there. I'm not missing out on grandkids and family time. After several visits, I'm surprised how much I like it. And, the people are sooooooo nice. Wish me luck. I'm so glad your happy to be back home. ❤
Thanks so much for all this! I am moving from the Carolinas where I have been for 25 years to Wisconsin. Originally from Michigan, but my daughter lives in Wisconsin. The people are amazing! I find the South very reserved compared to Midwest jolliness. The food up there is wonderful. Produce so much better in flavor. Yes and the cheese and sausage! Glad you are adjusting! People here think I am nuts to brave the cold, but it's worth it and I can get away in the winters. Take care!!
How are the libraries in WI? We have a lovely little library in Oregon, but my family and I are planning on moving in a few years. Haven't chosen a city yet, but I'm worried about moving somewhere without a nicely stocked library. I love books!
Really great! It depends where you live, but in Northeastern Wisconsin and Madison they’ve been wonderful! I still have the same library card that I had in kindergarten :)
I have commented to my husband several times that our library here is AMAZING and much better than our library in Florida. They always seem to have the newest books! We're not even in that big of a city.
@@MintyPookieBear52 great question. First, I lived in SE Wisconsin my entire life (55+). Next, I’ve been known to use the library systems. Here in the Milwaukee metro there are at least 2 library systems. Milwaukee county has 16 libraries to choose from. While where I live in Waukesha county, the libraries here are shared with the next county west Jefferson county and there are 24 libraries available to you.
I moved to wisconsin from Arizona. I love the lakes and rivers and Outdoors because I am a fisherman. I do find Wisconsin very depressing though. The people are very nice and very family-oriented but they are not worldly. Very narrow-minded and sometimes that gets to me. But overall it's a nice place to live. As long as you have a way to get out during the winter
Thank you for this uplifting video! We are making a move from the West Coast to rural Wisconsin next month. I know its going to be a steep learning curve, but we are truly looking forward to this quieter and more peaceful living environment.
I’ve been debating about moving to Wisconsin or stay in Illinois, My family is in Illinois, but I cannot stand the corn field and soybeans anymore. I’d be still 4hrs away from my mom and family so it’s doable for holidays or driving down every other weekend. I’ve fallen in love with Wisconsin. I love the rivers and lakes. It’s ideal for me since I love Kayaking. Wausau WI seems like a nice area, but I haven’t explored too much. I’ve gone North, and it just gets better and better as far as the views.
Oh my gosh! We just spent a day in Wausau this fall and I kept saying how I couldn't believe I had never visited this area of the state before because it's so beautiful! Rib Mountain State Park is stunning!
I’m 66 and I just moved to Wisconsin (near your favorite coffee company) from Texas. I had never lived in Wisconsin before, but my family moved here from Germany in the early 1840’s. So I have many relatives in the area (my father was born here). We have lived all over the world, and we are just totally over the moon about our life here. The people are so friendly, the weather while cold for a while, is so much better than Texas (or Florida) to our taste. I live in a charming 140 yo house across the street from a house built before the civil war. I’m a block from the river. And I keep running into relatives I’ve never met before, in addition to the many I used to visit from out of state when I was growing up. Great place!
I will be 66 in few months also. we moved to Watertown ,WI 10 years ago come August. we moved first to Nevada, Then, Colorado and then to Wisconsin. I too miss the ocean having been born and raised in Southern, Ca. while I do love the four seasons here, Fall being my most favorite. I will say that winter can be quite brutal here, especially if you don't have a way for snow removal and have to do it yourself. all and all we have adjusted. one more thing if planning to move here make sure you invest in a very good reliable, easy to program Weather alert radio, your going to need it come spring and fall, the weather here can become quite severe.
I just moved from Texas to Wisconsin as well. The wife and I lived in Texas all our lives, but we got tired of the soul-crushing summers, the quickly rising house prices, and a few other things. My last job was a contract in Michigan that lasted over a year, so I got to get a taste of the Great Lakes climate and I didn't want to go back, so I didn't for long. There were a lot of jobs in my field in the Fox Cities, so I took one of them and here I am.
I have always lived in Illinois but one daughter lives in Northern Wisconsin and the other daughter lives in Southern Florida. Both would love us to move near them but it would be hard to choose. Ten years ago an easy choice would be Florida but I do not like the changes I have seen over the years so if we move again it would be north.
This has been helpful, planning on moving to Wisconsin in the next year with my family. Trying to research as much as possible. Even though we're only coming from Southern Illinois lol. Looking forward to the cold.
@@amomexplores depending on how far north really makes a difference. South half of the state we get a two week blast in late Jan or Feb typically. Up north you might as well live in Canada.
I love that you ended with, "Looking forward to the cold". Its refreshing to hear this when, many people are trying to run from it. I find the cold delightful. And now that I'm retired and don't need to drive to work everyday, its even better.
We moved to Florida from Wisconsin twenty years ago. A few years ago we bought a second home back in Wisconsin. When we retire, that's where we'll be spending the bulk of our time. Just the opposite of what most people do. We learned that you can't underestimate the people that live up there and we miss them.
I am often asked done here how I can like a place that is so cold versus the hot weather of Florida. My response - It's too hot and muggy in Florida. Up there I can always add layers to keep me warm. Down here, I can only get so naked.
One added note. In Wisconsin, you'll likely see your neighbors less in the winter as everybody stays in more often because of the cold. In Florida, you'll likely see your neighbors less in the summer as everybody stays in more often because of the heat.
Recommendation. Have you ever tried snow skiing? Wausau has a really nice Snow Hill/ mountain. I bought a yearly pass there and I used it a lot. The winters are more tolerable when you have a sports activity that you can do outside. I actually look forward to skiing every year
As a native Wisconsinite, welcome to our state! Check out the driftless region by la crosse for some cool geography and get to see the Mississippi. Super fun area of the state.
