I didn’t want to leave South Florida. I love the tropical weather, I love my friends and clients, and I love being in such an international and diverse culture.

I am returning to South Florida at least once a month to see my friends and clients and enjoy the tropics.

But the West Coast of Florida is actually showing a lot of promise.

There are fewer billboards, and more trees. Prices for many things are lower. In many cases people are friendlier.

Automobile insurance is cheaper – presumably because my chance of hitting a Bentley or a Ferrari is somewhat less.

I haven’t been to the ocean yet, but I hear it is lovely. I can’t imagine it is better than the beaches in Miami, but we’ll see.

We have plenty of flora and fauna here on the West Coast. I have seen a red-wing blackbird, an alligator and a grove of banana trees.

We have culture here too. I have already visited the Dali museum.

We have fewer palms, but lots of tall trees, unlike what you find in South Florida.

We are also a few degrees cooler, which, for me, is not a plus.

I will enjoy exploring a new part of Florida. I’m already feeling at home here.

But don’t worry, South Florida, I’ll be back. Often.