For Julie Barnes and her family, the UK’s gloomy weather and everyday struggles had become too much to bear.
So, after years of dreaming, they’re finally making the leap across the Atlantic to start a new life in Florida.
With her husband Sam and their five kids, Julie is leaving behind their home near Bath to embrace a sunnier, more promising future in the United States.
A Visa, a Business, and a Fresh Start
The family is making the move on an E2 investment visa, which allows them to stay in the U.S. for at least five years as Sam establishes his own landscaping business.
Their new home? A spacious five-bedroom mansion with a swimming pool, high ceilings, and a sleek, modern kitchen—all for about the same price as their UK home.
Julie has been sharing every step of their journey on TikTok (@livingthefloridadream7), where she explains that this move has been in the works for a long time.
Why Florida? The Big Reasons Behind the Move
Julie has plenty of reasons for wanting to leave the UK.
The weather is one of the biggest factors, as she describes the UK as being cold, wet, and grey for most of the year.
She also cites the high cost of living, the struggles of raising a middle-class family, and frustration with the healthcare and education systems.
With children on the autism spectrum, she found it difficult to access the right support in the UK and was frustrated by school policies, such as fines for taking kids on holiday during term time.
By contrast, their new neighborhood in Central Florida is described as family-friendly, with good schools and low crime rates.
For Julie, the move is about more than just the sunshine—it’s about opportunity, stability, and a better quality of life.
UK vs. Florida: A Cost Comparison
Many of Julie’s TikTok followers have been shocked by the comparison between housing prices in the UK and the U.S.
According to Realtor, the average house price in Florida in early 2025 was around $375,000, while in Bath, UK, it was a staggering £581,537.
For a five-bedroom home with a pool in Florida, prices start at about $750,000—still a better deal compared to what they could get back home.
The Excitement and Concerns of Followers
Julie has been giving her followers a virtual tour of her soon-to-be neighborhood, showcasing the blue skies, wide streets, and spacious homes.
While many people have expressed admiration and even envy, others have warned about potential downsides.
Concerns about Florida’s extreme weather, expensive healthcare, and the need to drive everywhere have been common discussion points.
Some skeptics have also questioned whether the cost-of-living difference is really as dramatic as it seems.
Addressing the Critics
Julie hasn’t shied away from responding to negative comments.
She emphasizes that she and her family aren’t making this move on a whim—they’ve been visiting Florida for two decades, experiencing everything from the summer heat to hurricane season.
She recalls being in Florida for Hurricane Irma and admits it was a frightening experience, but says their chosen location in Central Florida is relatively safe.
As for alligators? Julie finds the fear overblown.
Having spent time in Florida’s natural springs, she assures her followers that alligators aren’t lurking around every corner.
“They’re not waiting on the street to jump out and eat you,” she jokes.
A Lifestyle Change Worth the Sacrifice
Despite the challenges of securing a visa and working tirelessly for years to make this move possible, Julie has no regrets.
She and Sam have sacrificed a lot to turn their dream into a reality. The only things she says she’ll miss from the UK? A few favorite foods like Cadbury Mini Eggs and Bisto gravy granules.
With more opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, spontaneous beach trips, and frequent Disneyland visits (thanks to their annual passes), the Barnes family is eager to embrace their new life.
They’re also excited about the freedom of running their own business without the constraints of a traditional 9-to-5 job.
The Final Countdown to Florida Life
As their move date approaches, Julie finds herself growing more impatient with the UK’s never-ending drizzle.
A recent family trip to a farm, where they got soaked in the rain, was yet another reminder of why they’re leaving.
Even the muddy school run has her counting down the days until she can trade it in for Florida’s palm tree-lined streets.
No Second-Guessing—Just Moving Forward
Julie and her family are confident that they know what they’re getting into.
They’ve spent years visiting Florida and understanding the lifestyle, costs, and challenges.
While some may question their decision, they’re certain that this move is the right choice for them.
As for the future? Only time will tell if their sunny dream lives up to their expectations—but for now, they’re ready to take the plunge and start fresh in the Sunshine State.