San Diego, CA or Coral Gables, FL? (Oceanside, Beverly Hills: crimes, houses)

[Moondogger]

Originally Posted by bunky3301

Now I would not base my decision on this but I have to admit that I miss the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean compared to the Pacific. But we do still enjoy going to the beaches here and making a day of it with the kids whether we go in the water or not.

Amen to that brother! Not to mention being able to swim. Pacific is much rougher than the Atlantic. On most days the Atlantic is like a big lake with barely a ripple of a wave. But at least here there's more going on in the Pacific, people surfing, skating, running, walking there dogs, drinking and partying (before the ban of course) and socializing. Not to mention the street performers. Instead of just laying there tanning there silicone man made bodies or sleeping off the hangover from the night before (with a few exceptions of course)

[grantsgirl]

I have lived in both places. I am partial to South Florida! I loved the ocean, sunny skies and blue waters! The shopping is great, you can be in the bahamas in 45min. Now lets travel to San Diego. I would look in Chula Vista, La Jolla, Poway! They are exspensive. You can't swim in the waters without a wetsuit, tons of traffic, people are friendly though, the weather is nice but it does get cool at night. Your property taxes are going to be more in Florida but gas, electricty, food is going to cost you alot more in San Diego. We were paying $10k in property taxes in Florida but there is no state income tax..In Cali our electric bill were double and our grocery bills were crazy!!

[Sassberto]

South Florida is very different from Southern California. Coral Gables is a very nice place but is not in any way representative of South Florida or the Miami area.

As a generalization South Florida is much less affluent than Southern California and in many places can be downright scary. The Mexican-american community in SoCal is much more integrated than in FL as well. SoCal is overall in much better condition - even in the worst areas San Diego is a pretty well-kept city. There are many parts of South Florida that are absolutely trashed, weed-covered lots, no sidewalks, garbage everywhere.

If you can afford Coral Gables I would go for it as the same community in SoCal will cost you 10x more. But if you have to compromise on location, I would think twice. Florida has a bad reputation in the US as being one of the trashiest states in the country and there is a good reason. Everytime you hear about a horrendous crime (usually being comitted against a woman or child) you can be sure it happened in Florida.

On the plus side as mentioned - FL has more diverse culture - from carribean to southern to ex NY-ers to latin americans. Better beaches and warm, warm water. It is a more laid back lifestyle than SoCal as well and has that island influence.

[Sun&Sea]

Oh my God, that's GREAT!! I REALLY appreciate all your replies!!! Little but little this forum does help you get a good picture of the places you read about. I will take in consideration every bit of advice you guys gave me here! Thanks again!

[Sun&Sea]

Moondogger, thanks for your post! I might be wrong, but I think Coconut Grove is a neighborhood of Miami, and not part of Coral gables, even though they are right next to each other... Anyway, what "other side of the street on 27th Ave" did you mean? East or West side? And what would be the cross street of the place you are talking about? Because I can look up the picture of the street view on Google Maps. Thanks!

[Sun&Sea]

Moondogger, I really appreciate your opinion. But let me clarify that most of the reasons we are considering Coral Gables are not selfish at all. Most of our Florida pros are for our daughter's best interest. For example: being closer to South America means closer to HER family too, her Grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc. (as all my family is in Brazil and my husband's family is in Aergentina.) Also, warm ocean is a lot of fun for kids. I grew up in Rio de Janeiro and had the most wonderful childhood living 4 blocks from the Atlantic Ocean Copacabana Beach. Thinking about what is best for our carreers is also thinking about the best for her future.
Last, when I said I was looking for a upscale place in SD with no snobish people, it was just because someone mentioned here that La Jolla is full of plastic people... Thanks again!

[Sun&Sea]

Bunky3301, thank you so much for your post, it was really helpful and sweet!

[Sun&Sea]

OK, so since most of you vote for SD, what neighborhoods would you recommned, please? We would like to be close to a great private elementary school and our limit for a condo or house is about 800K. Thanks!

[sav858]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

It is a more laid back lifestyle than SoCal as well and has that island influence.

I've never heard of Miami-Dade being described as laid back, even when compared to LA and especially compared to San Diego. Rude people and crazy drivers with the worst road rage in the country are generally not laid back people overall. And part of that island influence are from poor or third world islands, like Haiti. You're not gonna find the sacrificed remains of animals in our local parks from some weird Caribbean religion.

I would really spend some time in the Miami forum before deciding to move there, it does not seem like as good as a place for families as San Diego at all. You should ask this question there as well if you haven't already and see what they say to give you a balanced overview.

edit: So I guess you did ask this same question in the Miami forum and most of the responses told you San Diego; damn, people seem really unhappy there. I've been thinking about moving to Miami too just for a change of scenery and to live outside of CA for once in my life. But if I wasn't single and 25 I really wouldn't consider that place, the warm water and completely different culture and lifestyle is what is attracting me there even though most things I hear are bad about Miami but I feel I can adapt.

[wenzit420]

This thread really hits home because the two places I REALLY want to condiser moving are soFla and soCal. Plus and minus for both but SD seems to be more of where I'd want to be. I lived in Boca for a year 10 or so years ago and I liked and hated it. I love the fact that 2:30 in th morning on a monday I can do basically anything I want. Then again I hate that option sometimes also. Sd is sooo far from the East Coast, but is that a good or bad thing? Im helpless!!!