Is california a good state to move to?

[nikolai]

Ok, heres my situation. Me and my best friend want to move to CA, and I'm wanting to know if its a good choice. I have finished high school with a diploma, he's finishing up this semester for a diploma, we both have a nice 10 grand to spend a piece, and we want to get out of SC (at least I do, I think he likes it in CA cause of the drug laws, lol). Currently we reside in SC, and we both are heavy, albeit responsible, drug users; we are both very open minded, we are both liberal, I'm gay, we have the means to move to CA, and we are tired of the close-minded people in SC. Since SC is a right wing conservative state, pro-gun, anti-gay, close minded, and generally redneck state, its really difficult living here. Yes, we are essentially running away from our problems because we can, and because CA is alot better than SC.

I am not asking if we should move, but if California is a suitable place for us.

So with all this, is it worth moving across the continent?

[isabel]

Depends on where you hail from. West - East . They are very different from each other. Yes, your life style is more acceptable on the west coast. But you will find a speed of life different from what you are use too. Most CA residents don't mix a lot with neighbors, their lives are too busy and lots of folks commute.

I can remember when I was living on the East coast many moons ago. I really noticed the slower life style. The in grained southern up bringing. Just a whole different feel from the west coast. If you have family, you should consider if you will miss them.

California is a great state, if you like a fast life style, things and events always in fast mode. The hardest thing we have to do is slowing down and trying to spend time at home. Seems we are always on the go. Rushing to take kids to places, or rushing to run errands, or rushing to work and back. Some days I just want a slower pace. It usually doesn't happen.

So consider the difference in life style from when and where you were raised.

Izzy

[Jade La Rosa]

if you think in Calif the drug laws are lenient you have another thing coming. just because you hear about it and there are more people....it is not popular. more so around people here. basically overwhelming amount agree it is not socially acceptable. Drug laws are very tough and drug testing is every where. This is the state they are now looking to remove smoking even in any apartment building or even out door public areas..i too agree. i do not want a cigarette smoke anywhere near my oxygen. i hd my fun when younger, partied did some drugs..now i agree also..socially unaccetable,do not want to know anyone that goes that way..it all goes to trouble why ask for it

[isabel]

Thanks Jade for pointing out the drug laws. I was skim reading and missed the reference to drugs. California has a serious drug problem...but are also the leaders in treatment. Laws are strict here about drug use...to think that you would move to another state based on drug use...well that is plain scary.

Izzy

[catfish]

Originally Posted by nikolai

Ok, heres my situation. Me and my best friend want to move to CA, and I'm wanting to know if its a good choice. I have finished high school with a diploma, he's finishing up this semester for a diploma, we both have a nice 10 grand to spend a piece, and we want to get out of SC (at least I do, I think he likes it in CA cause of the drug laws, lol). Currently we reside in SC, and we both are heavy, albeit responsible, drug users; we are both very open minded, we are both liberal, I'm gay, we have the means to move to CA, and we are tired of the close-minded people in SC. Since SC is a right wing conservative state, pro-gun, anti-gay, close minded, and generally redneck state, its really difficult living here. Yes, we are essentially running away from our problems because we can, and because CA is alot better than SC.

I am not asking if we should move, but if California is a suitable place for us.

So with all this, is it worth moving across the continent?

I would not worry about it too much. If you are that heavy into drugs you wont be alive long enough to be worried. So why not drug yourselves to death In SC so the taxpayers in California don't have to pay to bury you two.

[CityDataForumSux]

Im pretty sure the drug laws that are "laid back" that he is refferring too, is our proposition which allows for people to use medicinal marijuana, and not get prosecuted at the state level for it. Thats the only "laid back" drug law i can think of.

Hell in san fransisco they will damn near crucify you for smoking.

