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Interesting. The more of this type of condescension I run into, the more I miss being surrounded by people who are so "closed-minded" and "unwelcoming" that they can actually see a world beyond the borders of their state.
Well, one must actually LEAVE the borders of their state to learn about other places, which, I clearly have done. Have YOU ever left the boundaries of YOUR state?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Quatermass
The singular arrogance of liberal Californians blinds them to any conception of life beyond the hermetically-sealed bubble they're afraid to leave.
Again, clearly I was not afraid to leave. But you use a lot of big words, so I'm impressed anyway.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Quatermass
To the extent Americans' tolerance of Californians wears thin, attitudes like yours are the reason why..
You know, I don't look down on anybody, except people who harm and/or neglect children. I don't look down on people for their religion or their birthstate (what a stupid thing to look down on somebody for, wouldn't you agree?). So, my "attitude", comes from being treated raunchy by people here in Boise simply because I am not Mormon, or because I was born in California (which clearly, I had no control over, lol. not that i would change it, because i wouldn't).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Quatermass
I find the products of this Desirable Environment to be no more "intellectually evolved" than the people in the Red State I left. I do find they have a peculiar need to convince themselves of their own superiority, which truly evolved people do not need to do. But then, I took living in a state where people weren't self-absorbed jerks for granted..
it's funny how peoples' perceptions can be so different, isn't it? here in boise, my perception is that the onslaught of inconsiderate drivers, people who will run into you and knock over your kids in a mall or grocery store to seem very self-absorbed and jerk-ish. there is a definite snobbish-ness here. i didn't create it, i just acknowledge it. it's one of those don't-shoot-the-messenger kinds of situations, fyi.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Quatermass
The irony in your post is so apparent, and so ridiculous, I don't even know how to put it into words. Seriously. And hey, by the way, I don't mean to be offensive and insulting.
i really did not set out to be insulting. clearly, you found my post insulting, but it seems like i could have said almost anything at all, and the mere fact that i am from where i'm from was all you needed to know.
Please read all so we can nip this in the bud .. Your intelligent feedback is appreciated :
Good Day everyone. I am a new user here but not new to the forum.. I keep a particularly close eye on this forum because I live in California and am concerned so much so that I wanted to see what other people think about CA. I read through all 6 pages of this post regarding varied sentiment about CA and I understand everyone's points. I will get to mine shortly (please hang w/ me) and I hope to get intelligent feedback from others. First is first... A little bit about myself so my bias/perspectives can be traced if one exists...
I am a 26 year old male who grew up mostly in FL. I have my Masters in Computer Engineering from one of the top Universities in America. I have travelled the world and have spent some time in several other states (CT, NY, PA). I graduated w/ multiple offers from companies in various diff. states (MA, NY, CA, FL). I ended up choosing FL namely due to firm/factual calculations as to standard of living based on the various salaries. For instance, my salary in FL was ~$8k less than CA was willing to pay me. Further, I had friends/etc this also influenced me.. In all honesty though, when I did the math, I was like : there is no way is F*** I would go to CA w/ that compensation. Had I seen the amazing Cali movies that paint this out to be a wonderful place? Sure... But even though I was then, at the time (21), I was not wet behind the ears.... Nor was I or am I an anti-social hermit who likes working 12-14 hour weeks to be living in a shack apt built in 1980 making decisions about every purchase I make due to taxes/etc. I know how to appreciate culture, nature, diversity, night life, and festivities. I know their place and their relative value to me. So, the choice was made... I took the FL offer.. Had loads of fun... loved the nightlife.. the culture (mainly Caribbean/Spanish).. The diversity in my friends : Brazilian, Haitian, Filipino, Italian, Irish, Chinese, Cuban.... Some year and a 1/2 later I felt better career opportunities lied elsewhere and so I applied to various places and got good offers from top companies in CA... Although I knew better job opportunities lied in CA, I still did not let go of my strict desire to have adequate compensation. I was given a grand slam offer and it made sense.. So I made the move... My salary w/ bonus tops six figures so (no) I am by no means priced out of CA.
What I learned after about 2 years of living here though is I hate the taxes/cost of living. Geography, nothing compares... Diversity too... Love SF although I hate the commute from the valley.
