Why We’re Moving to Florida: A Fresh Start for Our Family
After years of dreaming, my family and I have finally made the big decision to leave behind our life in the UK and move to sunny Florida.
For my husband Sam, our five kids, and me, it’s been a long journey filled with careful planning and lots of preparation.
We’re excited, a bit nervous, and ready to embrace the change that we know will bring better opportunities and a brighter future.
We’re moving at the end of next month, and here’s why.
The Big Move: Who We Are and What We’re Leaving Behind
My name is Julie Barnes, and I’m a mother of five: Lola (19), Colby (15), Bentley (11), Fleur (9), and Kitty (5).
We’ve been living in the UK, near Bath, but now we’re ready to pack up our lives and start fresh in Florida.
Sam will be setting up his own landscaping business, and we’ll be moving on an E2 investment visa, which will let us stay for at least five years.
I’ve been sharing our journey on TikTok (@livingthefloridadream7), documenting everything from the initial planning to finding our new home, and even explaining why we’ve chosen Florida as our new home.
Why Florida? Our Dreams of Sunshine and Opportunity
The decision to move wasn’t easy, but it feels like the right one for our family.
For a long time, we’ve dreamed of living in a warmer, sunnier place.
The weather in the UK has been a huge factor for me—it’s cold, grey, and rainy most of the year, with only a tiny glimpse of summer.
That kind of weather really takes a toll on your mental health and energy levels, so Florida’s year-round sunshine is going to be a game-changer for us.
We’ve also struggled with the UK’s education system and healthcare.
Finding the right support for our children, especially those on the autism spectrum, has been tough.
It’s frustrating when there isn’t enough funding or trained teachers to meet their needs.
Additionally, the long wait times for things like dentist appointments and the fines families face for taking holidays during term time were also big frustrations for us.
A Better Quality of Life
When we looked at the cost of living, we found that our new home in Florida would be very similar in price to the one we were leaving behind in the UK.
In fact, we’ve already secured a beautiful five-bedroom house with a pool, high ceilings, and a modern kitchen—all the things we’ve dreamed of.
The average house price in Florida is around $375,000, which is comparable to homes in Bath, but with much more space.
In Florida, we’ll also have access to better schools, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a safer environment overall.
It’s a place where we can truly enjoy family time without the constant worry of bad weather or long commutes.
Overcoming the Doubts and Embracing the Change
Of course, we’ve had some people question our decision.
There have been warnings about the risks of hurricanes, tornadoes, and alligators, and some people are skeptical that we’ll be able to handle these challenges.
But Sam and I have visited Florida at least once a year for the past 20 years, and we’re very familiar with the area.
We’ve been through hurricanes before, including Hurricane Irma, and we know how to stay safe.
We’re moving to central Florida, where the risks are lower, and we feel comfortable with our decision.
The Struggles of UK Life That We’re Ready to Leave Behind
One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced in the UK is the weather.
Just last week, we took the kids to a lamb-feeding experience, and it poured with rain the entire time.
It was cold, wet, and miserable. This is something I’m so ready to leave behind.
In Florida, we’ll be able to plan outdoor activities without worrying about the weather ruining our plans.
We’re looking forward to spending more time at the beach and enjoying the sunshine.
Another aspect of UK life that’s been difficult is the daily grind of the school run.
The country roads are often muddy, and my car gets splattered every day. I can’t wait for a change where I won’t have to deal with that anymore. It’s the little things that make a big difference!
Looking Forward to Our New Life
Sam and I know that moving to Florida will come with its challenges, but we’re ready for them.
We’ve worked hard to get to this point, and we’ve always dreamed of a life with more freedom—freedom to travel, explore, and spend time together as a family.
With our own business, we won’t be tied down to the typical 9-to-5 grind, and we can go on holidays whenever we want.
We understand the risks involved, but we’ve done our research, and we’re confident that this is the right decision for us.
The move may have taken years to plan and cost us a lot, but we’re more than ready to start this new chapter of our lives.
Florida is going to be our “happy place,” and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.
No Regrets, Just Excitement for the Future
As we get closer to the move, we’re feeling more and more excited.
Sure, we’ll miss some things about the UK—like Cadbury Mini Eggs and Bisto gravy—but we’re ready for the change.
Our new home in Florida will allow us to live a life full of sunshine, new experiences, and endless possibilities.
We’re not jumping into this blindly; we’ve thought it through, and we’re ready to embrace the next adventure.
I’ll continue to share our journey on TikTok, and I hope our story inspires others who are looking for a change or dreaming of a new life abroad.
We’re all about chasing our dreams, and this move is the first step in creating the life we’ve always wanted.