If you are thinking of moving to Florida and have questions or want to discuss it, I offer private consulting calls, and you can book one here michaelbordenaro.com/book-service/
Hi Michael: I can relate to your unhappiness being in Illinois...as I live in New Jersey. Property taxes here go up every year, and are costly. I have 3 states I have been checking out: Florida, Maine, and possibly NC (although I lived in NC many years, moved back to NJ, for 8 years, but really don't want to stay. There isn't much here anymore besides our beaches. So many businesses shut down (our fave ones), diners no longer open 24/7, and not much opportunity for alternative living (NJ is anti-tiny home), I'd miss the snow though! That's about it!
@@stevendavidson9329 Yes it was the right move for me to move away. Not for everyone, but for me it was. At least you have an outline of a few possibilities. Now you just need to spend more time in each and figure out which is for you
I love Florida and definitely feel happier here than I was in NY. As an added bonus I moved in 2019 and didn’t have spend my 2020 locked down like my family did up there.
I believe it! Moving here can have a huge impact on your state of mind, and being able to still go outside and do things while most the country was stuck was a huge advantage for us
That's really inspiring to hear that you can look back on your life and appreciate the decisions you've made. We visited Florida for over 15 years before we made our decision to make it our home. Both my wife and I always made sure we weren't wearing our "vacation goggles" when making a decision when we visited, we usually rented a house for a couple of weeks and imagined living there. We would cook meals at "home", watch our favorite TV shows at night (boring, huh?), have coffee on the lanai in the morning and watch a sunrise, then maybe end the day sitting on a beach and watching the sun set into the Gulf of Mexico, that's paradise. We were both aware of the age old Florida moniker, "it's for the newly wed and the nearly dead", friends and family up north were trying to discourage us with the "it's all old people" line. Well, the last time I looked in the mirror, it wasn't a kid looking back at me. We knew, from our many years visiting, yes, a lot of older people, but there's a new vitality to them, lots things to do and the beautiful weather to do them in and many many of those old people (including us) take full advantage.
That is a really cool story thank you for sharing that! I’m so happy to hear you guys take forward vantage of living in Florida and I believe all the activities to do here keep the old young👌
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My best memories... at age 51 now, are in Forida. I've wanted to move home for ages... as a kid the summers didn't bother me at all. I must transition though in winter (weight gain/20 yrs in the high desert). Somehow, someday... hopefully not alone.
Maybe you could interview other transplants to Florida in one of your videos and hear about their decision making process. I don't want to be interviewed! But I moved to Jacksonville when I was 41 yrs old. I am a single female and I quit my job of 20 yrs , packed my car and drove here alone from Oklahoma where I had lived my entire life. I found a job when I moved here and I am now a retired 66 year old. I love the warm weather and blue skies!! It was so very hard moving here alone where I didn't know anybody but the best decision for me!! I enjoy your videos.
Funny you mention that. I have a video coming from part of my trip around FL, where I actually interview my grandfather who moved to FL. Stand by. So glad to hear you enjoy my vids 😀
Im currently living in finland and feeling exactly same when you were living in illanois. So depressing to look outside to the gray and cold winter. Which lasts for eight months out of the twelve. My dream is to live in South Florida one day, which is entirely up to me. My school starts next fall, which i graduate to be an ICT engineer. Your videos give me motivation and a little boost to the depressing winter. Great work, keep it up.
Wow that is a very long winter! In IL it lasts about 6 months. Sounds like you are ready to come here to FL and try out a new life. Glad I could lift your spirits in Finland😀
Not in Florida but i had a similar situation. Grew up on the outskirts of Detroit and have always dreamed of living somewhere with palm trees. California was my choice. I moved out on a limb as soon as I had a good savings going and moved out to Santa Barbara. In the year I have lived here so far I have made a few friends of my own and have been a lot more social. I go outside a ton and lost 90 pounds! Taking this leap really helped my mental state for sure. Glad to hear there are people that went through a similar situation. It's super motivating!
Wow that is awesome Seth, good for you man! It doesn't really matter where you do it, the fact that you did is all that counts and sounds like it was the best decision for you!
Been wanting to live there since 76, 1st time I went. Now 56, semi retired, kids are out, house is paid..told the wife I’ll have oranges on my license plate within 2-3 yrs. We just spent a month there in our RV. I love FLA even more now. Just have to decide where.
Hello, I just watched your video about how your life is better living in Florida. Your gratitude towards your viewers is very cool. I really appreciate that. I wish you continued success and happiness and I will keep watching. Take care
We all need the sun and good weather for our mental and physical health so being in a sunny state absolutely raises anybody's mood. I would take the heat and humidity any day. So sick of winters in general. Anyway, thx so much for the detailed depth into your thoughts, Michael.
