Why I Moved from Naples to Chicago?

Why Sunshine Isn’t Always Better

My friends often ask me,“Why are you moving to Chicago from Naples, Florida?”

Because…

1. Bugs!

Palmetto bugs. If you don’t know what that is, congratulations! They are basically flying cockroaches. Big. Fast. Traumatizing.

Mosquitoes. We needed a screened-in porch just to exist outdoors.

Silverfish. They move with purpose. Like they own the place. Hard no.

2. Summer heat

Florida summer is not “summer.” It’s survival mode. Within five minutes outside, Carson says,”Too hot. I’m done.”

Going to the park meant waking up at 8 am. By 10 am? Game over. (Picture of Carson – Sweet smile, red face, and ready to escape the Florida heat.)

3.  Red tide

Dead fish on the beach. Coughing. Burning throat. Nothing says “vacation vibes” like gagging while walking near the ocean.  Red tide usually occurs in the fall months.

 

4.  Animals

Alligators in ponds. Cane toads that can kill your dog. Bears. Bobcats. Snakes. Basically, everything is trying to hurt you.

5. Grass and fire ants

Florida grass is sharp and angry. Fire ants bite. It hurts! Carson got bitten twice.

Now in Chicago, he can walk barefoot without being attacked. A win.

6. Food

Chicago food is elite. Pizza. Portillo’s. Steaks. Naples food is heavy on seafood. I hate fish. Enough said.

7. Hurricanes

Naples was hit by Hurricane Ian in 2021. Favorite beach restaurants destroyed. Some still closed. Every year you ask, “Is this the year we evacuate?”

8. Seasons

I missed fall. Leaves. Sweaters. Carson loves raking leaves. Christmas with snow. Spring flowers. Easter egg hunts with cousins.

Spring

Fall

Winter

Summer

9. Family and friends

In Naples: Grandma and Grandpa. That’s it. No cousins. No long time friends nearby. In Chicago: family, friends, and love. Community matters.

10. And last but not least… mold.

Mold is everywhere in Florida. It made us very sick. In my next blog post, I’ll share more about the mold in my house and what we went through.

Is Naples beautiful? Yes. It can feel like paradise. This is just my honest opinion. Great for retirees. Not great for my kids. Nice for vacation (pictures of my daughter with her Naples’ friends). Florida was beautiful, but it just wasn’t for us.