[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by leavingvegas

Currently, I live about 15 mins off the strip in Vegas/city. The area I live in has access to all the basic necessities: movies rest. shopping, parks and of course star bucks/coffee bean; to where I rarely go to the strip besides "shows" or really upscale dining. I do like this set up, so something similar..

In which case I would go for Weston, Coral Springs (which has plenty of good dining in city limits!), Plantation, Parkland (A little more isolated from shopping)and Boca Raton for that type of lifestyle, and a pretty laid back/quiet location.

[leavingvegas]

Thank you, you have been a big help!!!

[stevelb]

I have spent a great deal of time in South Florida and Southern California. I have family that live in both areas. It's two different worlds and IMHO Orange County is a far superior place to live. Other than perhaps Santa Ana, the vast majority of the county is up scale and relatively safe. Just as important I think that the area is relatively stable to the extent that one can say that about any place these days. South Florida, on the other hand, is clearly in a decline with no relief in sight. Of course, either place is better than Las Vegas as you are now well aware of what a pit it has become.

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by leavingvegas

Thank you, you have been a big help!!!

Absolutely! And if any more questions should arise about South Florida, feel free to send me a PM. And also, if you do pick South Florida, I recommend staying out of Miami-Dade County after you mentioned what type of people you would like to be around.

And as a general rule of thumb, stay west of University Drive in Broward County, and west of Millitary Trail in south Palm Beach County and you are almost guaranteed a safe and middle to upper class area. You have a vast area to pick from in Broward, and you are free of West Coast type pretentiousness here! You will meet a few snotty types in Weston and Parkland, but other than that, I think it may be what you are looking for.

[leavingvegas]

Originally Posted by stevelb

I have spent a great deal of time in South Florida and Southern California. I have family that live in both areas. It's two different worlds and IMHO Orange County is a far superior place to live. Other than perhaps Santa Ana, the vast majority of the county is up scale and relatively safe. Just as important I think that the area is relatively stable to the extent that one can say that about any place these days. South Florida, on the other hand, is clearly in a decline with no relief in sight. Of course, either place is better than Las Vegas as you are now well aware of what a pit it has become.

Stevelb,

From La Jolla to Malibu which area would you recommend? I don't want to live right in the middle of a city but have access by about 15 mins. I don't have children, and I'm single so schools are not important. Also, I want to be on/near the beach. Thank you.

Yes, it has taken me 8 yrs to finally get to the point - that Vegas is truly a PIT!! Every year, I've wanted to move but my business kept me here, so it's time something gives

[leavingvegas]

Originally Posted by fort lauderdale

Absolutely! And if any more questions should arise about South Florida, feel free to send me a PM. And also, if you do pick South Florida, I recommend staying out of Miami-Dade County after you mentioned what type of people you would like to be around.

And as a general rule of thumb, stay west of University Drive in Broward County, and west of Millitary Trail in south Palm Beach County and you are almost guaranteed a safe and middle to upper class area. You have a vast area to pick from in Broward, and you are free of West Coast type pretentiousness here! You will meet a few snotty types in Weston and Parkland, but other than that, I think it may be what you are looking for.

I've come to the conclusion there are snobbish people everywhere but it doesn't define or alter me. It's general new money vs. old money who act that way...

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by leavingvegas

I've come to the conclusion there are snobbish people everywhere but it doesn't define or alter me. It's general new money vs. old money who act that way...

Right, in which case, you are going to encounter a LOT of new money here, and I am not sure about California, but I HAVE been to Irvine/South O.C (I thought you were referring to LA at first) and noticed a distinctive arrogance there in my few days that I have not noticed anywhere else, or here. To tell you the truth, it all depends on where you are from originally as to which you will prefer. North easterners tend to like Florida, Californians tend to find anywhere else but California strange in my experience, but of corse I am not speaking for all Californians. What region are you originally from?

[leavingvegas]

Originally Posted by fort lauderdale

Right, in which case, you are going to encounter a LOT of new money here, and I am not sure about California, but I HAVE been to Irvine/South O.C (I thought you were referring to LA at first) and noticed a distinctive arrogance there in my few days that I have not noticed anywhere else, or here. To tell you the truth, it all depends on where you are from originally as to which you will prefer. North easterners tend to like Florida, Californians tend to find anywhere else but California strange in my experience, but of corse I am not speaking for all Californians. What region are you originally from?

I'm originally from Idaho but have traveled extensively, lived many places/countries, and love being by the ocean. How I wound up in the desert for 8 yrs is a mystery...

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by leavingvegas

I'm originally from Idaho but have traveled extensively, lived many places/countries, and love being by the ocean. How I wound up in the desert for 8 yrs is a mystery...

I CAN say that although we don't have the mountains,South Florida beaches have MUCH clearer and warmer water with a tropical turquoise color to it and white powdery sand. CA DOES has the mountains so close to the shore, though, and it is a really beautiful sight.

[leavingvegas]

Originally Posted by fort lauderdale

I CAN say that although we don't have the mountains,South Florida beaches have MUCH clearer and warmer water with a tropical turquoise color to it and white powdery sand. CA DOES has the mountains so close to the shore, though, and it is a really beautiful sight.

There's pros and cons to everywhere but it all comes down to priorities. Yes, I agree, the beaches in Florida are much pretty because of the white sand but then California has the mountains along the coast - see what I mean