California transplant has forgotten what it's like to live somewhere else (Phoenix: homes, subdivision)

[Burkmere]

Originally Posted by fluffythewondercat

It's not "unfounded" fear. Newsom wants universal health care for all of California and has pledged to enact it once governor.

California's universal health care would cost the state, all by itself, more than the entire current budget the state operates under. And that doesn't count the people who will move here to get free stuff.
That's why the legislature decided it was a really stupid idea earlier this year and voted it down. What we have now is a bill stating the intent of the legislature to provide UHC.

Note that the California legislature is dominated by Democrats. The Dems hold a supermajority in the state Senate and they are short only one vote of holding it in the Assembly. The Republicans don't have the power to vote down anything by themselves.

One estimate of the cost of UHC once enacted is $100 billion per year. I prefer to get out of the state before that happens, for obvious reasons.

Yep, the state has hit the point of no return. I hit the point of no return to CA in Oct. of 2015. Took the generous pension the generous people of CA gave me and didn't let the door hit me in the rear on the way out.

Has a few nice places to vacation though. Thank you for that California.

[Finper]

Originally Posted by Tall Traveler

The big question is how much would you make in Phoenix? If you could make close to or more than you're making in Cali then it would be worth putting up with some summer heat to live a better lifestyle in Phoenix than Socal in my opinion.

Actually someone can make a lot less in Az and have the same or better quality of life then they do in Ca. My friend was recently in Az and said her husband was crying the gas was so inexpensive compared to Ca.

[cactusland]

Originally Posted by yukon

AZ is not a red state. It's very definitely purple.

This state is more libertarian-conservative than old GOP conservative, and even our liberals are not as hardcore as where the current parties lie.

AZ does as AZ pleases, AZ doesn't like being told what to do, AZ enjoys personal rights, and usually when I like it most: conservative in finances. We can see what out-of-control spending does in multiple cities right now.
I don't want to make this a party thing either. I like AZ believing in individual rights above all else. I'd hate to see that change. More laws are not necessarily good and both parties have a bad habit of wanting more, more, more.

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by Finper

Why not?? You have no idea what it's like for conservative to live behind enemy lines

Phoenix isn’t at all the conservative Mecca that you seem to think it is. You probably wouldn’t be happy here either if you’re so wrapped up in politics that it impacts your contentment.

[Tall Traveler]

Originally Posted by Finper

Actually someone can make a lot less in Az and have the same or better quality of life then they do in Ca. My friend was recently in Az and said her husband was crying the gas was so inexpensive compared to Ca.

Yeah I agree but there is a contrary argument to be made. Most would agree that Cali has a significantly better climate than Az and then there is the cost of moving, uprooting your family, etc. I believe OP has a family so the cost versus income has to be a big factor....in my opinion, $70K for a family in Socal is struggling although frugal people will make it work.

[Returning2USA]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

No, you didn't factor that in. He's not taking home $5800 as you suggest. He's taking home $36-3800 monthly, leaving only $1800 for utilities, vehicle payment/expense, gas, cell phone, internet, groceries, savings, etc. You certainly cannot get ahead like that nor is there any money left over to do anything.

Grossing $70K per your and only netting $36-3800 per month?

$70,000 gross per year divided by 12 months means gross is $5,833.

It seems hard to save much after the cost of living eats into the $36-38K per month.

[Prickly Pear]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

Please don’t move here if unfounded fear is your motivation to do so.

Yes move to Arizona if you are actually interested in living here. Like you may actually enjoy what we offer. Not some weird "I can't afford California and I don't like the politics so I'm just going to turn it into California but what it was thirty years ago" nonsense. Arizona *IS* different than California in many ways, contrary to popular belief. We are not a Republican Southern California. We never have been, and we never will be. If that's what you want just move inland about twenty miles. Sick of coastal Californians forgetting about the other 80% of their state. Just like how Idaho is not a Republican Northern California either.

I'm starting to think defining the region as the whole West is no longer an accurate statement. It might be time to break us up. Pacific Northwest, California, Mountain West, and Southwest.

[fluffythewondercat]

Originally Posted by cactusland

This state is more libertarian-conservative than old GOP conservative, and even our liberals are not as hardcore as where the current parties lie.

AZ does as AZ pleases, AZ doesn't like being told what to do, AZ enjoys personal rights, and usually when I like it most: conservative in finances. We can see what out-of-control spending does in multiple cities right now.
I don't want to make this a party thing either. I like AZ believing in individual rights above all else. I'd hate to see that change. More laws are not necessarily good and both parties have a bad habit of wanting more, more, more.

^ Applause.

[Finper]

Originally Posted by cactusland

This state is more libertarian-conservative than old GOP conservative, and even our liberals are not as hardcore as where the current parties lie.

AZ does as AZ pleases, AZ doesn't like being told what to do, AZ enjoys personal rights, and usually when I like it most: conservative in finances. We can see what out-of-control spending does in multiple cities right now.
I don't want to make this a party thing either. I like AZ believing in individual rights above all else. I'd hate to see that change. More laws are not necessarily good and both parties have a bad habit of wanting more, more, more.

That is what I crave in life. The minute I cross the state line out of Ca I feel like I can breathe easier. And it's not just the lack of smog

[Finper]

Originally Posted by Prickly Pear

Yes move to Arizona if you are actually interested in living here. Like you may actually enjoy what we offer. Not some weird "I can't afford California and I don't like the politics so I'm just going to turn it into California but what it was thirty years ago" nonsense. Arizona *IS* different than California in many ways, contrary to popular belief. We are not a Republican Southern California. We never have been, and we never will be. If that's what you want just move inland about twenty miles. Sick of coastal Californians forgetting about the other 80% of their state. Just like how Idaho is not a Republican Northern California either.

I'm starting to think defining the region as the whole West is no longer an accurate statement. It might be time to break us up. Pacific Northwest, California, Mountain West, and Southwest.

I already live 20 miles from the coast. I could live in Modesto or Mammoth Lakes but I'd still be in Ca. A liberal controlled state where even moderates have no say at all. A state with a extremely high cost of living. A state that loves illegals, homeless and criminals and at the best ignores the middle class tax payers paying for everything. I'm a independent that leans right and I think a purple state would be wonderful. What makes you think I could turn a whole state into something I want?? Whatever state I move to I'll just be able to breathe more free.