British family who left the UK for Florida say the quality of life is 'great' - despite 'concerning' aspect of their son's schooling

Daily Mail​

4 days ago

A family who left the UK for Florida have revealed they 'don't regret' their decision - despite the worrying aspect about their son's schooling.
Caroline Madley, 38, originally from Bristol, took the leap to move to the Sunshine State with her husband, Jack, 37, and their children - aged three and six - two years ago.
The opportunity came when Jack was growing his recruitment business in America and despite going 'back and forth' on the idea, they decided they wanted to try relocating for the 'adventure'.
Now, the family are settled in St Petersburg, Florida, and 'love it' but said several big differences include their son doing 'regular shooting drills at school' and the cost of food in the US.
Caroline, who owns a home bakery called Mad Mama Bakes, explained that she has her worries about gun violence in America.
The mother-of-two said: 'My son does regular shooting drills at school. That does concern me.'
Elsewhere, describing another difference, she said she feels she has to shop 'organic' to get the same quality of food as in the UK - and spends on average $500 (£372) on her weekly food shop, compared to around £200 in the UK.
But the family love the weather and being able to head to the beach for the sunset.
Caroline said: 'The food differences were a bit of a shock. I appreciate how good it can be in the UK. You get really good ingredients.
'We've found food is not quite the same here. There is more processed stuff - they use extra ingredients that we don't in the UK.
'The cost of food is very expensive. It costs $400 to $500 for a weekly food shop - it's outrageous out here. A pineapple is $5 here, you get a pineapple for a £1 in the UK.
'We feel we have to shop organic here. In the US the food shop has doubled - it's really surprised me.'
Caroline and Jack decided to move when he started growing his recruitment company, Evona, in America.
Caroline said: 'We went back and forth on it quite a lot - we were close to family and friends in Bristol.
'We decided to take the plunge to do it. It's an opportunity we would have regretted if we'd missed it.'
The family sold everything they owned and moved in July 2023. Now settled, they can see the positives and negatives of living in America.
Caroline said: 'It's great weather all the time - we don't have to worry about rain damaging the plants.
'We can be by the pool. Being in nicer weather and the wellbeing has been good. But the downsides are the hurricanes. Last year that was pretty terrifying.'
Caroline said the community has been very 'welcoming' and supportive when she set up her brownie business.
One of the downsides is the cost of her food shop - and how 'processed' it is.
She said: 'The hummus the texture is different - there is something not right about it. In the UK you can go to the butchers for your Sunday roast - it would be difficult to find that here.'
Caroline said some things are cheaper - such as fuel. She said the cost of property is 'on par' with the UK.
They are missing their family and friends but have a five year visa and currently plan to stay in the US.
She said: 'The outdoor lifestyle is great. We're out and doing beach sunsets. The wildlife - we've seen so many cool things. I was in the water and a manatee surfaced 5m away from me.
'But we do miss a pub. I love a British pub in the winter - a red wine by the fire.'
But despite the pros and cons, the family is enjoying their new life. Caroline said: 'I'm glad we made the move and took the opportunity. I think we would have regretted it.
'Were showing all them [their kids] different cultures. Life can be global. You don't have to be in one place forever. I've realised we can do it. We can go anywhere now.'
Follow Caroline on Instagram @britsinthesunshinestate and @madmamabakes.