[Jade La Rosa]

Think that all of it is what you make of it here or any place. What efforts you put forth.Adaptability. Knowing who you are etc. I know I could make a life for myself anywhere most likely..but do I want to be there? Weather,lifestyle etc. for instance S.F is cool place..but I do not want to live there. New tork is cool..but only if I made 100's of 1000's of $$$$$. south Florida coast is a beaute but I would not like the weather most of the year

[Wyoming53]

I was stationed in San Diego for 18 years and I can tell you that it was nice. But I didn't live, downtown area or even on the fringes. Although I worked at 32nd St Naval Station I lived about 25 miles away. Was well worth the trip to get out of the hustle and bustle.

People were friendly, I never really had any major problems. Sure, occasionally a neighbor would have a sterio up a little high. But a knock on the door and explain it to them and they was always polite and turned it down. Neighbors were neighbors, although you might know the people two or three doors in each direction, seldom did it expand beyond that. The pace was too fast to know and have to many friends.

Neighbors were "Hey how you doing and wave when you saw them." But not a lot more then that. Usually have 5 or 6 close nit familys that you had supper with, partied with, or went to the beach with. But so many hours of work, and their schedule, that's about all I could juggle.

The one thing I did learn about San Diego was that it was clickish. Not bad as in your not welcome over here. But clickish as in this tight nit group woudln't tell you about the good shopping stores until you fit in with their group. haha Wife and I were there 3 years before somebody spoke up and said, "You know, if you go here, the meat and veggies are so much better.

But all in all, I liked San Diego's people and neighborhoods. Only reason I left when I got out is "I wanted to go back home to my seasons."

My brother, who was there at the same time, stayed. Guess he didn't want to shovel snow back home. haha

[mothermayi]

Originally Posted by nikolai

Ok, heres my situation. Me and my best friend want to move to CA, and I'm wanting to know if its a good choice. I have finished high school with a diploma, he's finishing up this semester for a diploma, we both have a nice 10 grand to spend a piece, and we want to get out of SC (at least I do, I think he likes it in CA cause of the drug laws, lol). Currently we reside in SC, and we both are heavy, albeit responsible, drug users; we are both very open minded, we are both liberal, I'm gay, we have the means to move to CA, and we are tired of the close-minded people in SC. Since SC is a right wing conservative state, pro-gun, anti-gay, close minded, and generally redneck state, its really difficult living here. Yes, we are essentially running away from our problems because we can, and because CA is alot better than SC.

I am not asking if we should move, but if California is a suitable place for us.

So with all this, is it worth moving across the continent?

I know this is an older post but it is (or was) a joke right?

The OP and friend are just out of High School, drug users and claim they have $10 grand a piece (man, who is blowing smoke now).

[1doglady]

Originally Posted by mothermayi

I know this is an older post but it is (or was) a joke right?

The OP and friend are just out of High School, drug users and claim they have $10 grand a piece (man, who is blowing smoke now).

I'm sure they forgot to add drug dealers too! California sounds perfect, now that we're gone.

[1doglady]

I really feel for the poor people that lost everything in all the fires. And to have to breathe that smoke and soot for weeks... So glad I made it out in time. At one time the hills behind our home were all a blaze.

[isabel]

Now it isn't the fires...it is the real estate crash. Our home is now a $150,000. upside down on the current market. There are many homes in our neighborhood that are brand new and have weeds growing in the driveway...because no one lives there. We live in Valley Springs, CA. Down in Lathrop...about 40 minutes away. You can get a 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2400 sq. ft. home for under $200,000. And did I mention less than 10 years old.

Izzy

[1doglady]

Originally Posted by isabel

Now it isn't the fires...it is the real estate crash. Our home is now a $150,000. upside down on the current market. There are many homes in our neighborhood that are brand new and have weeds growing in the driveway...because no one lives there. We live in Valley Springs, CA. Down in Lathrop...about 40 minutes away. You can get a 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2400 sq. ft. home for under $200,000. And did I mention less than 10 years old.

Izzy

I see you live in Central Ca. Is that near Fresno and Bakersfield? My sister in law bought a brand new 3000sq. ft. house for $300k in 2004 and by 2006 it went up to about $600k. Now it's $360k!!! Always happens in Bakersfield. Build, build, build and then bust.

