Before relocating to Florida, I understood that being distant from loved ones or launching a new career would be challenging. These were obstacles I anticipated. I had visited Florida on vacation several times and believed I knew the state well.
Nevertheless, residing there turned out to be entirely different from simply visiting. Initially, everything felt novel and thrilling. Eventually, reality settled in, and I encountered difficulties I had never foreseen.
Adjusting to the sweltering temperatures
Hailing from Paris, I was familiar with four distinct seasons and numerous overcast days. Prior to moving, the idea of sunshine throughout the year seemed appealing. That changed once I recognized that from April through November, Florida’s temperatures are so extreme that outdoor activities during daylight hours become exhausting. Even a brief five-minute walk feels unbearable. At night, the stickiness of humidity and swarms of mosquitoes make being outdoors unpleasant. I needed to grow accustomed to keeping the air conditioning running nonstop, which initially gave me headaches. Letting in fresh air by opening windows isn’t practical without losing all the cooled air. I discovered that the only pleasant period in Florida is winter, yet that’s when tourists flood in, making my favorite beaches inaccessible and the roads congested. Life under the sun turned monotonous and repetitive. I genuinely miss the seasons and the rich variety they added to my existence.
The rhythm of everyday life differs significantly
In Florida, people tend to rise early and eat dinner around 6 p.m., unlike in Paris where I worked late into the evening.
While working in Paris as a corporate communications manager, I rarely reached my office before 9:30 a.m. and usually stayed past 7 p.m. Dinner was typically served at 8:30 p.m. Adapting to the local schedule meant changing all my routines to wake up earlier, which proved difficult. In France, meals follow strict timing, especially dinner, which serves as a vital moment for socializing with family and friends. In contrast, Floridians dine whenever hunger strikes, often skipping formal seating in favor of quick bites before heading out again. I long for the ritual of sharing meals at the table and engaging in meaningful dialogue. The cultural differences between Paris and Florida extend beyond dining habits.
Initially, the informal nature of daily exchanges in Florida felt refreshing. Casual conversations are frequent, etiquette is relaxed, and clothing choices are notably laid-back. However, what once amused me — seeing individuals wear flip-flops and gym attire inside restaurants or business casual downtown, or hearing “Mmm-hmm” in response to thanks — now leaves me feeling out of place. I miss the attention Parisians pay to their appearance and manners. Discussing finances openly is acceptable in Florida but considered impolite in Paris, leaving me uneasy whenever money enters conversation. The habit of flaunting wealth through luxury cars and designer accessories makes me uncomfortable. As someone raised in Paris, I lean toward modesty. Although Paris is synonymous with high fashion and opulence, locals generally prefer understated elegance and minimalism. I still struggle to appreciate the more ostentatious Floridian aesthetic.
Some aspects are enjoyable, but I suspect I’ll relocate eventually
Despite spending a decade in Florida, homesickness lingers. Yet, life here isn’t entirely unpleasant. I still cherish the vibrant energy and multicultural vibe that make Florida distinctive. Still, I don’t envision staying permanently. Someday, I hope to settle somewhere that mirrors the charm of France more closely.