Living in Central Florida - Our Experience

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 15 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 115

  • @chazchattingaboutbasketbal6456
    @chazchattingaboutbasketbal6456 8 місяців тому +2

    I was born downtown Orlando and have been a Windermere resident now for most of my 53 years. I’d never want to leave. ❤

  • @MBucky
    @MBucky 3 місяці тому

    Just came across your video…my best friend of 55 years lives in Windermere! 😊 I’m glad you’re liking it.

  • @shannonrodriguez8165
    @shannonrodriguez8165 8 місяців тому +7

    I’ve lived in the suburbs of the Ft. Lauderdale area my whole life. Traffic down here has been so much worse since 2020 and everyone moved here so I can personally attest to that LOL. We are planning to retire to the St. John’s area outside of St. Augustine in a couple of years. My husband is a public safety diver for the sheriff’s office down here and the alligator thing is true. There is almost always one. They removed 3 from the canal behind our house a couple years ago. We are both born and raised here and love Florida, but I feel like the real Florida is definitely not in the Dade/Broward/Palm Beach area anymore. So glad you’re enjoying your time here!

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  8 місяців тому +1

      True, long term Floridians have definitely experienced quite a bit of change over the year. What an interesting job your husband has! Very brave! Thank him for keeping us all safe for me :)

  • @mgster100
    @mgster100 8 місяців тому +6

    I'm glad you are happy living there. But for my family, it will always be a place to visit once in a while. Born and raised in Connecticut and have to have my 4 seasons! Including winter and snow.😊

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  8 місяців тому

      That's EXACTLY what I said before we moved here (for a job... I was reluctant..) I understand that completely!!

  • @bluegumbo6014
    @bluegumbo6014 8 місяців тому +2

    Really appreciate your thoughtful analysis of so many aspects of your new home. So refreshing to hear opinions based on personal experiences rather than speculation, rumor, etc. Thanks for sharing.

  • @thewilderbunch3955
    @thewilderbunch3955 3 місяці тому

    I watched this on my TV and had to grab my phone to comment because I really wanted to, lol. You were spot on with everything you said. We moved to Florida from Kentucky, so the same kind of Midwest vibes...then we moved back home and miss Florida daily. The top things I agree with are people being active...I am out of shape and still moved a lot in Florida. It is just set up to make you active and most outdoor activities are free or come with a teeny parking charge. The other thing is how many different cultures are there and everyone seems to make it work. I just loved it and thanks for the video! ❤

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  3 місяці тому

      Hi! Very interesting hearing your experience moving back to KY after being in FL. I can imagine I’ll feel the same way if/when we leave FL! Thank you for your comment, and for watching. ❤

  • @suzannehall5200
    @suzannehall5200 8 місяців тому +1

    It’s great to hear that you are so happy in Florida. I am a believer in the blue water thing. Living in Australia I grew up having a swimming pool and the water makes me happy. Now that I live on my own I really miss having one so everywhere I go if there’s a body of water I am in it.

  • @laural5177
    @laural5177 8 місяців тому +4

    Moved to central Florida 20 yeas ago with my job. Got hit by 4 hurricanes the first year. You've been here only one year. Give it time. You'll experience one soon. A whole house generator helps.

    • @lizzieb6311
      @lizzieb6311 8 місяців тому +1

      Oh boy! I live here too and “enjoyed” those hurricanes too…I’m working toward a whole house generator….for now I rely on my good old bulky Generac on wheels two portable AC units when I lose power. Nothing more fun than hurricane season 😎

    • @laural5177
      @laural5177 8 місяців тому

      @@lizzieb6311 I had a portable generator as well but got tired of shlepping 5 gal jerry cans of gas. I took out a home equity loan to finance it. $14,000 it wasn't cheap.

    • @midlife_minimalist
      @midlife_minimalist 7 місяців тому +2

      I remember that year! I’m in NE FL and they all started on the west coast, crossed over and exited on our side.

