"Think Twice Before Moving Here": Cuban Resident Warns About Life in Lehigh

A Cuban woman living in Lehigh Acres, Florida, has sparked widespread reactions with her candid TikTok video addressed to those considering a move to this southwestern city. The video, shared by user @fernandadylanyordy1999, serves as a stern warning. "Folks, if you're thinking about moving to Lehigh, just make sure you really think it through," she begins. She highlights a growing trend of people relocating to the area only to complain about the severe lack of jobs.

While she acknowledges some advantages, like the "excellent schools" and "very affordable housing," she emphasizes that "there are no jobs in Lehigh." She claims that "over 60% of the residents here—those who have lived in Lehigh for years—work outside the area."

"We only have one Walmart, a Fresco y Más, and a Bravo. There aren't more job options," she insists. "If you were told there's plenty of work here, believe me, they aren't telling you the truth."

Community Reactions and Personal Experiences

The video has garnered dozens of comments from people resonating with her message. One user advised, "Don't come, go somewhere else. It's bad, everything's expensive, no jobs, nothing. Full capacity here." Another added, "You're right. It's just new homes and wilderness here. There's nothing else."

Some questioned the supposed benefits of living in Lehigh. "I don't know which houses are cheap, nor new constructions," said one user. Another added, "Lived in Lehigh my whole life...of course there's no work. And about cheap houses? I don't know where you got that."

Personal stories also surfaced. One woman shared, "I bought my little house here a year ago and used to work in Miami. Four months in, I lost my job and haven't found another. I'm now making sweets to get by."

Challenges and Limited Job Opportunities

Another echoed, "There's nothing in Lehigh. I'm desperate to leave." A different comment summarized, "You end up working a lot here."

Others mentioned that jobs are primarily located outside the area. "Jobs are in Naples, Fort Myers, and Cape Coral, the closest places," one person noted. Another stated, "A large part of Lehigh also works in Naples." A user pointed out, "Here we have only one factory, one large clothing store. Schools offer some jobs, and there's school bus driving. Other options are Burger King, McDonald's, and some medical offices if that's your field, plus one hospital."

Mixed Reviews and Adaptation Strategies

This Cuban woman's testimony isn't unique. Another resident, @yeli_95_, mentioned buying a five-bedroom house under $400,000 and running a successful eyelash business in Lehigh, yet also warned, "There are no jobs, don't be fooled. If you have a degree, it might be easier, but otherwise, it's tough."

@guajira40 highlighted additional issues like water quality, hair loss, and pests: "Your hair will fall out," she warned, adding that well water stains floors and bathrooms. She also cautioned, "You have to fumigate weekly or hire someone every three months, which is what I do."

In contrast, creator @ernestozaldivar0 defended Lehigh, noting he pays less rent than in Miami and stating, "I'm paid in dollars just like you."

@yaimasanchez84 shared that "the first few months were unbearable," but she has since adapted, finding ways to make ends meet by selling flan or doing yard work.

Amid warnings, complaints, and defenses, Lehigh Acres remains a focal point of debate for Cubans seeking a better life outside Miami but facing new challenges away from major urban centers.