[ThinkingTrees]

I've lived in Southeastern Florida for more than two decades. I never really liked it. But lately, I've been having dreams about driving through hillsides with cool mountain tree-top canopies, winding roads, and find myself "promising to myself" in my dream that I will never return to Florida again! It's like I am SO happy to breathe fresh air again, that it doesn't smell reptilian -- that the trees provide so much life that the "bushes" here in Florida simply can't compare to! What is wrong with me???

[1AngryTaxPayer]

That would beat desert!

[doggiebus]

Well I don't think you are alone, Hills, Mountains, trees, winding roads, well you need to leave Florida for that.

[annerk]

Drive through rural Lake County up route 561, you'll find what you are looking for.

[beachmouse]

Looks out front window to see the five young adult live oaks in my front yard.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by doggiebus

Well I don't think you are alone, Hills, Mountains, trees, winding roads, well you need to leave Florida for that.

I had all that (except mountains) when I lived in Dade City in NE Pasco County - looks like North Carolina there. Hills, forests, woods, winding roads, lakes, etc. And all within commuting distance of Tampa. You don't have to leave Florida at all, unless you need big mountains. There are some nice size hills in Pasco and Hernando Counties.

[TANaples]

Originally Posted by ThinkingTrees

I've lived in Southeastern Florida for more than two decades. I never really liked it. But lately, I've been having dreams about driving through hillsides with cool mountain tree-top canopies, winding roads, and find myself "promising to myself" in my dream that I will never return to Florida again! It's like I am SO happy to breathe fresh air again, that it doesn't smell reptilian -- that the trees provide so much life that the "bushes" here in Florida simply can't compare to! What is wrong with me???

As people say, different strokes for different folks. I miss all of those things, besides the 4 seasons. When I got off the plane in NY in January (9 degrees then), the first thing I did was take a long deep breathe in of the cold refreshing air.

Most people living in Florida will not understand, but some us do. I have only lived here 2 years. I cannot imagine 20 years. I would be living in an asylum after all that time.

[Wilshire81182]

If you want those things without sacrificing climate, I would suggest the Orlando or Jacksonville areas, or even better, Tallahassee. Georgia or NC will be even better.
I know what you mean. S FLorida is great when it comes to beaches and climate, but I am always surprised by how few trees are down there.

[Jonotastic]

Check out Portland, Oregon. It's a great city on the West Coast that is still affordable!

[On-da-Beach]

Originally Posted by ThinkingTrees

I've lived in Southeastern Florida for more than two decades. I never really liked it. But lately, I've been having dreams about driving through hillsides with cool mountain tree-top canopies, winding roads, and find myself "promising to myself" in my dream that I will never return to Florida again! It's like I am SO happy to breathe fresh air again, that it doesn't smell reptilian -- that the trees provide so much life that the "bushes" here in Florida simply can't compare to! What is wrong with me???

Ahhhh... a not-so-cleverly disguised basher thread... and you're getting reps, too! This can't be your first post. How many user names do you have?
What's wrong with you?? You've been unhappy for more than 2 decades and have done nothing about it (or so you say). It generally takes someone like yourself at least 40 years to find out that I-95 runs north and there's no one to stop you from leaving. When you find those hillsides and winding roads please write back with your complaints about the economy and country people.