I think LA is doing some good things and this is probably the smartest thing one can do for the claiming game.

Louisiana is a better place to go than Gulfstream for the winter in that the money is better and the races easier. However it is not a great place right now to live for 3-4 months. Still not safe since Katrina.

Oaklawn seems to be the best place to go if you factor in money and difficulty of races. Gulfstream has the weather though and the NY guys love it. The problem there is the racing is so tough for so little money.