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Agree entirely. I thought I was going to freeze when I was out in LA in May. The traffic, and my god, the sprawl that goes on foever… I’ll take Florida any day. At least the southern part of it.
Posted on 07/07 at 10:09 PM
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One of the things I’ve always liked about California is how the temperature drops at night.
Some times I prefer a light jacket over heavy sweating.
Posted on 07/08 at 12:53 AM
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As a recent transplant from SF I can only say Amen Brother.
I always had people tell me in CA how the like that the nights cool down. I could never get my head around it. We had 2 balconies in SF that we used twice. Because the nights are too cold even in summer.
I love the Miami nights. I love being able to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. I’d also say that we hardly ever feel the need to use A/C at night. I think we’ve use it maximum once a week, but instead leave the windows open and use a single fan.
Posted on 07/08 at 7:18 AM
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While there is some truth to this, I feel that if you’re into walking, hiking, and any strenuous activities outside the water, California’s climate is much more conducive to that. The state also offers a much more varied terrain, giving you the chance to enjoy beaches, mountains and deserts all within a couple of hours’ drive. The people—particularly that surfer crowd you find fault with—tend to be much mellower, but that’s maybe because CA doesn’t have such draconian pot laws.
I like the water better in Florida, and it does have better landscaping, but to be honest, much of the state feels like a COPS episode in the making.
Posted on 07/08 at 8:12 AM
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Aaron in Miramar says:
Perhaps it’s because I’ve never lived anywhere but the east coast but I find overly mellow people infuriating. It’s like you’re dealing with somebody that is only half there and has a “permachill” mindset no matter the situation. I’ll take whatever negative comes from somebody with all neurological pistons firing rather than Johnny Surfalot’s “whaaa? don’t sweat it, bra. we’re all mellow here.” mentality.
Also, lets throw out the varied terrain arguments of California because A) the dessert is worthless and B) the beaches are worthless in comparison to Florida. I’ll give you the fact that in some locations you can go skiing and return to your house that same day (something I could do in Pennsylvania) but that could be countered with the fact that we have all year watersports in Florida plus all of the activities of the Everglades.
Sooooo…. go ahead and move to California if mountain biking and crappy beaches sound good. Just don’t take a government job unless you like getting paid in IOU’s- which shouldn’t be a problem because everybody is chillaxing.
P.S.—Don’t even get me started on the 1:45am last call.
Posted on 07/09 at 9:54 AM
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Sungal says:
I really like LA. Yes, the weather may get chilly, but it was cold in Miami this winter. I had to buy sweaters when I came down to aparment hunt. And then it was so damn cold I ended up in my down/fur parka and uggs. People did compliment my coat though. The water is cold in LA, but it has a pleasant climate..you’re never sweating and usually not freezing. I’m sure the pools get warm in the summer. The one thing that I don’t like about LA is the predominant movie industry. If you’re not in it, I imagine you’d feel like an outsider. I also don’t like that it was designed for cars, so no real public transportation. But riding a motorcycle on coast and walking on Melrose are fun. It’s also a transplant city like Miami.
Posted on 07/09 at 5:15 PM
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I was really impressed with the LA Metro system last time I was out there. When they built it in the early 90’s, they said no one would ride it, but were they wrong!
Posted on 07/09 at 6:03 PM
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rewind says:
I have a real love/hate relationship with L.A. When I am far I miss it a lot, but when I am there, well it gets to be a bit much. I will say that if I do ever move back, I think South Bay is a great area. A total beach town with Manhatten, Hermosa, Redondo. But all this pales in comparrison to a tropical feel, which is what I need in my life. Comparing SoCal and Miami is apples and oranges. Geographically Miami kills California. I mean, 3 hours from NY, 8 or less to Europe, 6-8 to the best cities in South America, not bad…Now if Miami could only get some legitimate jobs!
Posted on 07/10 at 1:05 AM
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...and decent pay! The rents have soared to near-LA levels, while the salaries aren’t much different than South Carolina.
