CA Native Tired of CA being the "Escape-To" State (new home, tax)

[ukiyo-e]

Originally Posted by NorCal Dude

English speaking people, including california natives, have been fleeing california much faster than americans from other states replacing them.

I would be one of them. After moving there in 1985, I finally just had it with the divisive politics, high taxes, poor services, and moved last summer to someplace with better weather than either SF or Davis (the two places I lived in CA), low property taxes, no state income tax...I enjoyed CA for about 20 of the 25 years I lived there, but the last few the standard of living just got worse and worse, considering the high price of living there. There are a ton of retirees on the Olympic Peninsula who moved from California, and all the ones I've met are glad to be out of there. (In fact, I don't care for Sequim, because so many Californians have moved there that there are too many California-style homes being built there, and other than the elk crossing signs on 101, it reminds me too much of California!)

I'll be happy to take some vacations in California - I'll always love San Francisco - but like grandchildren, I prefer to just visit and leave it to others to deal with the everyday reality.

[LexusNexus]

No I don't get tired of it. Change is inevitable and it feels good to thrive in a state that has such a positive vibe rather than some state that represents melancholy, lost dreams and hopes, and staggering ignorance. Glad the state represents a "new start" for many.

[westcoastmama]

Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia

We've got our first on the way and it only magnifies our desire to get out. I don't want to raise a family in an apartment.
... SoCal wages aren't much above the national average, yet we compete for housing with the nation's (and even the world's) wealthy.

congratulations on your first baby-on-the-way. I'm a native Californian, along w/ my husband, and we are tired of living in a high cost-of-living area. We live in SoCal and live in an apartment w/ our kids, and we'll be moving to Fresno soon... yes, I've heard it's the so-called "armpit" of Cali, but it does offer a much more affordable range of homes. The cheaper COL (within California) in this state of economy makes Fresno desirable to my husband and me.

To the original poster, I hear you about being tired of CA being the "escape-to" state. Having lived in New England for a few years & experiencing the harsh winters there, I can understand why so many people would like to escape to the west coast though - regardless of the greater sales tax rates, housing costs, etc.

[KC6ZLV]

People don't come here to escape their problems. They come here with a very poor understanding of what California is and with unrealistic expectations. Many fail. When they do they blame California, not themselves.

[BVitamin]

Originally Posted by A_Lexus

No I don't get tired of it. Change is inevitable and it feels good to thrive in a state that has such a positive vibe rather than some state that represents melancholy, lost dreams and hopes, and staggering ignorance. Glad the state represents a "new start" for many.

Native here, and I agree with the assessment above. And personally when I meet people, I'd rather hear that they're from somewhere else.

[.highnlite]

I just did a quick map check, there are at least 61 roads that leave this state, they go to three different states and one foreign country, and then there are the airports to numerous to mention and the many sea ports.

If someone wants to leave the state, I think they can do it. If they are not leaving, the positives of remaining must outweigh the negatives of remaining.

[silverkris]

Originally Posted by .highnlite

I just did a quick map check, there are at least 61 roads that leave this state, they go to three different states and one foreign country, and then there are the airports to numerous to mention and the many sea ports.

If someone wants to leave the state, I think they can do it. If they are not leaving, the positives of remaining must outweigh the negatives of remaining.

That says it all...if it's not a fit for you, what's keeping you here?

[preppyglam]

Im a third gen native, and i want OUT! haha! I can say that because all my family will be here for me to visit whenever I want! But really....I have NEVER seen CA as the escape-to state. I know people WISH they could live here, or they think its a neat place, or they would like to live the " CA lifestyle"...but other than people coming to LA to try to "make it" in entertainment or music, I don't really see people coming here to escape their state. If you aren't born and raised here, I think the COL is a shock. I think most people think/know they can't afford it (or they can't afford the way they would like to live, anyway).

Even if I did feel everyone was coming here (which they aren't...when you look at stats and demographics, the people with high educations and spending power are actually leaving in droves) it wouldn't bug me. I see New York as the place that people go to to "start over" or make a better life for themselves, or whatever. CA doesn't come to mind, but NY does. Maybe its because Im from here, though.

[Wonderful Jellal]

Originally Posted by sjnative

Note: I would like to read from CA natives, not transplants.

Do any other CA natives get tired of "Cali" being regarded by other Americans as being a place to go to escape their native cities or regions?

It just seems like CA is a default location in the minds of so many of those escape-minded people.

They seem to think it is an answer to their problems or the place to start a new life for themselves.. where they can reinvent themselves.

They don't seem to understand that they will just bring their flaws and personal problems with them, and that CA is just not going to be the solution to those problems.

Yes, I know, any American can move anywhere in America. Yes, I know, CA has been a destination state for some time. I'll pass on any such lecturing.

It's worst for Nevada, Florida and Texas natives you know lol

[simplesouthernman]

I think the good people of NW Arkansas,Southern Missouri and all of Tennessee would beg to differ with the OP's contention. We are being overrun with California expats. Then when they get here they moan and groan. B*itch and whine about how Dixie isnt as good as California! Depends on your definition of good. Doesnt it?