  • @raguspug1
    @raguspug1 8 місяців тому +3

    I love hearing your feelings about living in Florida. It truly is special to be able to have so much sunshine and beauty in every day life. I agree with what you are saying about being near water and feeling better. I live in Gulf Breeze and when I was a court reporter at the courthouse in Pensacola, I had to drive over the bay bridge every day. Work was usually stressful but knowing I was going to see the water again at the end of the day was always a good thing! Thank you for sharing that book title. We are affected by hurricanes more here on the Gulf Coast and the rising insurance prices.

    • @jesswnukow
      @jesswnukow 8 місяців тому +1

      I was brought up in Jupiter and even at 16, I'd drive over the bridge and see the beauty that I was luck enough to live in. I moved away for my dh military life and It took a long time to get "home"

  • @alittlebitlaura
    @alittlebitlaura 8 місяців тому +4

    Your videos of FL always make me appreciate all the good here. We are still unsure where we will land for retirement, but maybe somewhere further north in FL. Love Windermere and have to get Chris out there to see since he (like me) only really knows the theme parks up there. Will let you know when we finally get up there to explore. Always smiling while watching your videos. Enjoy the rest of spring! ❤

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  8 місяців тому +1

      We are unsure where we'll end up as well! But for now at least, we are happy exploring all there is here in Florida. Yes, please let us know when you are planning to be in the area! We'd love to see you! ♥️

  • @pennycox1432
    @pennycox1432 8 місяців тому +2

    We have lived in central FL. For 6 years now , and I love it . We are originally from La. But have lived in Ark,TN,KY. I love it the Best !❤️

  • @beautywithlila
    @beautywithlila 8 місяців тому +1

    Hi Jennifer, my husband and I moved to Daytona Beach a little over a year ago from Georgia, and we are loving it! I definitely agree with you on everything you said.
    Thank you so much for sharing. XoXo Lila

  • @JoleeLovesIt
    @JoleeLovesIt 8 місяців тому +2

    I grew up in Altamonte Springs…traffic has always sucked😊

  • @alwaysclassicgirl
    @alwaysclassicgirl 8 місяців тому +1

    Love your channel! FYI, in the past hurricanes have hit the Orlando area pretty hard. For one hurricane I actually left my area since it’s on the coast and the hurricane was heading our way. We went to Orlando to avoid the direct hit, unfortunately, the hurricane missed our area and hit the Orlando area instead as a category 3. This was the case with hurricanes Charley and Irma.

  • @kristak1102
    @kristak1102 8 місяців тому +1

    Sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing. We’ll be deciding on where to go soon. ☺️

  • @4nikkimay
    @4nikkimay 8 місяців тому +2

    Thanks for the updates. Glad you and your family are happy there. 💕

  • @beverlywalker4111
    @beverlywalker4111 8 місяців тому +1

    So glad it’s working out so well for you! It’s also good to know that you have options down the road. Great video!

  • @katnuccio85
    @katnuccio85 8 місяців тому +1

    Thank you so much for posting this. I was wondering. How nice that you and Jim had an open mind!

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  8 місяців тому +1

      You're welcome. I believe in the old theory, "Bloom where you are planted"!

  • @joshjamesyoutube
    @joshjamesyoutube 8 місяців тому +3

    Hi Jennifer! This was such a great video, I’m so glad you’re enjoying your life in Florida for the moment! It was so interesting to hear some of my own notions debunked, if you will, as my job could easily land me right in Orlando (tech, as you say, is growing there) as well! Also, everything you say is exactly how we felt before leaving a very blue western state (which was home and which we just returned to for a quick getaway) and coming to our current central home state (moderately red). And it’s funny because I actually have found that the in your face politics are more prevalent in where we came from than where we moved to. There seems to be more of an understanding perhaps that politics are personal opinions that should remain private. Which I very much enjoy because I think everyone should be free to believe what they want but have the grace to be cordial with and respect someone who may believe something else. Anyway, always enjoy your videos and glad you and Jim are enjoying retirement!!! ❤

  • @corikay
    @corikay 8 місяців тому +1

    You live in a beautiful area and so glad you are enjoying it!!!

