I guess it might take a change of location. I was born in Miami and was very dissatisfied there. Moved to central Florida and it was like a breath of fresh air. I tried Hawaii for nine months but couldn't stand the crowds. I missed Spanish Moss on old oaks, Pelicans and the freedom to surf anywhere.

I no longer surf (melanoma) but still have no idea of where I would want to live other than Florida. Perhaps the Carolinas but it gets soooo cooold up there.

Every place has its good and bad. You just need to decide when one out weighs the other. Why not take an extended road trip and check out different places before making a decision to bail.

I don't live in Florida, but I am writing this from Boynton Beach where I am visiting my mother and her husband, and the new Florida has not appeared here. It's almost completely homogenous and while I enjoy being the youngest adult in the room (unlike in my home the San Francisco Bay Area, where it's the opposite), I can understand why the overbuilt retirement communities are not being filled with the baby boomers they expected.

For the past few years I've been winter snow birding in Naples, Florida for a few months each year. I have a place on the beach and just love looking at the water, walking on the beach, biking on the trails around here. While Naples is getting more and more built up, the benefit is that there are lots and lots of good restaurants, places to shop and things to do.

I love the weather here and love escaping from the snow and ice and winter climes in my primary home (VA near DC). I wouldn't want to live here all year round though...it does get very hot and humid.

Like lots of people, I think that I like the complete change of going back and forth between my place in Naples and my place up North.

Hi,

I grew up in Miami, and lived in Central Florida for a few years too. My Sister lives in South Carolina near Myrtle Beach and it looks and feels a lot like Florida. The weather isn't that bad, it doesn't get as cold near the ocean side of the state. If you get the chance, you may want to check it out.

kuji

Hi,

I've lived in South Florida since 1970 and I've never gotten tired of it. I lived in New Jersey, Indiana, Illinois, and a few other places as a child. Have visited many more.

As beautiful as other areas can be, it only takes about one weekend of bare trees, chill winds, and bleak landscape to send me tripping joyfully back to the tropics.

I've made friends with the lizards and bugs.

Every area has its joys and irritations and I think maybe it's important to find the one which has the most of what you like. Some people are happiest with hills and forests. Some, like me, truly enjoy tropical flora and fauna...so I guess it's personal.

And, for some people, a change of scenery just makes them feel better.

I hope you find what you want.

-Claudia

I've lived in Florida since 1955 and can proudly say I never have and never will own a snow blower !!