Should We Move to Florida or Southern California ?

[vegasandre]

Okay , I posted this question on another forum. The many answers have helped us greatly - and have helped us potentially check out new areas while dropping others off the list.Because I like this forum more- I used the other as a test shot. Basically The overall trend seemed to lean heavily towards Florida -though which part seemed to be in dispute.

Here is our situation:
I would like all suggestions and opinions on plusses and minuses of both areas in regards to possible relocation.
I am married and have 3 kids ages 6-11

We own a successful buisness in Las Vegas but dont have to be here full time . We have been here 10 years (originally NJ) and need a change + dont want to raise kids here any more. I own a Catalina 350 which is in San Diego(fin keel 6' 8" draft would sell it if we went to Florida). I love sailing and fishing equally. Though I love San diego and the boat is there ,which would make it a logical move- there are some things which Kind of annoy me in Cali- the traffic,The showy mentality, water not warm enough(for me), limited sailing destinations,state income tax . Being that I love warm locations - we have pretty much narrowed it down to San Diego/Orange County or South Florida for our next move. (sorry no pac nw comments please)
We want to stay in the US . The boys are heavily into baseball.My wife is great at meeting people (me not so much).

From what I am seeing on S Fla so far:
plusses:
more tropical climate
better sailing destinations
no state tax
could possible have a sailboat and fishing boat docked in my backyard
great year round fishing

minuses-
bugs
humidity
more rain
hurricanes
higher property tax
higher insurance for boats and houses

As far as So Cal:
plusses-
great temperate weather
good surfing /fishing

minuses-
property values in good school areas still too high
general Keeping up with the Joneses mentality
water cold
lack of destinations
kelp everywhere
state income tax
state may be bankrupt.
traffic sux
may gray june gloom


We are looking for a place to raise the kids on or very close to the water.
we need great school area. I would like great sailing destinations and fishing destinations (mainly saltwater inshore and offshore). Somewhat affordable.
We will eventually have a mid 40's Catamaran and a 30 ft- ish sport fisherman. Extremely important is a good "atmosphere" for raising family with a sense of "Community"

Please submit you thoughts , opinions and experiances. Please feel free to point out areas that we may have overlooked or not considered.

I know there is not a perfect place. there are always drawbacks from any area.

thank you