  • @amandarogers5711
    @amandarogers5711 8 місяців тому +2

    I moved from the Midwest (Ohio) to Florida (Saint Augustine) the same week as you. I have really enjoyed following along your journey of adjusting to being a Florida resident as I have done the same! I share many of your thoughts after being here for over a year myself. Something about not having a real winter, makes the extra hot summers really seem worth it. We have loved it here more than we thought we would as well ❤

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  8 місяців тому +1

      That's so fun! We are living a parallel Midwest to Florida experience. I'm happy to hear you are enjoying it more than you imagined, too!

  • @kerryparker8925
    @kerryparker8925 8 місяців тому +1

    One year flew by. I love how you can see the beauty every where you live.

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  8 місяців тому

      It sure did fly by! Thank you 😊

  • @Mushkiepotamus
    @Mushkiepotamus 8 місяців тому +1

    Hi, I moved to The Villages, in central Florida in June 2020 and have loved it more every day. We see gators every day and we love it. The most I have seen is in one day is 17!!!! We are a golf cart community so we are out in the golf cart every day to do grocery store or the pet groomers or concerts or Polo matches- we have a daily chance to see all the wildlife in Florida- wild boar, all the birds, turtles, coyotes, horses, cows, donkeys!!

    • @annamariemiller3877
      @annamariemiller3877 8 місяців тому

      My parents lived in The Villages and left after 5 years. They wanted to live near their 4 girls. The Villages grew so rapidly that was another issue for them.

  • @MichellebytheBay
    @MichellebytheBay 3 місяці тому

    Well, the mayor of Orlando should reach out and thank you. Great job on your chamber of commerce roundup. We have family members living at Lake. Eola moved there from California and never looked back. They love it!

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  3 місяці тому

      Thank you! I will let you know if the mayor ever reaches out to me! 😄

  • @sharons8702
    @sharons8702 8 місяців тому +2

    Thanks for your input. I find it of value

  • @shannonengelken4629
    @shannonengelken4629 8 місяців тому +1

    We feel the same way, having moved to Scottsdale, Arizona! 🌵 Interesting what you said about water and the calming effects. I love opening my door in the morning and listening to the water fountain.❤😊

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  8 місяців тому

      The sound of a water feature just instantly relaxes me! Same with a crackling fire. ♥

  • @juned1962
    @juned1962 8 місяців тому +1

    Nice balanced perspective. I’m originally from the UK and have lived here for over 20 years in Celebration and now in Dr Phillips. This area definitely has a lot to offer, glad you are enjoying it 😁

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  8 місяців тому +1

      We're practically neighbors. I'm glad you are enjoying this part of the world, too 😊

  • @cynthia6055
    @cynthia6055 8 місяців тому

    Enjoyed hearing your Florida thoughts/experiences so far.....the journey of life is always interesting and unpredictable....we all never really know where we will stay or places we'll go, and opinions change as life and needs unfold, that's what keeps life interesting ~ to change!

  • @vickenator
    @vickenator 7 місяців тому

    Great to hear your perspective after a year, especially considering how (my opinion) you seemed a little apprehensive about the move back in the beginning, considering you'd spent most of your life in the Midwest. I was apprehensive *for* you! But am so glad it all worked out so well. I'm jealous of the no-mosquitos thing as I'm still back in the Midwest getting bitten up a storm 😂😂

  • @gillsimpson4976
    @gillsimpson4976 8 місяців тому +1

    So happy you are enjoying your time in Florida Jennifer. I’m in the UK and those constant grey skies do have a negative impact sometimes. I was wondering if you feel your health has improved by living in a warmer climate. I remember you saying you had some autoimmune issues and I know the sunshine can improve things. Xx

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  8 місяців тому +2

      I learned during a trip to St. Lucia years ago that my aches and pains were way less in the heat and humidity! I do feel that they are diminished here in Florida, as well. The winters here are cooler and not humid, but not as cold as Illinois (of course) and I do feel it has made things feel better for me physically. More than anything, I think the weather here allows me to be out and about, walking, hiking, swimming, etc, and that extra movement has helped immensely! xx

    • @gillsimpson4976
      @gillsimpson4976 8 місяців тому

      @JustJennifer that's good news Jennifer. Happy your health has improved. X

  • @nnm3935
    @nnm3935 8 місяців тому +1

    So happy to hear you’re enjoying yourself in Florida, it definitely shows🥰 Stay well
    Continued happiness to you and your family ☀️

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  8 місяців тому

      Thank you so much!!

