Unveiling the Realities of Moving to Florida
Hey there, friends!
It's Jannette Scholl again, back with another dose of real estate wisdom from sunny Southwest Florida. Now, don't get me wrong, living in paradise certainly has its perks, but let's be real – it's not all sunshine and rainbows (although there's plenty of both). So, grab a seat, and this week let's talk about the flip side of the coin: the cons of calling Southwest Florida home.
First off, let's address the elephant in the room: hurricanes. Yep, living in this tropical paradise means being on high alert during hurricane season (June 1st – November 30th). While we're blessed with plenty of sunny days, those stormy ones can be a real doozy. From stocking up on supplies to hunkering down and riding out the storm, hurricanes are just a part of the unavoidable reality of life in Southwest Florida. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned about Floridians, they are resilient. Their sense of community is strong, and their spirit is vigilant. It’s not uncommon to see neighbors helping neighbors, strangers lending a helping hand, and communities coming together in the face of adversity. Floridians know how to weather a storm!
Now, let's talk about another aspect of living in Southwest Florida that might raise a few eyebrows: tornadoes. While our sunny shores are more commonly associated with tranquil beach days and gentle sea breezes, we're no strangers to the occasional twister. Yep, you heard that right—tornadoes do make an appearance in the Sunshine State. While they may not be as frequent or as widespread as in the Great Plains, tornadoes can still pose a threat, especially during severe weather outbreaks and tropical cyclones. From swirling waterspouts off our coastlines to menacing funnel clouds inland, tornadoes in Florida remind us that even paradise has its moments of wild weather, so it's essential to stay weather-aware and have a plan in place for when severe weather strikes. Being prepared is key to staying safe in our slice of paradise.
Did I mention Florida was the “Lightning Capital of the United States”? We do experience our fair share of lightning strikes. The combination of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean colliding with cooler air from the north creates the perfect conditions for thunderstorms and lightning. During the summer months, especially in the afternoons, almost like clockwork, thunderstorms will roll in quickly, accompanied by dazzling displays of lightning. While the sight of lightning dancing across the horizon can be awe-inspiring, it's essential to remember the potential dangers. Florida leads the nation in lightning-related fatalities, making it crucial to take lightning safety seriously. So, when you hear that thunder rolling, it's best to put away the putter and seek shelter.
If the hurricanes, tornadoes, thunder, and lightning don’t deter you, the humidity might. Sure, those warm ocean breezes feel heavenly most of the time, but the humidity can be brutal. Imagine wearing a warm wet blanket everywhere you go. You’re hot, sticky, and your hair looks like you stuck your finger in a light socket. Nothing an ice-cold shower and a keratin hair treatment can’t fix. A lot of Floridians find themselves seeking refuge in cooler climates during the summer months, escaping the oppressive humidity for a breath of fresh air elsewhere. But for those who tough it out, there's still plenty to love about Florida's sunny disposition.
Ok, enough about the weather. Let’s talk traffic. We’re not gonna sugar coat it, it gets pretty gnarly out there. Some days, it’s so slow, I’m half-expecting a parade float to roll by! And don't even get me started on the accidents; they’re more common than sweet tea at a Southern BBQ. It's like a real-life action movie out there sometimes. And if you find yourself on the freeway, for the love of all things Floridian, do not venture into that left lane unless you are prepared for NASCAR. Floridians take their left lane seriously, and they're not afraid to let you know if you're not keeping up. So buckle up, leave early to give yourself plenty of time to get to where you’re going, and invest in a Yeti—because you will get thirsty in that traffic, and a cold sweet tea might be just the thing you need.
Are you still with us? We’re getting to the good stuff. Alligators, bears, snakes, mosquitoes, no-see-ums (never heard of them, have you?), and those wicked fire ants! Every time you step outside, it’s like being in Jumanji. You seriously never know what you’re gonna run into. First of all, alligators are everywhere; you might even find one under your car. If there is a puddle of water, it’s safe to assume there might be a gator in it. They aren’t typically aggressive, so you don’t need to be alarmed if you spot one swimming around in the pond behind your house or sunning on the shoreline. Just keep a safe distance, and you’ll be fine. Although encounters with Florida black bears are rare, it's always a good idea to be aware, especially when exploring more remote areas. They are occasionally spotted roaming residential areas, swimming in pools, or lounging on lanais. If you want to avoid bear encounters, don’t give them a reason to come visit. Put away food, the bird feeder, garbage cans, etc., so they’re not tempted to pay you a visit.
Ok, you made it past the gators and bears. Florida is also home to a variety of slithery serpents, from harmless garden snakes to the venomous water moccasin, also known as cottonmouths. Snakes are commonly found in and around bodies of water, such as swamps, marshes, and lakes. Whether you're hiking through our lush forests or gardening in your backyard, it's essential to keep an eye out for these elusive reptiles. While most snakes are harmless and play a vital role in our ecosystem, it's best to give them their space and avoid startling them.
And then there are the mosquitoes—oh, the mosquitoes! They're like tiny vampires, sucking the joy out of outdoor activities. I don’t know which is worse, the mosquitoes or the no-see-ums, but they both don’t hold a candle to the spawn of Satan himself—the fire ant. The first time you step on a fire ant hill will be memorable! You'll want to take a torch to that little hill of theirs and will be cursing those ants for about a month after. The bites blister and burn and can end up leaving you scarred, and I don’t mean emotionally. Walking around barefoot is not an option in Florida.
The crazy weather and wildlife might have you questioning your move. But hey, as the old saying goes, "You have to taste the sour in order to recognize the sweet." Floridians are a resilient bunch, willing to weather the storms, sweat through summer days, all while keeping their heads on a swivel for snakes. After all, those stunning sunsets and laid-back vibes make it all worth it in the end. So, until next time, see you later alligator!
