So, in case you didn’t know, I’m going to be moving back to Jacksonville, FL. Most people already know this by now, but every once in awhile I’ll mention something about my upcoming road trip to Florida followed by a “What?! You’re driving to Florida?! Why? To visit?!” Then I have to explain to them that I’m actually going to be moving back to Florida. So, I just want to throw it out there and officially tell everyone: I’m going to be leaving Seattle and driving back to Jacksonville, FL on May 17.
There are several reasons for this, but I also want to be clear that I love Seattle. Seattle is a fun and exciting city with a big personality. I’ve loved the convenience of living in a city, and I’ve loved the closeness of the mountains. I’ve also loved my church out here and all the friends I’ve made.
“Then why are you leaving?” you may ask. Well, there are two big reasons.
- I want to live near my lifelong friends and family long-term. I’ve always wanted a place that I could settle down permanently and make into my home. I’ve realized that after living away from north Florida for 7 whole years (5 of those in Raleigh, NC), it’s still home to me. Why try to make a new one when the one I was given was so good to me? That’s where my family is, and that’s where my lifelong friends live. It will be nice to spend time with my friends and family without spending all day on an expensive airplane first.
- The cost of living in Seattle is outrageous. I would love to buy a house one day, and that ain’t gonna happen in Seattle. Rent in Seattle is extremely high and I’m not really sure what I’m paying for. I don’t even have a parking spot, and I have to use coin laundry in my building! I also have career goals that would be nearly impossible to pursue in Seattle because of money stuff. So, why not move to a place where my dreams are more attainable?
So, there it is, Folks. I love Seattle, and I will visit again for sure. Especially when I have the itch to do some good hiking. But when I think long-term, I know I don’t want to be in Seattle.
Andrew Thomasson 
Prayers for safe travel Andrew and welcome home!
Thank you!
Most of my family lives near North Florida as well, and my aunt is now moving that way to be closer to family in the coming months, which has led to many asking her the same question as to why, but Florida is such a wonderful and beautiful state that I understand why she’s wanting to move closer that way soon, so I quite enjoyed your thoughts and they are nicely said!
Thank you! And I love Florida. I like the heat and sunshine and summer beach days. Even with all the weird Florida stories, it’s still my favorite place to live!
I love those things too, and I am quite jealous of my aunt if I had to be honest, for North Carolina winters can sometimes be quite cold, which I’m not a fan of, so I’m both happy and jealous of her moving due to her being able to escape the unpredictable winter weather.