New to my channel and want to see more videos about Florida? Check out my Moving to Florida Playlist here: ruclips.net/p/PLTQbOpui9NO-Q25EZYW3oi07Tz-2wKOwg
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.
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
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!!!
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.
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😊
Great video Michael! I'm 63 and I grew up in Temple Terrace, a town in the Tampa metro area. I went to UF and then moved away to Texas for some 27 years. The way I think of Florida is essentially this: Northern Florida, the pan handle, and over I-10 to Jacksonville, and I-75 down to Gainesville, is the most southern part of the "deep south". Orlando is full of people who work at Disney and its supporting hotel industry. The Tampa area is laced with mid-westerners because of I-75, while the east coast is laced with northeasterners due to I-95. Tampa has middle-class mid-westerners, while St.Petersburg and Clearwater have middle-class northeasterners. 40 miles north up I-75 from Tampa is Brooksville. Street bike riders rendezvous in Brooksville each weekend to cruise the country roads of north Florida, while the State Park Service runs Brooksville's 8x3 mile Croom dirt bike riding park. North Florida is laced with rural motocross tracks. Ocala is famous for its horse farms. Temple Terrace, originally a hunting resort in Tampa that had one of Florida's first golf courses, is a dead-ringer for the movie, "Caddie Shack", as the kids all wanted to Caddie for the Cincinnati Reds! If you can brave the humidity, Florida has a lot to offer.
Thank you Moby! I always like to read comments from people that have a long history with Florida. I didn’t know about all of the motocross tracks up in the northern part. I would be interested in riding those at some point in the future
Gainesville is SUPER liberal now and I do mean SUPER SUPER liberal. It's no longer really "deep south" in vibes. My Mom lives in the area and woo... some of the stories coming out of there. Scary.
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
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 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😀
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.
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😀
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 😊
@ 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.
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
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 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.
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!!
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
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.
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 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.
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.
@@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 RUclips 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 .
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
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 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 👌
@@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
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.
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 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👌
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!
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.
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 🙂
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 😑
St Augustine is awesome went there to visit, loved it went back and bought a house cant wait in two months leaving Colorado and moving to a Free state. Cooler than south Florida, great beaches, great food, less hurricanes, less bugs, no state income tax in Florida and a super awesome old city with tons of history. Great food is just a bonus!
One thing of concern: the next election and the fraud of stealing the election. Next governor may not be the kind the people would legitimately choose.
@@kaelou3408 Florida won't accept stolen elections and the people that moved here from communist countries for freedom won't accept it either, come on down. Florida supports freedom and the American dream.
You will love it. We have a second home there. I currently live in crime infested Atlanta, and will be retiring soon to our place in St. Augustine. We love our freedom down here in the South. We are happy, free, and patriotic. Plus we have the best Governor.
I grew up in Florida pre-Disney. St. Augustine, Panama City Beach, Pensacola, Clearwater, and Sarasota are my favorite cities. We are currently in Bradenton, going to be moving to Sarasota in a month. If I had the money, I'd live in Clearwater, St Augustine or Panama City Beach. But I love Sarasota, too. It's a pretty cool place to live.
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 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 👍
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 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 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!
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 😀
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 )
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!
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 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 👌
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
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!
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.
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.
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
The only reason to relocate to Orlando is if you have a job there, otherwise what's the point with dealing with heat, humidity, gigantic bugs, hurricanes if you not going to be close to water. I am in sales and I fly a lot. God forbid you catch a connection in Orlando you'll have a plane full of screaming kids. I'll take Ft Myes area over Orlando in a heart beat. Downtown is going through pleasant revitalization, modern airport, Coconut Mall is world class,, place is tuning in to a college town because of Florida Gulf Coast growth. I could me in Miami or Tampa with 2 hour drive to see major sports or concerts.
