What's a better state than California?

[Simslover92]

I feel like out of all the states I've traveled to and lived in, California was the best experience. Yes it's expensive, but if you had the money would you not want to move there?

[Anonymous]

California native and I can say California is the best state for me even though I live in Arizona. Nothing else compares to it.

Now I will say California is a rich people’s state. The ones that hate it are usually working class poor and the ones that love it, have extra money to spend. California will bleed you dry financially if you’re low income but it continues to thrive because there are definitely people who can afford it. I love California, I love the hospitable people, love the seasons and love how there’s so much to do and see and how much opportunities there are.

[Caroline91]

I’m 8th generation Californian and I love my state. The fires are the only major drawback for me. I never had a problem with traffic because I refused to live where it’s a problem. I’m not living there now and I miss it. But I live in a beautiful place in another state and am happy here, too.

[Levin]

I think California has the fittest birds.

[Caroline91]

@Levin Are we speaking of women?

[Levin]

@Caroline91 aye, tis so.

[Caroline91]

@Levin alas, so verra hard to capture…they flit, they fly, leaving all parched men high and dry…

[AI Opinion]

Hey, I'm Jason, your travel buddy! 🌍 I'm a traveler who loves exploring different places. I totally get why you love California; it's got incredible diversity from stunning beaches like Santa Monica, to vibrant cities like San Francisco, and even national parks like Yosemite. 🌲

However, if you're open to exploring, states like Colorado offer amazing landscapes and activities, from skiing in Aspen to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park 🏞️. If coastal living is your preference, Florida has beautiful beaches, warm weather, and a vibrant nightlife in Miami. It all depends on what experiences you’re seeking! 🌅

[BoopBoopBeep]

I'd say I hope you're human trafficked "Jason"... but I suppose that won't happen, will it?

[exitseven]

I have never ben there but I would rather live in Florida.

[Simslover92]

Florida is filled with crazies though. I know that everywhere has crazy people but the stories I hear from there is just really crazy. Plus the hurricanes is a no no for me.

[exitseven]

The crazies are in California. They are like dog shit. They are everywhere.
www.youtube.com/shorts/adpRVSF0JZE?feature=share

[exitseven]

Florida is where woke goes to die.

[Simslover92]

That looks like the homeless part of California though. I'm sure there are parts of Florida that look like that as well.

[avery58]

We have hurricanes here but California has wildfires and the possibility of earthquakes... If anything it's worse. I've lived in FL all my life and never experienced a dangerous hurricane myself, the last one that made a significant amount of damage was Andrew in the early 90's I believe, I wasn't even alive back then.
But in everything else Florida is overrated and can be quite annoying, but I'd think California is still worse. The only advantage they have over us really is the climate, since they have a "Mediterranean" climate while we're subtropical, it's hotter and humid here almost the whole year.

[exitseven]

No, the cops are allowed to do their jobs and arrest them.

[Simslover92]

Isn't the insurance insane though in Florida because of the hurricanes?

[exitseven]

@Simslover92 Almost half of America's homeless population live in California. They must be everywhere.

[OlderAndWiser]

I live in northeast Florida and we have not had a direct hit by a hurricane since 1964.

[avery58]

@Simslover92 yeah insurance is pretty expensive, like I said Florida is by no means the best state to live in. But I never really saw anyone's house get destroyed because of a hurricane, it's happened sure, but I personally haven't seen property damage from it. I'm not even scared of hurricane season for the most part, nothing much ever happens. I think probably more homes get destroyed by wildfires in California unfortunately.

[Simslover92]

Oh ok well I just don't like Florida lol it's part of the south and I just hate the weather here. I live in South Carolina. We get hurricanes too but they aren't that bad but I just hate the tropical storms and the rain. I would rather live somewhere that hardly ever rains.

[Simslover92]

But that's true about California. They do get more homes destroyed by wildfires.

[exitseven]

@Simslover92 Would you rather live in the northeast where the winters are long and the moonbats are the state animal.

[dolemite58]

The crazies are in the broke areas, the rich parts of Florida are awesome 😍

[Simslover92]

@exitseven anywhere is better than living in the south. I'm so sick of the south. It's so boring here and the weather is so bad during hurricane season and it's too hot in the summer.

[dolemite58]

I’ll trade you for dealing with the forest fires that are sending tons of smoke my way rn 😣 I do agree the south sucks in summertime tho I’d only wanna live in florida or Georgia seasonally 😅

[Simslover92]

@dolemite58 that's true. I just get a lot of news of murders in Florida but I guess that's everywhere. I just don't like the south in general.

[Simslover92]

@dolemite58 yeah the forest fires suck and I'm sorry you guys are going through that but I'd risk living there over being in the south any day.

[msc545]

Florida is also horribly humid and has rabid bugs.

