Places I’d Love to Live: Florida

I absolutely love Florida, between the palm trees, the weird tropical grass that feels almost plastic-y, and the warm or hot weather.  I’ve heard there are horrible bugs, and that the summers are sweltering and humid, but hey – those of you who live there also have access to a million lakes and beaches. . . and did I mention you have palm trees?

Sadly, I don’t live in Florida, and this weekend has been so cold and windy, and I’m stuck dreaming of Florida.  Even in January, you can wander the downtown strips at night in only a light jacket, like I did in Winter Park:

During the day you can drool over the Spanish Moss. It hangs in clumps from all the trees, and I can’t get enough of it. Also, please note that the streets of Winter Park are paved in brick. Sensible? Probably not. Picturesque? Absolutely.

Finally, there’s the Spanish style architecture that is so popular.  All of these houses are far bigger than I’d ever want, and I prefer the mission style or mid-century ranches that cover the state, but these are still drool-worthy to me.

This mansion stretched on and on, and I wanted to get a better photo to show it off, but was worried I’d look like a creep getting up in there with my camera zoomed in.

I don’t think bail fees following an arrest for trespassing would be reimbursable on my work expense report.

This home overlooked the Kraft Azalea Garden, and thus had prime viewing of the lake and the Great Egrets.  Amazing.

This art deco apartment building in Winter Park caught my eye; it had me wondering when I could get back to Miami’s South Beach again.  That entire island makes my heart explode with happiness.

Maybe someday we’ll move to Florida.   Or Seattle.  Or northern California.  Or Europe.  I heart all of those places, but for now we’re stuck in DC.

Where do you dream of living?