The Pros And Cons Of Living In California
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Why California?
I say, Why NOT California? California is not just a place. It's a way of life. Cliché, I know, but true. I say that having come from a small farming community in Indiana, which is a completely different way of life than California. We just follow a different drumbeat than other people here in California. To break it down a little further, Southern California is a different way of life than Northern California. As with any other location, there are both pros and cons to living there. Here I'll list some of what I see as being pros and cons of living in Californa. Obviously this isn't a comprehensive list, and it's based on my personal opinions. I would love to hear what you consider to be a pro/con of living in California, as well!
Cons of Living in California:
1. Traffic. There are a lot of people in California. Most of these people have cars. Most of these car-owning people drive said cars. This results in traffic. Traffic in Southern California is significantly worse than it is here in Northern California. Traffic in Northern California is significantly worse than it is in my small farming community home of Jay County Indiana.
2. The weather. It's hot. It is hot in California. Period. We can have full weeks of 100-degree weather. I know there are plenty of other places in the United States where the weather is just as warm, and warmer, but we're talking about California. It's hot here. In the winter it rains in Northern California. Again, not nearly as much rain as can be found in the upper Northwest regions of the country. But too much rain for my liking.
3. Pressure to look good. Mostly this pressure to look as fabulous as a celebrity can be found in Southern California, but it's inched it's way to the North as well. If you walk out to your mailbox without your hair done, makeup fully applied, and 3" stiletto heels on, you will garner utterly confused looks of astonishment.
Pros of living in California:
1. The weather. It's warm in California. Yes, I know we've established the weather to be a con of living in California. What can I say? We Californians are complex beings...for the most part. The weather in California is nice for a majority of the year. This means we get to be outside for a majority of the year. More trips to the beach, more outdoor concerts, more swimming, more barbeques. More tans.
2. The beach. I live in the Sacramento area, which puts me a mere 2 hour drive away from a beach. If you live in Southern California, chances are you're a little closer to a beach. With the sunny, warm weather, you have ample opportunity to make your way to whatever beach your little heart desires.
3. The Bay area. We have San Francisco. No one else can say that! If you're into anything artsy, San Fran is the place to go. Great shopping, there, too. An eclectic mix of people, to say the least. Never a dull moment in San Francisco.
4. Lake Tahoe. Beautiful Lake Tahoe. The water is always clear blue...and freezing. But beautiful. There is a wide variety of activities to keep you occupied in the Tahoe area. On South Shore you'll find the casinos. On North Shore there are great places to shop, eat, and all sorts of water-activity-equipment-rental locations. I've personally parasailed at Lake Tahoe, and it is a gorgeous view from the sky. Kayaking on the lake is great, as well. If you wander a little ways away from the lake itself you'll find a plethera of other activities, including bike trails, hiking trails, and Emerald Bay.
5 Proximity. As I said before, I live in the Sacramento area. This puts me approximately 1 1/2 hours driving time away from San Francisco, 3 hours driving time to Santa Cruz and the boardwalk, 1 1/2 hours driving time away from Lake Tahoe, 9 hours driving time / 1 hour flying time to Los Angeles, 2 hours flying time to Las Vegas, NV, 2 hours flying time to Seattle, WA, less than a 2 hour drive away from some great ski slopes...I could go on. We're within a couple hours of almost anything you could want to see or do.
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i am planning on movin to the bay area in january, so i found your list very informative and helpful. thank you for writing it and sharing!
I find this very informative and amazing. I plan to move to California when im older and reading these facts really helps me with my decision making!
Thank you
Another good thing about living in California is you are within driving distance to almost any type of climate you might enjoy. Snow, deserts, giant redwood forests, beaches, mountains, grassland, lakes and pretty much everything except jungle.