I think so too, although I'll be talking about the heat and humidity more, bc my trip around FL is proving some interesting weather points I want to talk about
Michael, with a Great Attitude like that , you're giving Thanks everyday !.....Positivity feeds upon itself, but weather does have a lot to do with it ! (lol).... Another winning video, Thank you...
Big Thanks, I’m in Illinois coming to Florida in January year 2022….soooooo happy you made the point about your outlook on life is better there. I’m feeling some of that what you said about Illinois…just a relief I’m not the only one experiencing this gloom/doom in Illinois.
I would move to Florida today if I could! My goal is to eventually move to coastal Florida or coastal Carolinas. I want the sun, warmth, and smell of salt air every day! Until then, still stuck in Ohio
Thank you for the video! I live in Rockford, IL area and planning on moving to South FL, after many visits, as soon as I sell my condo. I'm sick of the long, dreary winters. There is nothing like the tropical air! Thank you again!
You're welcome Carol! That is cool to hear from someone back home looking to make the same move. The IL selling season is here! Sounds like you'll be moving soon 👌
I’m from south fla. I’ve lived in Atlanta, Montreal, nyc, and LA. My ex is from St. Louis where I am now. I can very much relate to Illinois syndrome. The energy is just heavy here - it’s not a good place lol I’m inside so much during the winter - it’s extremely depressing and isolating. Over it My kids are teens now and love with their dad so I’m moving back in March- time to make myself happy again. I know you take yourself wherever you go, however, I do think your environment is at least 40%
Michael i grew up in new york and still live here but i have to agree with you on this. Everytime im down in miami i get this feeling of joy and i just feel so great i cant explain it. Thanks for sharing
I swear we are kindred spirits lol. That feeling you described at the car detailing job is exactly what I fight with day in and out. Sometimes I make stupid mental errors on my job, simply because I'm imagining how much better my life will be down there. I remember the last day I spent on South Beach, walking the beach and feeling so grateful for the ocean air, the relaxed and happy vibes, the inspiring beauty...I can relate 100% why you felt moved to make this video. Looking forward to going in more detail on this in our call
After watching four or five of your videos I’ve subscribe. I have to tell you I lived in Clearwater Florida for six years and two years in Nokomis Florida. I loved it but my family wanted to move back to Michigan. You describe the great state of Florida exactly how it is first of all absolutely bright beautiful sunny awesome sometimes crazy not to be confused with Disneyland but world apart compared to Michigan where I originally come from. After 25 years Northern suburbs of Detroit I’ve been planning to move back with my six children adults now most of them and say goodbye to this miserable weather depressing cloudy boring state. No offense to no one I’m originally from here but I’ve had enough of the cold weather and other things. Thank you for the incredible information you give the respect you give your subscribers the mellow tone you do it and God bless you and yes there’s 1000s of videos you can continue making about Florida smaller towns different cities different attitudes places whatever you do don’t take your foot off the padal. Again great video thank you Michael
Thank you very much Lui! Its nice to hear your history and love of FL. One thing I do pride myself on is just telling it like it is, glad you could appreciate that. I don't blame you for wanting to come back. 20 years in IL was enough for me, so I can only imagine how ready you are to make a return to FL. Lots more vids to come 😎
Basically what you are saying Michael is that if you live in a warm climate and mostly outdoor and close to Nature you are much more happy. It’s so true! You should make more motivational videos, a lot of people need words of encouragement, moral support and real spirituality.
Yes but not everyone prefers warm maybe for some people living somewhere cold but with a lot forest could be good, if they enjoy snow, skiing, hiking, hunting. But for me personally, the warmer climate has huge impact on my happiness level. I am happy to make a video like this and really happy so many enjoyed it👍
@@MichaelBordenaro true so many people like cool weather too 😊 but we agree most people like peace and quiet and Nature. Thanks again and I wish great success on RU-vid!
Great to see you happy and fulfilled both emotionally and financially. I had the exact same when I moved from Israel to London but now I am ready for a new stage in life and that stage includes sunshine, palm trees and golden beaches 😀
As a fellow Illinoisan, I can tell you that I also dream of Florida every day. I've always dreamed of retiring there. Now, with the political climate of the country, and the mass exodus from states like California, New York and Illinois, I don't know if it's going to be a possibility, by the time I retire. Grey skies for 9 months out of the year, only leads to depression! Congratulations for making your dream come true! Love the videos. Keep up the great work!
