I’m currently in the middle of a beach run, looking around at the clear sky and the ocean, and I can’t help but feel incredibly lucky to live here in Florianópolis, Brazil.
Part of me hesitates to even make videos like this. Even though Floripa is well-known within Brazil, it’s still relatively undiscovered by people from North America and Europe. A selfish part of me wants to keep it a secret—but sharing real expat experiences is what this channel is all about!
Moving my family here from England hasn’t been easy. But as the saying goes, the best views come from the hardest climbs. Looking out at the water today, this is my reward for years of planning, working, and grinding to realize our dream of living abroad.
Here is why moving to the “Island of Magic” was the best decision I ever made.
1. Safety & The “Island Isolation” Effect
As an expat, safety is always a top priority—especially when moving with a family.
No place on Earth is “ultra-safe” where nothing ever happens, but the risk level in Florianópolis is comfortably low for my tolerance. The island feels somewhat insulated or protected from the heavier crime you sometimes hear about on the mainland in surrounding cities like São José, Palhoça, or further up the coast.
Whether it’s the peak of summer with jam-packed beaches or a quiet winter afternoon where the shore is totally deserted, I always feel secure walking and running around here.
2. Perfect Winter Weather (and No Oppressive Heat)
Right now, we are in the middle of winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Yet, there is hardly a cloud in the sky, the sun is shining, and I’m out running in shorts and a t-shirt.
Having previously lived in places like the Dominican Republic, I used to struggle with oppressive, relentless heat that felt like it was cooking me alive. High humidity is my absolute pet peeve.
What I love about Florianópolis is that you actually get distinct seasons and temperature shifts:
- Winter: Refreshing, sunny, and pleasantly warm during the day without the intense, sticky humidity.
- The Water: The sea gets a bit chilly in winter (you’ll want a wetsuit to swim or surf), but if you love surfing, every day is a good day out on the waves.
3. World-Class Nature & Wildlife
If you love the outdoors, this place is paradise. Florianópolis is surrounded by dramatic green mountains packed with hiking trails (trilhas) and hidden waterfalls (cachoeiras).
Around this time of year, you can even spot whales migrating past the coastline.
I mentioned this in my video about why I wouldn’t want to live in Dubai—I just can’t see myself living in a concrete jungle surrounded by a barren desert. I need greenery, mountains, and ocean air around me.
4. The Warmth of the Brazilian People
Above all else, the local people make this place home. I don’t care what anyone says—Brazilians are some of the kindest, most welcoming people in the world.
I know I’ll always be a gringo—an Englishman in Brazil—and I completely respect that. But I feel privileged to live among the people here. My goal is to eventually gain citizenship, and I will be genuinely proud to carry a Brazilian passport one day. Brazil has opened its doors to me and my family, and I’ll always be grateful for that.
Final Thoughts
When I’m out running on the beach under the winter sun, surrounded by mountains and nature, that’s when I know without a doubt: I made the right choice.
To all my subscribers—both new and old—thank you so much for following along on this journey! If you enjoyed this post, hit the like button, subscribe to the channel, and drop a comment below. Your support keeps me motivated to keep sharing these updates with you.
Peace out, and see you in the next one!