Southern California is not the mecca it is imagined to be. california has NO weather. In San Diego county the last rainfall was over 6 months ago.And it is HOT. The evenings are sometimes freezing.99% of all the rental units here in southern CA. ar built shabbily, with zero insulation. With the majority of the population not middle class, but below that now, the cost of utilities is SKY-HIGH! So you will not only pay excessively hig rent but you will get soaked for any heat or air conditioning. And all this excludes the cost of trash and water. So, California is no longer the golden state. Unless you require a 24/7 tan and skin cancer.I find all this hype of California really exaggerated. The soil is so dry here that very little will grow unless you pay for continuous irrigation. Give me a good thunderstorm and some rain. I have lived here 39 years and now I am retiring and looking forward to going elsewhere before the taxes strangle me. Sorry Arnold, you
will not be able to tax me to death much longer!
this might be the dumbest article ive ever read. "chances are if you live in southern california you live closer to the beach"...? How about...chances are if you live closer to the COAST you live closer to the beach. there are plenty of people in southern california who live inland as well.
and the pressure to look good? sorry, but i was born and raised in northern california and almost everyday we go out to garden or get mail in our robe and slippers and guess what?! the neighbors aren't in shock!
i think the biggest pro to living close to a big city is having something to do. you cant say that about rural america. growing up in the bay area or sac there is always SOMETHING to do.
I agree with Jessica.
It's getting hard to live in California. I have lived here since 1989 and it's still hard. . .for a lot of reasons. I am thinking of moving and have to say you can find the "pros" elsewhere with the exception that most people in CA never have to deal with driving in snow. It's also easier to get work in the entertainment industry here although that is rapidly changing also since unions keep striking for more money.
SoCal is now like a Mexican colony.
I lived in the Bay Area for 2 years and absolutely loved it. I want to move back! I lived in Santa Clara which feels more like a small town than a city; plus, it's just a short drive from so many great things. I grew up in a small town where anything that's worth doing was at least an hour drive. The Bay Area has so much to offer within a short distance. (Ah fond memories) Now I really want to go back.
I live in England with my family (hubby and 2 kids) and we are seriously thinking of moving to California in 2 or 3 years. It's such a big decision! The kids would move tomorrow, and hubby wouldn't be too far behind!! It's just me who can't decide. Any thoughts greatly appreciated. Thans!!
After a LOT of research, I'm finding almost completely polar opposite views of living in California (San Diego specifically). I try to disregard all CA generalisation, as it's such a diverse state (from what I've read) that there's both a place for everyone and a place for everyone to not be.
In narrowing my research down to San Diego, it almost seems like it's all a matter of perspective. Sounds like it's made for some people and others... not so much. Is it really all that great/bad?
I'm trying to move to experience more culture, and living in Northern Virginia / DC metro area, I have no problem with a higher ratio of asians/hispanic to white. I think that the culture there might be something that interests me and gives me a new perspective.
As for the weather, I'd LOVE spring all year round, though I do love rain. But if you get tired of it, can't you just go out to the woods/mountains/lakes/etc?
I'm so torn; the more research I do, the more amazing/terrible the potential move sounds.
what about the cost if living in Cali? Heard it was extremely expensive.
It's funny to hear everyone complain about the high cost of living and housing. I am moving to San Diego from Washington, DC and by comparison, everything in San Diego is so much cheaper! I get excited just thinking about how much I am going to save in rent!
The biggest con are the taxes, and the state government.
I am relocating to San Diego soon; however, I do not have to and I am so torn on the decision as it is a big one! I have lived in TX, Atlanta, grew up in MN, VA, and now live in Charleston. I love the fact there are arts, theatre, sports, and endless outdoor activities. However, I love seasons and I am not too keen on the tight property lines. I found from visiting that people generally do not say hi. Traffic is not that bad and I actually found it pretty easy to navigate coming from Atlanta and Houston. I do not want to stay in Charleston but I am torn moving to San Diego. I am ready to put down roots and I am either California bound or back to the Midwest to MN and fully prepared to freeze my butt off (it is worth it). Very different options. I am interested in pursuing public policy and want a place where if I managed to get elected (armed with common sense, no party support and no willingness to bs - basically going to be impossible) - I want to make a difference. Water was very expensive as well. I'm torn. The comments above have been helpful and any further insights into San Diego - the good, bad, and ugly - would be so appreciated!
i agree with Opinion Duck :)
Hi all,
There were a lot of comments about San Diego on here, so I just thought I'd share as well, since I am considering moving out of California. I grew up in Illinois, but have lived in San Diego for 17 yrs.
