After spending nearly a decade searching for my ideal city, I had an epiphany: the place I had envisioned as my forever home might not be in California after all, but rather near Miami, Florida. My name is Fabiana Muoz, and this personal narrative is part of my journey towards finding a place that truly feels like home.

Over the last ten years, I have invested substantial time and money in my quest to find a suitable living space in California, a state renowned for its diverse culture and stunning landscapes.

During my college years, I resided in Los Altos, a quaint town situated an hour south of San Francisco. This charming locale was filled with delightful cafs and unique boutiques, yet I quickly realized that it lacked the abundance of recreational activities and weekend entertainment options available in larger cities nearby.

In search of a more vibrant atmosphere, I made the leap to San Francisco, eager to experience life in a bustling metropolis. The proximity to reliable public transportation and an endless array of restaurants and events was invigorating. However, I soon discovered that San Francisco is notorious for being one of the most expensive cities in the United States, and this reality weighed heavily on my shoulders.

As I struggled to pay exorbitant rent for a single room, I found it increasingly difficult to envision a long-term future in the city. After earning my degree, my partner and I continued our journey through California, finding temporary homes in various locations within Los Angeles County.

Despite the beauty and allure of California, we ultimately decided it was time for a change and set our sights on Florida. Our first experience in the Sunshine State was in the laid-back coastal city of Torrance, followed by a move to Inglewood for work-related reasons. However, the disconcerting realization dawned upon us that life in California was not sustainable for the long term.

The incessant traffic and congestion became overwhelming. Although my office was a mere seven miles from our home, my daily commute stretched an exhausting 45 minutes each way. Each journey was marred by smog, road rage, and the accompanying noise pollution.

Moreover, the high cost of living in Los Angeles County proved to be a significant hurdle. According to Payscale, living expenses in LA are 50% above the national average. It became clear that maintaining this lifestyle was untenable, and we started to yearn for a different way of life.

After six years in the Golden State, we relocated to South Florida, hoping that a slower pace of life combined with the support of family would provide the reset we desperately needed.

Initially, our move was more costly than we had anticipated, leading us to temporarily reside in our family's home in Hialeah. This decision turned out to be transformative.

Hialeah is a city in Miami-Dade County, home to over 200,000 residents, known for its walkability and pockets of newer suburban housing, parks, and trails. After years of grappling with the stresses of urban traffic and congestion, the walkable neighborhoods in Hialeah felt like the breath of fresh air we had been searching for.

Our residence, conveniently located just west of Interstate 75, offers us easy access to our local library and coffee shops, all within walking distance. The proximity to Miami allows us to enjoy the vibrancy of a major city while still enjoying the tranquility of suburban life. Grocery shopping is a short stroll away, and we can venture to downtown Miami for a night out, just a 40-minute drive from our home.

Living with family has helped us save on rent, and weve found that the overall cost of living in South Florida is significantly lower than what we experienced in Los Angeles County.

As we settled into our temporary residence in Hialeah, a realization began to take shape: my future could be built in a different state, combining the best of both worlds. Now that we have spent nearly a year in Florida, my partner and I feel increasingly assured that this state is the right fit for us.

We are actively exploring Hialeah and other walkable communities around the greater Miami area, such as Miami Lakes, with the hope of finding a place to call our own. As we embark on this new chapter, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.