From a nebraskan, midwest summers are the best!!!! Agreed to that, yes winters can be brutal but once may hits and memorial day rolls around and it's nice and warm out we have the best summer weather, yes some parts can get more on the humid side but nothing like Texas or Florida and it can cool down in the night time and we don't have droughts like the western states like Colorado or Wyoming or Arizona, NM, Nevada etc have. Fall is beautiful and I'd prefer swimming in nice freshwater lakes than saltwater ocean beaches (cause with beaches you can't really swim or do stuff as safely from my experience)
Hello there Exploring Mom! ...guess us moving from Wasilla, Alaska to Appleton, Wisconsin (in a few days) ought to make us ready for a 'Sconnie Winter as our Seasonal Mindset of COLD / long darkness we bring from AK will fit in there at WI. Good video!
Florida native here strongly considering a move to Wisconsin in the next year or two. I have family in Chicago, so I’ve spent a good amount of time in the midwest including a few times in Wisconsin and always just felt more at home in that region. Florida’s just getting more expensive and hot. I’ve spent enough time in the cold to know it doesn’t bother me or scare me. Thanks for giving this perspective! We’ll see what happens.
Very good list of pros and cons especially about the weather can relate to the summers in FL May to about half of October blast furnance weather and of course the snow into May in WI like we had today if you stepped outside also missed friends that i had in FL i lived in FL from April of 2012 to the end of July of 2016 before moving back to WI my relatives are here in WI Milwaukee area and friends in the Appleton area also missed my workplace I was very fortunate to have my old job back once i was settled back in WI
One more thing. I don't mind cold weather but Wisconsin is very depressing because it seems like it's constantly overcast and everything is dead. This will get you down if you've ever lived in a sunny warm weather climate . I did a lot of winter activities in northern Arizona and it was beautiful because it was sunny most of the time even though we had some pretty big snow storms.
If you were born in Wisconsin, you don't need 10 pair of shoes. One or 2 pair of sneakers is all you need. Toss in various thicknesses of socks, which you can buy in Wisconsin are available for purchase. Plus. Colder weather is about layers. Short, sleeve. Long sleeve, sweat shirts, a few pair of pants, jeans and sweats and you're all set! Remember when ypu move, most things can be bought in Wisconsin!
Growing up in Racine, my mom used to purchase clothes and shoes (yes, shoes haha!) a few sizes bigger so that I could grow into them for a long time and she could save money.
Thank you for sharing you experience of moving to Wisconsin. My family is planning on moving to Wisconsin from Phoenix. We will have to invest in a while new wardrobe too. I might need a jacket with a built in heater 😅.
Honestly, all the clothes and outdoor gear I've had to buy for our whole family is the worst part. You need so many more shoes when you live somewhere with 4 seasons!
I moved to Wisconsin from Arizona. The first thing I noticed is that the winters are not only cold but they're very depressing because it's overcast all the time. Living in Arizona as you know it's sunny most of the time. This will get you depressed. The people are much nicer in Wisconsin though there are better values here people are more sincere in Wisconsin. The outdoor activities are amazing in Wisconsin. If you want culture it's a few hour drive to Chicago
Sending you love from ❤Chattanooga TN. We definitely have some challenging mountain driving 🚘 compared to Florida. Come back and see the Tennessee Aquarium in downtown Chattanooga when you can. Glad you made it safely to Wisconsin with your sweet little children!
Love FL. Always wanted to visit WI. Think people live normally live where their family’s at and mostly where they grew up. I love California OC, the ocean. the hot springs here, the mtns because this is where I grew up and have family here as well. Best😎👊
Thanks for the video. I am currently mid-move to Wisconsin from the UK. Covid travel restrictions not helping and having to buy a home with only a video tour adds a little stress. So excited to begin our new life over there.
My husband has two job offers one in kissimmee and other one in stoughton wisconsin. We don't know where to go, is fanny how people think. When I ask someone they say florida is too hot, wisconsin is too cold. Thanks for your video.
Oh girl. I feel this. We moved away from our family when our kiddo was 3 weeks old to a state with no friends or family and it was truly horrible. Worst year of my entire life (besides having the best thing in my life).
Any suggestions on the brand/type of jackets we should get? Also, decent boots. We know it'll be a big investment, but absolutely necessary. We have cold weather jackets for the Sierras, but I know WI requires much more.
@@ketoauntie7301 Thank you, Auntie. Great suggestions. I first learned about Fleet Farm last year while visiting family. Fun place, they carry just about everything.
Welcome to Wisconsin and thanks for video. No hurricanes to worry about here. We live only 30 minutes from you here in Sheboygan on Lake Michigan. Hope you got a chance to check us out.
I would give my right pinky to move back to the Wisconsin area. Any tips on convincing my bf? Lol he likes kayaking, fishing and golf! I seriously am so over Florida after 10 years, but he is a native, so I will need solid bargaining tools!
My hubby was born and raised in south Florida and he would never live there again. He absolutely loves the season changes and surprisingly he really loves the winters. I lived in FL half my life and I hated not having 4 seasons. The holidays were the absolute worst for me. I never got used to shopping for Christmas in shorts and palm trees decorated with lights, lol...hated it!
People are nicer here! And there are lots of options for outdoor loving people. The Great Lakes are amazing - AND you don't have to worry about alligators and snakes. My kids couldn't believe we were allowed to swim in lakes and ponds after moving here from Florida.
