I'm a Democrat who moved to Florida to be closer to my boyfriend. I was nervous about the politics and weather but have been most dismayed by the cost of living.

Sat, 04/20/2024 - 05:22

A side-by-side photo of David Maughan in a U-Haul and a picture of him with his boyfriend. — David Maughan (first picture) moved from Richmond, Virginia, to Oakland Park, Florida, in August 2023 to be closer to his boyfriend, Brandon (left in second picture).
Courtesy of David Maughan

David Maughan, 32, moved from Richmond, Virginia, to Oakland Park, Florida, last year.
As a progressive, Maughan said he was nervous about Florida's culture war politics.
But he's found Floridians to be accepting and welcoming, especially in the LGBTQ+ community.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with David Maughan, a 32-year-old human resource analyst who moved from Richmond, Virginia, to Oakland Park, Florida, in August 2023 to be closer to his boyfriend. He shared his thoughts about living in the Sunshine State with Business Insider.