Posted on 07/10 at 9:56 AM
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All that you last 2 mentioned? That’s what keeps the population down. Otherwise we’d BE Los Angeles. And nobodoy wants that. The thing here is, people don’ come here for careers, they come to have fun in the sun and get whatever job pays enough to support that lifestyle. And I like that mentality. I haven’t met many workahaulics in South Florida.
And proximity to Europe, New York and Latin America is not a plus to me. Just means more of those types of people coming to visit.
Now, proximity to Tijuana, on the other hand…..
Posted on 07/10 at 7:57 PM
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Ronni says:
I think we’re all just happier here in SF, don’t you agree?
Posted on 07/12 at 12:38 PM
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Is this one of those “happy/gay” synonymous things? Because if that’s the case, then yes.
Posted on 07/12 at 3:45 PM
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Mark says:
Well, if you don’t want to live in a redneck state, avoid Florida. If you’re gay and care about at least having the option of entering into a domestic partnership, avoid Florida. If you like to be able to do a lot of things outdoors year-round, avoid Florida.
I could go on.
Posted on 08/14 at 1:14 AM
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Man i live in Wichita, Kansas. I can’t wait to finish school. I don’t know how ill make it out in CA or FL, buy guys pray for me that i make it to CL o FL!
Posted on 08/17 at 3:08 AM
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I have to agree with Mark on that one. One of the things I’ve missed the most since I’ve lived in Florida is being able to do outdoor exercise all year round. I’ll go outside and think it’s not so bad, but then 15 minutes into the walk, I’m a sweaty mess!
Also, to avoid the “redneck” experience, you really have to live from Palm Beach south to the Keys. Otherwise, you’ll get a healthy dose of it, mixed in with northeastern blue collar transplants. The difference is that at least southerners in other states socialize with each other more, but since everyone moves to Florida from somewhere else, it’s more of an every-man-for-himself kind of world here—which in some ways is liberating—nobody really cares if you’re gay, straight or aborigine—but in other ways alienating—like who’s gonna watch the pets when you go out of town?
Posted on 08/17 at 6:09 AM
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angelina says:
I’m here with maybe more questions than answers. I live in Santa Monica, and I’m thinking of moving to Miami/Ft. Lauderdale. I love Florida much better, my concern is the people, which do you find more real? I’m female 40 and kinda over the scene and want to settle down. Florida has so much nature to offer and thanks for pointing out that they aren’t workaholics there. I’m a little tired of the status quo here. It’s good to know I can work to live instead of live to work. 
Posted on 08/19 at 8:42 PM
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There are workaholics in Miami, too! There are slackers in LA. There is some beautiful nature around LA, though you will see more wildlife in Florida. In LA, you have the schmoozy showbiz cliques, but here the cliques are more about money and culture. I guess what I’m trying to say is you can find real and fake people in both places. San Diego is a nice middle ground if you’re out west.
Posted on 08/19 at 8:53 PM
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angelina says:
Well true Doug, but I think without the Hollywood experience, and the price of housing not as high, and the variety of cultures surrounding Miami as opposed to Mexico being close to San Diego, Miami is much less about the status quo. Am I close? Still trying to figure out if I should make the move or not. I’m in a comfort zone here, and a little bored, craving island life for like 10 yrs now.
Posted on 08/19 at 10:00 PM
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angelina says:
I probably should be asking about Ft Lauderdale anyways, or any suggestions. I don’t want to be in the suburbs, but don’t want to be around all the crime, parties, and scams either. The Keys would be an option if it weren’t so far.
Posted on 08/19 at 10:16 PM
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The people in Florida are WAY more real. That was the biggest reason I moved back. I lived in Miami for 5 years, did alomost 2 in OC, and couldn’t stand a single person I met. I started planning the move back after just over a year.
Posted on 08/21 at 11:40 PM
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Mark says:
Matt, I’m glad you’re happy with Florida, but Orange County doesn’t represent most Californians.
Posted on 08/22 at 12:46 AM
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Oh, I’m well aware. I was born in Sacramento and lived in the Bay Area for a long time. But this lady asking the question was from LA, and people in LA south to the Mexican border are, on the whole, worse than people in South Florida.
