I actually did my JAA PPL in California and had a great time, although I’m not sure about the US being quiet. It was usual to have 10 planes in the circuit at once where I learnt, especially on weekends! Also some fantastic memories of flying over LAX on a cross country flight, lunch in Santa Monica – oh and almost flying into Mexico – but that’s another story.
BUT if cost is an issue, have you considered how you will fund your flying when back in the UK? I mean if your years budget is 4k for example, you could spread your learning over the year and this will be your years flying. Cram it into 4 weeks and you still have to find another 4k to go flying for the rest of the year.