Nicer place to live overall: Arizona -or- Florida ? (Phoenix, Tucson: home, to buy)

[acs.1979]

I am pretty much sold on moving back to Florida as I have grown tired of northern winters. I love the sun, tropical flora, and the wetlands that Florida has to offer, but I keep tossing around the notion of living in the desert as well. Can anyone out there offer up a decent comparison of the quality of life, etc. in these two states? I know, I know, most of you will say that I will not be able to top where I live now as far as overall quality of life goes....but yeah...I can't deal with the thought of putting up with one more winter after I survive the one coming...

[londonbarcelona]

Originally Posted by acs.1979

I am pretty much sold on moving back to Florida as I have grown tired of northern winters. I love the sun, tropical flora, and the wetlands that Florida has to offer, but I keep tossing around the notion of living in the dessert as well. Can anyone out there offer up a decent comparison of the quality of life, etc. in these two states? I know, I know, most of you will say that I will not be able to top where I live now as far as overall quality of life goes....but yeah...I can't deal with the thought of putting up with one more winter after I survive the one coming...

Florida. We are in South Beach all the time and are selling here in Scottsdale to buy a place in either South Beach, Jupiter, or West Palm Beach. There is just more to do in Florida besides shop.
If you don't live in Phoenix or anything South of it, you may like the pines of Prescott. Areas north of Phoenix seem to be a bit more tolerable and although still not much "activity or culture" at least it's a little more varied in temperature and things to do.
I love Scottsdale, but it's just too dry for me. I think it all depends on what each person likes and dislikes. What I dislike, you may find wonderful! It's so subjective. Plus, if you don't have kids, then Phoenix may be a great place for you to live! (It's not a family friendly state)
I like crystal clear aqua water, I love the cuban influence, I love the humidity (except say in July) and I like the things to do, disney, bush gardens, etc.
Scottsdale is beautiful, and it's been my home for years, but I am SO BORED! LOL

[Bill-]

I'd be miserable in Florida due to the humidity, bugs and flat terrain. I'm a hiker and a mountain biker so AZ wins hands down.

[acs.1979]

Originally Posted by Bill-

I'd be miserable in Florida due to the humidity, bugs and flat terrain. I'm a hiker and a mountain biker so AZ wins hands down.

Ah yes. The humidity and the bugs....something that I grew to enjoy NOT having around here in Portland. Well, ok, we do get humid in the winter here, but in the wintertime, the pacific humidity actually helps keep the warmth in!

When it comes to biking however, I like Florida better! Sure, all the moutains & whatnot make for a bad workout...but I would rather be rollin down a beachside blvd on a nice fat tire 3-speed cruiser.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by acs.1979

I am pretty much sold on moving back to Florida as I have grown tired of northern winters. I love the sun, tropical flora, and the wetlands that Florida has to offer, but I keep tossing around the notion of living in the desert as well. Can anyone out there offer up a decent comparison of the quality of life, etc. in these two states? I know, I know, most of you will say that I will not be able to top where I live now as far as overall quality of life goes....but yeah...I can't deal with the thought of putting up with one more winter after I survive the one coming...

Sorry, acs, only a true "nutcase" would attempt to answer your question without knowing you better!

I have lived in both Arizona (mainly the Tucson area) and Florida (Miami and Ft. Luaderdale, Gainesville as well as Clearwater, Tampa and Ft. Myers) and, personally, if my next trip to Florida is in a pine box it will be too soon.

However, if I must pick Florida, it would be along the "Redneck Rivera" (Pensacola to Mobile, AL) as close to the Gulf as possible.

Good Luck

[ArizonaBear]

I have lived in both places (Loxahatchee, Fla) and I vastly prefer Arizona.

Definitely personal preference

[sheena]

Originally Posted by acs.1979

I am pretty much sold on moving back to Florida as I have grown tired of northern winters. I love the sun, tropical flora, and the wetlands that Florida has to offer, but I keep tossing around the notion of living in the desert as well. Can anyone out there offer up a decent comparison of the quality of life, etc. in these two states? I know, I know, most of you will say that I will not be able to top where I live now as far as overall quality of life goes....but yeah...I can't deal with the thought of putting up with one more winter after I survive the one coming...

The beach wins over the desert for me.

[kyte15]

ive never lived in florida, but i'd probably chose live there than here

[JeepGirl118]

My husband is a FL Native (West Palm Beach/Boca) and we can't get to FL quick enough. I like FL way better than AZ. There's nothing exciting here after you get your first few "ooooo-ahhhhh's" out after the first few mountains. Have you been to AZ? If not, shouldn't you visit it first before making any decision?

[BriansPerspective]

We were going to move to Melbourne, FL. After visiting Prescott, AZ, there was no comparison. Granted, we like the moutain scenery better than the flatlands. However, in Melbourne, you have to deal with high humidity, tons of bugs, and hurricanes. In Prescott, AZ, the humidity is low, there are practically no bugs, and there are no natural disasters (except for fire in the pine areas, but not in the city itself, and not in Prescott Valley).