I left south Fl to SC and I'm very happy with my decision(sp?). Florida was just getting to expensive (insurance is killer) and a bit to crowded for my taste. I have always enjoyed Lakeland/Ocala, Fl plenty to do and not to crowded. Not sure how you handle heat but Fl and SC are kinda unbearable during the summer. SC is definitely hotter then Fl I can tell you that much. I also enjoy being able to see different seasons happen, Fl is just hot, real hot, omg I can stand it hot, then theres not that hot (we called that winter

). Also you can check out city-data.com and talk to more locals in any state and get there views.