Leaving California (Santa Ana, Vista, Bell: living, moving to, air pollution)

[RyanLeeParis]

I plan to leave California because many towns here just plain suck. Nice weather, nice environments, crappy people. I live in Stockton and suddenly the neighborhood and town is surrounded by thugs, or loud, beating "music" coming from cars driving down the streets (driven by the thugs). It only takes a few glances to see it's hopeless, and forget about having kids, you can't.

The schools here are the worst.

I visited Reno, Nevada months ago and it was a thousand times more worthwhile than any "town" in California.

[18Montclair]

Im leaving too but not till next year, and definitely NOT because I hate it here...on the contrary, I love it here.

But Im moving for a new business venture to Sao Paulo, Brazil.

We're still trying to decide between this neighborhood far away in the suburbs..




This neighborhood in town


Im hoping for the city.

[eureka1]

I've lived in California and Hawaii all my life. Hawaii I found too expensive and TOO HOT, moved back to Calif and find that as I approach retirement a lower cost of living will make a big difference in my quality of life. I think I'll end up in Asheville or possibly South Carolina. Still checking places out.

[jcp123]

We left in 2005. What it all came down to was taxes - California taxes would have eaten my Dad's retirement savings in somwehere between 7-11 years. If you're working, California can be done, but on fixed income + retirement savings, I'm not sure how most folks could.

[lorriem]

Originally Posted by eureka1

I've lived in California and Hawaii all my life. Hawaii I found too expensive and TOO HOT, moved back to Calif and find that as I approach retirement a lower cost of living will make a big difference in my quality of life. I think I'll end up in Asheville or possibly South Carolina. Still checking places out.

We just closed on a home in Hudson NC today. NC is afforable and beautiful. We lived in CA for 25 years but miss it everyday but you have to save money and to save money you know when it is time to move. Three years ago we moved to FL but after the hurricanes ins co's was not renewing many of us they are all leaving the state and so are the people and they as we are mostly moving to NC.

[eureka1]

Originally Posted by lorriem

We just closed on a home in Hudson NC today. NC is afforable and beautiful. We lived in CA for 25 years but miss it everyday but you have to save money and to save money you know when it is time to move. Three years ago we moved to FL but after the hurricanes ins co's was not renewing many of us they are all leaving the state and so are the people and they as we are mostly moving to NC.

Congratulations! Hudson sounds like a wonderful place and I'll be checking out the Boone/Hudson area in the Fall. Thanks for the tip!

[eureka1]

Re:Sao Paulo, I've heard the air pollution is unbelievable. Good luck!

[100%Michigan]

I had a friend who lived in California, but couldnt handle the Santa Ana Winds so move to Michigan. They like it in Michigan better, they said " Didn't know the four seasons was that great." Winters are long here... may last from October-April, but its well worth it.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by 100%Michigan

I had a friend who lived in California, but couldnt handle the Santa Ana Winds so move to Michigan. They like it in Michigan better, they said " Didn't know the four seasons was that great." Winters are long here... may last from October-April, but its well worth it.

Wow I've never heard of anyone leaving because of the Santa Anas. Its not like they last very long.

[SWEETARIES]

I have left California twice. My 1st move was in 2002, I relocated to Arizona. Reason being the cost of living in California is crazy! The movie stars and well paid high tech folks are the only ones who can truly live the California dream. I was making decent money but it still wasn't enough for me at the time a single mom, to be out on my own, I was still living with my mom. I just wanted to get away from the Cali lifestyle and move somewhere where I could have my own. Most of you fellow ex Californians know that a lot of young people in California don't move out when they turn 18. It's just too expensive. I loved Arizona but my mother became ill and I moved back to Cali in 2004. However, I never really wanted to be there. Upon moving back I got a really good job yet I could still only afford a one bedroom, plus my commute to work was insane. I had planned on moving back to Arizona however, my ex and I got back together. All of his family is in Chicago. After a long hard decision I relocated to Chicago 2 months ago now. Didn't really like it there so we settle in NW Indiana. I was able to keep my job and I telecommute. I am now living in a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhouse and paying only $25 more rent than I was in Cali for a tiny 1 bedroom. My next goal is to buy a house. A dream that would never come true in California.