When my husband and I packed up our life and moved to Florida three years ago, we were chasing a vision: more sunshine, more time outdoors, a slower pace, and a community where we could truly enjoy the next chapter of life.
Looking back now, the question people ask me most often is simple: “Are you happy you moved?” And the answer is an easy, confident yes.
What Daily Life Actually Looks Like
Palm Bay has given us the lifestyle we hoped for and then some. If you enjoy the outdoors, it’s hard to beat. Whether it’s kayaking, boating, fishing (both freshwater and saltwater), wakeboarding, surfing, swimming, or simply enjoying the beach, it’s all here. One of my favorite routines is heading to the beach early in the morning to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic. It’s peaceful, grounding, and only about 20 minutes from my front door.
And if water isn’t your thing, there’s no shortage of land-based activities: parks, nature trails, horseback riding, pickleball, tennis, basketball, and endless opportunities to stay active.
I personally love being surrounded by nature. After years of gardening in Indiana, I wasn’t sure what that would look like here — but Florida has surprised me in the best way. We replaced all of our front landscaping with native plants, left plenty of room between them, and within a single year it looked like a fully established garden. Things grow quickly here, and the environment is constantly changing and alive.
Location Without the Chaos
Another huge benefit is our proximity to Orlando. Theme parks, world-class shows, concerts, restaurants, entertainment — it’s all about an hour to two hours away. Close enough for a day trip or weekend adventure, but far enough that our day-to-day life stays calm, affordable, and manageable. And if you’re a sports fan, Florida delivers in a big way. With multiple NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, professional soccer teams, and major college programs, you’re never far from a great game, yet you don’t have to live in the congestion of a major metro to enjoy it.
That balance is one of the biggest reasons we love living here.
Community Matters More Than You Think
About six months after moving here, life threw us an unexpected curveball. What stood out to us in that season was the strength of the medical system, the veteran support network, and the overall sense that we were living in a community that truly shows up for its people. Having access to that level of care and infrastructure gave us a sense of security that continues to matter today. Living near Patrick Space Force Base also means we regularly see active-duty service members throughout the area. There’s something deeply meaningful about being part of a community that supports both veterans and active military — it adds to the pride and stability of the region.
So… Are We Happy?
Three years later, we’re not just happy — we’re grateful. We’ve talked about whether we’d ever move back, and the truth is, we’re home. Palm Bay has given us the lifestyle we hoped for, the community we didn’t know we needed, and the kind of everyday peace that’s hard to quantify until you experience it yourself. If you’re considering a move to Florida or the Space Coast, I always encourage people to ask not just where they want to live, but how they want to live.
And if you have questions along the way, I’m always here to help. Just fill out the contact information and I'll get back to you in no time!
We took the leap.
Three years later, we wouldn’t change a thing.