I’ve been around long enough to know that moving doesn’t solve your problems. Often the dream of what is on the other side quickly changes into a reality that looks a lot like the unhappy reality one was trying to escape.

The escapism fantasy rarely works. But what if it’s not an escape? What if the reality is that life in California really does suck, and there is a place that is more compatible to my life somewhere else? What if it isn’t an escape, but an upgrade?

When I first looked at moving to Florida, I was thinking mostly about freedom and fishing. And reality certainly hasn’t disappointed. The socialist oppression of California and the “douchebag democracy” of typical Californians is nonexistent in Florida. Taxes are much lower, cost of living is lower, the government is actually helpful and works with you instead of being a bunch of oppressive assholes. No masks, no vaccine mandates, no idiotic social agendas.

If anything, the reality of Florida when it comes to “red state” government and society is actually better than I imagined it would be. Police are friendly and helpful. Crime is low and people really care about fighting all crime. Homelessness isn’t celebrated. Government is responsive and customer-focused. Even the mailman is nicer.

Florida fishing was famous and it hasn’t disappointed, especially as I’ve learned more about the area and the sport. It’s an over-abundance of quality and numbers. Even when I’m openly questioning the quality of surf fishing in Pensacola vs other areas, I’m qualifying it because overall the fishing is great everywhere and I’m just being a little picky (as I can afford to be, since I’m choosing a place to call a forever home).

And yes, these two things definitely enhance my life. A lot. Enjoying great fishing and being free of government and societal oppression is huge. The reality has been even better than the fantasy.

What I didn’t expect was for the “other things” to be so much better. I own a home. I knew that was a big deal, but I’m realizing how much of a big deal it is. It’s huge. It’s life-changing. Everything about it, from walking in, to looking out at my green yard while I enjoy a coffee, to hanging art, adding furniture and even mowing the lawn, it’s soul-satisfying. It’s been 20 years since I owned a house, and that house sucked. This is awesome.

Driving around, going about my day, everything is different, and better. Life is so much better, so much more relaxed and free and uplifting and joyful. The only thing I miss is my family. I sure as hell don’t miss the traffic, the quiet acceptance of crime, the motherfucking street tacos and all that other bullshit that’s come to define Southern California.

But being free of the bullshit only goes so far. It’s a big deal, because the BS in Southern California is immense and unbelievably oppressive, but moving away-from isn’t growth. It helps.

It’s the moving-toward in ways I didn’t even know I needed that has changed my life dramatically for the better. Home ownership, agency, freedom, abundant fishing, green, nature, rain, no traffic, law and order, friendly people. It all matters in a big way.

So yes, as the reality of Florida sinks in more and more, so has the realization that this reality actually exceeds my original fantasy of Florida and how my life would improve if I move.

It goes to show just how miserable life in California has become, and maybe always was. And it shows there really is a better life out there for me in a place that’s right for me. That California really isn’t the best, at least not for me. Not even close. In fact it sucks even worse than I thought it did, and every return trip just reinforces how stifling, phony and oppressive the progressive, urban bullshit environment of Los Angeles County really is.

But moreover, it has shown me why people love Florida so much they’re willing to tolerate things like hurricanes. It’s a really special place. Not for everyone, but it’s just right for me.