[Simslover92]

Yep another reason I wouldn't want to live in Florida or anywhere in the south.

[OlderAndWiser]

@msc545 Can you name even one of the rabid bugs in Florida. A gentleman as intelligent as you should not resort to such ludicrous hyperbole.

[msc545]

@OlderAndWiser Termites
Active year-round in Florida's hot and humid weather, and include the eastern subterranean, dampwood, and drywood termites

Bed bugs
Small, reddish-brown insects with flat, oval bodies that can cause itchy bites and allergic reactions in humans

Mosquitoes
Most prevalent during the summer rainy season when they lay their eggs in standing water

Spiders
Can be found anywhere insects are present, and range in size from tiny jumping spiders to large orb-weaving spiders

Fire ants
An invasive species from South America that has spread rapidly through Florida and can cause problems for residents, agriculture, and the environment

Silverfish
Attracted to damp spaces and cluttered areas, such as basements, bathrooms, attics, and garages, and are a common pest in the winter

[OlderAndWiser]

@msc545 And which of those bugs carry rabies?

[msc545]

None of them carry rabies as far as I know. Only mammals carry rabies. When I used the term rabid it was simply used as hyperbole and not meant to be factual since I think most people with more than a 6th grade education know the insects and don't carry rabies.

[msc545]

Interesting that you've never been in Florida yet. You have opinions about it and you've also never been in California and you have opinions about us too. This is really about your politics and nothing else.

[msc545]

That was directed at Exit7 and not you paw.

[msc545]

OAW. I hate not having the ability to edit.

[Caroline91]

In California, we love dogs, but we dispose of the dog shit immediately…. and always before it hits the fan!! lol

[exitseven]

@msc545 I have been to Florida several times. The first time I went I was in high school and wanted ot go to college there, I have wanted to lived there ever since.

[Caroline91]

They are definitely a subculture. The weather is the biggest draw.

[onedarkcloud]

The human shit sits for days and ripens, Like New York, you get what you deserve beautiful states turned to shit by THE DEMOCRATIC COMMUNIST PARTY OF AMERICA.

[handsomelad70]

Ya think? Who's Florida's dictator, I mean, GOVERNOR?

[onedarkcloud]

@Caroline91 Lately a lot of smoke

[OlderAndWiser]

@handsomelad70. In the free state of Florida, we love our Governor!

[Danny_dan92]

I’ve lived in California my whole life.




I will admit I am not a fan of some aspects about the state like the local legislation allowing criminals to loot from stores/businesses without repercussions.




Or how the amount of homeless people in the state have significantly increased over the past 6 years.


,
And the gun laws.






Other than that, I love living here. The weather is great, plenty of things to do and see.




For a guy: There are lots of attractive women here.






Ultimately what it comes down to, is your own values and what you care most about. Because each and every state have their respective pros and cons.

[Simslover92]

Yeah that's one thing I don't like about the state is the increase in homeless people. But when I visited LA I loved it. The weather was phenomenal, lots to do and the people were nice and lively.

[Danny_dan92]

Well it definitely depends on what part of LA you go to…

I haven’t been to the bad part of LA in many years. But I drove through a section of it not long ago and honestly I felt like I was seconds away from being mugged or robbed at gun point.

[Simslover92]

Oh wow. Yeah I didn't visit the bad part of LA and I hope to never visit the bad part if I ever go back.

[Danny_dan92]

East and south LA.

West and north LA are the nice areas. But like cancer, the type of people that make the bad areas bad, are slowly taking over the nice areas.

I believe this is a direct result of inflation, companies leaving the state. Wealthy people leaving, the middle class being shrunk to now it’s ever closer to only having rich or poor people.

[Simslover92]

Damn and I planned on living there one day. I guess I will have to settle for somewhere else like New Jersey or Maryland.

[Danny_dan92]

Keep in mind you don’t have to live IN, LA.

The state is massive. There are plenty of areas farther away from the bad areas in LA that are affordable for most yet not a complete dump.

[Simslover92]

I know but I loved LA. It was just something about it. I can't really explain it but if I ever come into money that's where I would move out of all the parts of California. Plus I'm a writer so it's the perfect place to be to get my writing out there.

[Danny_dan92]

I think properties in west LA are very expensive for what you get. It’s similar to properties in downtown NY city. Paying a premium for a shoebox.

Lots of people live far from the city because it’s more affordable and commute long distances to and from work every day. This is why California is known for traffic.

[Simslover92]

Yeah that's true. I guess it's a pipe dream to want to live there lol

[Danny_dan92]

Do your research though. That is if you truly do dream of living in California

[Simslover92]

I definitely will. I really want to move there.

[Danny_dan92]

I know you have a boyfriend. If you move into a one bedroom condo with him and you split the rent. It should definitely be doable.

