Why do people still want to live in California? (San Diego: insurance, home)

[emotiioo]

I'm genuinely curious.

We sold our last 2 properties in California to totally divest ourselves of financial ties to this state. With wildfires, pandemic pandemonium, climate change, lack of electricity and water, high taxes and higher insurance its no longer a safe nor particularly profitable place for out investment. Cost of living still remains high and the state population continues to grow

My mate has relatives who are still convinced that its the best place to be and that it further extends some kind of coveted status on them for being California residents. I still wonder how this mystique fits into the reality of a place thars burdened by overpopulation and a host of problems unique to this location.

So why do people still want to live there? Do you think this is or will change? Whats the next destination for those who find California too troubled to move there?

[CHRockwell]

If you like moderate climates then that could be a reason. Access to beaches, mountains, etc are pretty good also.

Cost is relative. If you can afford it and feel it is worth it then I understand it. I just have to laugh when people try to act as if the costs are not exorbitant.

Also it comes down to compromises. If you live outside of CA you are likely compromising on something like weather. Well these people are compromising on costs. No compromise is better or worse than another.

I have also learned what people are willing to subject themselves to regarding compromises does not necessarily line up with mine but that is OK.

The facts are there are very few people living in CA that can actually afford it, but they do not realize that yet.

[evening sun]

It is my home.

[GuyInSD]

Originally Posted by CHRockwell

If you like moderate climates then that could be a reason. Access to beaches, mountains, etc are pretty good also...

That's pretty much it for me.
If I could find another place outside of California (in the U.S.) that has a near-identical climate as coastal San Diego (with lower housing cost), then I'd seriously consider moving - but I have a feeling such a place doesn't exist.

[Mr5150]

Originally Posted by CHRockwell

The facts are there are very few people living in CA that can actually afford it, but they do not realize that yet.

Why do you think of this idea? No one I know would agree with you. 40,000,000 would move away if no one could afford to live here. Think about it

[emotiioo]

Is climate really that compelling of a reason? Surely there are other places where it doesn't snow. Most humans in the US live in the controlled environment of home with AC and heat/car with the same etc. What happens if the climate changes significantly and say, theres no water and everything catches on fire? Which we already see happening? Will that be enough for people to explore other options?

We are in the very privileged few that could afford to live anywhere we wanted so the cost is not the issue, though I do agree that many middle income families are not getting a lot of value by living in many parts of California.

[evening sun]

Originally Posted by Mr5150

Why do you think of this idea? No one I know would agree with you. 40,000,000 would move away if no one could afford to live here. Think about it

I agree, We live here on budget & do fine, (it's affordable for us.) So does everyone else I know.

[Durpie]

Your happiness is worth money. I don't live in California, but I'm sure its because of just being from there, being used to it and the cost of living, the status of being from California, weather, and the outdoors. Most people don't move to and from somewhere due to the cost of living.

[Mike930]

Originally Posted by emotiioo

Is climate really that compelling of a reason? Surely there are other places where it doesn't snow. Most humans in the US live in the controlled environment of home with AC and heat/car with the same etc. What happens if the climate changes significantly and say, theres no water and everything catches on fire? Which we already see happening? Will that be enough for people to explore other options?

We are in the very privileged few that could afford to live anywhere we wanted so the cost is not the issue, though I do agree that many middle income families are not getting a lot of value by living in many parts of California.

There are many different climates in California, so it’s not a place you can broad brush. I live in San Diego abd the climate is a huge factor.

I’ve lived in quite a few states and other countries where I’ve had to shovel snow, watch for flooding, etc. Here, there’s no snow, but I can drive to it within a reasonable amount of time if I want. It rarely floods here and when it does, it’s pretty predictable and in certain places that can be avoided.

When it’s -20 back east, it’s 65 degrees here. However, the crazy politicians and cost of living are starting to outweigh the weather benefits.

[roadwarrior101]

Originally Posted by emotiioo

Is climate really that compelling of a reason? Surely there are other places where it doesn't snow. Most humans in the US live in the controlled environment of home with AC and heat/car with the same etc. What happens if the climate changes significantly and say, theres no water and everything catches on fire? Which we already see happening? Will that be enough for people to explore other options?

Ask people in the upper Midwest if they value climate vs shoveling snow most of the year. Or how about people in the Great Plains who deal with Tornadoes or those on the Gulf Coast that need to worry about Hurricanes each year. How about those in Texas that have stifling heat and humidity for about 1/2 of the year?

The fact of the matter is that most places will need to deal with one thing or another. I would agree that with global warming, droughts, fires and poor air quality are making the quality of life in California much worse. On the other hand, many other parts of the country have their own issues with Global Warming.