[PDXnative]

Originally Posted by 1doglady

I'm sure they forgot to add drug dealers too! California sounds perfect, now that we're gone.

That was kind of an interesting post. If they are drug users.... they won't have 10k for long.

[PDXnative]

Originally Posted by isabel

Now it isn't the fires...it is the real estate crash. Our home is now a $150,000. upside down on the current market. There are many homes in our neighborhood that are brand new and have weeds growing in the driveway...because no one lives there. We live in Valley Springs, CA. Down in Lathrop...about 40 minutes away. You can get a 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2400 sq. ft. home for under $200,000. And did I mention less than 10 years old.

Izzy

They are giving houses away in California. Move to cali, get a free house. Awesome program!!

[dragonmaster]

California is near the forefront of the current economic disaster we are now facing- brought on by the housing debacle. That being so as much as I love the Golden state and all it has to offer- I can think of better places to live.

The main draw for me to California is the benign climate along the coast- its never hot or cold or humid. Secondly the recreational opportunities are boundless, as is the beauty of the physical environment.

The cost of living is very high (though housing prices have dropped back to earth somewhat) I still love the state- but it has many problems, both economic & social.

[isabel]

Originally Posted by 1doglady

I see you live in Central Ca. Is that near Fresno and Bakersfield? My sister in law bought a brand new 3000sq. ft. house for $300k in 2004 and by 2006 it went up to about $600k. Now it's $360k!!! Always happens in Bakersfield. Build, build, build and then bust.

We are about 2 1/2 hours north of Fresno. We are in what is know as "The gold country". Funny...gold rush...real estate rush...both busted at some point. I have posted pics on here of Valley Springs. Don't know how to link you to it but here is the www when I'm there.

Izzy

Pictures Valley Springs March 07

Pictures of my area Valley Springs and within an hour of here

[isabel]

Originally Posted by PDXnative

They are giving houses away in California. Move to cali, get a free house. Awesome program!!

Almost free. A lot of folks are buying a new home and dumping the old one, letting it go into foreclosure. They can't see when they will get any money out of the old one. At least not for many years.

Izzy

[1doglady]

Originally Posted by isabel

Almost free. A lot of folks are buying a new home and dumping the old one, letting it go into foreclosure. They can't see when they will get any money out of the old one. At least not for many years.

Izzy

Hi Izzy. Loved your pictures you took last year. You are a very good photographer.
Very familiar with Tahoe. Was married there overlooking Emerald Bay and the Vikingshome. Is Valley Springs on the Reno side or Mammoth Lakes side? I've only gone up to Tahoe from Mammoth.

[1doglady]

Going back to the original question about California being a good place to live..it is such a personal thing. Northern and Southern are entirely different with different climates and vibes. Economically, you better be pulling down at least $100k a year to have a decent place to live with a good school district if you have kids. You don't get alot for your money in most areas but I am most familiar with Socal although I love Northern Ca the best but it is even more expensive. If you have the bucks you may or may not like it depending on what you are use to, looking for and hope to find.

[isabel]

Originally Posted by 1doglady

Hi Izzy. Loved your pictures you took last year. You are a very good photographer.
Very familiar with Tahoe. Was married there overlooking Emerald Bay and the Vikingshome. Is Valley Springs on the Reno side or Mammoth Lakes side? I've only gone up to Tahoe from Mammoth.

We are about 2 1/2 hours from Tahoe going up Hwy 88. Most of the pics with snow are up Hwy 88. We are 45 mins. from Big Trees Park...our schools go there for field trips. I'm glad you like the pics. The spring/ summer ones with Oak trees either in or near Valley Springs.

Izzy

[isabel]

Originally Posted by 1doglady

Going back to the original question about California being a good place to live..it is such a personal thing. Northern and Southern are entirely different with different climates and vibes. Economically, you better be pulling down at least $100k a year to have a decent place to live with a good school district if you have kids. You don't get alot for your money in most areas but I am most familiar with Socal although I love Northern Ca the best but it is even more expensive. If you have the bucks you may or may not like it depending on what you are use to, looking for and hope to find.

