Exploring the U.S. in Search of My Ideal Home: Florida Was Nice, But the Midwest Won My Heart

Having spent my formative years in North Carolina, I relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida at 18 to pursue higher education. There, I not only met my future spouse but also fell in love with Pinellas County.

We treasured Florida's sandy beaches, enjoyed frequent getaways to Key West, and soaked in the lifestyle of Tampa Bay. Sometimes, it felt as if we'd remain there for good. However, post-graduation, we felt the lure of new possibilities and embarked on a quest across the U.S. to find a perfect home base.

Discovering New Places: From Oregon Back to Florida, Still Searching

Our journey began with packing our belongings into a truck and setting off through the American West. We camped in the vast Badlands, swam in pristine rivers near Yellowstone, and found ourselves adventuring in Idaho's canyons before eventually settling in Portland, Oregon by 2020.

Portland had that quintessential cool vibe—morning hikes complemented by evening craft beers, epitomizing the hipster lifestyle. Despite this allure, half a year amidst frequent wildfires and grappling with nostalgia for St. Pete drove us back to Florida, hoping to reconnect with old times and friends.

Yet planting roots in Florida proved challenging. The real estate landscape in Pinellas County had shifted dramatically in our absence, with property prices skyrocketing beyond reach. Renting was our only viable option, forcing us into a compact but affordable 400-square-foot unit.

Challenges in Florida and Considering New Horizons

While we managed within our tiny abode, recurring floods and a severe hurricane causing damage were stark reminders of the area’s vulnerabilities. In light of these challenges and the soaring costs, we realized that settling down in Florida wasn’t viable long-term.

Supported by a reliable remote job and steadily growing savings, we knew it was time to consider alternate places to set roots.

An Unexpected Love: Settling in a Small Wisconsin Town

My partner proposed moving to southern Wisconsin, where realty prices were lower, and her family resided. This idea allowed us to house-hunt from her parents’ home and eventually, we relocated.

Transitioning to a county with approximately 100,000 residents and a town of less than 10,000 was refreshing compared to Florida’s hustle. The natural beauty of Wisconsin captivated me—exploring Kettle Moraine State Forest, Lake Michigan’s shores, and discovering new fishing spots was divine.

The warm, welcoming community added to our positive experience. Vibrant new local businesses seemed to open regularly, from cozy coffee shops to exquisite dining.

Eagerly embracing this quieter lifestyle, the appealing local 'lake culture' recalled our fondness for Florida's beach life. Consequently, we bought a spacious four-bedroom home, with an achievable monthly mortgage of under $1,500.

Amazingly, within a year, we had transitioned from renting a tiny room to owning an ample home at a similar cost. Winters may be tough here, but the trade-off has been worth it, and while Florida's warmth is missed occasionally, we cherish the life we've established in the Midwest.

I jest that if more people from trendy Portland or sun-loving Florida discovered southern Wisconsin’s charm, they'd either move here immediately or at least visit during summer.