Originally Posted by Ron Bennett

California is practically a different country.

More to the point, the cost of living in California is very high, and economic future very bleak; too much regulation / nanny state.

With that said, if you don't mind living out in a rural area / smaller city, there are likely places, especially northern part, in CA that may be fine.

Personally, the choice between California and Florida is a no brainer - go with Florida.

Ft Lauderdale area is good, but for a family, as others have suggested, look at Tampa / Clearwater area ... be very selective though (visit, ask around, check quality of the schools [even if no kids], etc), since some seemingly nice suburban areas around there are very sketchy.

In regards to Orlando - don't even think about it ... very high crime, very little to do. Bad news!

Miami has a lot to do, but go with South Miami Beach (it's not just physically separate from Miami, it's a seperate city) if living there ... or live a bit to the north, such as Ft Lauderdale - it's close to Miami, but not too close.

On a related topic, if you're planning to run a local business in Florida (likewise to some extent in southern CA), be aware the work ethic is lousy - no biggie, if your work is all on-line.

Ron