I can say that when I was in my twenties, I enjoyed living here very much. I used to hike and mountain-bike a lot, but now in my thirties and with a family, I find it extremely difficult to continue living here. Even with a decent salary (~$90k) I can barely afford to rent a house on a single income. Forget buying. I look at how some of my colleagues and friends have afforded their homes, and either they are two-income (with their spouse bringing home as much or more bacon) or they have significantly better paying jobs. So if you are in the $150k + bracket, or have a huge down-payment, then no worries. Alternatively, if you are single and don't mind finding some roommates, then San Diego is a fun place to live.
San Diego is not, however, the lush paradise that a lot of people make it out to be. The climate here is desert. The lawns, trees and vegetation around the city are maintained artificially. Aside from that, you will rarely see green here. The reservoirs are drying out, the water from the Colorado is expensive, mandating regular restriction. There are a few lakes around (the very same reservoirs) a few of which support some local fishing and/or watersport, but they are nothing like a natural rain (or spring) fed lake. There are lots of places to bike or hike, but they are often very dry, and if you want nature, this requires about an hour drive out east, but again it's very dry, often hot, and be prepared to be coated in "moon-dust." There are no relaxing hikes or camping trips until you get as far north as Jacinto or Big Bear.
The other side of the coin... I myself am more of a "mountain & stream" guy, whereas most of the people who are really happy with San Diego seem to be either really into ocean sports; swimming, surfing, body-boarding, boating, kayaking, sailing, etc. or desert sports; dirt-bikes, atv's dune-buggies, sand-rails, off-road trucks, etc. The first camp generally seem to pull-themselves out of bed at 4 or 5 every morning to catch a few waves before hitting the office. The latter seem to be weekend warriors & enjoy hitting the desert with their toys every chance they get. I kinda fall between the cracks there, as I've never managed to get into either group of activities. I feel that living 3 blocks from the beach is wasted on me, really.
There are many rude, inconsiderate, and just plain nasty people around any city, and San Diego is no exception. It feels far more crowded than it was a decade ago. The attitude and sense of entitlement that Southern California drivers seem to wear on their sleeve make commuting an act of will power to avoid re-enacting the freeway scene from "Falling Down" I feel that San Diego is basically safe, but I don't let my kids run around the neighborhood, nor do I even let them play in the yard without a chaperon. My friends feel the same about their kids, and this is in poor neighborhoods, rich neighborhoods, and suburbs alike. Just too many weirdos around bigger cities.
I find my self much more attracted to the natural beauty and greenery of Northern California, or even further north still, into Oregon. Lush forests, streams and lakes everywhere... Given that the taxes are less, housing is less, and I can still make the same money, I feel better that my kids will have more room to play, grow, explore... live! These were the freedoms that I took fore-granted, coming from a small, rural town.
--dan
I wish I could move out there, but since I have a chronic illness, I cannot move there :(
Some places in California can get really cold in the winter and really hot in the summer; You get the best of both worlds... or worst. I live in California (right outside the Bay Area, in the valley) and this is how the weather is. I live one hour from the beach... speaking of, the water is freezing, even in L.A., at times. But, California is a nice place. :D
I wish i could move to California because the weather here in vermont is crap. the only thing bad about the weather in VT is winter. sometimes, it goes below zero and it gets really cold! but the spring and the summer is great considering the fact that it never reaches 100 degrees in the summer. the fall has good foliage and you can ski or snowboard here in VT.
I was born in San Luis Obispo California and have lived on the central coast my whole life. I agree with the people who don't like the congested life of LA or San Fran, however you CAN'T assume the whole state sucks. For example the central coast where I live is very laid back with a temperate climate that is quite comfortable. Also California is the most diverse state in the United States meaning you have more options in picking where you want to live. Some of the most spectacular places are located in California as well, including Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it depends on what you like and in my opinion California with it's tall mountains, long coastline, and beautiful scenery is the best state of ALL!!!!!