If he likes freshwater fishing and there's no other place on Earth that's better than Wisconsin. Hire a guide to take him fishing the next time you're here. That just might convince him. Especially if you go to the North Woods
My husband and I plan on moving to Wisconsin at the beginning of next year. We are both born and raised in Florida. We have been in Texas for 2.5 years (3 by the time we move) due to the military and we are just ready for a change. Are there any suggestions you’d have for us? We have 3 children. Our oldest will be entering into 1st grade and our twins will be in Prek so we think they will adjust easier than us since they’re still young. Also, my mom and sister will be moving up there with us so we will have family around. Any advice or suggestions? You know from living in Florida that there’s really no season change so that’s one big adjustment for us 🤣
The biggest thing is that you'll need to invest in snow boots, snow pants, hats, mittens, and winter jackets for everyone. My kids used the "thinsulate" jackets almost year round. There were only a few days where they needed a much warmer coat (but for those days they stayed inside at recess). Walmart worked just fine for kids' snow gear. Other than that, we loved our first year back in the Midwest! The 4 seasons are amazing to experience after living in FL. Fall is the best! Enjoy Midwest culture - breweries, renting a cabin on the lake, hiking in the state parks, cheese curds, etc. We're loving it here!
I would like to recommend the Northern suburbs of Milwaukee (Whitefish Bay, Shorewood, Fox Point, Mequon, Cedarburg). The schools are the best in Wisconsin and the neighborhoods are quiet and relatively free of crime. Several major advantages: Downtown Milwaukee has a lot of entertainment venues.....and its close to Lake Michigan Beaches and Yacht harbors. Also Milwaukee is only 2 hours from downtown Chicago. North of Milwaukee there are many state parks (for camping) and many small towns, villages and rural beauty.
Really enjoyed watching your video! We are in PA, but hoping to move to WI, and ASAP, to be close to our daughter’s family. We’ve visited there about ten times and their small town is so pleasant. And, it’s where out grandsons are, so lIke you we’d be close to family and see them growing up. Thanks for sharing this…..like you, I’m sure we’ll find the weather a bit of a challenge! ❤️🤍🛶⛺️🌲❄️
The first year felt like no problem - I think because we were all excited about the change of seasons again after living in Florida. It seems to be more challenging for me this year, so I've booked our spring break somewhere warm!
Planning a move for my family from OC Cali where me and my wife (& 2 young kids) grew up to Wisconsin at the end of the 2021 school year. Both climate change concerns and unaffordable housing market have driven us to move to midwest. Also my wifes job has been fully remote since March 2020 and seems it isn't going back. Maybe I missed it in your vid but what area of Wisconsin did you settle in to? I've been Watching housing prices in an areas from Appleton to Madison to Milwaukee & their surronding areas. Have been back n forth between the Twin cities area and Wis. but for the moment I've mostly settled on the Wis areas as housing is still alittle lower then the Minn. areas. Thanx for vid!
We're in the Fond du Lac area (not too far from Appleton). We love it here! It's quiet and there are great parks, library and YMCA. We've also lived in the Twin Cities and loved it there. You really can't go wrong!
@@amomexplores Fond Du Lac looks beautiful. The whole area from Appleton to OshKosh to Fond is a region I've recently zoned in on. Thanx again for the vid!
11:08 _Really good tips and tricks. I would like know, if there are chances to be stolen, if we have electric cars in charging or parking throughout specifically in Milwaukee ?_
Right now, there is an issue with Kia and Hyundai vehicles being stolen. There are limited electric vehicle charging sites. Outside of the car dealerships, the only electric car charging sites near me are at Kohl's, Outpost natural and Hampton inn
if you dont mind me asking, what moving company did you use to move your belongings? My family and I are moving out of state, and we are lost in this area
Hi Brittany, I’m moving tomorrow! The truck is packed and waiting for pick up in the morning. I am using a company called U-Pack. I did a lot of research and found the prices and ease of use to be the best choice. You reserve a container, which gets dropped off at your home, you pack yourself and when it’s done you call for a pick up. My container was delivered 2 days ago and will be collected tomorrow. Then it will take 8-10 working days to get to Wisconsin. I’m leaving California, and really hoping family will follow!
If you can load yourself and want to do it cheaper, explore ABF. We used them in our move down. They dropped off a semi trailer at our house, we packed it, they hauled it down. When we got down, we let them know and they dropped the trailer at our house for a few days for us to unload. Twenty years ago but at that time I think it cost us 2K. I recall professional movers around that time being about 15-20K.
Thank you so much for your video! I'm planning on moving to WI soon, maybe within the next few months. I may use a Pod to move my belongings since I do not own a car. I live in L.A., California. I have family in WI and I have been there a few years ago. I cried on my way back to L.A. from WI. I love WI so much! I want to find work and move to WI since I find it a more comfortable pace of life, not like the fast paced big city life in So-Cal. I am planning on moving with my cat. My cat loves the outdoors and is comfortable spending time outside here in L.A., so I believe that my cat will be shocked moving from sunny, hot, dry L.A. to a place in WI. Did you move with any pets? Do you have any recommendations for me? Thanks in advance! :)
We have a yellow lab and we've lived in 3 states and 7 different houses with him. We've never done anything special to prepare him for the move, and he does great!
I live in Madison. Although housing is getting expensive there are a lot of companies that start off between $17-$20 an hour. A lot of people move to Madison or surrounding areas from out of state to work for Exact Sciences. The snow removal from the streets is top-notch in Madison. We’re also very centralized to other places: 45 minute drive to Milwaukee. 2 hour drive to Chicago, 45 minute drive to Wisconsin Dells, 5 hour drive to Minneapolis. Madison is a great mix of urban and nature. The center of town (Isthmus) is surrounded by two different lakes. Check out some RUclips videos on Madison.
I'm glad you like living in Wisconsin. Wow, moving during that crazy time last year sounds extremely hectic, especially with many small kids. We've always lived in the frigid north and we completely hate it! (Upstate NY, northern Indiana, and now Michigan). It's just far too cold for most of the year which is soooo incredibly boring, ick. My mind and body shut down when I am cold and I have zero motivation and lack happiness. The trees only have leaves for 4 months out of the year! I would never ever move from FL to WI, haha :) Florida is a literal dream state and has my ideal climate!
