Which is a better place to live northern or southern california?

I lived in Florida all my life and i'm getting so sick of the rude people, environment, schools, etc. But i'm making a decision on where to live. Yes ive been to southern california san jose, sunnyvale,cupertino.. And i also been to orange county. To me southern is more obsessed with looks and it has a summer look here in orange county ofcourse because its Socal. Theres also beaches here in southern. I honestly think they suck... I would'nt know because i have only been to laguna beach. But beaches in cali is by far different from florida. Also northern california has beautiful mountains. The place is much greener and i would have to say the people are the same in north and south. But i don't know i only visited. I don't see how north cali is much more expensiver than south. Well which place is safer,friendly, best for school, environment and all that stuff. thank you very much!!!!!!