[JavaBrewer]

David,

To better address your question perhaps you should list out in order some of your priorities:

- Access to race tracks
- Community (price range, own vs. rental, retired vs. working, recreational habits, crime)
- Nearest Roberto's
- Climate tolerance

There are others but you get the idea. From what I've seen in Phoenix the community has a lot to offer and the cost of living is more reasonable, however you need to be able to deal with the lack of an ocean and the really hot summer months. California is such a diverse state, I really think its 3 states in one. There's NoCal which to me starts about 1 mile North of Santa Barbara, there's SoCal which starts about 1 mile South of Santa Barbara, and EdenCal which is approximately centered on Santa Barbara. All except for EdenCal have their downsides...it just depends on what you prioritize.