I always thought the same thing! I HATED the midwest winters and springs growing up. (still don't love them), but after living in Florida, I definitely appreciate the midwest a lot more. Although I did soak in every single beautiful 70 degree day during the winter months, that's for sure!
The funny thing about Florida is that most people move back“home” within 5 years. It’s a huuuuge melting pot of various cultures which sounds lovely and it can be but it’s just……. Hard. A lot of people fleeing other countries end up in south Florida and people get territorial. The hardest part by far is leaving family. Then when you’re my age you meet someone who is a native and you’re really stuck and feel like you’ll never get back “home” sigh anyways the grass always looks greener in Florida because it is but look out, because there’s gators and caine roads and fire ants in that green grass
@@kt9185 Maybe you can take vacations throughout the yars to visit them :) Since we left our original comment, we have accomplished our goal and we now live in Florida-yay! We love it. We have no 'family' so no worries about missing anyone. We will never go back to the north. We went to an Atlantic Ocean beach yesterday and it was the best water I have ever swam in. It was gorgeously warm. We all had a blast. In the north the water is always cold, which always ruined swimming for me. I will take everything that Florida has, instead of enduring winter and lack of opportunities in the places we've always lived in the north. Also, I can kiss goodbye to SAD :D I'm not sure what the culture thing means- territorial? Maybe that's just something to do with cities which we always avoid so we're clueless on that, we found a home in a rural setting.
I agree with you regarding the winters. It really brings your mood down as it's overcast here in Wisconsin most of the time. Everything seems dead and I lose all my motivation. Luckily for me though I'm able to fly out to warm weather climates frequently during the winter. The summers are great and there's no other place that I'd rather be in the summer than Wisconsin I also like the spring and fall in Wisconsin it's just from November through March that really suck in Wisconsin
I'm NOT, originally, from Wisconsin...but compared to the East Coast, West Coast and "down South" places I've lived....Wisconsin is the best. What do I like about it? LAKE MICHIGAN & LAKE SUPERIOR (the beauty of oceans WITHOUT the smell and WITHOUT sharks)......SMALL TOWNS....(ALWAYS clean, with well kept homes and yards).....HILLS...(Believe it or not Wisconsin IS HILLY...especially on the western side)....WOODS....(wherever you go...even IN the big cities!)...CHANGE OF SEASONS....(I've lived in the tropics....BORING! Always HOT. Always UNCOMFORTABLE!...and the ONLY thing I don't like about Wisconsin...are the hot summers! I LOVE the WINTERS!)
Disclaimer: midwest nice (everyone is so nice) is both real and not. It's real because you're a blind haired, blue eyed, straight white girl. They're nice to people. But their definition of people isn't as broad as you'd think. The darker your skin, the worse you're treated. If you don't present as cis, hetero, Christian, etc, you're not going to get treated so well. People in cars aren't even really people. Behind the wheel, people get aggressive.
@user-wh5ir4fo4r Lol...true. No Kwik Trips. I'm a former cheesehead currently living in San Diego. Can't wait to move back to WI and live amongst my people again. Just didn't realize others felt the same way.
My wife and I moved from Orlando (to Green Bay) in 2005 and we couldn't be more happy!
I moving from Florida to Wisconsin via Georgia (for 1.5 years). My daughter married a Wisconsin boy, and they moved there. I'm not missing out on grandkids and family time. After several visits, I'm surprised how much I like it. And, the people are sooooooo nice. Wish me luck. I'm so glad your happy to be back home. ❤
Thanks so much for all this! I am moving from the Carolinas where I have been for 25 years to Wisconsin. Originally from Michigan, but my daughter lives in Wisconsin. The people are amazing! I find the South very reserved compared to Midwest jolliness. The food up there is wonderful. Produce so much better in flavor. Yes and the cheese and sausage! Glad you are adjusting! People here think I am nuts to brave the cold, but it's worth it and I can get away in the winters. Take care!!
Same exact experience, from FL to WI. WI is definitely more family oriented and less expensive to live.
What cuties in Wisconsin is like this?
I’ve never lived anywhere BUT Wisconsin why am I watching this
How are the libraries in WI? We have a lovely little library in Oregon, but my family and I are planning on moving in a few years. Haven't chosen a city yet, but I'm worried about moving somewhere without a nicely stocked library. I love books!
Really great! It depends where you live, but in Northeastern Wisconsin and Madison they’ve been wonderful! I still have the same library card that I had in kindergarten :)
I have commented to my husband several times that our library here is AMAZING and much better than our library in Florida. They always seem to have the newest books! We're not even in that big of a city.
@@MintyPookieBear52 great question. First, I lived in SE Wisconsin my entire life (55+). Next, I’ve been known to use the library systems. Here in the Milwaukee metro there are at least 2 library systems. Milwaukee county has 16 libraries to choose from. While where I live in Waukesha county, the libraries here are shared with the next county west Jefferson county and there are 24 libraries available to you.
Same. Yet here we are.
I moved to wisconsin from Arizona. I love the lakes and rivers and Outdoors because I am a fisherman. I do find Wisconsin very depressing though. The people are very nice and very family-oriented but they are not worldly. Very narrow-minded and sometimes that gets to me. But overall it's a nice place to live. As long as you have a way to get out during the winter
What city/area of WI did you settle? Seems like Madison has a lot of cultural stuff going on.
@@The3Dsmash same with Milwaukee, as long as you’re in a safer area
Thank you for this uplifting video! We are making a move from the West Coast to rural Wisconsin next month.
