Dear California, I'm Dumping You (San Francisco, Commerce: car registration, insurance, neighborhoods)

[OC Investor2]

Originally Posted by NewToCA

Having moved to CA from OH a few years ago, and being a frequent FL and AZ visitor, I can tell you that doesn't reflect what I have seen.

Food cost here seem to be pretty much in line with other locations, but gas is generally $.10-.25 higher. Looking at our state's Von's, Ralph's or Safeway, I don't see Publix, Giant Eagle, Pathmark or Kroger with lower prices. Utilities and cable seem to be in line too, along with medicine and medical care bills. Clothing isn't higher here, just in line with the other places I mentioned.

Overall, I find housing and some taxes/fees higher here, but that is about it.

I'm in the food business. It's well known in the industry that California is the highest priced market in the country. The Bay area and LA/OC counties are the worst. IE and the central valley are not as bad off.

It's partially due to the high cost of doing business in the state that retailers simply pass on to customers in the way of higher prices. And it's also because the 2 big markets are dominated by divisions of the large national grocers - Safeway, Supervalu & Kroger. These chains charge higher prices and "harvest" profit dollars in CA to make up for the lower margins they get in other markets where they are forced to charged reduced prices to compete with Wal-Mart.

[LZKay1]

Many are dumping California now days, mainly because it's nothing like it used to be.

[pll]

Originally Posted by jc76

I'd say I'm less unhappy in California. More broke though, but I would rather be broke in CA than well off in a state where there is absolutely nothing to do and your stuck indoors 7 months out of the year.

I agree completely. Other places don't provide the outdoor activities all year long like CA. If they do...it usually stops from Oct-March. Yes, you can ski (expensive) and other outdoor winter sports. But you have to like to be cold.

[CA4Now]

It looks as if the author of the original column wants to come back now. Apparently she's planning to move to Orange County. After breaking up with California, strong second thoughts - latimes.com

[Fontucky]

Dramatic farewells always amuse me. She deserted during a downturn and wants back in now that things are looking up. I'm here for the long term, good, bad or indifferent.

Where she moved (Chelan) might have something to do with her change of heart.

[user_id]

I find her optimism strange, around the same time she left I decided to stay in the state to see how things were going to evolve.....and other than the improved unemployment rate (which doesn't directly effect me) I haven't seen any positive changes. The state has just returned to the system that produced the problem, for I guess, round two.

Of course when this author loses her California jobs, I'm sure she'll dump California again.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by user_id

I find her optimism strange, around the same time she left I decided to stay in the state to see how things were going to evolve.....and other than the improved unemployment rate (which doesn't directly effect me) I haven't seen any positive changes. The state has just returned to the system that produced the problem, for I guess, round two.

Of course when this author loses her California jobs, I'm sure she'll dump California again.

She's a catchy writer, though. Cute article.

[nslander]

I've moved on. In fact, I'm in a wonderful relationship with your best friend. And your little sister.

Take care of yourself,
California.

[04kL4nD]

I'm sure California is really upset over this. Too bad there are no other suitors

[jw2]

I think two well written articles that channel thoughts of a lot of people. Those that had the courage to buy California while people were bailing have made out pretty well. Nonetheless, welcome home Candice.