Ft Myers is nice and it's cool to hear another perspective on the airport situation. The screaming kids is something I never though about! But I never flew to Orlando, only drove
Agreed. I never understood the obsession with Orlando. I know most people move there just to be next to Disney, but a lot of non-Disney folks move there too. To me it just defeats the purpose of living in Florida. In the middle of the state in the hottest and most humid part and hours from the ocean. I just don't get it, but everyone is different, and for some reason people want to live in Orlando.
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!
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.
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 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 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👍
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".
If you're concerned about wireless safety, please be aware that the more populated areas of Florida have cleared the way for installation of "small cell nodes," which are basically small cell towers attached to utility and light poles (can also be attached to the sides of buildings, called cell repeaters, or hidden behind building facades or in church steeples). These small cell towers will essentially initially bring 4G radiation, and eventually 5G millimeter wave radiation, closer to homes and businesses. These are in addition to the taller macro towers already there. We've measured various parts of the Tampa area (I'm a neuroscientist, with particular emphasis on nnEMF's and brain function/pathology), and will be moving somewhere more north or south to a more rural area (but within driving distance) to avoid too much chronic exposure.
@@lisagrl89m.67 Thank you for considering my comment. We try to use "5G" per se to increase people's overall awareness of wireless tech and the options available for making use of it safer (such as ethernet, among others). There are plenty of studies on older wireless generations that were ignored by the FCC recently when they had the chance to upgrade their exposure limits from 1996. References you can easily access for a better understanding include the Bioinitiative Report (a compilation), National Toxicology Study (wireless section), and Ramazzini study. There are thousands more.
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!
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.
We have a second home in St. Augustine and absolutely love it. But I do agree the winters can be quite chilly. Sometimes only slightly warmer in winter than Georgia.
St Augustine is really nice I like it very much I also like Ponce Inlet which is just south of Daytona Beach it's a small place but it's very quaint it has nice restaurants and you're not that far from Daytona if you want to go to bike week or go to the races but yet you can go back to a quieter part of town but very beautiful check it out
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😯
Congratulations on hitting over 1,000 subscribers!. I was just reading the news that Florida started reopening certain parts of the state?. I bet alot of Floridians went to the beach and started working out and jogging.
Thank you Very much ! Yes, it is true. Here in Miami Beach a handful of the parks and boat ramps are now open by people are supposed to wear the mask in all these places. Which is basically impossible to enforce and I think if they're going to do that they might as well just leave everything closed still. Down here by me in Miami Beach, the beaches are still closed but some areas near Jacksonville and the beach open already
New to my channel and want to see more videos about Florida? Check out my Moving to Florida Playlist here: ruclips.net/p/PLTQbOpui9NO-Q25EZYW3oi07Tz-2wKOwg
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.'
RUclips 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👌
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!
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 😊
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.
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
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.
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
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 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 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!!!
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.
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?🤫
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😊
Great video Michael! I'm 63 and I grew up in Temple Terrace, a town in the Tampa metro area. I went to UF and then moved away to Texas for some 27 years. The way I think of Florida is essentially this: Northern Florida, the pan handle, and over I-10 to Jacksonville, and I-75 down to Gainesville, is the most southern part of the "deep south". Orlando is full of people who work at Disney and its supporting hotel industry. The Tampa area is laced with mid-westerners because of I-75, while the east coast is laced with northeasterners due to I-95. Tampa has middle-class mid-westerners, while St.Petersburg and Clearwater have middle-class northeasterners. 40 miles north up I-75 from Tampa is Brooksville. Street bike riders rendezvous in Brooksville each weekend to cruise the country roads of north Florida, while the State Park Service runs Brooksville's 8x3 mile Croom dirt bike riding park. North Florida is laced with rural motocross tracks. Ocala is famous for its horse farms. Temple Terrace, originally a hunting resort in Tampa that had one of Florida's first golf courses, is a dead-ringer for the movie, "Caddie Shack", as the kids all wanted to Caddie for the Cincinnati Reds! If you can brave the humidity, Florida has a lot to offer.
