Well I can give you a GOOD comparison as I just moved to the Lauderdale area from Ft Myers on the Gulf Coast.
I hope I don't offend anyone, because some of the comments are ethnic related.
First, I personally don't know much about N Fl (N of Sarasots, West Palm line) as it gets COLD North of there. The sub-tropical line runs across the state south of Tampa. So most of my comments are about areas south of there.
West coast is indeed more Redneck. Lots of them big ol pickum up trucks, snuff using good old boys. Still lots of horse areas, cattle ranches, BIG open areas and available land. I lived in Ft Myers since 1972. There are lots of areas with low income people, migrant farm workers, etc. BUT there are also (in the newer developed areas) some very expensive developments.
Lauderdale, Miami area has the problem that they can build only out to the edge of the Everglades and a LOT of that is already built out. I moved over here thinking I'd go out and buy 1-5 acres of land or a big lot and build a house. WRONG. That doesn't exist over here. It is all developments with houses so close together you can stand between 2 houses and piss on both. BUT that is about all that exists over here and based on the developments, there are plenty of people buying them. Also, a comparable house in the Ft Myers area is close to $100K cheaper. I bought a 1 1/2 acre beautifle house, oak trees, 3/2 with 2 1/2 car garage, screened pool, etc for $160,000 2 years ago after my house burnt down. You couldn't touch that house over here for under $300K.
If you like the city, East Coast. No matter where you drive, it's city but anything you want is over here. On the West coast you can drive 20 -40 minutes and be in the country. You can go out any day and buy 5 acres or a decent lot. There is TONS of land available over there. NONE on the East Coast.
If my girlfriend didn't have a GREAT paying job over here, I'd talk her into going back West. There are all the ammenities, good restaurants, movies, etc BUT at least if you want to get away from the city, you can.
I think the West Coast beaches are nicer and a LOT cleaner. Gulf water is always warmer than the Atlantic. Fishing is different with NO dolphin, sail, wahoo, kings, etc on the West, but then there are lots of snook, reds, tarpon, trout. Also the West coast has lots more protected bays. East coast is the busy intercoastal ditch or the ocean. NEITHER coast will give you water like you mentioned until you get down into the keys and then that gets REAL expensive.
Ft Myers population more than doubles in the Winter with elderly snowbirds (we call then Q-tips) that can't drive and think since they are visitors, everyone should kiss their asses. Not so much seasonal influx on East coast. BUT there are a LOT more hispanic people here that refuse to talk english and are obnoxious. Not to say the snowbirds aren't.
So It's a tossup. I like the quieter pace of the West Coast but salaries are a lot better on the East. LOT bigger job base too.
Feel free to write me and ask specific questions. Most people over here can't understand WHY I came here from the West coast, they all say they want to go over there.
Terry