I hope you can eventually retire here and it won't be too late. I'm out on a road trip around FL now and I can tell you there are still nice places here that are affordable and a surprising amount of vacant land available for sale too. Thanks for the support, I'm happy you enjoy my content !
16 years in Chicago area can’t wait to move away ... Chicago is fun from May to October, so many things to do outside... Michael you are right from October to May gray skies 🥶!
Oh yeah you definitely see a lot of that this time of year! I hope so, I've always wondered if talking about FL is really a good topic for youtube since only so many people are interest in it. Even though a lot of people visit and move here, not all those people watch videos about it. But for now its a good topic
Like you Michael, I planned to move to L.A., and I do still love it there, but moving here over 30 years ago was a very positive thing. I became a different person, much more outgoing and creative. I'm always surprised when people say there's no history here, because there's lots. And after 30 years, I still get excited over Palm trees. Lol. The mentality of my hometown of Rochester was very conformist, which I hated. It was all about getting a factory job, which I did, and staying there till you retired. Glad I moved! P.S. HATE WINTER!
We moved to SWFL 9 Years ago and love it. We thought about Arizona but I wanted Green grass and water Tucson Has none of that so we chose Florida. We moved from Ohio. So glad we did. Keep the Florida Videos going
Sounds like you made the right choice. I live in Arizona now (since 97) and I really want to move to Florida now for those same reasons! I miss the green/lushness there and also the beach of course.
I started watching your videos. My wife and I are thinking about retirement in Florida. I'm a California native. My wife grew up in illinois. We moved to illinois in 2007 to the town next Belvidere, in Candlewick Lake, Poplar Grove. But we're thinking of Orlando/Tampa area. Small world!
I love the way you honestly share your thoughts and feelings with us. I am from Illinois, not too far from where you grew up. I’m moving to Florida later this year. Can’t wait. Hugs to you. 🤗
Glad you are happier down there Mike! My story is the reverse of yours. I grew up in S. Florida and moved north! Still make it back down 1 o 2 times a year and really appreciate it!
That is funny how that happens sometimes. I think the change of scenery into something you want to see is also a part of it. Glad you still enjoy it down here
Thank you for your videos. My plans are still to move to Florida from NY. Your videos have definitely helped me gather my ideas and plans to work towards that transition, especially with my children.
Moving from my home town São Paulo, Brazil to Seattle-WA 7 years ago was a big change for me. Can’t wait to move to Florida and scuba dive every weekend.
Great video, thank you! I really want to move to St Pete in next 6 mos to a year, hoping I can buy a small house there before the market gets even crazier! I live in Arizona now, but love the tropical climate, more green lushness and beaches really call to me. I grew up in CT and I know cold winters are a no go, so it's either AZ, CA or FL for me! Its a big decision and so many moving parts!
Thanks! One step at a time. I remember wanting to drop out of school just so I could work and live on my own. Luckily I didn't do that. Finish school and then come here for college 👌
Thanks Michael! Great video. I can understand your points. Some ideas for new videos- 1. I LOVE your walking tours in South Beach! 2. What about the issue of rising sea water on real estate? 3. Do you need to know Spanish to work and live in Miami? Thanks! Really enjoy your videos. ❤️
Not trying to be super negative, but wish I had grown up in Florida to be honest. Grateful for a good childhood in Indiana. Great state, and great people live here. But there wasn't a whole lot to do for me, myself. While it's growing, still not a ton to do in Indiana. In contract, Florida has so many landmarks to explore, not to mention all the amusement parks and beaches to visit. The weather allows you to do things outside year round. I'm a person who likes to go out and explore. Of course I love the relaxation lifestyle; which apart from working, is what I'll be doing once I move down there. Of course it isn't perfect. Humidity is high, bugs and alligators are worse than other states, and it can be pricey to live there in some areas. But it's a price to pay for living in paradise.
As someone else who grew up in the Midwest being here in Florida now makes it that much easier to appreciate. I feel like if you grow up here you might take the special things for granted
Looking out that garage window and thinking ''Well I probably won't ever be as popular in Rockford as Cheap Trick is,....so I guess I'll try my luck in Fla. From working in a carwash/detail shop in IL to being an internet sensation in Fla!!,....truly a rags (no pun intended) to riches story.
Haha yep! It worked out for them, but I never saw that for me. Cheap Trick was always that one major local success story. Seems like I made the right choice 👌
Great video, as always! I feel exactly the same way about cold climates, and really want to live in a warm climate. It’s not even just a preference for me. I feel happier, more positive, and more relaxed when I am in hot weather. It’s a mental health necessity for me. Like you, I love mountains and Southern California is my preference, but I love South Florida too. I’ve spent some time in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, and it’s an amazing place. I love lots about it!