W/ respect to people's comments... I think about this simple thing... If CA were to be uninhabited.. if it didn't have a diverse pool of people populating it.. if it didn't have the crazy taxes and Looney govt. would it hold its value comparative to other states? Sure... It's an amazing and beautiful place... However, it is ran by a total jack*** for a govt.... It's taxes are insane... Cost of living is also insane... And again, I make upwards of six figures and have an enjoyable job...
So going forward... I am looking to get out of here... because when I run the calculations.. It's simply not worth it... As a piece of land, this place is amazing and I can see people's desire to move here.. however, coupled w/ its entrance and inhabitation fee.. It just tends to not be a value for people... I think this is where EVERYONE is divided on this and threads like it.. If there were no taxes and Looney govt I am sure people would be coming here in the boatloads. I think most of the people saying they don't like CA based it on the (Value - to them). which is fair... Not that it is a horrible place... I would even agree w/ people who love this place that this is an amazing place that I would rather not part... But on costs ... It becomes a ? .. is it worth it .. and to the defectors it tends not to be. Should the people who love this place say 'to hell w/ you? leave....'.. No, not exactly because w/ them.. they take their tax revenue.. culture... jobs....ideas.. and spirit... Look at what globalization did to jobs in America.. Is it not plausible that employers in the U.S might not make a similar domestic migration when the time is right? W/ U.S unemployment reaching near 10% and a huge # of intelligent college grads who are jobless do you think that they would be picky about what geographical place they locate? What happens when a place gets a foothold like Raleigh, NC or Spots in texas in way of a tech hub? What happens when the culture and money start to build up those places to diverse hubs like... you know CA? Emotionally you can lob your attacks on defectors but ... To ignore this possibility and say to hell w/ you guys and not get at why people are leaving and try to make changes to prevent it only puts you at a loss... I mean sure, if your b/f is abuser you can stay w/ him because you love him soo much and you can call those who criticize him haters but that is not going to stop maybe your face from getting beatin in.. So ignore the complaints at your own risk. I do wish this state the best though.. it really is a beautiful place and I would really hate to see people leave in large #'s due to an out of control govt. that non of the states citizens seem to care about and make excuses for like (you have to pay to be in this beautiful place)... LOL, sure... but are you paying in to the geographical landscape or paying to sustain an out of control govt... The two are diff.
And again, I happen to make a decent wage so it's not like I am scrapping by. I have projected I can save ~$50-$60k a year after bills/taxes and having a good time. However, coming from FL it irks me when I have to pay 9.5% sales tax. It irks me when I have to pay $250 to register my car every year. It irks me that my electricity bill includes charges to pay some other dude's electricity bill. It irks me that I have to pay 9.5% income tax... and for what? Are the roads better than FL where my registration was $30? No. Is the care for the elderly better here than in FL where there is no income tax and sales tax is 6.5%? No... Do I get what I pay for ? No. And for me, I don't get emotionally attached to a state. My state.. Is my state of mind and frankly I can enjoy any place so long as I have the freedom to enjoy the fruits of my labor. There is just as much diversity, although from diff countries, in FL as there is in CA. In my opinion, a better night life.. And hey, before I left, I was renting a 2,789 sq. foot new house w/ 3 car garage.. big backyard.. granite countertops .. wine rack.. tile throughout mcMansion for less than what I pay for a freaking dorm apt. that was built in probably 1980 w/o A/C... a 2 bedroom 1 bath apt. ... I pay $1895.. to rent a mcmansion in FL it was $1650 a month. So, can I honestly say this is not a beautiful state w/ beautiful people, geography, festivities, and OMFGWTFBBQ? No....
But personally, is it worth it to me w/ my six figure salary? No... The best game plan is to live small.. live young.. don't buy anything major ... Live frugal as hell .. enjoy CA for what it is.. stash away your cash in tax havens, 401ks, annuities, wtvr you can find.. and once you have had your fill .. bounce and settle down. It's funny that I realize this now having been here for 2 years or so. I initially came here thinking the grass is greener on the other side and buying all the hype that is shown in movies about CA... I was wet behind the ears and didn't get what the guy from CA who just moved to FL was telling me as I was leaving my company.... I thought he was just being an old fuddy dud.. Well, I have seen the light as a good # of people who haven't become emotionally tied to this state have... and soon I will be leaving ... taking my fun self, my culture, my $$$ (especially that hiding in tax shelters)... my major purchases.. my intelligence.. my future wife and potential kids .. my home purchase most probably to a state that respects the hard work of its citizens.. that being either Texas or FL... no income tax and low sales tax...