There are cheaper places to live in CA but not near metro areas. Anything with real pretty scenery is going to cost you. Certainly no as much as a year ago. Homes in many places have dropped by half of what they were a year ago.
If you're going to move to CA and buy a home this would be the year to do it. As long as you can find employment.

Good areas with good schools are either very expensive in metro areas or in remote locations such as Valley Springs.

Izzy

Izzy

[PDXnative]

Originally Posted by 1doglady

Going back to the original question about California being a good place to live..it is such a personal thing. Northern and Southern are entirely different with different climates and vibes. Economically, you better be pulling down at least $100k a year to have a decent place to live with a good school district if you have kids. You don't get alot for your money in most areas but I am most familiar with Socal although I love Northern Ca the best but it is even more expensive. If you have the bucks you may or may not like it depending on what you are use to, looking for and hope to find.

Northern California is more expensive than Southern California? Really?

[1doglady]

Originally Posted by PDXnative

Northern California is more expensive than Southern California? Really?

San Francisco, Marin County, wine country, Silicon Valley, Carmel, but mainly S.F. area. San Fran and New York use to be neck in neck as the most expensive, but it's probably New York now.

[Plato]

San Francisco is usually said to be in Northern California, and it's what most people think of when they hear the phrase "Nothern California", but really it's Central California as it's just barely north of the exact middle of the state.

It's really much, much different than true N California, which in my opinion starts at Redding.

[1doglady]

Kind of splitting hairs here. I don't know of anyone including those that live in S.F. that would say they live just slightly north of Central Ca. and really should be called Central Ca. instead of living in Northern Ca. but then again, those that do probably think your Governor is doing a wonderful job:) Guess that is why he has the lowest approval rating of any Gov. in Ca. history including the person who was ousted for him and the greatest majority would not vote for him again. Have you lived in Ca. long or did for a short time? I lived there most of my life until recently and have relatives that live "up North".

[Plato]

Off and on for maybe 10 years, doglady. He may have the lowest approval rating, but that's because most people don't stop to think of who are actually making the laws. He has influence, but he isn't the one who is refusing to compromise in order to come to a solution.

I wasn't really splitting hairs, San Francisco is not at all like California north of Redding or Fort Bragg. It's more like LA than like any part of true northern California.

The difference is so large that many people here jokingly refer to themselves as living in the State of Jefferson, a proposed new state consisting of far northern Cal and southern Oregon.

[dragonmaster]

San Francisco might be LA diluted- there is a still strong cultural shallowness in Baghdad by the bay, with a certain 'cool' and sophisticated veneer, that runs thin over time. The 'Beamers' running up & down the Bayshore freeway from San Jose to San fran become rather tiresome rather fast.

The wine country, in Sonoma, also Santa Rosa is still in San Francisco's orbit- to a degree, the climate however is still Mediterranean.

Once you go north into Lake and Mendocino counties, and still further north does the 'real' northern CA become apparent- but it becomes merged into Oregon or 'Ectopia'. And to a degree the bay area is part of 'Ectopia' and not part of Los Angeles.

[mothermayi]

Originally Posted by isabel

We are about 2 1/2 hours north of Fresno. We are in what is know as "The gold country". Funny...gold rush...real estate rush...both busted at some point. I have posted pics on here of Valley Springs. Don't know how to link you to it but here is the www when I'm there.

Izzy

Pictures Valley Springs March 07

Pictures of my area Valley Springs and within an hour of here

Love your pictures Izzy (you live in a very pretty area).

We use to head up to the area when I was younger quite a bit looking for gold.

In the later years I had a family member move about a 1/2 hour away from where you live now.

Just wondering if you have ever been to Shingle Springs or Placerville?

[isabel]

Placerville, yes. On the way t