A Cuban woman living in Texas has sparked a lively debate on social media after sharing a personal video reflection. She is contemplating a move to Florida, though she is adamant about avoiding Miami. The user @lorenanr2025, who resides in Odessa, sought advice on which Floridian city might be a suitable place for her to live, work as a teacher, and be geographically closer to Cuba.
"Ever since I visited Cuba, traveling has become a real challenge. I have to take three flights, endure layovers... and my family is getting older. I will need to travel more frequently," Lorena explained, emphasizing her desire not to sacrifice the peace she has found in Odessa. "There’s no traffic here, it’s safe and peaceful, and when I say I’ll be somewhere in five minutes, I mean it," she shared.
Her video quickly went viral within the Cuban community in the United States. What started as a simple inquiry turned into a flood of suggestions. People mentioned Orlando, Ocala, Cape Coral, Naples, Tampa, Jacksonville, and even Corpus Christi, though many advised her to stay put in Odessa: "Florida is expensive, traffic is a nightmare, and it's harder to raise kids there."
Some comments were quite colorful: "You forgot to mention the sandstorms and hail in Odessa that can damage cars," "Florida is beautiful... but only for vacations!" and "Stay where you are, even garages cost a thousand dollars in Florida!" Lorena responded graciously to most comments, thanked everyone for their input, joked with a few, and clarified that she has not made any decisions. "I'm just evaluating my options. I love the tranquility here, but I increasingly think about the logistics of traveling to Cuba. It's not easy."
Most opinions agreed on one thing: it’s a tough decision. Many Cubans shared their experiences of living in Florida and regretting it. Others proudly defended their cities, while some suggested she return to Cuba or try her luck in Kentucky or North Carolina.
Whatever her choice, Lorena has achieved something curious: turning a common dilemma into a viral conversation about quality of life, nostalgia, family, and future aspirations. Will she remain in Odessa, or will she eventually pack her bags for Florida? Her followers will undoubtedly stay tuned.
Deciding Where to Live: Factors and Advice
Why is Lorena considering moving to Florida?
Lorena is considering moving to Florida to be closer to her aging family in Cuba, as her current location requires multiple flights and layovers to reach them.
What are some concerns about living in Florida?
Some concerns about living in Florida include the high cost of living, traffic congestion, and challenges in raising children compared to other locations.
What cities in Florida have been recommended to Lorena?
Lorena received recommendations for cities such as Orlando, Ocala, Cape Coral, Naples, Tampa, and Jacksonville as potential places to consider for relocation.