Vetted by NeuralPress's Multi-Agent Verifier for strict factual validity and event relevance. Our compliance engine cross-checks and filters search results to ensure zero false correlations or misleading content.
Primary Sources
I lived in Florida my entire life. Traffic, $25 cocktails, and rising ...
Natalie Alatriste said Florida stopped feeling like home after the pandemic.She said the state's higher living costs and traffic congestion drove her to leave.Alatriste is now living in Virginia, where she's spending less money and is happier overall.This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Natalie Alatriste, a 35-year-old native Floridian who grew up in Miami-Dade County. In 2025, she moved to Arlington, Virginia. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.Growing up in Miami in the '90s, I remember it as a vibrant place. My family is Hispanic, and I'm of Cuban and Mexican descent. I grew up surrounded by so much culture — Cuban, Mexican, Haitian, Venezuelan, and Colombian — because that has always been part of Miami.I also think Miami was a lot quieter when I was growing up. It wasn't the vacation destination everybody wanted to visit or move to. It had small, cool spots like Little Havana, and while that's still there, the city feels very different now.Alatriste playing on the beach as a child.Courtesy of Natalie AlatristeThere's a pre-COVID Miami and a post-COVID Miami, and the post-COVID version is completely different. The cost of living has gone up, and so many people have moved in that traffic is always heavy.In 2024, I seriously started thinking about leaving not just Miami, but Florida entirely. The state's politics became a turning point for me. During the presidential election, everything I voted for — the amendments, the candidates, all of it — went in the opposite direction.It was definitely a tough decision. My family had kept me anchored there for so long. But I just knew I needed to go.Florida didn't feel like home anymoreThe pandemic brought a lot of people from out of town, and that drove up the cost of almost everything. I was working at a large global agency and making about $175,000 a year, yet I still felt house-poor.Before leaving Florida, I lived in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in Coral Gables that I moved into in 2020. My rent started at $2,200, but five years later, management was asking for $3,750 — even though nothing in my unit or building had changed.My energy bills and grocery bills also went up. Going out got more expensive, too. In Miami, there are so many places where it's normal for a drink at a bar or restaurant to cost $25. I think that's because so many people from higher-cost places like New York moved to Miami after the pandemic.Even driving was a headache in Miami. The highways ar...
Living in Colombia guide: Everything you need to know to move and ...
Colombia is increasingly popular among expats looking for an affordable, exciting, and diverse place to live. It offers a lower cost of living than many Western countries, modern healthcare, and reliable internet in major cities—key factors for digital nomads, professionals, and the growing population of expat retirees who now call Colombia home. Expats can enjoy vibrant urban life in Bogotá or Medellín, relax on Caribbean beaches, or explore the lush mountains and coffee regions. The country also provides a welcoming culture, expanding international communities, and a range of lifestyle options suited to different budgets and interests. Five good reasons to live in Colombia1. Business and career opportunities: Colombia’s economy is growing, particularly in technology, tourism, and services.2. Affordable cost of living: Housing, groceries, and transportation are cheaper than in many Western countries.3. Pleasant climate: Colombia’s diverse geography offers varying climates from tropical coasts to cool mountain cities.4. Friendly people and culture: Colombians are known for their warmth and hospitality toward foreigners.5. Growing expat community: Cities like Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena have established expat networks.Facts and figuresPopulation51 million (2025)Expatriate population3.1 million (2025)Common expat nationalitiesVenezuelan, American, Peruvian, EcuadorianMajor locations for expats Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and CaliOfficial languageSpanishData correct as of December 2025Sources:Migration Policy Institute — Colombia and OECD — International Migration Outlook, In this guide:Where to live in ColombiaFormalities and visas in ColombiaWorking in ColombiaStudying in ColombiaRetiring in ColombiaFinance and banks in ColombiaHealth care in ColombiaEducation and schools in ColombiaAccommodation in ColombiaPlanning your move to ColombiaLeisure in ColombiaEveryday life in ColombiaCost of living in ColombiaOutroNews & testimoniesForum topics on living in ColombiaWhere to live in ColombiaWhere you live in Colombia can shape your entire experience. Expats often choose a city based on work opportunities, lifestyle preferences, climate, and the presence of international communities. From bustling urban centers to coastal towns, each region offers a unique pace of life. Housing options are varied, from modern city apartments to cozy suburban houses or secure gated communities, making it easy to find a home that suits your needs.Popular places for expats in C...
Relocation: What Happens to Child Custody in Florida When One Parent ...
An experienced family law attorney can help you understand your rights, present your case effectively, and work toward a solution that protects your child's best interests. If you have questions about relocation, custody, or parenting time, schedule a consultation today to discuss your options and protect your rights.
I filmed this so many times, not realizing Alyssa was in the reflection ...
I filmed this so many times, not realizing Alyssa was in the reflection helping me not forget it. So I said, just come out and be in this with me lol.