Thank you Moby! I always like to read comments from people that have a long history with Florida. I didn’t know about all of the motocross tracks up in the northern part. I would be interested in riding those at some point in the future
Gainesville is SUPER liberal now and I do mean SUPER SUPER liberal. It's no longer really "deep south" in vibes. My Mom lives in the area and woo... some of the stories coming out of there. Scary.
@@VictoriaGatesbest city in Florida, best university, best medical center, best vibe, Tom Petty , liberals.
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
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 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!
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 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.
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😀
St Petersburg is a major contender.live their every winter and has amazing waterfront parks,marinas,beaches, bike trails along seawall
shhhhhh
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.
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
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 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.
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
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 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!
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!
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. 😊
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.
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
I just visited it and it is nice! Forests and lakes near by
Very good video.I like that you base yourself on personal experience.Actually check out the places you talk about.
Forget yo sunset party,! Siesta key drum circle is the place to be
Also the sand sculpture festival in november!!
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 👌
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.
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 RUclips 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 .
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
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?
Enjoyed the personal perspective. Very helpful and fun video. Thank you!
Thanks, so glad you enjoyed it!!
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😀
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 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
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.
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!
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!
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👌
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
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
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.
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!
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 😑
BEST VIDEO!!!!hey mike,,i been searching these videos all week,,thank you my friend!! WELL DONE & MAKE MORE!!
Thank you very much Raybo! I have made quite a few vids about FL since I will make more, so glad you enjoyed 😎
St Augustine is awesome went there to visit, loved it went back and bought a house cant wait in two months leaving Colorado and moving to a Free state. Cooler than south Florida, great beaches, great food, less hurricanes, less bugs, no state income tax in Florida and a super awesome old city with tons of history. Great food is just a bonus!
Good for you ! I'm jealous 😄 I'll be visiting there again soon and everything you said about it is true. Maybe will be my home soon👌
One thing of concern: the next election and the fraud of stealing the election. Next governor may not be the kind the people would legitimately choose.
@@kaelou3408 Florida won't accept stolen elections and the people that moved here from communist countries for freedom won't accept it either, come on down. Florida supports freedom and the American dream.
You will love it. We have a second home there. I currently live in crime infested Atlanta, and will be retiring soon to our place in St. Augustine. We love our freedom down here in the South. We are happy, free, and patriotic. Plus we have the best Governor.
I grew up in Florida pre-Disney. St. Augustine, Panama City Beach, Pensacola, Clearwater, and Sarasota are my favorite cities. We are currently in Bradenton, going to be moving to Sarasota in a month. If I had the money, I'd live in Clearwater, St Augustine or Panama City Beach. But I love Sarasota, too. It's a pretty cool place to live.
Wow it must have been so different down here back then. Glad you like some of the same spots I put on this list 😀
@@MichaelBordenaro It was a world of difference! Orlando wasn't even a dot on the map! Winter Park was bigger!
@@BettyHorn That is incredible!
@@MichaelBordenaro yep!
What are your thoughts about destin/santa rosa beach area?
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 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.
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😀
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
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 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!
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 😀
This video was very helpful, thank you so much! I plan to move to Florida in the next year or so and I'm so excited!
That's awesome! So glad the video helped you😊 Good luck with your upcoming move!
Aaaah Florida everybody loves u.😍🤗
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 👌
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!
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 😀
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 👌
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 😀
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.
Nice video clip! You definitely hit it on the nail when it comes to St. Augustine, Fl.
Thank you!
St. Augustine is my favorite Florida city.
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.
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.
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
The only reason to relocate to Orlando is if you have a job there, otherwise what's the point with dealing with heat, humidity, gigantic bugs, hurricanes if you not going to be close to water. I am in sales and I fly a lot. God forbid you catch a connection in Orlando you'll have a plane full of screaming kids. I'll take Ft Myes area over Orlando in a heart beat. Downtown is going through pleasant revitalization, modern airport, Coconut Mall is world class,, place is tuning in to a college town because of Florida Gulf Coast growth. I could me in Miami or Tampa with 2 hour drive to see major sports or concerts.