My wife and I have been considering a move to California off on and off again for about 2-3 years now. We are now in the planning phase but still have reservations at times. The thought of living in California is both exciting and at times terrifying. At first it was my wife's idea seeing her family is there and I rapidly warmed to the idea over time. However, its a coast-to-coast move and still a gutsy call to say the least. We are not doing bad where we are and do not have to move. Although, we are both looking for something different than where we are now. We currently live in the DC area which is not a bad place per se and I enjoyed my time here, particularly during the first few years in town. I think I have allowed the politics, certain personality types and the constant flux of DC to get to me and I need to make a change or risk being stuck in stagnation. DC does have some of the negatives of California such as a high cost of living, fairly high taxes though not quite as high as California State and high crime (higher than anywhere in California except for Oakland, DC proper and Oakland proper run about neck and neck). Additionally, some people here in DC but probably anywhere, will mow you down to claim an opportunity first. Maybe it's just my perception or because of the ultra-ambitious types that are attracted to living in the capital region. As a result, I find the uniqueness and laid-backness of California, Oregon and Colorado exceptionally appealing. (Oregon and Colorado are out because a few reasons). In general, parts of California has much of what I'm looking for such as a funky vibe, good weather, plentiful outdoor activities, mixed politics and a reputation for trying new ideas. I have done a lot of research and know quite a bit about the state's downsides including ...high taxes, scarce affordable housing, poor economics-shrinking middle class, a paralyzed state government facing enormous hurdles, earthquakes and ify schools among a few others. Despite the negatives I still want to move my family there and give it a try! It's a little bit of a risk but you'll never know until you try.
I am studying the East Bay and Sac the most because of relations nearby. I have an adventurous spirit so I will feel a little unfulfilled to an extent if I do nothing and stay in DC. We have all been given a stay here on planet earth for a time and I want to enjoy the natural beauty and splendor the creator has given us.
My husband and I are really thinking of moving to California. We have lived in the Chicago area all our lives but we feel that it is time for a change. Away from the cold, snowy winters. Some former SoCal residents told me that San Diego, Irvine, and Newport Beach is very family friendly. Also, less earthquakes there than Northern California. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
I grew up in Lake Tahoe and currently have lived in Atlanta for the past 11 years. I'm 150% ready to move back to California. What holds us back is the extremely high unemployment rate & high taxes. We are still strongly considering just biting the bullet and move anyway and see how it all plays out. But it's still scary. As far as climates go, California has it all. I visit my family there as much as possible and love the different seasons. As much as I love Southern California, Northern California will always be my home.
Oh California, your sunshiny Californian dream seems like paradise, the palm trees, the weather and the climate all hint at paradise. Your crimes, strife, and being Densely populated all hint at a large inner city high school.
California is beautiful but lacking in soul. There's a disconnect and lack of community between people in the larger counties. On top of that, there's not enough work, high taxes, crowded parks in the summer, and it can be quite dull if you pick the wrong place. The mostly perfect weather is difficult to resist, especially around the central coast, as well as the scenery from Big Sur all the way up through Marin. But is it worth it? The million dollar question everyone's been trying to answer. Depends. My heart is in another home, one of modest Blue Ridge mountains and a certain hickory twang in the air, but if your heart has no home, California's not a bad place to rest. Nothing compares to a perfect day in California. I will give it that.
I grew up in the midwest, Kansas City, MO, moved to Orlando, FL by myself with what I could fit into my car. Lived in Florida for almost 7 years. Then moved from Florida to Washington,D.C. I lived there for almost 6 years. I have moved since back to Kansas City, MO. I miss the bigger city atmosphere. I have been in KC for 2 years now, in about 60 days I will make my move to San Diego, CA. I honestly think it's a matter of perspective. I have family in SD willing to give me a grounding to get grounded in CA. I have wanted to live there for years. Every city has it's stereotypes and pro's and con's. You really don't know what it's like until you get there. And there are some things you won't realize until you become a local. D.C. was expensive but the jobs paid more. I lived in a studio in Arlington, for $1035.00 a month all utilities paid. But I made pretty good money.. What's your perspective on certain things? Ask yourself these questions when moving to different areas. Do you have children? A family in the area? Friend? Are you single, the priorities change with each individual.. Something could be a drawback that some consider a pro. Happiness lies in your own mind. If you keep that in your mind, you can make it anywhere.
I currently live in Dallas. This past week (1st week of June) we had temps as high as 107. I used to visit Anaheim for an annual summer conference. Every time summer comes around in Dallas I daydream about moving to CA. I'm not necessarily set on living in coastal SoCal. I don't mind if it gets in the 90's in the summer - especially if it's dry heat. I would love to eat dinner on the back patio w/o sweating like crazy. I love to bike and I would probably bike daily if I didn't have to do it early in the morning or in the evening to avoid getting scorched.
