not sure about the basements question, there are lots of houses with them, maybe you just haven't run across any yet. They aren't as standard here as I hear they are up north, but it's a common thing.

as for the weather... pretty mild except for summer (but i hate the heat) and the only reason thats bad is because of the 98degrees combined with the 100% humidity. Of course, coming from florida, you won't be to out of your element. ha! usually get one to two small winter storms, very rarely anything huge. the fall months are beautiful especially in the mountains.