Hi Annmarie,

I used to live in Washington DC, and had a hard time there. It was hard to make friends. Unless you are in Congress, a politician, or someone who actually works in politics, you are pretty much ignored. The first question I was always asked was “so what kind of work do you do”? When I would go to a cafe on the River, it was very crowded, nobody really talks to you, and they are aloof and distant if you try to talk to them. Everthing is centered around politics. No one wants to talk about anything else. I did not stay there for long. But that was my experience. Yours might be different.

People are very, very friendly, open and warm in Florida. Many are transplants and want to meet people. I would walk on the beach and people would come up and talk to me, or I would be in the Jacuzzi, and people would ask me to play tennis with them. I lived in Sarasota, then the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area. There is always a nice breeze that cuts down on the heat and humidity that comes from the ocean. It’s gorgeous there. By the water, and very easy to meet nice people. Just some suggestions. I wish you the best of luck on whatever you decide. x