    • @marknewton6984
      @marknewton6984 8 місяців тому

      Born and raised in Florida. Glad you are here! 😎

  • @JoleeLovesIt
    @JoleeLovesIt 8 місяців тому +9

    Hey Lady! Shhhhhhh! Don’t tell people about how nice our weather is! Are you nuts! Shhhhhh Were full in Florida! 😂❤

  • @jayjaytailor
    @jayjaytailor 8 місяців тому

    I am so happy for you Jennifer; I honestly thought at the beginning of this journey that your heart wasn't in it, but often life throws you surprises...good ones too! Enjoy what you have until you decide on another change 🙂

  • @beccariddle
    @beccariddle 8 місяців тому

    Sooo good to hear!! Makes me want to pack my Oregon self up and move! I had the same assumption about gators 🐊. Glad to hear your experience with them. What a beautiful life Jen! Cheers! 🥂

  • @annamariemiller3877
    @annamariemiller3877 8 місяців тому

    My husband and I were raised in Illinois. We’d been married a year and moved to the Houston area. We were both teachers and the pay was great in Tx compared to Illinois. As soon as we retired we left. After 3 hurricanes and 3 tropical storms we went back to Illinois.

  • @KatySkov
    @KatySkov 8 місяців тому +1

    I think the biggest drawback, the longer you stay, will be the healthcare system. With so many people living there already, and Florida being so popular, the lack of workers (nurses) and the workload placed on Doctors & hospital staff, is going to become more & more apparent. Living outside of Hpuston, Texas for almost 30 years, and moving back to a small town in Wisconsin, we have enjoyed the ease of getting into Doctors / Specialists easily. The traffic in the South was horrific, so we love driving around with no cars & enjoying the scenery!!

  • @LoveMoxie36
    @LoveMoxie36 8 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Florida. My SO grew up there and has wanted to move back. I was curious where you got the cost of living numbers you shared. I do love your channel!

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  8 місяців тому

      I got the list I showed form this website geared at expats www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/orlando Current as of April 2024. Thank you!

    • @LoveMoxie36
      @LoveMoxie36 8 місяців тому

      @@JustJennifer Thank you!

  • @ut1987
    @ut1987 8 місяців тому +1

    Thank you so much for this video. Really interesting and helpful :)

  • @carriespackman762
    @carriespackman762 8 місяців тому

    I’m so glad you are enjoying Florida I grew up in fort Walton beach …Miami and defray beach I now live in Virginia but we go back whenever possible

  • @lindap.p.1337
    @lindap.p.1337 8 місяців тому

    Thank you for a positive video. I get so tired of the negative ones, particularly about the Villages. I visited Ocala many times and find the cost of groceries and real estate cheaper than Virginia.

  • @willcox4561
    @willcox4561 8 місяців тому

    Skip to 2:22 to get to specifics. Great video.

  • @kaylheecarroll3186
    @kaylheecarroll3186 8 місяців тому

    Happy for you that you are enjoying Florida ❤😊

  • @r.l.h.8649
    @r.l.h.8649 8 місяців тому

    we have always loved our time visiting FL while living in the SE area of the nation . We now live in the Rocky mountains and are enjoying the LOW EMF and low mold exposure that seems to be so high in the SE ..we did a spread sheet on the healthiest places to live . We look forward to our vacation time there in the near future . I think Jan- March holds the best weather .

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  8 місяців тому

      That is very interesting that you found a great healthy spot to live! I wondered how our allergies would fare here, but so far they are not bad at all!

  • @PianoMatronNeeNee
    @PianoMatronNeeNee 8 місяців тому

    Glad you like it here in Florida. It truly is paradise 🏝️I’ve been in Florida for 16 years. I’m in south Florida (Palm Beach county) and while it’s beautiful here, I still miss hometown events, family and friends from my hometown Philly.