I know its going to be a steep learning curve, but we are truly looking forward to this quieter and more peaceful living environment.
Well you’re getting a nice mild winter 😎
@@YaHey233 We were here for last winter too. It was beautiful.
I’ve been debating about moving to Wisconsin or stay in Illinois, My family is in Illinois, but I cannot stand the corn field and soybeans anymore. I’d be still 4hrs away from my mom and family so it’s doable for holidays or driving down every other weekend. I’ve fallen in love with Wisconsin. I love the rivers and lakes. It’s ideal for me since I love Kayaking. Wausau WI seems like a nice area, but I haven’t explored too much. I’ve gone North, and it just gets better and better as far as the views.
Oh my gosh! We just spent a day in Wausau this fall and I kept saying how I couldn't believe I had never visited this area of the state before because it's so beautiful! Rib Mountain State Park is stunning!
I’m 66 and I just moved to Wisconsin (near your favorite coffee company) from Texas. I had never lived in Wisconsin before, but my family moved here from Germany in the early 1840’s. So I have many relatives in the area (my father was born here). We have lived all over the world, and we are just totally over the moon about our life here. The people are so friendly, the weather while cold for a while, is so much better than Texas (or Florida) to our taste. I live in a charming 140 yo house across the street from a house built before the civil war. I’m a block from the river. And I keep running into relatives I’ve never met before, in addition to the many I used to visit from out of state when I was growing up. Great place!
I will be 66 in few months also. we moved to Watertown ,WI 10 years ago come August. we moved first to Nevada, Then, Colorado and then to Wisconsin. I too miss the ocean having been born and raised in Southern, Ca. while I do love the four seasons here, Fall being my most favorite. I will say that winter can be quite brutal here, especially if you don't have a way for snow removal and have to do it yourself. all and all we have adjusted. one more thing if planning to move here make sure you invest in a very good reliable, easy to program Weather alert radio, your going to need it come spring and fall, the weather here can become quite severe.
@@karenharker2356 same town, S. Washington. Yes we have had some severe weather this month, haven’t we?
I just moved from Texas to Wisconsin as well. The wife and I lived in Texas all our lives, but we got tired of the soul-crushing summers, the quickly rising house prices, and a few other things. My last job was a contract in Michigan that lasted over a year, so I got to get a taste of the Great Lakes climate and I didn't want to go back, so I didn't for long. There were a lot of jobs in my field in the Fox Cities, so I took one of them and here I am.
I have always lived in Illinois but one daughter lives in Northern Wisconsin and the other daughter lives in Southern Florida. Both would love us to move near them but it would be hard to choose. Ten years ago an easy choice would be Florida but I do not like the changes I have seen over the years so if we move again it would be north.
This has been helpful, planning on moving to Wisconsin in the next year with my family. Trying to research as much as possible. Even though we're only coming from Southern Illinois lol. Looking forward to the cold.
We definitely have the cold weather part covered!
@@amomexplores depending on how far north really makes a difference. South half of the state we get a two week blast in late Jan or Feb typically. Up north you might as well live in Canada.
I love that you ended with, "Looking forward to the cold". Its refreshing to hear this when, many people are trying to run from it. I find the cold delightful. And now that I'm retired and don't need to drive to work everyday, its even better.
We moved to Florida from Wisconsin twenty years ago. A few years ago we bought a second home back in Wisconsin. When we retire, that's where we'll be spending the bulk of our time. Just the opposite of what most people do. We learned that you can't underestimate the people that live up there and we miss them.
I am often asked done here how I can like a place that is so cold versus the hot weather of Florida. My response - It's too hot and muggy in Florida. Up there I can always add layers to keep me warm. Down here, I can only get so naked.
One added note. In Wisconsin, you'll likely see your neighbors less in the winter as everybody stays in more often because of the cold. In Florida, you'll likely see your neighbors less in the summer as everybody stays in more often because of the heat.
Nice to hear your story. My move will probably be in the other direction in a few short years. I agree with your pros and cons. Thanks.
You’re right, It goes from Winter to Summer in a week! All the snow melts and it smells like life.
Thanks for this nice video! My family is looking forward to moving back to WI this summer.
Lived in Wisconsin 30 years loved it but hated the long winter's
The seasonal depression is hitting early this year. I've been popping the Vitamin D like crazy!
Recommendation. Have you ever tried snow skiing? Wausau has a really nice Snow Hill/ mountain. I bought a yearly pass there and I used it a lot. The winters are more tolerable when you have a sports activity that you can do outside. I actually look forward to skiing every year
Welcome to Wisconsin. Hope you enjoy being here.
Thank you for sharing this! I live in Fl and I don’t really love it but watching this made me love my town a lot more ❤
As a native Wisconsinite, welcome to our state! Check out the driftless region by la crosse for some cool geography and get to see the Mississippi. Super fun area of the state.
Yes, I agree! I live in the La Crosse area and wouldn't live anywhere else! The scenery is absolutely beautiful here!
We did a weekend getaway to La Crosse last fall and it was stunning!
From a nebraskan, midwest summers are the best!!!! Agreed to that, yes winters can be brutal but once may hits and memorial day rolls around and it's nice and warm out we have the best summer weather, yes some parts can get more on the humid side but nothing like Texas or Florida and it can cool down in the night time and we don't have droughts like the western states like Colorado or Wyoming or Arizona, NM, Nevada etc have. Fall is beautiful and I'd prefer swimming in nice freshwater lakes than saltwater ocean beaches (cause with beaches you can't really swim or do stuff as safely from my experience)
Hello there Exploring Mom!
...guess us moving from Wasilla, Alaska to Appleton, Wisconsin (in a few days) ought to make us ready for a 'Sconnie Winter as our Seasonal Mindset of COLD / long darkness we bring from AK will fit in there at WI.