Posted on 08/22 at 9:51 PM
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I find San Diego much different than Orange County. Especially Ocean Beach. I think people can be shallow all over. They’re just shallow about different things.
Posted on 08/22 at 10:47 PM
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bud says:
really? not all of california gets cold at night. up north near redding, ca it gets over 100degrees in the day and drops in the 70’s at night. where else can you go to the ocean drive a few hours and be at 9k elevation in the snow - not in florida! + we can legally grow cannabis here 
Posted on 08/28 at 1:05 PM
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Ok, you got me on the cannabis thing. But I’ve been to Redding a few times, you’re not really making me too jealous. But yes, the valley and other inland areas do get and stay hot in the SUMMER. Redding in the winter is a bit chilly.
Posted on 08/29 at 7:00 PM
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The cannabis thing is nice, but on the flip side, it’s practically illegal to smoke tobacco out there now—parks, beaches, even apartment complexes are outlawing it everywhere. I don’t smoke,in fact I hate cigarettes, but who wants that much vigilance over people who do use it without blowing smoke in MY face?
Posted on 08/30 at 8:43 AM
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True true, Doug. California is all about tolerating everyone, no matter what they do. As long as what they’re doing doesn’t involve smoking. Cigarettes, that is.
Funny thing though, when I lived out there I’d say 80% of the people my age I knew smoked, and I even picked it up for like a year.
Posted on 08/30 at 5:27 PM
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KnightInExile says:
I visited California in my teens and while I did liked the cooler weather there, I did not like the congestion. Not to mention that that state has earthquakes too. Granted, Florida is hotter and has more humidity, and hurricanes, but at least we can prepare for hurricanes, unlike earthquakes. I’ll take hurricanes over earthquakes any day of the week. Plus, the people in Florida are more laid back and its far less crowded than in California. Florida wins!
Posted on 09/14 at 9:12 PM
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Matt Meltzer says:
I’m with you on Florida winning (obviously), but laid back people? I mean, yeah, you get your rednecks and whatnot in NoFla, but part of why I like Florida better is that people AREN’T laid back. All the northeastern transplants and whatnot. The uber-laid-back attitude is part of what I disliked about the Golden State.
Posted on 09/15 at 10:15 PM
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I also find Southeast Florida to be every bit as dense—if not denser—than most places in California. If I’m not mistaken, I believe South Beach is the third most densely populated area in the US, after New York and Chicago.
I just moved to San Diego, which is on stable ground and not at risk for earthquakes above 5.0. There are also no hurricanes, no tsunamis, tornadoes, or mosquitoes. It’s much easier to exercise outdoors and the air feels so refreshing, especially by the beach. People are much more laidback here—not as much tailgating and more patience with pedestrian crosswalks. My friend Dave has an appointment on Thursday to renew his medical marijuana. While rent is more expensive, electricity, groceries (at Trader Joe’s) and other things are cheaper. Gasoline is more expensive, though, but in my new neighborhood, I can walk to many of the destinations I used to need a car for in Florida.
Posted on 09/16 at 12:27 AM
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KnightInExile says:
Well, I’m from the Northeast and consider myself laidback. But I’ve also met people who are not like that, they were reserved but still very nice. And then I met other kinds of people that were quite nasty. Unfortunately, there are rude people everywhere, no matter where you go.
Posted on 09/16 at 12:28 AM
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The culture is different in the Northeast, though. I mean in Pennsylvania, they actually have signs on the roadways urging people to beware of aggressive drivers. The meaning of the word “laidback” may vary from locale to locale, but there is definitely a more “assertive” culture in the northeast, engendered by centuries of living in congested urban areas made up of immigrants from many different countries.
Los Angeles has a bit of that, also, probably due in part to the abundance of New Yorkers who go back and forth, but other cities like Santa Barbara and San Diego are much more mellow and easygoing.
Elsewhere in Florida, there is a bit of a redneck lack of classiness that manifests itself in unpleasant ways. Walking down the street in Daytona, you’d be surprised at the number of people who yell things at you out of pick-up trucks.
Posted on 09/16 at 12:42 AM
July 07, 2009 at 02:49pm by Matt Meltzer
