A boomer residing in Sarasota, Florida, expressed his eagerness to return to California. The former Los Angeles resident cited Florida’s weather and lifestyle as the reasons for his desire to house hunt in California. He is willing to pay a higher price for a home and daily expenses in order to live more comfortably in the Golden State.
Steve Prevesk, 63, lived in Los Angeles for eight years before moving back to his hometown in Western New York and eventually settling in Florida. However, he now feels he can’t go back to California fast enough. Prevesk relocated to Florida in 2018 after his mother passed away, in search of a business opportunity. However, he has become disillusioned with the constant heat and what he describes as a disingenuous lifestyle in Florida. As a result, he is actively searching for a new residence in California and is willing to pay the higher cost of living associated with the state.
According to US Census migration data released in October, nearly 51,000 former Californians moved to Florida between 2021 and 2022, attracted by slightly lower costs of living and a slower pace of life. However, individuals like Prevesk are now moving out of Florida as prices continue to rise and wealthier out-of-staters move in. During the same period, over 28,500 people made the move from Florida to California.
In total, nearly 490,000 people moved out of Florida between 2021 and 2022, while 739,000 moved in. While many are drawn to the beaches and palm trees of Miami and the Tampa Bay area, others are leaving due to factors such as weather, low wages, and housing prices.
Prevesk, who grew up in Western New York, had always dreamed of moving to either Florida or California. After receiving a scholarship to a school in central Florida, he moved to Orlando for a job in film and television. However, his business was negatively impacted by the 2007-2008 financial crisis, leading him to move to California, where he worked as a professional writer for eight years. Prevesk fell in love with California’s perfect weather and found it to be a perfect fit for his interests and lifestyle.
After his mother fell ill, Prevesk returned to New York, which he describes as a “three-year hell.” Following her passing, he moved to Florida four years ago while maintaining his position as a professional writer. However, the qualities of Florida that initially attracted him have disappeared over time, leaving him feeling burnt out. He dislikes everything about Florida now, describing it as flat, transient, and uninspiring. He believes it is hard to go anywhere else after experiencing the scenes and weather of California’s Pacific coast.
Prevesk has noticed extreme temperatures in Florida this summer, with his car temperature gauge reaching as high as 111 degrees Fahrenheit. He finds the heat to be unbearable and physically draining. Additionally, he has observed politics playing a larger role in everyday life in Florida compared to California, leading to increased polarization and hostility in his area. He also misses the cultural diversity he experienced in Los Angeles and feels that his current area is more homogeneous. Despite not finding a strong sense of community in either Florida or California, Prevesk is willing to pay more for housing and living costs to enjoy the peace he finds in California.
While rents in coastal Los Angeles are significantly higher compared to where Prevesk currently lives in Florida, he has also noticed rising rents in Orlando due to an influx of out-of-state residents. The increasing cost of living in Florida has reduced the savings typically associated with moving to the state. He believes many people moved to Florida based on a “vacation effect” after visiting for a short period and then deciding to stay permanently. However, the initial excitement wears off quickly, leading to disappointment.
In addition to Southern California, Prevesk is considering moving to Colorado or Utah due to their natural beauty and similar cost of living compared to Florida. As a writer who can work remotely, his decision will ultimately be based on financial considerations. He is looking forward to experiencing the seasons again, escaping the heat, and engaging in activities like skiing and hiking in the mountains.
If you have recently relocated to a different state, you can reach out to this reporter at nsheidlower@insider.com.