From Indy to Florida ✈️
My husband and I decided to pick up and move with our kiddos states away!
It’s been 3 years and it’s the best decision that we’ve ever made. We are extremely close to our families, so leaving wasn’t a decision that we made lightly. But here are some reasons that we took a leap:
1. God lined things up perfectly, we had been wanting to move but things just weren’t working out. One day someone offered to buy our home when it wasn’t even on the market. + those covid interest rates were beautiful
2. Safer location to raise our kiddos. We left a bigger city back in Indy and settled in a super small town in Florida. We have felt so safe, kids have flourished and the community has been amazing.
3. Beach DUH! No but really there’s only so much to do back in Indy, plus the weather sucks half of the year. Florida sunshine has been amazing for our mood, and my anxiety. Being able to take a lunch break and walk the beach for an hour is a blessing.
After making the monumental decision to move from Indiana to Florida, the 'why' felt clear, but the 'how' could feel overwhelming. For anyone else contemplating such a big leap, I wanted to share a deeper dive into the practical side of relocating and what 'starting over' truly looked like for our family. First, finding our new home in Florida was a journey. We knew we wanted a safer, smaller community than our previous city in Indy. This meant extensive online research, countless hours on real estate sites, and even a few scouting trips before we officially moved. We focused on areas with highly-rated schools and a family-friendly atmosphere, eventually falling in love with our current small town. It wasn't just about finding a house; it was about finding the right environment for our kids to flourish. Then came the logistics of packing up our entire life. Moving states away is no small feat! We decluttered ruthlessly, sold what we didn't need, and hired a reputable moving company to transport our remaining belongings. It was stressful, but having a clear timeline and staying organized helped immensely. We also had to research things like transferring driver's licenses, registering vehicles, and finding new doctors – all the small details that add up when you're truly starting fresh. Adjusting to Florida life was more than just enjoying the beach (which, don't get me wrong, is still a dream!). While the sunshine was amazing for my mood, we also learned about hurricane preparedness and embraced the year-round outdoor lifestyle. Building a new community was crucial. We actively sought out local events, joined school parent groups, and explored parks and playgrounds. It took time and effort, but our neighbors and fellow parents quickly became new friends, proving that a strong community can be built anywhere. Financially, it was important to do our homework. While some things, like housing, might seem comparable or even higher in Florida depending on the area, we found other costs, like property taxes, to be different. Understanding the cost of living nuances was key to ensuring a smooth transition. Emotionally, 'starting over' was both exhilarating and challenging. Leaving behind family and friends in Indiana was incredibly tough, and there were certainly moments of doubt. But seeing our kids thrive, feeling safer, and having the simple joy of a beach walk during my lunch break reaffirmed that we made the right decision. It taught us resilience and reinforced the idea that sometimes, the greatest blessings come from taking the biggest leaps. If you're considering relocating to Florida, trust your gut, do your research, and be prepared for an incredible adventure!