California vs Florida

[kdm31091]

Okay I know I'm super annoying with all the threads but remember how I was considering Florida to move to? I've sure read a huge load about problems in Florida and not too many good points. So that got me a little down. Should I just go to So. Cal in 2009 and take the risk? At the worst, I just can't afford it and return home. I mean, you gotta live a little, I just worry about the cost of living (I will have a roomate, but apartments are about 500 more there then they would be here).

However the area's weather, attractions, etc entice me to try it out! At least So Cal doesn't have hurricanes or tornadoes. Now the other thing I worry about is earthquakes - should those scare me? And bugs, I hear they're better in CA then FL, is it true? I would guess the low humidity keeps them away to a degree.

Any/all info + suggestions welcome!

[Cotero_FL]

Originally Posted by kdm31091

I've ...read...about problems... and not too many good points. :

You are talking about MY state that I happen to LOVE....

I will bet there is one in EVERY crowd for EVERY state.

Just for the record and for other people reading our boards... I really believe that West Central Florida is my very favorite place to live. I am 44 years old.. I have the education and financial means to live practically anywhere in the world. I moved to Pasco County from Wisconsin in 1989 to enjoy the climate... but now I love my job, my community, and my entire way of life here. I feel safe and proud actually. We have awesome technology to give plenty of warning via TV, radio, internet, etc. if by chance there is a possible storm threat. Every place on earth has a threat of some kind or another. I am fortunate enough to also have the means to travel if necessary. BTW... I hardly have to even worry about bugs with the pest control service that I have... (Again it is an expense... I agree... but I believe it is well worth it.)

Let's keep it fair and balanced over here in TalkStates... I remember thinking that some other forum had quite a few NAY-sayers about everything.. a lot of "I hate this and I hate that" going on... I really don't think that they would be happy ANYWHERE on the planet.

I just wish people would actually visit an area before condeming it publicly.... especially when it means so much to others. Perhaps most people will do research for themselves instead of just crossing a state off of their list based on general statements of a few.

Still your chatting buddy.... and I hope you find what you are looking for!!

Cheryl (From the SUNSHINE STATE)

[Wyody]

Originally Posted by kdm31091

However the area's weather, attractions, etc entice me to try it out! At least So Cal doesn't have hurricanes or tornadoes. Now the other thing I worry about is earthquakes - should those scare me? And bugs, I hear they're better in CA then FL, is it true? I would guess the low humidity keeps them away to a degree.
Any/all info + suggestions welcome!

KDM, Florida's bugs are fun!! Florida is all about fun.
Gauging from your pic and some banter on other forums onsite here, you're a younger fella. Maybe grab yourself a small RV and get out there and see this country - so much to see, so many folks to meet, so many questions.
Your attitudes, wants and needs will change as you age. Do Florida while you're young. Do California while you're young. There are many things you will do for the next 10-15 years that you won't do after as life settles you down in time - go do them now. Take your laptop - report in from the road. What attracts you to one state now is cool. What attracts you in 15 years will probably be remarkably different. Before you're tied-in to the career, the mortgage, the cc bills, get the heck outta where ever you are and go get lost in this amazing country with it's amazing people and see it for yourself!!
Vio Con Dios, Amigo

[Cotero_FL]

Well said Wyody!!!

[PDXnative]

Originally Posted by kdm31091

Okay I know I'm super annoying with all the threads but remember how I was considering Florida to move to? I've sure read a huge load about problems in Florida and not too many good points. So that got me a little down. Should I just go to So. Cal in 2009 and take the risk? At the worst, I just can't afford it and return home. I mean, you gotta live a little, I just worry about the cost of living (I will have a roomate, but apartments are about 500 more there then they would be here).

However the area's weather, attractions, etc entice me to try it out! At least So Cal doesn't have hurricanes or tornadoes. Now the other thing I worry about is earthquakes - should those scare me? And bugs, I hear they're better in CA then FL, is it true? I would guess the low humidity keeps them away to a degree.

Any/all info + suggestions welcome!

My vote is Florida. It is beautiful there. White coral sandy beaches with turquise water. It is as close to living in the Caribbean as you can get, and still be in mainland America. Don't worry about hurricanes, just worry about having fun in life and being in a place you like. If you don't like it there, you can always move.

