[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

Well said, I agree. With that, I think it's safe to say the nouveau riche is obnoxious everywhere, especially in CT's blossoming upper-middle class towns.

Well they have yet to invade Vernon as of yet- but some newcomers here do come in with a heavy attitude & agenda--- I simply ignore them.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

I simply ignore them.

That's all you can do.

I meant more towns like Avon, Simsbury, Farmington, Redding, Southbury, Newtown, Guilford, etc. Vernon isn't so bad yet.

And it's not only the newcomers.

[skytrekker]

Eastern Connecticut remains pretty unchanged- Tolland is becoming slightly more upscale- but even Pomfret, Brooklyn and Woodstock are laid back.

[pucker]

Lol..I really was trying to steer clear of the "illegal" issue as it is not just a common problem in CA but all over the country.

I look forward to our visit in Oct. as it will definitely help our decision to move there. Hakuna matata

[pmeek2309]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

Funny thing

I have seen many people from Connecticut leave this state and move to many areas of the nation-not only California- and take their problems to those places as well.

I have an x friend who was pretentious,an arrogant trust fund baby, greedy, self indulgent and offensive- and they live in central CT---- but the caveat is 'they where in 'love' with the California lifestyle for years-

Skytrekker:

Everytime California is mentioned you use it as an opportunity to put down the state and the people who live there. As someone who spent a childhood between California and New Jersey (and I travel back as often as I can to see family and friends) I must say your comments about the state are dead wrong. You should go back as I think you are using stereotypes to label the good people of Caifornia.

I think we are owed an explanation as to why you continually badmouth the state. At this point it seems like you had personal issues out in CA and are still not over it. I may be wrong though. Care to share?

[skytrekker]

I did say California was nearly a perfect place to live 40 years ago-did I not?

I would hardly say that statement qualifies as something 'negative'-- calling a place nearly 'Perfect' is hardly trashing it- but putting it up on perhaps a 'paragon' no place else can equal.

That was then- this is now. The problems I see as A Geographer & California are objective and unbiased.

The pluses; As always then as now the climate-especially along the coast- temperate and even- lack of extremes-no high humility, no cold- sunny.

Great outdoor outlets from Great coastlines and beaches- nearby mountains, great forests in the north- the compelling vastness of the desert,skiing in the Sierra, great National Parks - Sparkling cities with culture and glamour-

The negatives; uncontrolled illegal immigration, massive transportation & traffic problems, air pollution especially in the L.A Basin and the central valley, the state ranks in the lower half for quality of life today, poor schools, high costs, not a very safe place to live (high crime in many areas)-- Water supply problems for a burgeoning population; uncontrolled urban sprawl.

Believe me as A geographer and sociologist by training I can perhaps see the California culture and lifestyle as many others have stated here as 'materialistic' and shallow- truth is those people can exist anywhere- but the California lifestyle of today seems to really exemplify this negative evaluation.

The California of 1963- of buying a nice affordable home in a safe pleasant suburb with good schools and a free great University system; A quick drive to work on the states vaunted freeway system- are a conceptual life style long gone.

Frankly- I feel you are too sensitive- and are in denial of the profound problems that exist in the state. If it is so wonderful- why the move? We have a fair share of Californians wanting out of the state- not only moving to CT-but Massachusetts, RI, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine- must be something that is attracting these natives and long time residents here to brave our not so pleasant climate.

I hope to visit the state again soon from SD to the bay area- to the Redwood empire in the north- and as always I will enjoy my trip back- I feel you have misinterpreted my feelings about the Golden state- for someone who has spent much time there- I feel I can objectively see the good and the bad.

I have helped many Californians find the appropriate place in Connecticut to live- and have always been positive to them-
I have worked tirelessly here with others providing as much information as humanly possible, I Feel your criticisms are unfair and harsh.

[hoppybunn]

Well to the poster of this thread, you may have noticed there is a huge difference when it comes to attitude between those on the West coast and the East coast. Since I have basically lived all over the country (spending most of my childhood in CT), I can say that I find the general population of the East to be colder towards strangers than out here in the West. Though that may be the same with California, however I do know that Californians are much more laid back whereas it seems people are much more uptight in the East. However like most of the people already stated (ignoring the dumb argument going on above) CT does have 4 seasons which is really nice, great schools, and city and country living. Plus depending on where you are the cost of living is definitely not as high as SD.

[sav858]

Even though I felt you didn't rag on or put Ca down in this thread I have you seen you stereotype and generalize the state before; trying to compare the entire state of CA to a small northeastern state like CT and MA. Which of course is pretty unfair give CA's large size and diversity.

Originally Posted by skytrekker

Believe me as A geographer and sociologist by training I can perhaps see the California culture and lifestyle as many others have stated here as 'materialistic' and shallow- truth is those people can exist anywhere- but the California lifestyle of today seems to really exemplify this negative evaluation.

How does CA lifestyle of today exemplify this?? People here work very hard just to pay the bills and many middle class people here don't have those extra luxuries that the middle class elsewhere have. You see people who make well over $100k a year living in small condos, driving used, high mileage cars, watching an old 27" tube TV, not taking many vacations out of state, etc... People who make $100k live like people who make $50k elsewhere. If anything a state like TX, where a lot of Californians seeking a bigger house and more material "things" move to, exemplifies that lifestyle. People move away from CA so they can have the McMansion, big car, and flat screen TV. Many people give up those things to live here, that's not materialistic when you're willing to give up all those things you could otherwise afford elsewhere to live in some old, small cramped apartment.

I think people see these images of celebrities and wealthy Californians on stupid TV shows flaunting their wealth and for some dumb reason apply that to the rest of us. Californians are a lot more down to earth and don't place a big value on material possessions. Look at how much we pay for such small, average looking homes. If we wanted to flaunt wealth we would be buying big, large McMansions but we are not. We are paying through the nose for a shack.

Ca is not a state people come to or live in if they want a bunch of unnecessary materialistic thing or a big trophy house.

[skytrekker]

Ok

I feel at this point we are becoming off topic

Lets discuss what the OP requested -a Possible move to Connecticut. This may include the culture, climate, cost of living etc.

I for one would not be on the California forum with other CT members attempting to hijack A thread there.

Any additional posts not answering the questions offered by the OP will be deleted as off topic.

Moderator

[pucker]

Originally Posted by hoppybunn

Plus depending on where you are the cost of living is definitely not as high as SD.

Thank you for the insight. I actually did an online relocation calculator and with my income that I make in San Diego, my finances would improve by 25 % by moving to CT

Which would make my income $17k more a year. The wife and I are tired of living in a two bedroom small apt. in a bad neighborhood of town for $1500 a month. Its ridiculous. We're only renting at this point because its so expensive to afford a mortage here. Plus we know we want to move to the East coast so we're just saving up for our home

So if anybody knows a good real estate agent in Hartford or surrounding communities, I would be very interested.