Why do Southern Californians move to Vegas/Phoenix for affordability? Why not just the IE? (Riverside: sales, houses)

[Tex?Il?]

With all the talk about people not being able to afford California, wanting to move out of state, get more for your money, etc.

When I talk to people there are people that are attracted to Vegas or Phoenix for example. But why? The economy is not stellar in those places, and the Inland Empire (which certainly has nice areas, in addition to not so nice areas) is n't that much more expensive. I know people disagree with California politics, and have every reason under the sun to leave, whatever,

but would the attraction of Vegas or Phoenix be? Moving to Phoenix from greater LA, is like someone from the Chicago area moving to Indianapolis.

I know some people love Vegas, but it really holds no appeal to me. That is a REAL fake/superficial city to the nth degree. LA has just as much soul and heritage as eastern cities do, just in a west coast way.

I know San Bernadino and Riverside counties don't have a lot going on, but there are nice areas that have there own job centers such as Rancho Cucamonga/Ontario airport area.

Anyways, not to knock Phoenix or Vegas, but if you have roots and connections to LA, but are looking for affordable housing in good areas, why not those areas of SB and Riverside counties?

[EscapeCalifornia]

There's no income tax in Nevada for starters. I know a retired couple in the process of moving out there in large part due to the taxes in California.

[bhcompy]

Because taxes/COL and commute.

[vdy1985]

Yup. Those other locations do not have a ~10% state income tax.

But also note that a ton of southern Californians from LA/OC have populated the Inland Empire over the past 10-15 years.

[SportyandMisty]

Having grown up in the IE, I can state that if God decided Earth needed an enema, He would surely choose San Bernardino for the point of application. I would rather extinguish hot cigarettes on my tongue hourly rather than return to live in that place.

Las Vegas is one of the entertainment capitals of the world, with more celebrity chefs per capita than any place else on the planet, with world-class shows 2nd only to New York City.

[Vary]

You basically answered your own question:

Politics. Inside every Nevadan, no matter what party affiliation, is a teeny bit of Libertarian.
Cost of living: cheaper. No state income tax. Lower sales tax. Houses a fraction of California prices.
24 hour lifestyle: I had to learn new shopping habits when I moved here--I can't just run to any store at midnight in California!

I find where I am in California WAY more fake than Las Vegas. I suppose some of the newer areas in the far southern and western reaches of the valley may be more fake, but they're not the majority of Las Vegas. And the Strip--forget it. That's just for tourists. That's not the real Vegas at all.

[Californiaguy2007]

Because some people just prefer living in a different state or environment or have other personal reasons...I'm one of those Californians though that would rather just visit Vegas or Phoenix because neither one of those places attracts me to live in,but if I had a choice between living in the Greater L.A Region or Vegas or Phoenix,I would definately choose L.A.

L.A offers a much more Variety/Diversity of practically everything for all ages and types,
Which makes it much more interesting to me.

Originally Posted by Tex?Il?

With all the talk about people not being able to afford California, wanting to move out of state, get more for your money, etc.

When I talk to people there are people that are attracted to Vegas or Phoenix for example. But why? The economy is not stellar in those places, and the Inland Empire (which certainly has nice areas, in addition to not so nice areas) is n't that much more expensive. I know people disagree with California politics, and have every reason under the sun to leave, whatever,

but would the attraction of Vegas or Phoenix be? Moving to Phoenix from greater LA, is like someone from the Chicago area moving to Indianapolis.

I know some people love Vegas, but it really holds no appeal to me. That is a REAL fake/superficial city to the nth degree. LA has just as much soul and heritage as eastern cities do, just in a west coast way.

I know San Bernadino and Riverside counties don't have a lot going on, but there are nice areas that have there own job centers such as Rancho Cucamonga/Ontario airport area.

Anyways, not to knock Phoenix or Vegas, but if you have roots and connections to LA, but are looking for affordable housing in good areas, why not those areas of SB and Riverside counties?

[Bruce81]

I have never understood that either. Phoenix and Vegas are hot most of the year, no beach close by surrounded by sand and boredom.

[CAVA1990]

Many people prefer less painful breathing.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Bruce81

I have never understood that either. Phoenix and Vegas are hot most of the year, no beach close by surrounded by sand and boredom.

Both states are little more than big beaches. It just takes awhile to walk to the edge of the ocean.