goldenstate31

hello everybody as you know I am a recent newbie to the forum. I suppose I am writing this new thread for all advise/views/aspects good or bad! bad and good about California v's Florida?
We are definately sure that we want to move permanantely to either state but not sure which one??
We love both but from what we can gather it seems as though california homes are much more $$ than Florida, but California seems to offer more opportunity??
Could anybody living in either state care to share their views it would i suppose spur us on little bit! to decide
thanks again goldenstate31

radion

Hi,
Can I just ask are you moving with what type of Visa, I only say this as you may wish to move but will be unable to, thats all, I have a chance with the DV lottery win, so when I move over I will post up

malj

In California at least, you pay for the quality of life (although I'm sure alot here don't feel like CA has a higher quality of life than other states!). State tax (keep in mind FL has no state tax at all), higher vehicle, property taxes. Taxes on taxes. I think it comes down to whether you feel paying more for things is worth it. Conversley, CA is broke - so all of the extra taxes and fees haven't necessarily translated to better services etc. However personally I feel its still worth it. Each to their own though.

Noorah101

Hi, I've read your past posts, but it might be helpful for you to also mention what visa you have in mind, as I predict that will be everyone's first question to you.

Also, if it's work-related, you might be bound by the location of the employer.

Personally, if I had a choice, I'd choose California because it's less humid....I just can't stand humidity.

Rene

meauxna

I just scanned your past posts too and I'm not sure if you want the answers from the Lifestyle aspect of the USA forum, or the business/visa aspect of this forum.
If you are thinking of opening a business in the US, taxation, licensing and other biz considerations will be an important part of your decision. They should be primary vs 'which place is neater to hang out in' IMO.

One thing to keep in mind about the US is that each state has its own laws and regulations (even their own minimum wage). It's sometimes easier to grok if you think of it like the EU; several independant units that unite on the bigger picture items.

goldenstate31

hi there we have a Uk business, so probably its looking like the L1, although an immigration attorney on here said E2 holders can get green cards also so thats just thrown some other option in the mix for us! we will keep the Uk businesses running whilst in california or florida?

goldenstate31

[QUOTE=meauxna;7809548]I just scanned your past posts too and I'm not sure if you want the answers from the Lifestyle aspect of the USA forum, or the business/visa aspect of this forum.
If you are thinking of opening a business in the US, taxation, licensing and other biz considerations will be an important part of your decision. They should be primary vs 'which place is neater to hang out in' IMO.

thank you im just getting the knack of this copying quotes so forgive if ive copied the wrong one!
i suppose from all aspects really, but i consider as you mentioned above that best value for money is the most important factor! or should i say more for your $$$ lol.

Ray

They should have added "in some very rare circumstances"

meauxna

You can use the 'quote' button on the post you want to reply to and it will magically appear.

Folinskyinla

Hi:

California is a huge state and it varies from place to place. San Diego County and Modoc County are quite different. I have some clients who live in Kings County and I had to "zillow" their house -- property in Kings County is not all that expensive.

Also, in Monterey County, there is a difference between Carmel and Salinas.

caleyjag

California beats Florida on every count.

I can go into details about how brilliant living in California is, but I think it's easier to leave it at that for now.

Rather than worrying about where to live, I suggest you figure out a bulletproof plan for the visa first. I think you are seriously underestimating how difficult that is going to be.

md95065

As are Key West, Miami, West Palm Beach and Orlando ...
(although they are pretty much all unbearably hot and humid ...)

crosscountryrider

Hello
I am not so sure what you want to achieve. Your focus should be to make your business sucessful here in the USA. This means you should be as close as possible to your customers. Otherwise you maybe will find out that
your stay is fairly limited.

The USCIS will extend your L1 only if your new business in the states takes off.

Unfortunately California and Florida are nice states to live in but also both of them are badly hit by the recession.

I live in Colorado and in particular Denver seems to do reasonably well in
this "difficult times".

In comparison Arizona is suffering badly also some other area's along the east coast.

I would do a "google search" for some economy indicators like unemployment rate; real estate market ; poverty etc.

This should help you to setup your business .

This is only my opinion as a " employed manager.

Kind regards
CCR

md95065

I am actually quite surprised that you say that you love both California and Florida. Although both states are sufficiently diverse that most people will find something to love and hate in each of them they really are quite different in many ways. It might help if you told us *what* it is that you loved about both of them and what you are looking for.

As a very general rule of thumb if you are a conservative you will likely feel more at home in Florida and if you are a liberal you will be more at home in California but that is a broad generalization - a lot depends on exactly where you end up and the extent to which you even fit the US definitions of "liberal" or "conservative".

California has earthquakes (although ones big enough to do significant damage are infrequent). Florida has hurricanes (with some regularity).

Both states are in a financial mess - just try googling "<name of state> budget crisis" for pretty much any state in the union and see how many hits you get ...

Not sure about Florida, but if you are thinking about starting a business in California you should be aware of the fact that California is extremely over regulated about pretty much everything at every level.

Ray

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