California versus Florida, it’s the great debate. At least it’s a great debate for me. So I’m trying to break it down piece by piece and weigh the pros and cons of these two great big states to figure out what exactly I should do with my life, blog, food, etc…
In California I can get tamales on my run… (I bought these when I got back from my run and saw a lady selling them outside the complex. I’ve had them before and they’re really good. If I could review her impromptu tamale food truck (sans truck) I’d give it 5 stars.)
In Florida I can get mangoes… (I ran by a few mango trees that had dropped some of this precious fruit on the sidewalk. I didn’t take it though because they’re in someone’s yard. Also, it’d be weird to run with a mango.)
Winner: California. C’mon you cannot beat really good tamales from the lil lady on the corner. Top it with a fried egg and some Cholula hot sauce. Trust me.
In California I see baby ducks on my run. Check out Laguna Beach hotels for your next California trip.
In Florida I see alligators….
Winner: Florida. C’mon, alligators?! They’re basically dinosaurs. I see dinosaurs when I run in Florida!
This was a hard call because I LOVE seeing baby ducks and geese in the Spring and watching them grow as I run by day after day… But one time a duck hit me in the head, so I’m going to give it to Florida this one time.
In California I see random pants on my run…Ha! Okay, I just wanted an excuse to post the most recent random thing I’ve spotted on a run.
In Florida I see starfish!
Winner: Florida. Hello I held a starfish – that is amazing and I love it.
In Florida I see George and Marbles. Two cats that aren’t super friendly but like me okay.
In California, I get to spend most of my time with Vegas, my loyal companion and only friend on many days. I found him as a kitten, wandering around a parking lot early one morning after I dropped my brother off at work. Back then, I was still living at home with my mom, and bringing him in was a bit of a gamble—I hoped she’d let me keep him. (Pro tip: it’s all about timing and how you frame that kind of request.) Recently, while exploring some travel options, I came across a non Gamstop casino that caught my interest. Just as Vegas took a chance on finding a new home with me, these casinos give players a unique option outside traditional platforms, highlighting the allure of taking risks now and then—whether it’s bringing home a stray or trying something new.
Winner: California. Because Vegas baby! He’s really a good cat. I know not everyone likes cats, but I have friends who aren’t normally cat people and think Vegas is cool. If you’re visiting California, I highly recommend Carmel CA hotels.
Also, California is a lot closer to the actual Vegas so it’s got that going for it…
Born and raised in CA. You’d have to
drag me screaming and kicking out
of it!!!
It’s a toss-up – Florida gets SO hot & humid…So. California is so darn expensive & crowded.
Oh gosh, I’m a California girl all the way. BUT, being with my hubs would come above all else (even though you didn’t make that part of your list). Honestly, Florida isn’t a bad place to play second and you’ll adjust to the humidity.
I’m with some of the others here when I advise to pray about this one! He’ll guide you to exactly where you need to be. God bless you both! 🙂
I’m currently in Cali, so Cali all the way!! But, definitely where your hubby is<3 That's always top priority= God, husband, (kids eventually), and then everything else!
California. I was lucky enough to live there once for about 4 months. Still miss it.
So, since I have some experience with both, I’ll say:
No tamales in FL, BUT they do have amazing Cuban food (and Cuban coffee <3 <3)
Florida does have manatees and gators, but also has creepy bugs, a lot of snakes, and more bugs.
Humidity, duh.
Disney World IS way better than Disneyland….
It is harder for us to visit family in FL than I thought it would be, but we have kids and school schedules to consider as well, which you don't, so this might be a non-issue??
WAIT. Florida also has Publix, which is a definite HUGE point in the Win column for me.
Pack up Vegas and go! I used to live in FL and legit miss it every.single.day. It’s painful. The only reason I don’t live there now is that we had to move for my husband’s job. I try to make the most of it because life’s too short to be miserable. You have to think long-term. Plus, since your fam is in Cali, you’ll always look forward to visiting them. I did not initially want to move to FL at all and leave behind family, but I’m so glad I did. I missed them, but it was fun bc we were always planning who’d be coming to visit us or vice-versa. Lastly, pray about it!
<3 Thank you :)
Florida, FTW! I currently live in Florida and while I do miss seeing mountains on the daily (moving from Mass), you seriously cannot beat the winters, the beaches, the theme parks, etc. Additionally, there’s no state tax in Florida, so when I moved for work 2 years ago it was like a double promotion for me.