Diversity is not due to Cali. It's due to the people who come here... Many people leaving expensive places like NY/CA end up going to cheaper places to raise a family.. w/ it.. they bring their diversity.. their culture... and amazing selves... It's been an excellent couple of years in CA I can't lie but it just doesn't make any sense anymore and I respect those who, beyond their emotional feelings for CA, do the #'s and make the intelligent choice...
I wish this state the best going into the future .. It just amazes me its comprised of some of the most intelligent people (in the valley).. The most innovative entrepreneurs .. Yet collectively they go to work everyday slaving like animals working 12-14 hours to pay it all out in taxes for no greater services than most other states... To pray their option arm doesn't reset on their 1,000 sq. foot $600k house... All to be in a sinking ship for which there are many other empty floating ones at sea. Yeah the geography isn't as great as CA.. but that's all CA as a piece of land has to offer.. the people in CA are found all over the world and United States... The fun, culture too.. Seek and ye will find... Life is what you make out of it and I personally just feel I want to make it in a place that makes it less hard for me to make choices I need to and want to make. Both from a lifestyle perspective and from a financial perspective. I look forward to constructive feedback.
To sum up with an immortal film line. “You could give an Aspirin a headache pal”
Please read all so we can nip this in the bud .. Your intelligent feedback is appreciated :
Good Day everyone. I am a new user here but not new to the forum.. I keep a particularly close eye on this forum because I live in California and am concerned so much so that I wanted to see what other people think about CA. I read through all 6 pages of this post regarding varied sentiment about CA and I understand everyone's points. I will get to mine shortly (please hang w/ me) and I hope to get intelligent feedback from others. First is first... A little bit about myself so my bias/perspectives can be traced if one exists...
I am a 26 year old male who grew up mostly in FL. I have my Masters in Computer Engineering from one of the top Universities in America. I have travelled the world and have spent some time in several other states (CT, NY, PA). I graduated w/ multiple offers from companies in various diff. states (MA, NY, CA, FL). I ended up choosing FL namely due to firm/factual calculations as to standard of living based on the various salaries. For instance, my salary in FL was ~$8k less than CA was willing to pay me. Further, I had friends/etc this also influenced me.. In all honesty though, when I did the math, I was like : there is no way is F*** I would go to CA w/ that compensation. Had I seen the amazing Cali movies that paint this out to be a wonderful place? Sure... But even though I was then, at the time (21), I was not wet behind the ears.... Nor was I or am I an anti-social hermit who likes working 12-14 hour weeks to be living in a shack apt built in 1980 making decisions about every purchase I make due to taxes/etc. I know how to appreciate culture, nature, diversity, night life, and festivities. I know their place and their relative value to me. So, the choice was made... I took the FL offer.. Had loads of fun... loved the nightlife.. the culture (mainly Caribbean/Spanish).. The diversity in my friends : Brazilian, Haitian, Filipino, Italian, Irish, Chinese, Cuban.... Some year and a 1/2 later I felt better career opportunities lied elsewhere and so I applied to various places and got good offers from top companies in CA... Although I knew better job opportunities lied in CA, I still did not let go of my strict desire to have adequate compensation. I was given a grand slam offer and it made sense.. So I made the move... My salary w/ bonus tops six figures so (no) I am by no means priced out of CA.
What I learned after about 2 years of living here though is I hate the taxes/cost of living. Geography, nothing compares... Diversity too... Love SF although I hate the commute from the valley.
W/ respect to people's comments... I think about this simple thing... If CA were to be uninhabited.. if it didn't have a diverse pool of people populating it.. if it didn't have the crazy taxes and Looney govt. would it hold its value comparative to other states? Sure... It's an amazing and beautiful place... However, it is ran by a total jack*** for a govt.... It's taxes are insane... Cost of living is also insane... And again, I make upwards of six figures and have an enjoyable job...