I've talked with my wife about it and I mentioned that if we lived anywhere near the coast that we could never own a home. She wasn't so happy about that. Maybe someone could suggest some cities in central or northern CA where they have 4 seasons and we could purchase a new 3 bedroom home for around $250k. If that's impossible maybe we can just stick to vacation rentals.
oh... I also would love to live close to somewhere that has a small town feel. If anyone has been to Grand Lake, CO in the summer - that's what I'm dreaming of. Riding your bike to a little cafe and eating outside in the sunshine. *sigh*
I lived in California my whole life and I loved it but then we moved to Texas because everything is so darn expensive in California which is a big Con, there aren't many jobs out there. You are honestly fighting for the one position they open at the hospital..But the biggest Pro is their weather. I hate the weather here in Texas! You cannot do anything out here! I'm more of an outdoor person so that is honestly driving me crazy because in the winter it snows and in the summer its so humid 110 degrees. I can't stand it out here and I will be moving back to CA for many reason but I will have to give it to Texas that the cost of living here is REALLY good and so are jobs. I ended up getting a job that pays $7 bucks more than what I made out there in CA and i'm only in my early 20's ($17 an hour) and you can afford houses here like no problem. but I am still young and I want to live my life happy! so back to CALI it is! :)
I like nor cal weather. It's just fine for me. Southern cali is like, in lame terms, hell! i despise it :(
cool
i agree with dan
I love northern California. High taxes and high real estate costs will prevent us from moving there most likely. It is a nice place to visit even if we can't live there. Sonoma is my favorite place.
Everyone seems to have dreams but...dreams are not real. The low pay, especially in San Diego, Monterey County and other areas in California make it HELL. My friend worked for Sony fixing laptops in San Diego and guess how much money he was making with many years of experience? $8.50 per hour. They have too many people in California and not enough jobs. Taxes are sky high. Rents are sky high. I can go on and on. I've been in California for many years..over 40years and I can tell you that California is quickly turning into Mexico. Yeah...one big SLUM soon. Even San Diego has a SLUM but about 35 years ago, California was one of the best States around but not anymore. California, to me anyway, has turned into the "arm pit" of the Universe...BG TIME. So Many qualified and skilled people have moved out of California and why? I think that many of us feel Alienated here. It's a very bad feeling and unlike a dream, the feeling is real for many of us.
I think the pros way out weight the cons. Just my opinion though.
I lived in the Bay Area for years. Real Estate is a nightmare, one of the most expensive in the country and internationally, up there with Tokyo and New York. California has a sales tax. You have to wait in line for everything. Driving is a challenge. You may find yourself in gridlock due to traffic accidents. It costs eight dollars one way to cross the GG Bridge. Crime and homelessness is a problem. SF pulled out all of the public seating to discourage homeless loitering so you can't sit down on your lunch hour. Cost of living is very high. Better save your pennies if you want your child to get a decent education in -- private school. Many public schools are failing, unless you live in the 'burbs with multi million dollar homes or in the ritzy enclaves like Ross or Mill Valley. And you'd better feel comfortable moving in circles where people make a lot more money than you and let you know it -- California is a "display" culture -- especially Southern California. Young professionals move in and then out of the city -- they hit a wall when they realize they can't ever buy a house anywhere near The City and start a life. Unless you want to be middle aged and living in a multiple roommate situation, or pool your money and buy a shared house with several people, unless a wealthy aunt dies and leaves you her riches where money is not an object, I highly suggest you investigate the truth of the physical and emotional cost of living in California. It's the main reason why people leave the state. You can't pay the rent with the scenery. If you live in California, you must pay.
Born and raised in southern california. When I was little, my friends who went to public school actually graduated high school and knew how to read. Most spoke english as a first language, and those who didn't learned. We had freeways and roads that were in good repair and a public school system (all the way through state colleges and Universities) that were the envy of the world. We had three counties that together had a higher GNP than most countries in the world. Don't get me wrong, if you are a screaming socialist with eurotrash upbringing, or a mujado from down south, you may think this is the land of milk and honey; until all of your good intentions come crashing down on your head. Pros: Best Weather in the entire world, currently. Cons: All the damn liberals! Thanks for ruining it for us you beard strokers. This coming from a third generation American of Mexican decent (but isn't mexican a nationality, not an ethnicity?) By the way, I've faced more racism in Mexico from Mexicans than from good ol' boys in Fresno and Bakersfield.
