COMMENT BY
COMMENT ABOUT PLACE
Punta Gorda, FL
COMMENT
It grows on you
We moved here from Michigan 8 years ago. We absolutely hated it at first - mostly because we were of the "that's not the way we do it up north" mindset. We came to realize that this isn't up north and things are done differently down here. The weather in the winter is absolutely gorgeous - no more snow shovels for us! It does rain quite frequently in the summer - but you learn to anticpate/adjust to it. We have all the national restaurant chains as well as quaint local eateries. The Town Center Mall is small, but at least the crowds are manageable during the holidays. Our daughter graduated from the local school system and has found employment locally. Although my husband and I moved here to retire - we immediately found good paying jobs and went back to work. The beaches are close by with easy gulf access for boaters.
Sure, it is quiet and not as sophisticated as most metropolitan areas - BUT, you are just a short drive to so many big cities - Miami, Tampa, Orlando (Disney World) and the Keys.
I am not sure why so many young people say that this area is full of "old Republicans". There are three high schools here each with graduating classes of 300 or so. Which means there are families everywhere.
Certainly, you have to let go of your present mindset and embrace the "Florida Lifestyle". Try it....you just might like it.
One bad issue....No decent Chinese food to be found!!!