So going forward... I am looking to get out of here... because when I run the calculations.. It's simply not worth it... As a piece of land, this place is amazing and I can see people's desire to move here.. however, coupled w/ its entrance and inhabitation fee.. It just tends to not be a value for people... I think this is where EVERYONE is divided on this and threads like it.. If there were no taxes and Looney govt I am sure people would be coming here in the boatloads. I think most of the people saying they don't like CA based it on the (Value - to them). which is fair... Not that it is a horrible place... I would even agree w/ people who love this place that this is an amazing place that I would rather not part... But on costs ... It becomes a ? .. is it worth it .. and to the defectors it tends not to be. Should the people who love this place say 'to hell w/ you? leave....'.. No, not exactly because w/ them.. they take their tax revenue.. culture... jobs....ideas.. and spirit... Look at what globalization did to jobs in America.. Is it not plausible that employers in the U.S might not make a similar domestic migration when the time is right? W/ U.S unemployment reaching near 10% and a huge # of intelligent college grads who are jobless do you think that they would be picky about what geographical place they locate? What happens when a place gets a foothold like Raleigh, NC or Spots in texas in way of a tech hub? What happens when the culture and money start to build up those places to diverse hubs like... you know CA? Emotionally you can lob your attacks on defectors but ... To ignore this possibility and say to hell w/ you guys and not get at why people are leaving and try to make changes to prevent it only puts you at a loss... I mean sure, if your b/f is abuser you can stay w/ him because you love him soo much and you can call those who criticize him haters but that is not going to stop maybe your face from getting beatin in.. So ignore the complaints at your own risk. I do wish this state the best though.. it really is a beautiful place and I would really hate to see people leave in large #'s due to an out of control govt. that non of the states citizens seem to care about and make excuses for like (you have to pay to be in this beautiful place)... LOL, sure... but are you paying in to the geographical landscape or paying to sustain an out of control govt... The two are diff.
And again, I happen to make a decent wage so it's not like I am scrapping by. I have projected I can save ~$50-$60k a year after bills/taxes and having a good time. However, coming from FL it irks me when I have to pay 9.5% sales tax. It irks me when I have to pay $250 to register my car every year. It irks me that my electricity bill includes charges to pay some other dude's electricity bill. It irks me that I have to pay 9.5% income tax... and for what? Are the roads better than FL where my registration was $30? No. Is the care for the elderly better here than in FL where there is no income tax and sales tax is 6.5%? No... Do I get what I pay for ? No. And for me, I don't get emotionally attached to a state. My state.. Is my state of mind and frankly I can enjoy any place so long as I have the freedom to enjoy the fruits of my labor. There is just as much diversity, although from diff countries, in FL as there is in CA. In my opinion, a better night life.. And hey, before I left, I was renting a 2,789 sq. foot new house w/ 3 car garage.. big backyard.. granite countertops .. wine rack.. tile throughout mcMansion for less than what I pay for a freaking dorm apt. that was built in probably 1980 w/o A/C... a 2 bedroom 1 bath apt. ... I pay $1895.. to rent a mcmansion in FL it was $1650 a month. So, can I honestly say this is not a beautiful state w/ beautiful people, geography, festivities, and OMFGWTFBBQ? No....
But personally, is it worth it to me w/ my six figure salary? No... The best game plan is to live small.. live young.. don't buy anything major ... Live frugal as hell .. enjoy CA for what it is.. stash away your cash in tax havens, 401ks, annuities, wtvr you can find.. and once you have had your fill .. bounce and settle down. It's funny that I realize this now having been here for 2 years or so. I initially came here thinking the grass is greener on the other side and buying all the hype that is shown in movies about CA... I was wet behind the ears and didn't get what the guy from CA who just moved to FL was telling me as I was leaving my company.... I thought he was just being an old fuddy dud.. Well, I have seen the light as a good # of people who haven't become emotionally tied to this state have... and soon I will be leaving ... taking my fun self, my culture, my $$$ (especially that hiding in tax shelters)... my major purchases.. my intelligence.. my future wife and potential kids .. my home purchase most probably to a state that respects the hard work of its citizens.. that being either Texas or FL... no income tax and low sales tax...