Good video!
Thank you! After Alaska Wisconsin might feel like a tropical destination! I think you'll love Appleton!
Florida native here strongly considering a move to Wisconsin in the next year or two. I have family in Chicago, so I’ve spent a good amount of time in the midwest including a few times in Wisconsin and always just felt more at home in that region. Florida’s just getting more expensive and hot. I’ve spent enough time in the cold to know it doesn’t bother me or scare me. Thanks for giving this perspective! We’ll see what happens.
@@Absk-x6l I was thinking Racine or Kenosha counties. Easy drive to both Chicago and Milwaukee that way.
Very good list of pros and cons especially about the weather can relate to the summers in FL May to about half of October blast furnance weather and of course the snow into May in WI like we had today if you stepped outside also missed friends that i had in FL i lived in FL from April of 2012 to the end of July of 2016 before moving back to WI my relatives are here in WI Milwaukee area and friends in the Appleton area also missed my workplace I was very fortunate to have my old job back once i was settled back in WI
One more thing. I don't mind cold weather but Wisconsin is very depressing because it seems like it's constantly overcast and everything is dead. This will get you down if you've ever lived in a sunny warm weather climate . I did a lot of winter activities in northern Arizona and it was beautiful because it was sunny most of the time even though we had some pretty big snow storms.
It gets the perfect amount of rainfall in the summer
Single college grad here. Interviewing for a job in Wisconsin and I'm from Miami. Nervous about going
Don't blame you. It's quite the change! I think you'll love the people here! The weather in January - April...not so much.
@@amomexplores wound up going to Ohio but still found your video helpful. Thank you
You can wear your Dolphins Jersey up in Wisconsin but don't think about wearing a Bear's Jersey
If you were born in Wisconsin, you don't need 10 pair of shoes. One or 2 pair of sneakers is all you need. Toss in various thicknesses of socks, which you can buy in Wisconsin are available for purchase. Plus. Colder weather is about layers. Short, sleeve. Long sleeve, sweat shirts, a few pair of pants, jeans and sweats and you're all set! Remember when ypu move, most things can be bought in Wisconsin!
Growing up in Racine, my mom used to purchase clothes and shoes (yes, shoes haha!) a few sizes bigger so that I could grow into them for a long time and she could save money.
Wow, you are so young to have 4 kids!!! Good job!!
Wisconsin is a great state to live in. Born and raised in Chicago spent lots of time in Wisconsin. Short drive from Chicago
Thank you for sharing you experience of moving to Wisconsin. My family is planning on moving to Wisconsin from Phoenix. We will have to invest in a while new wardrobe too. I might need a jacket with a built in heater 😅.
Honestly, all the clothes and outdoor gear I've had to buy for our whole family is the worst part. You need so many more shoes when you live somewhere with 4 seasons!
I moved to Wisconsin from Arizona. The first thing I noticed is that the winters are not only cold but they're very depressing because it's overcast all the time. Living in Arizona as you know it's sunny most of the time. This will get you depressed. The people are much nicer in Wisconsin though there are better values here people are more sincere in Wisconsin. The outdoor activities are amazing in Wisconsin. If you want culture it's a few hour drive to Chicago
Milwaukee Tool sells those type of jackets.
You really did a great job, moving with a baby! Your children look verry happy, i think you are a great mom! God bless you!
Thank you so much! So kind of you to say!
Where can we read your travel related articles?. You said you were a travel writer. I'd like to read them. Thank you for your very nice video
Sending you love from ❤Chattanooga TN. We definitely have some challenging mountain driving 🚘 compared to Florida. Come back and see the Tennessee Aquarium in downtown Chattanooga when you can.
Glad you made it safely to Wisconsin with your sweet little children!
Lol watching this when living in Wisconsin and wanting to move to FL
Just read that Wausau is the No 1 booming and growing city in WI.
Love FL. Always wanted to visit WI. Think people live normally live where their family’s at and mostly where they grew up. I love California OC, the ocean. the hot springs here, the mtns because this is where I grew up and have family here as well. Best😎👊
Thanks for the video. I am currently mid-move to Wisconsin from the UK. Covid travel restrictions not helping and having to buy a home with only a video tour adds a little stress. So excited to begin our new life over there.
Glad it was helpful! Everything is so stressful right now with covid restrictions. Hope your move goes smoothly!
@@amomexplores Thanks 👍
Well done, born and raised here.
Whereabouts are you guys?
Just curious
Welcome to the great state of Wisconsin to you and your family
There's no cons Wisconsin is amazing!!!
Pro: It is Wisconsin
Pro: It is NOT Florida
Pro: Garage beers May -October are amazing.
My husband has two job offers one in kissimmee and other one in stoughton wisconsin. We don't know where to go, is fanny how people think. When I ask someone they say florida is too hot, wisconsin is too cold. Thanks for your video.
Florida is higher cost of living now.
The weather, is it true for Southern Wisconsin? Thank you.
Oh girl. I feel this. We moved away from our family when our kiddo was 3 weeks old to a state with no friends or family and it was truly horrible. Worst year of my entire life (besides having the best thing in my life).
So hard to not have that support system!
Any suggestions on the brand/type of jackets we should get? Also, decent boots.
We know it'll be a big investment, but absolutely necessary.
We have cold weather jackets for the Sierras, but I know WI requires much more.
I like Columbia. Shop at Fleet Farm for outerwear. Always wear layers to help if you get too cold or warm
@@ketoauntie7301 Thank you, Auntie. Great suggestions. I first learned about Fleet Farm last year while visiting family. Fun place, they carry just about everything.
Welcome to Wisconsin and thanks for video. No hurricanes to worry about here. We live only 30 minutes from you here in Sheboygan on Lake Michigan. Hope you got a chance to check us out.