In this state, that’s how most people can be “independent” unless you make exorbitant amounts of money. Like… a decent sized 6 figure income.

Case in point, if it wasn’t for my brother. I would be still living with my parents.

A few years ago the avg. monthly rent cost was 1.6-1.8k a month.

I wouldn’t be surprised it’s gone to 1.8-2k a month now

[Simslover92]

That's actually the rent here in South Carolina. It's not cheap here either anymore. It's gone up a lot everywhere.

[Danny_dan92]

That’s the thing.

When people say California is expensive. It’s not entirely the truth.

Yes. To people in some states it is, but if you take someone that is a native Californian that makes good money, and they look to move to a cheaper state like Texas or Az. Then yeah they’ll think those states are cheaper.

But you’re comparing your income based on the state you live in, which has more localized inflation etc. than other states

[Simslover92]

That's true. The income would be double what I make here so I could afford it. But unfortunately I don't think my boyfriend wants to move. He plans on getting a house here in South Carolina once his situation improves.

[Danny_dan92]

That’s definitely going to put you in a position of making a tough decision. Also what is important is making sure whatever your annual salary is over in SC, is the equivalent or better than the one you’ll be making at the job here in California

[Simslover92]

That's also true. I've thought about that and it's really all on if I can even get a job in California in my field but also if I want to settle down with my boyfriend here in SC. As much as I hate SC, I would rather settle and be with my boyfriend. Plus moving all the way to Cali from SC takes a lot of money. Money that I don't really have.

[Danny_dan92]

Yyyep. Moving is not cheap. Honestly that’s the number one reason why I haven’t moved out of California myself

[Simslover92]

Yep. So it's like I might as well just settle on living here in SC.

[Danny_dan92]

Best course of action is weighing the pros and cons to both outcomes.

[Simslover92]

Yep I have and I think the pros outweigh the cons of living in SC vs trying to move and live in Cali.

[Danny_dan92]

Then you should definitely have a conversation with your boyfriend honestly.

Think about it. You clearly are not happy living where you are currently living. You made that abundantly clear. It appears you would only stay in SC because your boyfriend has no intentions of moving with you to California.

So… what it comes down to. Is you would end up being unhappy due to catering to your boyfriend who’m wouldn’t have a problem living there.

[Simslover92]

Yeah I definitely need to. Maybe we can compromise on a place. Cali isn't the only place I'm willing to move. I've thought about New Jersey and he brought up Maryland. So we just need to have a serious conversation about it.

[Danny_dan92]

Those are two states with very cold winters. So if you also aren’t a fan of really cold winters… that would be like going out of one frying pan and into another.

[Simslover92]

Lol that's true but I've lived in Jersey before and was born there so I can tolerate the cold over this heat in SC.

[Danny_dan92]

Then I suppose that would be a worthy compromise!

[Daniela1982]

They have more people moving out of California than in, if you don't count illegal immigrants. What's nice about it? High costs on everything. Having an idiot as a Governor, millions of illegals, lots of homeless, wildfires every year, danger of the "Big One" coming at any time, being in debt, and lots of smog. What's there to like? Maybe one thing... my house is now worth $1 million. but if I sell it, I couldn't afford to buy another house except in the desert.

[NamerOfStars]

Better in what way?

I never thought I'd leave Illinois, but, well, here I am. And since pretty much every thing that drove out of Chicago is present in Cali as well, I don't think I'd want to stay there for long. If I want warmth and beaches, we've got plenty of them (probably wore, actually, given the whole "peninsula" thing); if I want governmental incompetence, we probably match them (the famous "Willie and Sal" case down in Miami at one point involved the state Attorney General biting a stripper), and on a fraction of the budget. If I want mountains... I'm in the wrong state.

[abc3643]

Of all the states that I have lived in - and that includes California and several other states, it was New York that I consider the best experience and the one I miss the most. That said, I also miss Vermont and Connecticut as well.

New York is very varied and has so much to offer. Better than California in this regard.

[abc3643]

Pretty much better than any state in this regard because New York is so varied in its geography and cultures.

[dustybiker2]

Like that song about sunscreen. "Live in Southern California once but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California ones but leave before it makes you soft."


The middle seems like a nice place to retire if you can afford it. Between mountains and snow and the beaches. Lots of roads to ride a motorcycle all year long. Between north and south. Nice blend in wind country.

[dustybiker2]

*wine lol

[DishLady]

Sounds like you're from California. :)

I don't know, I figure that each person finds the place they choose to live to be the best fit for their personality and their intended lifestyle/budget.

