Julie Barnes and her family are making a major life change.
After years of dealing with the grey, chilly weather in the UK, they’ve decided to pack up and head for sunnier skies in Florida.
Julie, her husband Sam, and their five children are preparing to leave their life near Bath behind and make the U.S. their new home.
The family will be moving at the end of March on an E2 investment visa, allowing them to settle there for at least five years.
Sam is starting a landscaping business, which is part of the reason for the big move.
Julie has been documenting their journey on TikTok, sharing with her followers why this move is such a long-time dream come true.
Why Florida?
For Julie, the decision to leave the UK isn’t just about the weather—it’s a combination of factors that have led to this life-changing decision.
The gloomy, wet weather in the UK has taken a toll on the family’s mood, with Julie admitting that the cold and grey sky for most of the year can feel “depressing.”
On TikTok, she mentioned that the weather in Florida would drastically improve their quality of life.
“Just the weather alone will change our lives forever,” she said.
But it’s not just about the weather. Julie expressed frustration with the UK’s education and healthcare systems, which she feels have failed to provide adequate support for her children, some of whom are on the autism spectrum.
She’s also had difficulties with waiting long periods for simple healthcare appointments, like a dentist visit.
On top of that, the work-life balance in the UK has been tough for Julie and Sam, with long working hours just to make ends meet.
A Bigger House for a Better Price
When it comes to the new house in Florida, Julie is excited.
They’ve found a spacious five-bedroom home with a pool, modern kitchen, and high ceilings—everything they could want for a similar price to their smaller property back in the UK.
Julie shared on TikTok that the average house price in Florida for this type of property is about $375,000, while in Bath, it’s much higher, with the average price of a home being £581,537.
Many of Julie’s followers were shocked by how much more space they were getting for the same money.
Some even wished they could make a move like theirs.
Moving for Family-Friendly Living
Julie and Sam have been visiting Florida for 20 years, and they know the area well.
They’re excited about the family-oriented environment in their new location in central Florida, which offers good schools, low crime rates, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Julie mentioned that this move is particularly exciting because it will provide their family with more freedom.
“As business owners, we won’t be tied down to 9-5 jobs, which means more opportunities for vacations and family adventures,” she explained.
Despite the excitement, Julie has had to deal with some negative comments on her TikTok.
Some viewers raised concerns about the weather hazards, like hurricanes and tornadoes, and even alligators.
But Julie reassured them that they’ve already experienced Florida’s extreme weather conditions, including Hurricane Irma, and felt safe in their new area.
She also mentioned that they’re used to dealing with the wildlife, noting that they’ve spent time in Florida’s springs and have learned how to be cautious around alligators.
Weather Woes in the UK
As the move draws nearer, Julie’s frustration with the UK weather has only grown.
She shared a recent experience during February’s half term when they visited a farm for a lamb-feeding experience.
Despite paying for the activity, the weather was terrible.
“We got soaking wet, and it just made me realize how hard it is to plan things when you can’t count on the weather,” she said.
Julie also vented about the challenges of the school run in the countryside, where her car gets covered in mud daily.
It’s these small annoyances that have made her all the more eager to leave the UK behind for a place with more predictable sunshine.
Julie’s Final Thoughts
As the big move gets closer, Julie remains confident in her decision.
While she’ll miss certain things about the UK, like Cadbury Mini Eggs and Bisto gravy granules, she’s excited about the future in Florida.
“We know what we’re doing.
We’re not jumping into this completely blindly,” she said.
For Julie and her family, the promise of better weather, more family-friendly opportunities, and a change in lifestyle is worth the challenge of uprooting their lives.
Though the transition will come with its own set of challenges, including a long and expensive visa process, Julie and Sam are optimistic.
They’ve worked hard for this moment, and now they’re ready to turn their dream into a reality.
A New Chapter
This move is more than just a fresh start; it’s a long-awaited dream for Julie and her family.
After years of tough weather and frustration with the UK systems, they’re excited to begin a new chapter in Florida—a place they’ve always loved.
As Julie said, “This is one of the biggest trade-offs, but the opportunity is so much bigger.”
For the Barnes family, the sunshine and family-friendly environment of Florida are exactly what they’ve been hoping for.