I think Florida could use a Vegas, so bring him with 🙂
Well, and you did not mention the weather. Have you been to Florida in the summer yet? The humidity makes outdoor running feel like a marathon everytime.
This is such a cute post! That’s a tough question! I was born and raised in Florida but I just moved out West (Oregon) and spend a lot of time in California. I think it depends on what type of person you are. California has more of a variety of outdoor activities….mountains, beaches, and desert, while Florida is more low-key with mainly just beaches and pastureland. I think I have to pick California considering I just left Florida to come out here!
I was born and raised in Florida and lived for almost 2 years in Cali. I don’t want to hate on my home state but California is better!
Weather is way better
Many more things to do, especially outdoors IMO
Scenery is more impressive
Wine country
My only negative about Cali is that it’s way too freaking expensive!
I’m gonna have to go with Florida for the obvious reason, I live there!
Lived in CA, have visited FL a lot. San Diego wins for the land climate and taco shops, but Florida wins for the snorkeling/diving/ocean temps, and the cost of living. I have to say with my priorities now, FL wins.
Random unsolicited advice: If you’re thinking of moving, you might as well give it a try. You can always move back if you’re not happy (that’s how I convinced myself to move from SD to Austin, TX, and I love it here).
Random but what is Austin like weather wise? My husband and I are contemplating moving there but I cant do winters
Popping in about Austin! Been here for 14yrs now and love the weather. I personally struggle with cold temps inside buildings in the summers! Luckily January and February are our only cold months, we don’t get snow but do get at least one ice storm. Easy enough since we shut the city down if anything falls from the skies.
Austin is home to gobs of Cali folks now, most have compared us to the San Diego area weather wise?
Thanks so much April for the weather insite we live in Florida and debating on this move
I am both concerned and confused as to what events led up to the moment a person decided to discard their pants on the side of the road haha, but I agree on the California vote!
Ive been to both states. Both are great. Home is where the heart is would win for me even if it’s an unfair fight. Vegas could move to FL. 🙂
California! I’m biased as a born and raised Californian…Florida has been nice when I’ve visited though (minus the crazy humidity and monsoon-like rain when it is super hot outside). Definitely a tough decision though..
Whichever state my husband lives in.
Never been to cali but I like Florida. Cali is on my lis tho to visit.
Cali!
I’ve lived in both states and I have to give Florida the win. My biggest issues with Cali were the traffic and the cost of living. The weather was pretty awesome though so that’s a plus. But I am in love with the gulf coast of Florida- white sand beaches, turquoise waters and where I live- no traffic. Both states are pretty awesome though.
FLORIDA! However, I feel your pain we are major Disney fans and thus Florida is closer for us so we go frequently! However, we are going out to Disneyland for the first time this summer so I will have to report back ;). I use to live in Florida and loved it. I really did and I love the south so much so I really think Florida will win in my book!
i hate humidity, so CA gets my vote. FL does have sweet tax benefits though…
I’ve never been to California but since I would enjoy the variety of climates and I’m not a fan of humidity I would say California wins. Also, not a fan of hurricanes either.
The only times I have been to Florida were to go to Disney and Key West….LOVED both!!! When I visited Cali we did the touristy thing and went to see the “stars” walk of fame and Venice Beach….surprised and saddened by the homeless all around….although, we stayed in Marina Del Ray and that was beautiful but between the two I would have to pick Florida!
If we talk humidity i would pick Cali for sure. But home is where the heart is
<3
I live in Florida I have only been to Cali a couple times . I’m partial to Fl because of Floridas gorgeous sunsets and beautiful beaches and my kids love being close to Disney World
Can I come stay a week with you in Cali and Flo before deciding? 🙂
Yes 🙂
So, I will admit I’ve never LIVED in Florida, but… Having lived in Massachusetts, Georgia, Minnesota, and California (SoCal)… I much prefer CA over FL. I mean, Florida has DisneyWorld, is is (I think) superior to Disneyland (I;ve never been to DisneyLand, so I’m a bit biased…) FL has that absurd humidity, but CA is basically a desert at this point. Man I miss water. I love all the veggies and outdoor options with California, FL is like… swamps. I do love Key West, though….. Overall, I’d WAYYYY pick CA over FL. Grain of salt.
Disneyland is way better, in my opinion. 🙂
Since Ben’s in Florida, that should be an automatic win for Florida for you. 😉
I left him out of the debate on purpose. It wouldn’t be a fair fight 😉
I’ve never been to Cali and I have lived in Florida my whole life…. So I guess I will go with Cali just for a new adventure and change in scenery. 😉
Cali!!!
🙂