Any reasons not to move to California? (San Diego, Orange: job market, movies)

[certsevtxert]

If so, why?

A little about me and my situation:

I'm from the east coast and moved to Seattle a few years ago. I hate the winter here, I love the summer here. Winter is 8 months or more, and rains almost every day of those 8 months and maybe 5 sunny days the entire winter. The rest of the time it is overcast. For those 8 months it is dark more than it is light. sunrise at 9am, sunset at 3:30pm. It's ridiculous and I hate the weather. During the summer is perfect however.

Although it regrettably lasts only about 3 months, temp is between 70 and 89 almost every day, almost no rain, sunny almost every day of these 3 months. The days are long, sunrise at 5, sunset at 9. Summer is almost perfect. Only things it's lacking is a good ocean.

I am in my mid-20s. I don't do drugs and don't hang around people who do drugs. Drinking is fine, but I don't go to bars and avoid the party scene if possible. I'm pretty straightedge I guess. I like computers, art, reading, movies, philosophy, psychology, and fitness.

Not a sports fan, I tolerate it just for social occasions like the superbowl. I don't dislike watching sports, in fact I can enjoy watching it. But I would never turn it on if I was by myself. And I don't play any contact sports. But I do like recreational activities like working out, rock climbing, skydiving, etc.

Ideally I'd like to be around some conservatives. However, living in major coastal cities for the past decade has made me pretty much give up on that dream, and has made me much more tolerant of those swinging to the far left. Personally I am neither conservative nor liberal - but in many areas I do tend to take conservative stances, like on drugs, gun control, and prayer in schools.

I am a small business owner, I run a small technology business. This is my sole source of income. So this is an important factor. As a result, job market doesn't really impact me at all, because there are areas with poor job market that my business flourishes, and vice-versa, and switch-vice-versa. The job market alone does not necessarily have a direct influence on my business. Rather, the area's number of growing small businesses would be a more important factor because new and growing businesses who have technological needs are my main clientele.

And perhaps I should mention that my business does not have a physical location.

So there's for starters.

[certsevtxert]

Why don't you tell us about your situation? Otherwise you'll get the right-wingers moaning about how far California has fallen off...

Ok I added a detailed description.

But just a note, I understand that California is not necessarily known for its ethics (i.e. Californication, which I actually watch, it inspires me to write), but if it's the same or any better than Seattle, which just legalized marijuana and gay marriage, then it certainly won't be a downgrade. Main reason I want to move is for the weather and climate.

[Woof]

Orange County is conservative, so if you can afford it why not do it.

[certsevtxert]

Originally Posted by Woof

Orange County is conservative, so if you can afford it why not do it.

Which is one reason for choosing OC over LA.

[1200RT]

Apologies, I skimmed your post, so I may have missed something, and stopped at one key point.

Originally Posted by certsevtxert

I am a small business owner...

As a fellow "small" business owner, I would heavily research the CA tax code, and make a determination on if CA is the best place to run your business. There are consulting firms which will do this for you, which I highly recommend, if your business brings enough to warrant such an expense.

[goozer]

San Diego, OC, and LA could all be good choices for you and each have their own flavor. In general, OC might have the highest percentage of conservative folks but to me they all lean right of Seattle. Weather-wise they all fit the bill. The communities range from pricey beach towns to suburban to foothills and near-desert. Lots of good outdoor activities for those who seek them out. I love the year round lifestyle in SoCal. Seattle is indeed wonderful in summer but I would also have difficulty with the long grey winters.

[CAVA1990]

Have you thought about Atlanta? It might fit you better.

[certsevtxert]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

Have you thought about Atlanta?

No way! Are you Crazy?? (you're referring to Atlanta Georgia, right?? You're nuts!)

[teeej]

But just a note, I understand that California is not necessarily known for its ethics (i.e. Californication, which I actually watch, it inspires me to write), but if it's the same or any better than Seattle, which just legalized marijuana and gay marriage, then it certainly won't be a downgrade.

i think you'll find that many 'conservatives' in California don't have any "ethical" issues with social issues like gay marriage or legalized marijuana. Fiscal policy is the main driver. You also mentioned gun control. I have seen a lot of gun support from locals on facebook, but I don't think it's anything like Texas, Oklahoma etc.

[ysr_racer]

I am an ultra right-wing, conservative, gun owning, republican, Jew.

When I'm at the gun club, we NEVER talk about gay marriage, birth control or abortion. It's always fiscal conservancy, taxes, illegal immigration.