[kdm31091]

Yeah, you guys are starting to make me feel good about Florida again. Ahh, the parks! The fun! The massive tourist industry - which is good, because I'll probably be doing hairstyling or cooking - two things that a lot of people would want. Spas may be visited often by tourists (i.e. hair) and of course hotels have pastry chefs which is what I'd be. Off topic but which career is a better idea? I like them both equally so it's not an issue of "what I like". I just want to know which is a viable solution.

[Sekretgardengal]

I would take California over Florida anyday. The mountains, the beaches, the night life, the snow!! Florida is flat as a pancake and the taxes and the insurance are out of control. You can go to the theme parks only so much.
After awhile it gets old.

[kdm31091]

Right but there's nothing to trap me there. If it gets old, I just wait for the lease to end and get out. No problem. My house is always open for me to return here for awhile if needed.

[Sekretgardengal]

Just as long as you have an out it will be fine then.

[PDXnative]

Originally Posted by kdm31091

Right but there's nothing to trap me there. If it gets old, I just wait for the lease to end and get out. No problem. My house is always open for me to return here for awhile if needed.

Good attitude. Move there, check i tout. If you don't like it, move to California. If you don't like it there, move somewhere else. At least you will never say.... Gee, I wish I would have lived there when I was younger.

[Sekretgardengal]

That is a great idea that PDX suggested. If we never moved to Florida 6 1/2 years ago I would probably still want to try it out. I tried it and now the vacation is over.

[MyAzi]

I say go to Florida... California has way too many people as it is!

I have lived in both places and love CA over FL.... any day of the week!!! However that is just my taste. So go to FL live there for 6 months...there is nothing that says you can't always move when you get sick of the humidity. Then you can go try CA... and if you don't like it there, you can always try someplace else!

[RAINBOWWAVES]

Originally Posted by kdm31091

Yeah, you guys are starting to make me feel good about Florida again. Ahh, the parks! The fun! The massive tourist industry - which is good, because I'll probably be doing hairstyling or cooking - two things that a lot of people would want. Spas may be visited often by tourists (i.e. hair) and of course hotels have pastry chefs which is what I'd be. Off topic but which career is a better idea? I like them both equally so it's not an issue of "what I like". I just want to know which is a viable solution.

Come here and do my hair..LOL...the beauticians here really suck...being a chef is hard work and nerve racking.

[RAINBOWWAVES]

other then red ants, that don't bother you unless you stand on thier mound, there are no more bugs then anywhere else. Humidity is essential to the lungs. Az has swamp coolers in order to keep the lungs moist. I have quite a few epals out in Ca and all they do is bitch about how expensive everything is like in NY and NJ...

[Wyody]

Originally Posted by Sekretgardengal

I would take California over Florida anyday. The mountains, the beaches, the night life, the snow!! Florida is flat as a pancake and the taxes and the insurance are out of control. You can go to the theme parks only so much.
After awhile it gets old.

Well, again I find that my experience with both states is a little dated although I have been "in" CA a few times over the last couple of decades and haven't been in FL since '72.
I would also recommend CA over FL.
In CA, you don't see a lot of the "eastern attitude" - but one that hasn't been out west for extended periods might not know what that means.
CA is a lot "cooler" than FL ... and I'm not talking about temperatures.
And not to disagree with RW but FL does have bugs you won't see anywhere else ... or, more properly ... bigger than you'll see anywhere else - but it's not an issue except with driving at certain times of the year - google "love bugs" or "palmetto bugs". Also, one must adapt to eating at a really nice place and watching a roach the size of your shoe walking up the wall - and its normal!!!!!
However, KDM - both have a coast and both have sunshine and both are fun! One does not have gators and crocs!
Moving to Florida will put you in the southern tier - so at the least, you're someplace else with access to places you have no real access to where you currently live. That Interstate 10 will take you all the way across the country! The Atlantic is a little tamer than the Pacific which allows you more opportunity to sport-about on and in the water - plenty of lakes in Florida too - or canals - or rivers. CA has no hurricanes but few bodies of fresh water which leaves the regular person with either the ocean, the beach, whatever mountains are nearby - and the desert. No desert in Florida - although there are hikes through the nearly-treeless grasslands that you can take for one day or several.
Go on - move it down to Florida. Have fun - you almost won't be able to avoid it! Holler when you come out this way - we'll help find you loads of things to do along the route whether you're moving or visiting.