  • @saabguy9774
    @saabguy9774 8 місяців тому +1

    I loved the way you handled politics. We are from SF Calif, moved to a Tulsa suburb and we see signs, tshirts, hats everywhere. Peopke randomly bring it up in conversation with strangers. Crazy. We have been thinking of a vacation house, considered Miami and Key West but I was worried about the politics.

  • @gpaton9643
    @gpaton9643 8 місяців тому

    Thank you , I appreciate your insight!

  • @birkinboy3976
    @birkinboy3976 8 місяців тому

    Hi Jennifer I can’t believe it’s been a year already amazing but I’m so happy for you guys that the area is working out for you all and hey vacation vibes are always a good thing so to live with that daily is fantastic💚💚💚💚

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  8 місяців тому +1

      I know...time flies!! Yes, I'm happy with vacation vibes on the daily, for sure. 😄💚

  • @sharonholmes4444
    @sharonholmes4444 8 місяців тому +1

    Your state is similar to my state of Arizona 🎋 minus the gators,🐊 lol. We have Javalinas instead. 🐖 It's mild and we do also have an influx of traffic during snowbird months just like you. It's also a retirement state and we've been here for 30 years.

  • @conservativegirl3371
    @conservativegirl3371 8 місяців тому

    We are considering moving to Florida…we like Venice Beach/Sarasota area or Boca Raton/Palm Beach or Nashville, TN when we retire…still thinking through the pros and cons…this was helpful! Thanks! We live in the south now but still have all four seasons, but I do think I would enjoy more sun and warmer temps. I feel the best here in summer, plus my husband would enjoy golf year round! We visit the gulf coast…seaside, rosemary beach, watercolor at least once a year. Love Florida! Happy One Year Florida resident! Happy for you!❤️

    • @familylifetoo9541
      @familylifetoo9541 7 місяців тому +1

      We are having unbearable heat this may 2024, and now June hitting records of 98 degrees. It hot as anything. From May to early October

  • @KristyJain
    @KristyJain 8 місяців тому

    I am a first time viewer and enjoyed your perspective. I’m sure your video came up because I watch so many about Central Florida. Yes, I listened intently the entire time but I must ask a very important question. Do you have a link to your beautiful blouse? 😄

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  8 місяців тому

      Welcome to the Just Jennifer family! Here is the link to the shirt go.magik.ly/ml/21ch4 I love it!!

  • @beatricek3801
    @beatricek3801 8 місяців тому

    Sounds like you live in Paradise.. enjoy every moment..

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  8 місяців тому +1

      We do feel that way often. There are goods and bads to every place, but we are very happy with all we have experienced so far.

    • @marknewton6984
      @marknewton6984 8 місяців тому +1

      Lifestyle counts.
      The Florida Beachcomber 😎

  • @Ellie-es4ms
    @Ellie-es4ms 8 місяців тому

    I was wondering If California gets colder or Florida?

  • @87jallen
    @87jallen 8 місяців тому

    Where do Floridians go for vacation?

    • @atldawn2
      @atldawn2 8 місяців тому +1

      Vegas lol

    • @pennycox1432
      @pennycox1432 8 місяців тому +1

      I've been here 6 years and I go back to La. To see our family . I have been no where else . I love it here ...

  • @sheritee7328
    @sheritee7328 8 місяців тому

    There is no perfect place on earth that is always perfect and every place on the planet has it's good and not so good things!
    I am so glad you are enjoying all your time in Florida Jennifer and I bet you have no packs of coyotes howling at night!! 😃😄

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  8 місяців тому +1

      That is exactly true! And yes, I do not miss the packs of howling coyotes!!

  • @CupcakeCottage
    @CupcakeCottage 8 місяців тому +1

    Florida used to be so much nicer. Of course, Windermere is beautiful.

  • @12prettythings10
    @12prettythings10 8 місяців тому

    I cant believe its been a year! Still watching your video :) couldn't resist being the first commenter again🎉

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  8 місяців тому

      I know! It has gone so fast! I'm glad you got the first commenter spot again...fun! 😄

    • @12prettythings10
      @12prettythings10 8 місяців тому

      @@JustJennifer would love a kitchen tour video :). Thanks, Jennifer!

