$450k for a decent sized house would be a bargain in So Cal. You can search real-time live MLS listings at
www.ziprealty.com to get an idea for the market. Beware of rising gang activity in Palmdale.
You're about an hour away from the beach in Palmdale, I guess, in good traffic. Remember, it's warm here but not tropical waters -- the water is too cold for reef critters. You'll see temperate animals. Water temp at the surface pretty much tops out at 70 in the summer and 55 is more normal.
All of So Cal is within a few hours of beaches, mountains, skiing and more. There are tons of opportunities for cheap recreation at the many public parks and rec areas. There's lots of amazing stuff in No Cal, too, like Sequoia National Park and Yosemite. If you like the outdoors and nature, California is heaven. Also tons of music festivals and outdoor events.
Some light rain... just all in about 2 months of the year!
Cost of living-wise, housing is outrageous and utility rates are criminal, but taxes are overall about halfway down the list of states. I'm not sure how Florida ranks, so it may be up or down for you. Gas is high, but not as high as our reputation -- problem is people use so much of it here.
On the other hand, the produce is unbelievably fresh and cheap -- much more so than the south since we grow just about everything in California. You can feed a family healthy, fresh foods for MUCH cheaper than elsewhere, and no sales tax on food. (Junk food is as expensive as everywhere else, and snacks ARE taxed.) Luxury items are generally cheaper than the rest of the country. Everything else is about the same.
If you have any kids approaching college age, the community college system is excellent and dirt cheap; the Cal State schools are very good and in-state tuition is very affordable.
California is a great place, it just has it's quirks. So does everywhere, but we tend to have bigger ones!