Pretty good list, except the "pressure to look good."
I have lived in or around the Los Angeles area my entire life and I can assure you that is a load of rubbish.
People go to the grocery store in sweats with their hair tied up all the time and nobody bats an eye. Might I also add the majority of us don't cake on the makeup daily. You are actually more likely to see someone dressed as Jack Sparrow (having been in Hollywood taking pictures with tourists al day) than dressed up in their stilettos and fifty pound makeup and mini dress.
Other than that fantastic list, but take it from someone who's lived here their entire life, that one is rubbish.
I have lived in NY, Chicago, So Cal and Seattle, here is the scoop.
Everyplace has it's positives and negatives. First of all, you will be there wherever you go, so whatever hang ups or attitudes you have, you will still have when you get where you are going. So Cal is the best for real beaches, sunshine, and good food. Chicago rivals L.A. on food and entertainment, and has the Lake. Seattle has rain, overcast skies, wind and power outages. My area east of Seattle has a rising crime rate.
Negatives, CA has state income tax, so if you have a good income or fixed income from investments, CA will be happy to tax it. Seattle, being in WA last I looked, has no state income tax, but property taxes and special levies and fire district fees and water management fees are getting way out of hand. My vote, go for Malibu.
This article is somewhat incorrect because you are from northern california and although its nice up there, San Diego and LA are probably the 2 nicest cities in the US. Southern Cal is the place to be, but dont come here, too many immigrants as it is. o.O
I grew up in the Bay Area for twenty years and am now living with my husband in Denver. Honestly this article is at most, only half true and is full of A LOT of stereotypes. Northern and Southern California are extremely different and most people do not move from Northern to southern or vice versa by choice, it is that different ( mainly the personalities). I grew up an hour south of San Francisco and have been to the city many times and honestly despise the city. Since I am currently living in a land-locked state, the worst part about not living in California, is the severe lack of random areas of water and how you do not have to deal with getting up earlier in the morning to go scrape ice off your wind shield for twenty minutes in the freezing cold. The weather in california got under my skin after a while because in the summer, it was often too cold to wear shorts and in the winter, it was often too warm to wear a substantial jacket so it was hard to dress on days.
Some of the things I found very unique to california is the extremely clean environment due to how progressive the state was and most people who chose not to recycle where looked down upon. Unfortunately it is true that people are slightly more mean in california than other places, but honestly it really is not that bad. For the record, the majority of people in California, about 90 % DO NOT KNOW HOW TO SURF, you need to go to Hawaii for that or very small parts of so cal.
I honestly do not recommend blindly moving to Cali unless you have a job lined up or have a place to stay because in my town, a one bed room apartment was about one thousand dollars a month and it is one of the most expensive states to live in in the country. It is also one of the most beautiful especially in March during the rainny season ( the only time of year when the hills are not brown).
There really is no stereotypical image of someone from California, it depends on where you go, but there is so many people from so many places it is really easy to find your niche. One thing is very true though, it is that there are a lot of foreigners especially in San Francisco.
I really cannot stress how much better the mexican food is than any where else. Living in Colorado, the closest thing to the mexican food is Chipotle, which is not even close to the taco shacks in California where the workers can barely speak English. When I went back to visit my family, I missed it so badly, I ate it for every meal for about three days straight.
Honestly if you are considering moving there, take a week long trip, take a lot of pictures and notes about what you like and dislike and visit, everywhere that you can from Sacramento, to San Francisco to San Jose to LA to Orange County.
shibashake Level 5 Commenter 3 years ago
I think the weather is a big draw for CA, esp. northern CA. Even though it may get hot for a small number of days during the summer, it is almost never humid. Dry heat is much easier to tolerate than humid heat. It is also really nice that there are so many parks around. I have a couple of dogs, so having so many parks nearby to choose from is a big plus. Finally I love not having to deal with salt on the road, and icy sidewalks.