why is it that all the nice always warm ocean/water front property in the US have a major problem like weather or earthquakes? God has a sense of humor

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You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.

I don't know about other areas, but I know one thing. Stay away from Southern California. I'm moving to Canada from here. Anyway good luck with your relocation.

Now that i'm done singing the praises of So. Cal... I have to say that if you have the chance to move to the New York City area and don't do it, I think you're making a big mistake... imho

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You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.

I would agree with sinX5...stay away from southern cal

Tampa/St. Pete area is great - I would move back there in a second! I loved living in San Diego (Hillcrest/Old Town). I had a view of downtown, Coronado and Shelter Island..paid $1295 for a two bedroom house w/a big yard - tho it was in 1998. Loved living Santa Monica, but waayyy too expensive.

He's right. There is also Longboat Key. If you're from Oz the humidity won't faze you, plus, you can drive on the wrong side of the road in the winter when all the retirees are in town. Naples may be a bit tame for an Australian. Tampa is more central to the rest of the state, but it is a huge spread out area.

Unlike Cali earthquakes, our killer hurricanes arrive with plenty of warning. And lot's of finger pointing afterward..Additionally, unless you are a poodle in a canal, the alligators will generally leave you alone, unlike your crocs. No Box Jellyfish either.

Since you are not a Kiwi, you will not have the urge to strangle the umpteenth person who asks if you're from Australia. No, folks will just tell you how much they miss Maggie Thatcher and do you know so-and-so on Fulham Road?

Don't forget to look at Charleston, South Carolina. Neat place with lots of history.

Kids? how old? Spouse? Sailing, NASCAR, watching the sunset? Tell us what you are looking for and we'll steer you right.

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Great feedback..thanks...here are some more details;

We live in in Queensland in Oz (very close to Steve Irwin (Crocodile Hunter!!)...temps approx 75 - 90 deg 65-85% humidity, so Florida is probably a close climate match...was in Naples in the late 90's and seemed a little too quiet?? but quite nice.

We are a family with 2 sons 15yrs & 17yrs, the 17 year old will probably stay in boarding school in Oz and come over for holidays. We have 2 dogs and a cat. We have an X5, subaru forester and 21foot skiboat with 250hp yamaha. None of which will be exported obviously. We love wake boarding and snow skiing and catching a wave at the beach. We also like a little bit of space around us...not into apartments or town houses.

My transfer may have us initially needing to be near Witchita...I am not so sure about this place? Dry and hot...Dry and Cold?? I may be able to choose where I live, just not sure yet. FYI Australia has 47% top tax rate & 39% Company tax rate. 17% credit card interest and fuel at $4.00 gallon. My 4.4 X5 is $AU128,000.00 and average salary about $40,000. Australia is becoming very expensive to live! I am looking forward to a more 'can do' attitude and mixing it with 300m population.

Your further feedback is most welcome.

I'm sorry but have you considered not moving????? not disrespect to anyone but no way would I move from Aus to the states

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“Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?”

Scottie...I am interested in your reasons as to why not a move to US??