Lovely video thanks for sharing
❤ from New Zealand
Glad you enjoyed it!
I would give my right pinky to move back to the Wisconsin area. Any tips on convincing my bf? Lol he likes kayaking, fishing and golf! I seriously am so over Florida after 10 years, but he is a native, so I will need solid bargaining tools!
My hubby was born and raised in south Florida and he would never live there again. He absolutely loves the season changes and surprisingly he really loves the winters. I lived in FL half my life and I hated not having 4 seasons. The holidays were the absolute worst for me. I never got used to shopping for Christmas in shorts and palm trees decorated with lights, lol...hated it!
If you have kids in the future the education system is good. Kayaking and fishing are major here so he would find his brethren.
People are nicer here! And there are lots of options for outdoor loving people. The Great Lakes are amazing - AND you don't have to worry about alligators and snakes. My kids couldn't believe we were allowed to swim in lakes and ponds after moving here from Florida.
If he likes freshwater fishing and there's no other place on Earth that's better than Wisconsin. Hire a guide to take him fishing the next time you're here. That just might convince him. Especially if you go to the North Woods
Lower cost of living. Slower paced life.
My husband and I plan on moving to Wisconsin at the beginning of next year. We are both born and raised in Florida. We have been in Texas for 2.5 years (3 by the time we move) due to the military and we are just ready for a change. Are there any suggestions you’d have for us? We have 3 children. Our oldest will be entering into 1st grade and our twins will be in Prek so we think they will adjust easier than us since they’re still young. Also, my mom and sister will be moving up there with us so we will have family around. Any advice or suggestions? You know from living in Florida that there’s really no season change so that’s one big adjustment for us 🤣
The biggest thing is that you'll need to invest in snow boots, snow pants, hats, mittens, and winter jackets for everyone. My kids used the "thinsulate" jackets almost year round. There were only a few days where they needed a much warmer coat (but for those days they stayed inside at recess). Walmart worked just fine for kids' snow gear. Other than that, we loved our first year back in the Midwest! The 4 seasons are amazing to experience after living in FL. Fall is the best! Enjoy Midwest culture - breweries, renting a cabin on the lake, hiking in the state parks, cheese curds, etc. We're loving it here!
As a Wisconsinite o would say always add one more layer than what you need.
I would like to recommend the Northern suburbs of Milwaukee (Whitefish Bay, Shorewood, Fox Point, Mequon, Cedarburg). The schools are the best in Wisconsin and the neighborhoods are quiet and relatively free of crime. Several major advantages: Downtown Milwaukee has a lot of entertainment venues.....and its close to Lake Michigan Beaches and Yacht harbors. Also Milwaukee is only 2 hours from downtown Chicago. North of Milwaukee there are many state parks (for camping) and many small towns, villages and rural beauty.
Really enjoyed watching your video! We are in PA, but hoping to move to WI, and ASAP, to be close to our daughter’s family. We’ve visited there about ten times and their small town is so pleasant. And, it’s where out grandsons are, so lIke you we’d be close to family and see them growing up. Thanks for sharing this…..like you, I’m sure we’ll find the weather a bit of a challenge! ❤️🤍🛶⛺️🌲❄️
The first year felt like no problem - I think because we were all excited about the change of seasons again after living in Florida. It seems to be more challenging for me this year, so I've booked our spring break somewhere warm!
Fun to look back....still do that video on ur move.....u could teach folks what not to do :)
Haha it was rough but we all survived.
Dont forget only state you can get Spotted Cow Beer...😊😊
What town did you move to in Wisconsin. I'm from Wisconsin.
Planning a move for my family from OC Cali where me and my wife (& 2 young kids) grew up to Wisconsin at the end of the 2021 school year. Both climate change concerns and unaffordable housing market have driven us to move to midwest. Also my wifes job has been fully remote since March 2020 and seems it isn't going back. Maybe I missed it in your vid but what area of Wisconsin did you settle in to? I've been Watching housing prices in an areas from Appleton to Madison to Milwaukee & their surronding areas. Have been back n forth between the Twin cities area and Wis. but for the moment I've mostly settled on the Wis areas as housing is still alittle lower then the Minn. areas. Thanx for vid!
We're in the Fond du Lac area (not too far from Appleton). We love it here! It's quiet and there are great parks, library and YMCA. We've also lived in the Twin Cities and loved it there. You really can't go wrong!
@@amomexplores Fond Du Lac looks beautiful. The whole area from Appleton to OshKosh to Fond is a region I've recently zoned in on. Thanx again for the vid!
I’m planning to move to Wisconsin too bro! I also stay in OC area here in Cali 😂 I need a buddy to make the move with, let’s go!! 🤣🤣🤣
@@SimonDicastro I'm gonna need new bowling teamates for sure lol!
Do not come back. Disgusting filth
We live in Wisconsin
11:08 _Really good tips and tricks. I would like know, if there are chances to be stolen, if we have electric cars in charging or parking throughout specifically in Milwaukee ?_
Right now, there is an issue with Kia and Hyundai vehicles being stolen.
There are limited electric vehicle charging sites. Outside of the car dealerships, the only electric car charging sites near me are at Kohl's, Outpost natural and Hampton inn
Thanks
if you dont mind me asking, what moving company did you use to move your belongings? My family and I are moving out of state, and we are lost in this area
We rented the moving truck and just did everything ourselves with the help of friends and family. Sorry I can't be of more help!
Hi Brittany, I’m moving tomorrow! The truck is packed and waiting for pick up in the morning. I am using a company called U-Pack. I did a lot of research and found the prices and ease of use to be the best choice. You reserve a container, which gets dropped off at your home, you pack yourself and when it’s done you call for a pick up. My container was delivered 2 days ago and will be collected tomorrow. Then it will take 8-10 working days to get to Wisconsin. I’m leaving California, and really hoping family will follow!
