I have lived in Naples., Miami, and Tampa. Frankly, I hate Tampa...I am a big city boy from the Northeast, and Tampa drives me up the wall. I understand Miami, and therefore like it. Naples itself is neat, what's around it ain't (IMHO).
Florida is a place full of runaways - running away from snow, bad marriages, bills, even Dictators. There are a lot of losers, and malcontents. The poor people who are actually from here have been overwhelmed with outsiders who are only too happy to tell them how to run the place - and sometimes that's a problem. When I first moved to Naples only 22 years ago, the McDonald's CLOSED at 6:30 at night May thru October! It was a very quiet place. It ain't now.
It can take some
getting used to - that's for sure. The one thing I can tell you is that before you are unpacked, you will be declaring that we really don't heed or want any one else to "come on down"
Just remember, in 22 years I have yet to meet anyone from Vermont - should you move here, that simple fact will have far more meaning thenit does now...
...oh, as for that surfing thing - there really ain't too much surf, but that doesn't keep them from trying...and wind surfing is not unheard of, especially during the winter...more waves, more wind...
