What is your breaking point for moving out of California? (August: appointed, fit in)

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by MtnSurfer

Many people who move out for similar reasons as we did have never lived in more than one region or at most two regions within the state. That is there only frame of reference when they 'escape.' But if you really travel the state (the entire coastline, the Sierra range, Eastern Sierra and more), which is almost as large as the eastern seaboard, you'll notice a much greater range in environments, geography, population densities and diversity of people.
Derek

I'm sure you're right, Derek. People with a limited and myopic view of California should really give it more of a chance because so many parts of it do shine. In my case I began my CA trek in La Jolla, progressed to Newport Beach, and after returning from Asia settled for a time in Santa Monica then to Whittier then back down to Newport Beach. Off I went again, thanks to Uncle Sam, then returned and lived in San Bernardino, Riverside, Bakersfield and spent the last 20 years in Sacramento. I drove the coast from San Diego to Crescent City and beyond several times, regularly vacationed on the northern coast, drove I-5 the length of the state several times, explored gold country extensively and explored the rest of California incrementally over a span of about 50 years in-state. In-between I lived in seven other states running the gamut from the Midwest to the deep south to the eastern seaboard and three other countries; all Asian.

When it came time to retire in 2008 I think I had a pretty good handle on all California, from Mexico to Oregon, had to offer. But I also had a handle on other places as did my wife who was also a California native (NorCal vs. my SoCal) and military brat like me. She had lived in several places in California from Sacramento to Ventura, up to Placerville then Sacramento again, as well as another country, Massachusetts, Texas and the Arkansas Ozarks.

When we moved in retirement we knew what we wanted, where it was and that's where we ended up. It was an "educated and experienced decision. I find it troubling when people rush to leave California not having explored all the possibilities and go someplace on a whim that may be as shallow as a fetching picture on a postcard or a website. The same goes for people who move in the other direction strictly due to the lure of the beach or Hollywood. Then, "Weeks turn into years, how quick they pass. And all the stars that never were are parking cars and pumping gas"

[dexter14]

Originally Posted by Fran66

Name one. Name just one state. (You can't include Florida. I'm not sure Florida is really part of The US. )

Hi! Have you ever looked at a map of the US? There are 23 states with beaches. My First choice would be Texas most likely. Besides the beach there are mountains, deserts, rivers, lakes, multiple pro sports teams, amusement parks, water parks, malls, restaurants....everything there is to do here, and for a lot less money. Just as I said

[Tulemutt]

And, once again, when may we expect you to finally leave?

[dexter14]

Originally Posted by Tulemutt

And, once again, when may we expect you to finally leave?

Get working on that gun ban bill!

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by mbell75

Hi! Have you ever looked at a map of the US? There are 23 states with beaches. My First choice would be Texas most likely. Besides the beach there are mountains, deserts, rivers, lakes, multiple pro sports teams, amusement parks, water parks, malls, restaurants....everything there is to do here, and for a lot less money. Just as I said

...searing heat, high humidity and property taxes, boring stretches of empty land, pseudo cowboys with over-sized hats, armadillos up the ying-yang and worst of all, Texans!

[shooting4life]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

...searing heat, high humidity and property taxes, boring stretches of empty land, pseudo cowboys with over-sized hats, armadillos up the ying-yang and worst of all, Texans!

Sounds like your describing the Central Valley without the armadillos

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

Several things happened. The NINJA loans/ housing bubble permanently changed our long-term neighborhood and made it a place that we couldn't live in for the rest of our lives. And we were priced out of anything else that we would want to live in. Also, our children left, and it was pretty obvious because of careers and other commitments that they would not be back.

Finally other family and friends had left, either through moving or death.

So for us, there was nothing to stay for. I spent my entire life in SoCal, and I miss it every day, but I know what I miss is only in my mind.

[EdJS]

I've got a paid-off house in the Bay Area. I can't imagine why I'd ever want to move away.

[k374]

I may move out shortly. As much as I do not want to move it's just become way too unaffordable and I wish to buy a home and settle in one place. With skyrocketing rent increases year after year and home prices in the stratosphere it's just becoming too impossible to get ahead. I recently moved again because my already high rent at my previous place increased over 10% because some investor bought the place and was trying to recoup his investment... and guess what people seem to be having the money to pay the astonishing rents. So I say LET THEM and I will just make do somewhere else and be happy.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by shooting4life

Sounds like your describing the Central Valley without the armadillos

Yup! But the damn things are moving here from Texas. Thankfully, the bulk of them seem to cooperatively assume their natural position, the dying cockroach, on the sides of the roads. Out here the state sanctions open season on the critters. I knew there was a reason I bought a Mini-14 with a number of 20-round magazines (don't see the need for 30-rounders which are also legal here). Both the rifle and the magazines are forbidden to bring into or purchase in California.