Ft Myers is nice and it's cool to hear another perspective on the airport situation. The screaming kids is something I never though about! But I never flew to Orlando, only drove
Agreed. I never understood the obsession with Orlando. I know most people move there just to be next to Disney, but a lot of non-Disney folks move there too. To me it just defeats the purpose of living in Florida. In the middle of the state in the hottest and most humid part and hours from the ocean. I just don't get it, but everyone is different, and for some reason people want to live in Orlando.
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!
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 😊
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
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 👌
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!
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 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
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 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👍
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".
If you're concerned about wireless safety, please be aware that the more populated areas of Florida have cleared the way for installation of "small cell nodes," which are basically small cell towers attached to utility and light poles (can also be attached to the sides of buildings, called cell repeaters, or hidden behind building facades or in church steeples). These small cell towers will essentially initially bring 4G radiation, and eventually 5G millimeter wave radiation, closer to homes and businesses. These are in addition to the taller macro towers already there. We've measured various parts of the Tampa area (I'm a neuroscientist, with particular emphasis on nnEMF's and brain function/pathology), and will be moving somewhere more north or south to a more rural area (but within driving distance) to avoid too much chronic exposure.
Thank you for the input, I've been researching and trying to keep up on this 5g. Not too happy about it!
@@lisagrl89m.67 Thank you for considering my comment. We try to use "5G" per se to increase people's overall awareness of wireless tech and the options available for making use of it safer (such as ethernet, among others). There are plenty of studies on older wireless generations that were ignored by the FCC recently when they had the chance to upgrade their exposure limits from 1996. References you can easily access for a better understanding include the Bioinitiative Report (a compilation), National Toxicology Study (wireless section), and Ramazzini study. There are thousands more.
You did a nice laid back review I enjoyed it thanks.
I appreciate that, really happy you liked it 😀
@@MichaelBordenaro most of the reviews people act like lunatics lol.
@@krisward7720 Yep I know, I watched those vids before I made this one😎
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 must agree St. Augustine Fl. is truly a fantastic place to live.
It's beautiful!
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!
I agree, St. Augustine is beautiful!
Too cold in winter though........
I don't mind the cooler temps especially since I am from IL. But might be colder than most people expect for FL
We have a second home in St. Augustine and absolutely love it. But I do agree the winters can be quite chilly. Sometimes only slightly warmer in winter than Georgia.
Great video, never clicked faster in my life. Looking forward to future content.
That is awesome!! Thanks for clicking fast 😉 Have a lot more on the way for you 👌
Gulfport, Florida! A cool little beach town full of bars and restaurants right in between St. Pete Beach and Downtown St. Petersburg.
I must’ve drove right past it last time I was on the West Coast
St Augustine is really nice I like it very much I also like Ponce Inlet which is just south of Daytona Beach it's a small place but it's very quaint it has nice restaurants and you're not that far from Daytona if you want to go to bike week or go to the races but yet you can go back to a quieter part of town but very beautiful check it out
Thanks for the tips! I will check out Ponce Inlet next time I'm up that way. Sounds like a nice place to live!
I like your approach👌🏼
Thanks a lot!
@@MichaelBordenaro the best review about Florida in whole RUclips🙌
@@asselnewyork3000 Thank you very much!!!
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😯
In my opinion, Coconut Grove is paradise but mostly just good for drinking. I lived there for 9 months and got out. Just my opinion
Congratulations on hitting over 1,000 subscribers!. I was just reading the news that Florida started reopening certain parts of the state?. I bet alot of Floridians went to the beach and started working out and jogging.
Thank you Very much ! Yes, it is true. Here in Miami Beach a handful of the parks and boat ramps are now open by people are supposed to wear the mask in all these places. Which is basically impossible to enforce and I think if they're going to do that they might as well just leave everything closed still. Down here by me in Miami Beach, the beaches are still closed but some areas near Jacksonville and the beach open already