A Cuban woman has resonated with many on TikTok after detailing her personal journey moving from Virginia to Florida, despite warnings about the high cost of living. In a video shared on her profile, @daimylydom, she opens up about the sacrifices her decision entailed and how, despite the challenges, she found reasons to feel at peace.
"They called me crazy, given how expensive rent and car insurance are," she remarks in the video. "That's the first thing people said when I chose to relocate to Florida." Yet, she firmly believes it was worthwhile. "The monthly rent includes the beach, the sand, the salty water, the most beautiful sunsets... and Cuban pizzas," she nostalgically states.
Daimyly recounts leaving behind her homeland, family, friends, career, and the 26 years she spent under one roof in Cuba. "I arrived in a country completely unfamiliar to me, with a different language. Did you think I would hesitate to start anew just by changing states?" she asks resolutely. For her, moving to Florida was no less courageous than emigrating from Cuba.
Connecting with Other Migrants
Her story has struck a chord with many migrants who have faced similar situations. In the comments on her video, dozens shared their experiences with challenging relocations to other states like Texas, Nevada, or Tennessee, only to find themselves returning to Florida after failing to adapt. Some expressed that despite the high prices, they felt like they could "breathe again" upon returning.
Benefits of Living in Florida
Others defended the higher cost of living in Florida as being offset by other factors: the climate, culture, language, proximity to the Latino community, and the opportunity to work in their field of study. For many, being surrounded by the familiar is a luxury not found in every state across the nation.
In her replies, Daimyly confirmed to her followers that she previously lived in Virginia, and this is her first time in Florida. "We're not exactly in Miami, but Florida is Florida," she noted. Her closing message was clear: "If today your decision is between staying where you are or moving, make the move. Because any change made from the heart is for the better."
FAQs on Moving from Virginia to Florida
What challenges did Daimyly face when moving from Virginia to Florida?
Daimyly faced challenges such as the high cost of living, including expensive rent and car insurance. However, she found peace in the decision due to the natural beauty and cultural familiarity Florida offered.
Why do some people return to Florida after moving to other states?
Many find it difficult to adapt to other states due to cultural differences, and despite higher costs, they feel a sense of relief and familiarity upon their return to Florida.
What are some benefits of living in Florida according to Daimyly?
Daimyly cites the beach, beautiful sunsets, and cultural familiarity, including Cuban cuisine, as benefits of living in Florida that make the higher expenses worthwhile.