Diversity is not due to Cali. It's due to the people who come here... Many people leaving expensive places like NY/CA end up going to cheaper places to raise a family.. w/ it.. they bring their diversity.. their culture... and amazing selves... It's been an excellent couple of years in CA I can't lie but it just doesn't make any sense anymore and I respect those who, beyond their emotional feelings for CA, do the #'s and make the intelligent choice...
I wish this state the best going into the future .. It just amazes me its comprised of some of the most intelligent people (in the valley).. The most innovative entrepreneurs .. Yet collectively they go to work everyday slaving like animals working 12-14 hours to pay it all out in taxes for no greater services than most other states... To pray their option arm doesn't reset on their 1,000 sq. foot $600k house... All to be in a sinking ship for which there are many other empty floating ones at sea. Yeah the geography isn't as great as CA.. but that's all CA as a piece of land has to offer.. the people in CA are found all over the world and United States... The fun, culture too.. Seek and ye will find... Life is what you make out of it and I personally just feel I want to make it in a place that makes it less hard for me to make choices I need to and want to make. Both from a lifestyle perspective and from a financial perspective. I look forward to constructive feedback.
WOW!! Now that is a long post
While I agree with some of the things you said, they have been said OVER AND OVER on this board. No one moves from CA because they hate the weather!!! It's everything else that pushes them out.
I also moved from Florida to California, though I did it 27 years ago.
"Culture" is not simply the diversity of people. It's the art musuems, the music, the opera, the plays, the arts in general. You can't get the level of virtuosity you find here in Texas or Florida. That California geography is inspiring too.
I think Florida is a fabulous place for people who love beach sports and things like scuba diving.
I like this sentence of yours: "Nor was I or am I an anti-social hermit who likes working 12-14 hour weeks..." I would LOVE to work 12 to 14 hour WEEKS! (This shows me that you may be brilliant, but you are sloppy.)
The fact is: If California were cheap like Florida and Texas, even MORE PEOPLE would move here and it would be wall to wall people from the coast to Death Valley AND EVERYONE WOULD ABSOLUTELY HATE IT!!! If Florida's government was running this state, there would be housing developments in Yosemite, the Sequoias, Lake Tahoe, and everywhere else. There would be 60-story condos all along the coastline. We'd have 1,000 tollroads to navigate everyday. Golden Gate Park would be "Disney's Golden Gate Park" with a $150 daily entrance fee. Property taxes for anything within 100 miles of the coast would be "out of this world" high (because there would be no state income taxes).
I personally think the LOONY government is in Florida because they have done NOTHING to restrict development. They have turned the once-nice state into a total s***hole by allowing a gazillion developers to do whatever they want. Pristine public beaches in Florida are kind of a joke now, aren't they?
So, GO! Be gone! Have a wonderful time wherever you go to! I'll stay here, where I never have a dull moment and where there is always something interesting to do!
You have places like Tampa Theatre or some in other cities, but it doesnt go too far past that. Sarasota is considered an art city, but its a joke. It holds one of the most famous art schools, but the art there seems ticky tacky to me or if anythings artsy, its a real small element.
I currently live in FL and it sucks totally. I am so looking forward to my journey going to CA in maybe 6 months time. FL government has to be one of the worst jokes since they don't regulate anything. They can build anywhere at any time and it shows. Its almost like the same people who flock to FL play cards with the people who think Texas is better because its "cheaper". If your a millionaire maybe. Otherwise no. I'll trade places with that guy. I am also more of a free thinker. I don't consider myself a hippy but I have free thinking ideals surely. Something that isn't celebrated in FL.
Please read all so we can nip this in the bud .. Your intelligent feedback is appreciated :
Good Day everyone. I am a new user here but not new to the forum.. I keep a particularly close eye on this forum because I live in California and am concerned so much so that I wanted to see what other people think about CA. I read through all 6 pages of this post regarding varied sentiment about CA and I understand everyone's points. I will get to mine shortly (please hang w/ me) and I hope to get intelligent feedback from others. First is first... A little bit about myself so my bias/perspectives can be traced if one exists...
