Our climates are fairly similar. This past fall was way too warm. We got over 90 degrees one day in mid-October! It was awful. And we had several days in the 80's when daytime highs are normally in the 60's. I feel like we got cheated out of the chilly fall weather this year. Winter has been fairly mild here in Iowa so far. Not much snow. A few days of frigid temps now and then.
I have been to Florida three times. I definitely think the Gulf coast is much prettier than the Atlantic.
Yes....it's so cold out today it catches my breath. I was going to take our grandkids skating but no way, maybe an indoor rink but not the pretty outdoor rink down the street - I really wanted to get some photos of it - it's decorated with pretty lights.
The Gulf side.....yes....it's the best....I like quiet and that's where you get it.