Thank you very much! Sounds like we have a lot in common in this regard. I love it here too, its not CA for but has a lot to offer at a fraction of the cost 👌
For me its the alternative to 6 month winters and freezing temps. I don't mind the rain in the summer bc at least it is cooler outside when its raining 😄
U know why u are happier in Florida and your more positive It’s the sunshine vitamin D that you get in Florida where in Illinois it’s always cold so you get depressed it’s kind a like Seattle cloudy rainy also they say that the sand and the grass has earth grounding rays which is healthy for a lot of health issues
Thanks again Michael for sharing another excellent review. You are an inspiration to people who are not content with their present surroundings. Kind Regards to both of you.
Good stuff man and very inspiring, a once GREAT city - Chicago is now lost, to me there was magic in the streets in the lights and in the skyline. Always inspiring Chicago made me the Photographer I am. Big cities like Chicago and NYC are loosing tons of talent and making their way to Southern Florida. Every breath I take I'm thinking of Miami and May 1st cant come sooner. Your videos are really good man, never quit and it will come
Thank you very much Johnny! Yes it is sad that these cities are driving people away. I know that feeling of how it can't come soon enough. Its almost here though, only about 1 more month for you✌️ I'll definitely keep the vids coming 😎
I'm 50, I'm at a place in my life where I can move to the gulf. Hate I'm making a change being older than in my 20s. Scary & exciting at the same time.
Age is just a number and if you can do it now, and feel good about the choice, who cares how old you are. It scary and exciting no matter your age I think 😊
If you do change your format, PLEASE leave all you Florida vids up because I might be moving there permanently in the future, and I'm learning so much from you😎💚
Don't worry I still plan on covering many things about FL and even if I ever move on entirely, I won't be removing any videos. I will leave all my videos up👌
Only reason I’m still in the cold grey Pittsburgh is because of a good paying job. At this point retiring in three years in my 50’s. Will be in the greater Tampa area in 2024
@@MichaelBordenaro you are correct, three years will mean 1,000 + more per month coming in. Early retirement with ample funds will allow for comfortable living and doing the things I want to do. It has taken sacrifices to get to this point.
What happened to the “just for men” treatments? Past 12 months the grey has taken over, but looks more real now. Glad you moved here, Florida is better for your presense. Congrats on your channel growth.
I gave up on trying to fight the grey a long time ago! Now I just embrace it for what it is and am happy I still have hair 😄 I am glad I moved here too, best decision I ever made. Thanks on the channel growth😊
@@MichaelBordenaro I’m glad! Thanks for that. 😊 SoBe has been great, been able to do everything by foot or short Uber ride which is perfect. The street the unit is on is chill. 😀
@@TheRalphie2020 I am very happy to hear that! Yes you are still far enough away from most of madness. You got a nice place and the area is super convenient 👌
@@MichaelBordenaro LOL, 😂Totally hear you on that! And thank you 😊 I agree! I walked around the Sunset Harbor area you posted on your last walking tour and went to Trader Joe’s, lol.
Once “freak nick” moves out of town, things should calm back down for ya. It used to be in Atlanta but as always, it’s gets completely out of control with lots of violence and looting. Admittedly, I’m very jealous that you get to enjoy South Florida.
Yes its nuts down here right now, but luckily now where I live. I am going to probably make a vid about that soon! Hope you get to make it down here too one day 👌
Yep that is true. In fact I talked about that in my last walking tour. You’re allowed to park your boat offshore and anchor there for free in most cases
Have you ever been in the Blue and Green Diamonds? Also have you ever been in the White Diamond? See the list of tallest building in Miami Beach Wikipedia
@@MichaelBordenaro I enjoy all your videos, especially the walking ones. I'm in Michigan so during the winter months they help get me through and inspire me!💛
I'll tell you what Mike, it seems like everybody is moving/retiring to Florida. I'm in Crystal Lake, IL. and almost 60 and people around the country at my age have had it with winters and there's a massive amount of baby boomers retiring and turning 65 that seem to be all heading down there with a primary or second home. I would like to also.
I know Crystal Lake! I used to live in Lake in the Hills when I was little! Sounds like you are ready for the move too James! Let me know what / where you decide in FL👍
@@MichaelBordenaro Sounds good Mike. We're a couple years away. Ultimately, I'd like to be a snow bird for 3 months. Chicago area has awesome summers and it's really Jan, Feb and March that are yuck. Even a decent mobile home set up would work. Love your videos! Keep up the good work.
@@jamesmandas639 Yes being a snowbird is the best of both worlds. I even think about doing that eventually. Thanks for watching, really glad you enjoy the channel!
