Should people give up on the "California Dream?" (Los Angeles: high crime, how much)

[jc76]

Here it is 2009, our economy is stagnant and our future is very uncertain. In the 1950's, 60's, 70's and even the 80's many people seemed to move to California to have that wonderful weather and the great scenery with a never ending abundance of entertainment. Now, it seems that the greed and high cost of living, not to mention high immigration and crime, is having the opposite effect- people are leaving and moving to Texas, Tennessee, and other places.
I am 32, recently divorced and dreamed for the past 15 years of living in CA. I have moved there a few times out of desperation to escape the midwestern abyss...but my Mom's Cancer came back and she is terminal so I am in Indiana making her as comfortable as possible until nature takes it's course. She is all I have here really, so I am pondering the idea of waiting about a year after her passing, clear my mind, and head back to California.
But I don't know, I hear so much negative these days about California. All the bad talk is making me start to think maybe the dream is dead. Maybe I should just forget it and lay that chapter of my life to rest, just stay in this miserable area.
Can anyone read this and give me your own personal advice? Please.
***FYI- Single, no kids, general laborer with some college. I am not a "professional" and have no drive to be that. I just want nice weather and some sunshine. It's mid April and snowing here. Very depressing.

[Twinkle Toes]

It's over 100 here and sunny. No, don't give up on your dream. Give it another shot. Millions of people live in CA and seem to be fine. You don't have to live in the most expensive areas. If yu know how to budget your money, there is no reason you can't make it here like the millions of others who live here. Best wishes to you, and I'm sorry to read about your mom.

[Curmudgeon]

Sorry to hear about your mother. It's mid-April here as well and the forecast is for 92˚ here in Sacramento but a balmy 88˚ in Los Angeles.

You have the advantages of being young, presumably healthy and unencumbered by an immediate family. That gives you a lot more freedom and options than many your age enjoy.

You have the disadvantages of having limited education and job skills that would require you to compete for jobs with those same immigrants and could mean that the only affordable housing you could find would be in or near those high crime areas. A less personal disadvantage is, as you've already pointed out, a stagnant economy. California also has an 11.3% unemployment rate at the moment.

Having said all that, you are also in a good position to follow your dream because you have the flexibility to pick up and go elsewhere if things don't work out here. You'll never know unless you try and even if you fail, you won't ever regret having given it your best shot.

Best of luck!

[timelesschild]

You can do it if you want to make it happen. Try researching your job options first, then laying a plan for where to live, around that. You've been through a lot in the past little bit, haven't you? Divorce, illness/impending death of a parent - that's a lot. Make up your mind what you want and make it happen! It's YOUR life.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by jc76

***FYI- Single, no kids, general laborer with some college. I am not a "professional" and have no drive to be that.

That doesn't sound like it pays very well, especially in a state with such high cost of living. How much do you want to live the rest of your life like a 3rd world peasant?

[bayarea-girl]

Really sorry to hear about your mother. Whatever you do just have a plan. CA is really expensive but is becoming less expensive in some aspects. Make sure you have connections in CA so that when and if you decide to move you will know what is going on and how to get what you want. You decision has to be yours, it has to be a gut instinct and not our opinions.

Best of luck to you.

[coyote58]

Originally Posted by jc76

Here it is 2009, our economy is stagnant and our future is very uncertain. In the 1950's, 60's, 70's and even the 80's many people seemed to move to California to have that wonderful weather and the great scenery with a never ending abundance of entertainment. Now, it seems that the greed and high cost of living, not to mention high immigration and crime, is having the opposite effect- people are leaving and moving to Texas, Tennessee, and other places.
I am 32, recently divorced and dreamed for the past 15 years of living in CA. I have moved there a few times out of desperation to escape the midwestern abyss...but my Mom's Cancer came back and she is terminal so I am in Indiana making her as comfortable as possible until nature takes it's course. She is all I have here really, so I am pondering the idea of waiting about a year after her passing, clear my mind, and head back to California.
But I don't know, I hear so much negative these days about California. All the bad talk is making me start to think maybe the dream is dead. Maybe I should just forget it and lay that chapter of my life to rest, just stay in this miserable area.
Can anyone read this and give me your own personal advice? Please.
***FYI- Single, no kids, general laborer with some college. I am not a "professional" and have no drive to be that. I just want nice weather and some sunshine. It's mid April and snowing here. Very depressing.

Hi there in Indiana, Just thought Id throw the ol' two cents in. Im in Humboldt county, an exceptional area, very spread out with something for everyone. HSU keeps a youthful progressive flavor to the friendly communities. Many "some huge" farmers markets, and outdoor opportunities galore..................come ckeck out our beaches. Google us, and good luck to you!!

[Charles]

Originally Posted by jc76

I have moved there a few times out of desperation to escape the midwestern abyss...but my Mom's Cancer came back

You moved to California a few times. Was your mom's condition the only reason you moved back? If not, what were the other reasons? Will those other reasons present themselves again?

[Ludachris]

Did you enjoy life while living in California before? That's the ultimate question.

[CA central coast]

Originally Posted by jc76

It's mid April and snowing here. Very depressing.

It was 90+ here in Los Osos yesterday. If you plan on not having the resposibilities of familiy or home, then no problem. Depends what that "dream" means to you. Making lots of money and living in a big house? If that's it, you better head back to school or come up with some damn good idea. Good weather and sunshine? sure, get a job 8-12 bucks an hour, live with roomates, walk everywhere, public trans. What kind of life do you want?