Florida is a dream home for many people. From the crystal clear water to the astoundingly entertaining theme parks, there is a ton to enjoy in the Sunshine State. However, as a new Floridian, you may have difficulty adjusting to Florida. After all, there are few states that can compare. If you’re a new state resident looking for help adjusting, here are four tips for becoming a true Floridian.
Become Familiar With Your Neighborhood
One of the best ways to feel comfortable in a new town is to coexist. Specifically, you should try to become a mainstay in the area. Since Florida neighborhoods are often small and friendly, this is especially important for any new Sunshine State resident.
A great way to get started is by making essential appointments, like teeth cleanings and annual check ups. You may also need a pair of prescription sunglasses to protect you from harmful UV rays during your beach days. You can look into the Florida-based True Eye Experts. By doing this, you’re not only taking care of your health but also making future plans. This can help you feel like more of a regular in the area.
You can also try attending community events. Florida towns, especially smaller ones, often hold outside events. This could be anything from a farmer’s market to a movie night. In fact, Safety Harbor blockades its downtown area every third Friday for street vendors! If you’re coming up blank, be sure to check your local beaches. These areas are constantly hosting parties for both residents and tourists.
Finally, explore the area and talk to the residents. Floridians, being people who are constantly on vacation, tend to be friendly. Try to make some new friends and create plans for the upcoming weeks.
Get Essential Supplies
Living in Florida provides a unique experience (for better or worse) for residents. Because of this, you’ll want to get some Florida-based supplies after moving. One of the first things you’ll want to make is a hurricane kit. These are some essential items to include:
- Canned food
- Flashlights
- Bottled water
- Batteries
- Water-proof blankets
- Window protectors
You’ll also want to invest in boatloads of skin protection products, especially when summer comes along. The sun is relentless during this time, so simply going on a walk without sunscreen could cause sunburn.
Finally, all Floridians must make a beach bag. While this might not be of extreme importance, it makes life a lot easier when you want to have a quick trip. Here are some items to include:
- Towels
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Wipes
- Plastic bags
- Beach toys
- Sunglasses
Visit Multiple Beaches
Going to a beach in Florida is absolutely essential. However, in order to be a true Floridian, you’ll need to explore multiple options. Spend a good part of your first few months cruising through local beaches. If you live near the Tampa or St. Petersburg area, you’ll definitely want to visit the islands off Clearwater Beach. This is important for multiple reasons.
First, tourist beaches will probably get old quickly. While having easy access to shops and restaurants is convenient, dealing with masses of tourists and constant surveillance can become frustrating. Also, Florida beaches all have a unique charm. You may discover that you like the solitude of Honeymoon Island or the beautiful houses at Passagrille.
Try a Theme Park Season Pass
Admittedly, theme parks aren’t for everyone. Despite this, you may want to try a theme park season pass. For one thing, Florida has some of the best parks in the world. If you’re looking for a diverse experience for the whole family, you can’t go wrong with Disney. On the other hand, thrill seekers and movie lovers might have a ball at Universal Studios. If you have little ones, you may also want to visit Legoland.
Another reason to consider getting a pass is the savings. During your first year as a resident, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll visit a park at least once. Fortunately for Florida residents, season passes are often not much more than a day pass. Therefore, you might as well make your next few trips less expensive. Season passes can also give you discounts on food and merchandise, not to mention early park access.
There isn’t a strict test about becoming a true Floridian. What’s really important is if you feel like one. Relax, explore the area and enjoy living in a truly beautiful state.
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