How important is environment for quality of life as kids get older?

I'd love advice from all parents, but especially those that have made big moves and / or raised teens.My kids are in middle school and heading into their teens. I've been desiring a major move in hopes of a better lifestyle but my husband is hesitant b/c we'd be leaving his family and everyone we're close to. I know if we're going to make a change it should be as soon as possible so our kids can establish solid friendships moving into high school and then college / careers.Where we live in Florida, positive aspects are: - Our assigned middle & high schools are fantastic. - Nice neighborhood w/ amenities and great neighbors. - Low crime. - We’re happy with our jobs. - Lots to do (theme parks, beaches, concerts, etc), if you can afford it. - Most of their grandparents, aunts & uncles are close by.Reasons I'd like to move: - School district: Ours is in debt & can't keep up with growth. State lawmakers continue to under-fund public schools, so we can’t afford to build more, or maintain the ones we have, which are getting full. - Dangerous roads: Some of the worst in the nation. Deadly accidents are a daily occurrence. Pedestrian / bike fatalities are among highest in US. My kids will be driving soon and I'm TERRIFIED to think of them on these streets! - Development: Local govt favors developers over desires of residents. Natural beauty and wildlife are dwindling. Large areas of land are developed but roads aren’t improved to handle the added traffic. -Sweltering summers: It gets so hot & humid that unless you're in the water you don't want to spend a lot of time outdoors. -Mosquitos and gators! Not the worst things in the world, but they do make being outdoors / in the water much less pleasant.My kids are open to the idea of moving away. My husband thinks we should stay here until they graduate high school. I feel by that point they’ll have jobs, college credits and / or important relationships that will keep them here, so we’d just be moving away from our kids!I’d love to be somewhere that we can enjoy outdoor recreation comfortably most of the time, where our teenagers can safely walk / bike to fun activities instead of sitting around getting into trouble, and where local government places emphasis on education and the environment. Do places like this exist?What do you think has the most effect on a child’s quality of life? Is it more important that teens have access to well-funded education, safe transportation and recreation, or that they have more opportunities to spend time with family? What do you feel makes the most impact on the choices your kids make and how satisfied they are with their lives at this point? I welcome your thoughts. via /r/Parenting http://ift.tt/2k6nyXj