  • @JoleeLovesIt
    @JoleeLovesIt 8 місяців тому +1

    The “out loud “ politics are more rural….where I live now….the I-4 corridor is nice for no weirdo politics ❤

  • @IMOO1896
    @IMOO1896 8 місяців тому +3

    Florida, the “let your hair down state”.

  • @personalme2717
    @personalme2717 8 місяців тому

    I love Florida! I have family in central Florida. You have so many cool things to do which is great! And yup, if I was there, I would be happy with the politics 😉

  • @emilyhops2566
    @emilyhops2566 8 місяців тому

    That comment, you know the one, made me so angry and i had to gooogle what it meant. Nice lady.

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  8 місяців тому +4

      Yep. I had to google part of her edited comment, too! That is the type of outburst of opinion that I was mentioning in the video has never happened to us here in our area. Thank heavens...I could not live with that on the daily. I'm pretty sure she has never watched one of my videos before, or she'd know that is not the vibe here.

    • @emilyhops2566
      @emilyhops2566 8 місяців тому

      @@JustJennifer agreed!

    • @gia9811
      @gia9811 8 місяців тому

      Nice to know you are enjoying where you have been planted. Life is good.

  • @jeanieh9386
    @jeanieh9386 8 місяців тому

    I’m always amazed when folks complain about the heat and humidity. It’s just as bad in Kansas without the benefit of the beach! I do not miss the snow when we spend the winters in Florida. We enjoy the palms, the flowers and the water everywhere. I will admit that the bugs and critters are gross to me. We have a home in a very well kept gated patio homes and we have experienced rats in our neighborhood and been told by pest people that they are literally everywhere in Florida. So gross.

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  8 місяців тому +1

      Oh wow! We have never seen or heard of rats here (yet) and I hope we don't! I wouldn't care for that, either! I did forget to mention the tiny lizards that we see often.

    • @jeanieh9386
      @jeanieh9386 8 місяців тому

      @@JustJennifer we don't mind the tiny lizards. The rats though...blech!

  • @genieford2047
    @genieford2047 8 місяців тому

    I almost blocked this because I saw that first comment. Things are not great here and I grew up here and lived through desegregation and more. Have lived in Virginia and California but am here for my daughter. It’s really gotten bd here with hate and racism and more. I hate to bring up politics but was shocked to see that stuff about living in freedom. I’ll give this channel a chance but hope it doesn’t get too political because I will get triggered and mouth off

    • @JustJennifer
      @JustJennifer  8 місяців тому

      I think this is the first time EVER anything even slightly political has been mentioned on my channel, as I keep things completely "politics free" here!! Please don't let a few commenters sway your decision about my normal content. Thank you for giving Just Jennifer a try!

  • @jbtb2858
    @jbtb2858 8 місяців тому +6

    It’s because the great Governor DeSantis. Why Florida is so great. Yes, shortage of workers and very hard to get into the Dr here. All over the country it’s happening.

  • @christinekellyrose9435
    @christinekellyrose9435 8 місяців тому +25

    I luv the Free State of Florida. I manifested living here for 30 years. So happy to have left the bad weather and commie Taxachusetts behind. We don't talk politics because you're in Trump Country. Please don't bring your Blue State bull to our Free State of Florida. Remember the reason why you moved here...freedom and great weather. 😊

    • @berlinbeachkat4878
      @berlinbeachkat4878 8 місяців тому +10

      You obviously never experienced freedom! This State is everything else but FREE! We know who you follow.

    • @atldawn2
      @atldawn2 8 місяців тому +5

      Oh just stop. Ugh.

    • @Myheartsease
      @Myheartsease 8 місяців тому +4

      This state is anything but free. It’s under the rule of King DeSantis.

    • @christinekellyrose9435
      @christinekellyrose9435 8 місяців тому

      @@berlinbeachkat4878 it's always the angry old white liberal women making the nasty comments

    • @christinekellyrose9435
      @christinekellyrose9435 8 місяців тому

      @@atldawn2 it's always the angry old white liberal women making the nasty comments 🙄