Why anyone chooses to live in Southern California is beyond me. The state is almost bankrupt, overdeveloped, backed up with traffic jams, home lots are small, and year round warm weather is mundane. Northern California along the coast is a totally dissimilar place to be discussed in a future blog entry.
I moved to Southern California in 1993 and disliked this part of the state from day one. I have lived in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. I did not remain in Southern California for 15 years by choice but because my business was so intertwined with the state that I had to remain. I moved out of the state in 2008 with boundless joy and tranquility.
Unfortunately, California is falling into a financial abyss as a result of reckless spending. Now debt is starting to smother the life out of California. The politicians in Sacramento chase out businesses and individuals with ridiculously high tax rates. High income tax rates is one of the reasons why I left California. As a final kick in the pants, upon selling my business the state enjoyed 10% of sale proceeds that I earned through hard labor.
Most of Southern California is covered in concrete and pavement. Endless strip malls and over crowded residential neighborhoods make it hard to breathe. Yes, smog is still a problem too. Unless you’re among the super wealthy and can afford a 3 million dollar house, you can forget about any sort of significant yard with trees and grass. Of course, you could go out towards the desert and buy a good sized yard, minus the trees, but then the weather is too hot. If you do not need a job to sustain your family, then living in the mountains could be your answer; otherwise, the commute would be lengthy. Traffic is absolutely ridiculous. To go anywhere, and be on time, you need to leave far in advance. The traffic most days is slow for no good reason. Sometimes traffic will surprise you and move rapidly, but if you left too early you will also arrive too early at your destination.
Southern California weather is monotonous and warm year round. Most residents love California’s warm weather. These same residents happily over pay for the privilege to live in overcrowded housing developments. The threat of wild fires and earthquakes do not make one bit of difference to these warm weather fanatics. I just do not understand this thought process. In my opinion, anyone who cannot take 3 months of cold weather is a wimp. As an approximation, most Northern states receive cold winter weather in December, January, and February. March, April and May is Spring. June, July, and August is Summer. September, October and November is Fall. I enjoy the change of seasons because it’s quite pleasant to experience the smells, sounds and change of scenery four times a year. Living in a place that has warm weather year round is absolutely mind numbing.
If you appreciate old style architecture you will be disappointed; although, there is something to be said about California’s Spanish influenced building design. To be fair, many of the restaurants are excellent. The culture around the beaches is quite unique and interesting. I highly recommend visiting Laguna Beach. If you enjoy quality hamburgers and fries made with the best ingredients be sure to visit In & Out. When you get up on Sunday watch an episode of “California’s Gold” with Huell Howser. Balboa Park in San Diego is a beautiful place to visit.
Most people that I’ve met love California; although, many of these people have not lived elsewhere. I am lucky to have also lived in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Living in these other states has colored my perspective with visions of large open parks, beautiful windy roads, and reasonable housing with large yards. I know there are a lot of people who will disagree with my views on Southern California. Neither of us is correct and neither of us is wrong in our viewpoints. Every individual and family has a different perspective on where is the best place to live. We are lucky to live in such a diverse and large country. We must consider what our own values are and then make a choice. Throughout this country, there are different climate types, a variety of cultures, and varying population densities. Before deciding on where to live, you may want to consider your own dreams of the place to live out the remainder of your life. Be honest with yourself and then make the leap you deserve without fear. I tried for years to break away from California and found the ultimate place to live. Until my children turn 18 that ultimate place is Bucks County, PA. I will write about my dream fulfilled in a soon to be released blog entry.
- Steve