Is the state of California A Great Place to Visit, but Terrible Place to Live? (schools, taxes)

[Rwarky]

Californians, past and present, do you consider the state of California a great (maybe, even spectacular) place to visit, but terrible place to live? Moreover, with a population of more than 36 million inhabitants, and growing, how could one consider this state an undesireable place to live? Who's moving here? Further, to those whom left California for "greener pastures," do you regret your move from this political constituent? And, for people who have moved to California, has this state exceeded or underwhelmed your expectations?

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Rwarky

Californians, past and present, do you consider the state of California a great (maybe, even spectacular) place to visit, but terrible place to live? Moreover, with a population of more than 36 million inhabitants, and growing, how could one consider this state an undesireable place to live? Who's moving here? Further, to those whom left California for "greener pastures," do you regret your move from this political constituent? And, for people who have moved to California, has this state exceeded or underwhelmed your expectations?

Politics never factored into our move; Only economics (and the unhealthfulness of traffic) did. But, things are changing big time economically. Traffic will probably always be bad though. There are some bad places to live and there are some good places to live. If you move to California, move to the good places (job, schools, not ugly).

[Rwarky]

Originally Posted by Charles

Politics never factored into our move; Only economics (and the unhealthfulness of traffic) did. But, things are changing big time economically. Traffic will probably always be bad though. There are some bad places to live and there are some good places to live. If you move to California, move to the good places (job, schools, not ugly).

Political constituent is just another word for 'state.'

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Rwarky

Political constituent is just another word for 'state.'

For the sake of this thread, politics, state government, taxes, and (small) business climate are often a big reason people have complained about California.

[deathegg88]

yes.

[Twinkle Toes]

I enjoy living in CA. I moved away once but got back here as quickly as I could. Some people love it here, some people don't. To each their own.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by Rwarky

Moreover, with a population of more than 36 million inhabitants, and growing, how could one consider this state an undesireable place to live? Who's moving here?

People who are in a worse place than California (ie peasants from dirt poor countries) or young people from small town America who've watched too much TV and think California is the place to be.

[timelesschild]

People who are in a worse place than California (ie peasants from dirt poor countries) or young people from small town America who've watched too much TV and think California is the place to be.

Hm, well, I understand that some people are moving to California for those reasons; however, there are others moving here for legitimate reasons (just as there are regular people moving everywhere for regular reasons).

We moved here because there were jobs in my husband's field. Besides, we like California and have family here. That's three good reasons. Moreover, now that we are here, we find that we like living here even more than we liked visiting. We've been here about a year now.

Others have their own experiences and I would not downplay anyone else's genuine experience - no single place can satisfy everyone.

[Heiwos]

Originally Posted by Rwarky

Californians, past and present, do you consider the state of California a great (maybe, even spectacular) place to visit, but terrible place to live?

Yes. When my family moved from the L.A. area to Montana when I was 10, I was pissed at my folks that they made me live in CA when they knew there were places like Montana. As an adult I realized that CA has spectacular places, plus I love Disneyland, so I've visited, & will continue to visit, often. I doubt I'd ever live there again to suffer the gov't gridlock and taxes.

[Adriatica]

Originally Posted by Rwarky

Californians, past and present, do you consider the state of California a great (maybe, even spectacular) place to visit, but terrible place to live?

I think CA is a wonderful place to visit.

I think CA has wonderful places to live and some undesirable places to live. There's no way to discuss the state as a whole in this sense.

If I had to discuss it as a whole, I still think it's a pretty good place to live. Certainly not perfect, but good. I've liked everywhere that I have lived in this state.