I dunno dude. I grew up in FL and went to college in FL. Growing up and in college I was all about being nice. Picking up restaurant bills & bar tabs when going out. During those years, yea I got my share of dates, but not many of them led to the bedroom. Since moving to NYC about three years ago after college (24 now), I am a complete prick. I only pick up the tab rarely, thats if I like the girl I am taking out. I never buy girls drinks and the results have changed completely. I'm not saying I pick up a different girl every weekend, but I'm also not complaining about getting ass. So, in my opinion its harder getting action down south (FL, my experience) then in NYC.
This thread is funny... I say if you take a date out then go for drinks at an inexpensive bar. Forget about "dinner". When has "dinner" ever led to anything... Better yet, Starbucks. A few bucks for coffee and talk. Perfection. If things dont look like they are working out, then insist that the woman pay for her share.
Bloody hell, 10.3% state income tax in CA!!!!!!!!!!! I am paying half that here in MA and thought that was bad enough. By the way metro Boston is a great city to live in if you have children and have to live one place year round because of their school.