Is Sacramento or anywhere near SF any DIFFERENT? (Los Angeles, Crescent City: rent, home)

[TheStarLiesWest]

I read the California Budget Proposal and some other sources and as a member of a two parent family with only one parent working, it scares me out of moving to Southern California. Here's my question..

Should I just avoid coming to California altogether? I'm really not biased to SoCal, I'll move wherever the jobs will pay me enough to support my family and have a life that doesn't warrant pulling my hair out every day. It doesn't have to be Los Angeles.. but am I going to see this everywhere?

Are the taxes and home prices going to be so astronomical that I just don't have a chance? The rent prices don't scare me, but making $25 an hour starting pay when I get there when I make less than half of that now does. That's the suggested pay that a person in my place should be making to live a modest life in California..

Maybe I should quit while I'm ahead of myself? Any opinions?

[Mossy]

Stay Clear of California!

[hethrly]

I had to weigh in. I think the main problem with California in general is the whole "keeping up with the Jones'" mentality. You CAN afford to live here on $25 an hour, but you might not live in "the best" town or drive "the best" car, etc.
We moved back from Illinois about 9 years ago, where we were barely making it. We're doing just fine now, but we had to move slowly and conservatively. I don't think wayyyyy Northern Cal is as bad, but I definitely feel it in Sac and the Bay area.
I have a friend that lives in Crescent City. The cost of living there is lower and the pace is a little more relaxed.
That being said, we still live here in the Sacramento area, because it is home. Though if I had to choose again, I might pick Oregon!