I am a 26 year old male who grew up mostly in FL. I have my Masters in Computer Engineering from one of the top Universities in America. I have travelled the world and have spent some time in several other states (CT, NY, PA). I graduated w/ multiple offers from companies in various diff. states (MA, NY, CA, FL). I ended up choosing FL namely due to firm/factual calculations as to standard of living based on the various salaries. For instance, my salary in FL was ~$8k less than CA was willing to pay me. Further, I had friends/etc this also influenced me.. In all honesty though, when I did the math, I was like : there is no way is F*** I would go to CA w/ that compensation. Had I seen the amazing Cali movies that paint this out to be a wonderful place? Sure... But even though I was then, at the time (21), I was not wet behind the ears.... Nor was I or am I an anti-social hermit who likes working 12-14 hour weeks to be living in a shack apt built in 1980 making decisions about every purchase I make due to taxes/etc. I know how to appreciate culture, nature, diversity, night life, and festivities. I know their place and their relative value to me. So, the choice was made... I took the FL offer.. Had loads of fun... loved the nightlife.. the culture (mainly Caribbean/Spanish).. The diversity in my friends : Brazilian, Haitian, Filipino, Italian, Irish, Chinese, Cuban.... Some year and a 1/2 later I felt better career opportunities lied elsewhere and so I applied to various places and got good offers from top companies in CA... Although I knew better job opportunities lied in CA, I still did not let go of my strict desire to have adequate compensation. I was given a grand slam offer and it made sense.. So I made the move... My salary w/ bonus tops six figures so (no) I am by no means priced out of CA.
What I learned after about 2 years of living here though is I hate the taxes/cost of living. Geography, nothing compares... Diversity too... Love SF although I hate the commute from the valley.
W/ respect to people's comments... I think about this simple thing... If CA were to be uninhabited.. if it didn't have a diverse pool of people populating it.. if it didn't have the crazy taxes and Looney govt. would it hold its value comparative to other states? Sure... It's an amazing and beautiful place... However, it is ran by a total jack*** for a govt.... It's taxes are insane... Cost of living is also insane... And again, I make upwards of six figures and have an enjoyable job...
So going forward... I am looking to get out of here... because when I run the calculations.. It's simply not worth it... As a piece of land, this place is amazing and I can see people's desire to move here.. however, coupled w/ its entrance and inhabitation fee.. It just tends to not be a value for people... I think this is where EVERYONE is divided on this and threads like it.. If there were no taxes and Looney govt I am sure people would be coming here in the boatloads. I think most of the people saying they don't like CA based it on the (Value - to them). which is fair... Not that it is a horrible place... I would even agree w/ people who love this place that this is an amazing place that I would rather not part... But on costs ... It becomes a ? .. is it worth it .. and to the defectors it tends not to be. Should the people who love this place say 'to hell w/ you? leave....'.. No, not exactly because w/ them.. they take their tax revenue.. culture... jobs....ideas.. and spirit... Look at what globalization did to jobs in America.. Is it not plausible that employers in the U.S might not make a similar domestic migration when the time is right? W/ U.S unemployment reaching near 10% and a huge # of intelligent college grads who are jobless do you think that they would be picky about what geographical place they locate? What happens when a place gets a foothold like Raleigh, NC or Spots in texas in way of a tech hub? What happens when the culture and money start to build up those places to diverse hubs like... you know CA? Emotionally you can lob your attacks on defectors but ... To ignore this possibility and say to hell w/ you guys and not get at why people are leaving and try to make changes to prevent it only puts you at a loss... I mean sure, if your b/f is abuser you can stay w/ him because you love him soo much and you can call those who criticize him haters but that is not going to stop maybe your face from getting beatin in.. So ignore the complaints at your own risk. I do wish this state the best though.. it really is a beautiful place and I would really hate to see people leave in large #'s due to an out of control govt. that non of the states citizens seem to care about and make excuses for like (you have to pay to be in this beautiful place)... LOL, sure... but are you paying in to the geographical landscape or paying to sustain an out of control govt... The two are diff.
