We've all dreamed about saying goodbye to rainy midwest seasons or cold northern winters at some point in our lives. Many Americans see California as a solution to living a happy and fulfilled life.
Whether you're chasing year-round sunshine, fame, better jobs, or happier communities, California might be the answer. But, before making a huge move or uprooting your life, consider all the pros and cons of living in California.
From financial costs, expenses, climate, people, jobs, community, housing, and even the stress of moving, there's a lot to think about!
Here are some of the best and worst things about California, which you might be interested to know about.
1. The weather
Many people who move to California do so because they dislike the cold weather. Cali is known for its warm weather all year long. It's important to remember, though, that not all California has sunny skies and warm temperatures all year long. Up to seven times a year, Northern California can get a lot of rain and snow. Many Northern California cities experience temperatures below freezing during the winter months.
The best place to live if you only want warm weather most of the time would be in places like San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Morro Bay, where temperatures remain in the 60s during the coldest months.
2. There is always something to do.
There's no denying that California is the place to be for entertainment. No matter what kind of activities you like, California has them all. California has some unusual attractions to offer besides the many museums, dance studios, nightclubs, restaurants, and bars to attend. In Los Angeles, you can visit the Museum of Death or the Garden of Oz. There are so many unique places to visit!
3. Beaches
Few people would not want to live near the beach. When you have access to a nearby beach, there are so many things you can do! You can fish, swim, sail, go boating, surf and so much more if you like the water! It is possible to enjoy the beach despite not liking the ocean since there are many activities to do in the water! People always play sand volleyball, rollerblading, working out, or just lying out in the sun. If you live near the beach, you can't go wrong.
However, do not be all too happy because California has the following cons:
1. Traffic
More people means more traffic, as we all know. You may have to wait in your car for more than two hours during rush hour at places like Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Francisco. Traffic is unpleasant, and if you do not live near your workplace or school, you might dread your commute every day. Nevertheless, there are always ways to make your travels less stressful. You can choose to live near the places you frequent most, leave early, or take public transportation.
2. Cost of living
California has always had a high cost of living. In California, many people are forced to live with roommates or settle for a smaller apartment or house to make ends meet. California always seems to have the highest gas prices, in addition to having the highest rent. If you plan to live in California, you might consider having a roommate and using public transportation.
3. Too many laws
California is known for having strict laws that other states do not have. For example, their gun control laws include restrictions on ammunition purchases, limits on who can own a firearm, and what kind of firearm a person may possess. Citizens of some cities, such as Los Angeles, cannot even apply for a gun permit. Of course, this may not apply to you if owning a gun isn't your top priority. However, there are plenty more California laws that you may want to read up on before you make a move.
Bonus: Here are some fun facts about California which you might enjoy:
- Demonstrations on making toothpaste from orange by-products were popular attractions at the Los Angeles County fair in 1922. The fair is held in Pomona.
- Located in Sacramento, the California State Railroad Museum is the largest museum of its kind in North America.
- Several celebrities are buried at Hillside Cemetery in Culver City. Included gravesites are those of Al Jolson, George Jessel, Eddie Canter, Jack Benny, and Percy Faith.
- California Caverns claims the distinction of being the most extensive system of caverns and passageways in the Mother Lode region of the state.
- Totaling nearly three million acres, San Bernardino County is the largest county in the country.
- On Catalina Island in 1926, American author Zane Grey built a pueblo-style home on the hillside overlooking Avalon Bay. He spent much of his later life in Avalon. The home is now a hotel.
- Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge contains the largest winter population of bald eagles in the continental United States.
- Author Richard Dana (1851-1882) wrote the novel “Two Years Before the Mast.” He inspired the name for the beach community of Dana Point.
- In Atwater the Castle Air Museum has the largest display of military aircraft in the state.
- The Country Store in Baker has sold more winning California State Lottery tickets than any outlet in the state.
What do you think about these pros and cons about living in California? Share with us your experiences while living in the state!
Sources:
https://www.50states.com/facts/california.htm
https://www.bestplacestolivenow.com/moving-to-california-pros-and-cons/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_California
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_California