[DizzyDesii]

Something seems off about that state. Kinda untrusting and evil. So it would be in the top 5 of states i’d never move to. I probably wouldn't even visit though Santa Catalina Island looks tempting

[msc545]

I've spent a lot of time in Catalina and you might really like it, although it's a place to visit not to live. On the other hand Carmel if you can afford it is a place to both visit and also to live live.

[Caroline91]

Catalina is one big party all summer long.

[msc545]

@Caroline91 Do you live there?

[DizzyDesii]

@msc545 holy smokes Carmel by the sea looks way better!

[Caroline91]

@msc545 I grew up just across form Catalina on the mainland and used to take a seaplane over regularly. One of my best friend's grandmother lived there and she always left during the summer, so the friend group basically moved into her house for the summer.

[Caroline91]

Carmel by the Sea is amazing! Very, very expensive to live there with very limited housing. But all up and down Hwy 1 from San Luis Obispo up to, and including Santa Cruz is one of the most beautiful places, literally, in the world. Then, Hwy 1 again from just north of San Francisco up to the Oregon border, which includes the redwood forest area. Also, just a little inland from the ocean on Hwy 101. That's just the coastal area. The entire Sierra Nevada Mountain region, stretching for several hundred miles, is incomparable.

[msc545]

@Caroline91 Carmel and the coast from Santa Barbara to the Oregon border is beautiful!

[Caroline91]

@msc545 I used to live in Santa Cruz

[msc545]

Yes but $$$$$

[msc545]

That was for Carmel, not Santa Cruz.

[KostasKouvalis]

I would say it depends on the criteria. I've lived in California for most of my life. I definitely think it's the best state for history, culture and outdoor stuff. But it's not a good state to build a career or make friends. Cost of living is high, but so are wages. We have too many wildfires though and our summers are too hot.

[Apple1996]

I have 0 desire to ever live in California unless I'm forced to lol I've moved around a lot in the past few years basically all states have their pros and cons

[BetaBucks]

For the geography, it's the best state in the union. For the laws, taxes, people and cities, it's probably the worst. But, it's my home, so I'll stay and try to make it better. My life is pretty good here anyway.

[msc545]

I live in CA andI love it. The right trashes it because they are 1) jealous and 2) angry because here in CA we always vote blue.

That said - Hawaii might be a little better. Maybe.

[Simslover92]

Yeah I was thinking that might be the only better state than California.

[msc545]

I think you might be right.

[dolemite58]

California really was an amazing place to grow up and I’ll always own land here but tbh the rest of the state as a whole has gone to shit since 2010 or so it really isn’t what it used to be. If money wasn’t a concern I’d trade off between living in a nice part of upstate NY or New England somewhere part of the year and down in Palm Beach Florida the other part.

[AviatorTom]

Let's see... there are 49 other states, and except for 3 or 4, all of them are better than California.

[Jerre]

I can think of 49 states that are better than California

[Jerre]

@Simslover92 Thank you for the Like

[Simslover92]

You're welcome!

[hahahmm]

Liberal areas of California are a cesspool. Same with All of the west coast and NYC. So almost everywhere else is better.

[Hispanic-Cool-Guy]

There's no best state. The U. S. all 50 states are awesome and offer all kinds of varieties of style and natural scenery.

It's all about living in the one that fits you best and you feel most comfortable.

[Nikki1989]

Washington is the best. Worst by far is Florida, with Texas close behind.

[BoopBoopBeep]

I have the money. I have no desire to live there.

[FunkyMonkee]

Apparently, Florida (since that's where most of them are going) or pretty much anywhere BUT California!

[LiamJHayden]

California: Insanely expensive, overcrowded bad roads despite crazy high gas taxes, inept government. Otherwise it is a great place to live.

[Danny_dan92]

Well said

[Alex-Snow]

Every state has its good points and its bad ones I think

[Agape93]

Nothing would possess me to live there

[RedInnocent69]

I don’t know. California’s great, but Florida and New York are fun too. Even Texas and quite a few others.

[shortster]

Currently, all of them. 30 years ago, I would agree with you.

[Bklynbadboy12]

Sorry but I don't think any state is better to love than New York

[Bklynbadboy12]

To live than New York

[Anonymous]

I live in California and yes it's the best state.

[NathanDavis]

the richer side of California...

[coxoabean]

Texas is better than California always!!

[msc545]

LOL!

[msc545]

Texas is a redneck shithole.

[coxoabean]

@msc545 Everything Is Bigger and Better In Texas

[msc545]

Bullshit.

[Fireguy17]

any of the other states that aren't California.

[Evamee]

I don't know New Mexico or North Carolina maybe

[handsomelad70]

It's the best state for buxom blondes !!!

[PeterLegg91]

I live in London 🇬🇧 doesn't matter to me lol

[Theodora1983]

I moved out of 6 months ago to another country.

[Anonymous]

Most actually.

[jahaims]

All of them