After 14 years in Miami, Cuban TikTok user @yeli_95_ chose to relocate to the burgeoning city of Lehigh Acres in southwest Florida. Her candid, humorous, and highly relatable video outlining the pros and cons of this transition has sparked thousands of reactions.
One of the highlights of her move was the cost of her new home: a 2,500-square-foot property featuring five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a terrace, and a yard, all for under $400,000. She noted that in Miami, that amount would barely buy an apartment. In Lehigh Acres, she enjoys ample space, comfort, and peace.
Furthermore, her business as a lash artist has thrived in the area. "There aren't as many lash artists here as in Miami, so there's plenty of clientele for everyone," she observed. She also mentioned living in a densely populated yet peaceful area, with neighbors who respect personal space.
However, not everything has been perfect. She faced an adjustment with the well water, warning, "If you don't have a filtration system, you'll have a tough time." The biggest challenge, in her view, is the lack of employment opportunities: "Don't be fooled; there's no work. It might be easier if you have a degree, but otherwise, it's tough."
Other downsides include traffic, long distances, and a lack of urban infrastructure. Despite these issues, she maintains a humorous outlook, acknowledging she misses Miami but firmly stating she doesn't plan to move back.
Her story has fueled a wave of comments on TikTok. Some users agree with her, while others disagree. "If you really want it, you'll find work," commented a resident since 2008. Another person shared that they returned to Miami after failing to secure employment. There was also a light-hearted moment when someone joked, "I nearly had a heart attack when my kid shouted about a frog in the video," referring to a brief appearance of the creature.
Amid frogs, traffic, and new clients, this Cuban woman has found a fresh start in Lehigh Acres. With her natural and spontaneous style, @yeli_95_ not only shared her experience but opened a dialogue for many Latinos seeking a better quality of life outside major cities.
Living in Lehigh Acres: Key Insights
What are the advantages of living in Lehigh Acres?
Some benefits include affordable housing, more space, comfort, and a peaceful environment compared to Miami.
What challenges can one expect in Lehigh Acres?
Challenges include limited job opportunities, the need for a water filtration system, traffic, and long distances between places.
How has the TikTok video impacted viewers?
The video has sparked conversations among viewers, with some agreeing and others disagreeing with the experiences shared by the TikTok user.