If you can load yourself and want to do it cheaper, explore ABF. We used them in our move down. They dropped off a semi trailer at our house, we packed it, they hauled it down. When we got down, we let them know and they dropped the trailer at our house for a few days for us to unload. Twenty years ago but at that time I think it cost us 2K. I recall professional movers around that time being about 15-20K.
Thank you so much for your video! I'm planning on moving to WI soon, maybe within the next few months. I may use a Pod to move my belongings since I do not own a car. I live in L.A., California. I have family in WI and I have been there a few years ago. I cried on my way back to L.A. from WI. I love WI so much! I want to find work and move to WI since I find it a more comfortable pace of life, not like the fast paced big city life in So-Cal. I am planning on moving with my cat. My cat loves the outdoors and is comfortable spending time outside here in L.A., so I believe that my cat will be shocked moving from sunny, hot, dry L.A. to a place in WI. Did you move with any pets? Do you have any recommendations for me? Thanks in advance! :)
We have a yellow lab and we've lived in 3 states and 7 different houses with him. We've never done anything special to prepare him for the move, and he does great!
I live in Madison. Although housing is getting expensive there are a lot of companies that start off between $17-$20 an hour. A lot of people move to Madison or surrounding areas from out of state to work for Exact Sciences.
The snow removal from the streets is top-notch in Madison. We’re also very centralized to other places: 45 minute drive to Milwaukee. 2 hour drive to Chicago, 45 minute drive to Wisconsin Dells, 5 hour drive to Minneapolis.
Madison is a great mix of urban and nature. The center of town (Isthmus) is surrounded by two different lakes. Check out some RUclips videos on Madison.
I'm glad you like living in Wisconsin. Wow, moving during that crazy time last year sounds extremely hectic, especially with many small kids. We've always lived in the frigid north and we completely hate it! (Upstate NY, northern Indiana, and now Michigan). It's just far too cold for most of the year which is soooo incredibly boring, ick. My mind and body shut down when I am cold and I have zero motivation and lack happiness. The trees only have leaves for 4 months out of the year! I would never ever move from FL to WI, haha :) Florida is a literal dream state and has my ideal climate!
I always thought the same thing! I HATED the midwest winters and springs growing up. (still don't love them), but after living in Florida, I definitely appreciate the midwest a lot more. Although I did soak in every single beautiful 70 degree day during the winter months, that's for sure!
The funny thing about Florida is that most people move back“home” within 5 years. It’s a huuuuge melting pot of various cultures which sounds lovely and it can be but it’s just……. Hard. A lot of people fleeing other countries end up in south Florida and people get territorial. The hardest part by far is leaving family. Then when you’re my age you meet someone who is a native and you’re really stuck and feel like you’ll never get back “home” sigh anyways the grass always looks greener in Florida because it is but look out, because there’s gators and caine roads and fire ants in that green grass
@@kt9185 Maybe you can take vacations throughout the yars to visit them :) Since we left our original comment, we have accomplished our goal and we now live in Florida-yay! We love it. We have no 'family' so no worries about missing anyone. We will never go back to the north. We went to an Atlantic Ocean beach yesterday and it was the best water I have ever swam in. It was gorgeously warm. We all had a blast. In the north the water is always cold, which always ruined swimming for me. I will take everything that Florida has, instead of enduring winter and lack of opportunities in the places we've always lived in the north. Also, I can kiss goodbye to SAD :D I'm not sure what the culture thing means- territorial? Maybe that's just something to do with cities which we always avoid so we're clueless on that, we found a home in a rural setting.
I agree with you regarding the winters. It really brings your mood down as it's overcast here in Wisconsin most of the time. Everything seems dead and I lose all my motivation. Luckily for me though I'm able to fly out to warm weather climates frequently during the winter. The summers are great and there's no other place that I'd rather be in the summer than Wisconsin I also like the spring and fall in Wisconsin it's just from November through March that really suck in Wisconsin
@@badgerfishinski6857 Agree, Nov-March 😞
What part in Wisconsin? I live in racine
50's is shorts weather
I moved from WI to Florida...Navy
Florida is amazing. Enjoy!
Gee, the "what I miss" part is to the tears.
If your parents and his parents live in Wisconsin then didn't you and your husband both grow up in Wisconsin?
I'm NOT, originally, from Wisconsin...but compared to the East Coast, West Coast and "down South" places I've lived....Wisconsin is the best. What do I like about it? LAKE MICHIGAN & LAKE SUPERIOR (the beauty of oceans WITHOUT the smell and WITHOUT sharks)......SMALL TOWNS....(ALWAYS clean, with well kept homes and yards).....HILLS...(Believe it or not Wisconsin IS HILLY...especially on the western side)....WOODS....(wherever you go...even IN the big cities!)...CHANGE OF SEASONS....(I've lived in the tropics....BORING! Always HOT. Always UNCOMFORTABLE!...and the ONLY thing I don't like about Wisconsin...are the hot summers! I LOVE the WINTERS!)
Disclaimer: midwest nice (everyone is so nice) is both real and not. It's real because you're a blind haired, blue eyed, straight white girl. They're nice to people. But their definition of people isn't as broad as you'd think. The darker your skin, the worse you're treated. If you don't present as cis, hetero, Christian, etc, you're not going to get treated so well. People in cars aren't even really people. Behind the wheel, people get aggressive.
Oh boy😆
Moving from Florida to Wisconsin!? Now, there's a first...lol
@user-wh5ir4fo4r Lol...true. No Kwik Trips. I'm a former cheesehead currently living in San Diego. Can't wait to move back to WI and live amongst my people again. Just didn't realize others felt the same way.
FL is way too crowded and it's really catching up with states like NY or NJ with the cost of living.