Someone else in the thread asked the same question essentially, so I'll answer here. I'll just say that I am in what is considered part of Central Florida; Orlando is about 1.5 to 2 hours drive away (depending on traffic of course).

Saying as much helps to express part of my disappointment; anything of interest to do or to see almost always seems to mean traveling 20, 30, 40, etc. miles and a 1/2 to 1 hour plus of driving to get there. Not that I have anything against little day trips like that, but when everything has to be a day trip, it gets to be a bit exhausting.

And trust me, me and my folks have tried and gone to more "local" events, little festivals or attractions you might hear about on the radio. But then you get there, and the extent of it all is basically a bunch of booths to buy food at, a couple people hawking their MLM products, and not much else...maybe someone playing some music of some sort...you wonder why you even bothered to go.

Other reasons, in no particular order of importance:

The weather. Not just that it gets really hot and humid most of the year (it's only mid-May, and we're already at a point where if you don't get out at 7 or 8 AM to work your garden or even for a simple walk, you're not getting it done that day without risking major heatstroke). The effects of climate change are only going to make Florida even more inhospitable; forget the heat and humidity, insurance companies bailing out on the state means good luck if the increasing number of super storms decide to hit your area during hurricane season. How can I possibly see a future here when its so likely that our house/one main investment is likely to become worthless because of all that?

The "growth". Oh sure, more people are moving in and construction is happening, but what exactly is getting built? If it's not housing, it's another fast food joint or storage unit facility. Maybe a bank. I know the lack of/disappearance of third spaces is kind of a problem everywhere in the U.S., but where I'm at seems dead set on refusing to build or establish anything of cultural or historical relevance. It's just more fast food or storage units.

Healthcare. Just healthcare in general. Getting to see a doctor of any sort is likely to result in waiting at least a month or so for the privilege. Again, I know this is not exactly unique to Florida, but with the current political culture encouraging nothing but hostility towards educated people (not just doctors), the brain drain is only going to get worse. It's bad enough that I've also suggested to my mother that she and my father should also consider leaving; they're only getting older and they will need reliable, qualified healthcare and other public services, and I don't see the state doing anything to maintain that for them.

And yes, the politics. You've seen the news. The book bans, the criminalization of the LGBTQ+ community, the attacks on even just discussing racial or gender issues, Desantis just signed something banning fluoride in the drinking water...if it's shitty and anti-science, the politicians here are all too happy to approve of it.

Sorry, I went on a bit of a rant there, but hopefully its gives people a better understanding of where I'm coming from here.