And again, I happen to make a decent wage so it's not like I am scrapping by. I have projected I can save ~$50-$60k a year after bills/taxes and having a good time. However, coming from FL it irks me when I have to pay 9.5% sales tax. It irks me when I have to pay $250 to register my car every year. It irks me that my electricity bill includes charges to pay some other dude's electricity bill. It irks me that I have to pay 9.5% income tax... and for what? Are the roads better than FL where my registration was $30? No. Is the care for the elderly better here than in FL where there is no income tax and sales tax is 6.5%? No... Do I get what I pay for ? No. And for me, I don't get emotionally attached to a state. My state.. Is my state of mind and frankly I can enjoy any place so long as I have the freedom to enjoy the fruits of my labor. There is just as much diversity, although from diff countries, in FL as there is in CA. In my opinion, a better night life.. And hey, before I left, I was renting a 2,789 sq. foot new house w/ 3 car garage.. big backyard.. granite countertops .. wine rack.. tile throughout mcMansion for less than what I pay for a freaking dorm apt. that was built in probably 1980 w/o A/C... a 2 bedroom 1 bath apt. ... I pay $1895.. to rent a mcmansion in FL it was $1650 a month. So, can I honestly say this is not a beautiful state w/ beautiful people, geography, festivities, and OMFGWTFBBQ? No....
But personally, is it worth it to me w/ my six figure salary? No... The best game plan is to live small.. live young.. don't buy anything major ... Live frugal as hell .. enjoy CA for what it is.. stash away your cash in tax havens, 401ks, annuities, wtvr you can find.. and once you have had your fill .. bounce and settle down. It's funny that I realize this now having been here for 2 years or so. I initially came here thinking the grass is greener on the other side and buying all the hype that is shown in movies about CA... I was wet behind the ears and didn't get what the guy from CA who just moved to FL was telling me as I was leaving my company.... I thought he was just being an old fuddy dud.. Well, I have seen the light as a good # of people who haven't become emotionally tied to this state have... and soon I will be leaving ... taking my fun self, my culture, my $$$ (especially that hiding in tax shelters)... my major purchases.. my intelligence.. my future wife and potential kids .. my home purchase most probably to a state that respects the hard work of its citizens.. that being either Texas or FL... no income tax and low sales tax...
Diversity is not due to Cali. It's due to the people who come here... Many people leaving expensive places like NY/CA end up going to cheaper places to raise a family.. w/ it.. they bring their diversity.. their culture... and amazing selves... It's been an excellent couple of years in CA I can't lie but it just doesn't make any sense anymore and I respect those who, beyond their emotional feelings for CA, do the #'s and make the intelligent choice...
I wish this state the best going into the future .. It just amazes me its comprised of some of the most intelligent people (in the valley).. The most innovative entrepreneurs .. Yet collectively they go to work everyday slaving like animals working 12-14 hours to pay it all out in taxes for no greater services than most other states... To pray their option arm doesn't reset on their 1,000 sq. foot $600k house... All to be in a sinking ship for which there are many other empty floating ones at sea. Yeah the geography isn't as great as CA.. but that's all CA as a piece of land has to offer.. the people in CA are found all over the world and United States... The fun, culture too.. Seek and ye will find... Life is what you make out of it and I personally just feel I want to make it in a place that makes it less hard for me to make choices I need to and want to make. Both from a lifestyle perspective and from a financial perspective. I look forward to constructive feedback.
I cannot even imagine meeting someone like yourself in real life.
Location: On the "Left Coast", somewhere in "the Land of Fruits & Nuts"
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Every place has it's advantages and it's just relative to the individual's needs and expectations. But having lived in Florida myself, it seems kinda absurd to use that as a proper comparison to anything, least of all California.
Among other things, the whole state of Florida is flat as a board, humid as he11, with hostile flora & fauna all over the dam place (including poodle-munching gators and flying roaches the size of bic lighters)! And even the most shallow of Hollywood types can't compare to South Beach's "jet-set hedonism" (or the south american drug trade). Plus it's racially and culturally a total and continual "warzone" (the anglos & native blacks hate the cubans, the jews hate the anglos, the old cubans hate the "young" cubans, and the native "crackers" hate everybody!). And that's not just Miami either... remember that the final scene in Easy Rider took place not in GA or AL, but in the FL panhandle, which is about as "redneck" as any place on earth can get! Not to mention the intolerant Fundamentalist "thang", as I don't recall any Cali preachers looking to stage "Koran burnings" here either.
But whatever, if someone still thinks that Florida is any sort of proper "measure" of all things (in their already narcissistic & "world weary" 20-some years of experience on this earth).... then perhaps that's where they really belong!
Last edited by mateo45; 02-16-2011 at 09:04 AM..
Reason: spell..
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