As someone who’s lived in California for over a decade now, I get asked this question a lot by friends and family Is California Worth Moving To? And let me tell you, it’s not an easy one to answer! There’s so much to love about California – the weather, the natural beauty, the job opportunities. But there are also some major downsides to contend with, like the high cost of living and traffic nightmares.
So is California actually worth moving to? Well, like most things in life, it depends. Let me break down some of the key pros and cons to help you decide if the California dream is right for you.
The Good Stuff: Why People Love Living in California
Alright, let’s start with the positives. There’s a reason nearly 40 million people call California home, after all! Here are some of the best parts about living here:
The Weather is Pretty Darn Perfect
I’ll never forget my first winter after moving to Southern California from the Midwest. It was January and I was walking around in shorts and flip flops while my family back home was dealing with a blizzard. The weather here really is amazing most of the year.
In coastal areas like LA and San Diego, you can expect mild temperatures year-round, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 60s. Even in the “winter,” it rarely dips below 50°F. Inland areas and Northern California do get a bit more seasonal variation, but it’s still way milder than most of the country.
And did I mention it’s sunny almost every day? We’re talking 260+ days of sunshine per year in many parts of the state. As someone who used to suffer from seasonal depression, the constant sunshine has been a total game-changer for my mental health.
Of course, there are some downsides to the weather too. Summers can get pretty toasty inland, with temps regularly hitting triple digits. And coastal areas can get gloomy with “June Gloom” marine layer. But overall, the climate is hard to beat.
Natural Beauty Everywhere You Look
One of my favorite things about living in California is being surrounded by such incredible natural beauty and diversity. Where else can you go surfing in the morning and skiing in the afternoon?
From the rugged coastline to the towering redwoods to the stark beauty of the desert, California’s landscapes are truly awe-inspiring. Some of my personal favorite spots:
- Yosemite National Park – Those granite cliffs and waterfalls never get old
- Big Sur – Possibly the most scenic stretch of coastline in the world
- Lake Tahoe – Crystal clear alpine lake surrounded by mountains
- Joshua Tree – Otherworldly desert landscape that looks like something from a Dr. Seuss book
And that’s just scratching the surface. With 9 national parks and over 280 state parks, you could spend a lifetime exploring California’s natural wonders.
The downside? Popular spots can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. But there are still plenty of hidden gems if you’re willing to venture off the beaten path a bit.
Endless Things to Do
I’m never bored living in California. There’s always something fun and interesting going on, no matter what you’re into.
Love the arts and culture? You’ve got world-class museums, theaters, and music venues in cities like LA and San Francisco. Foodie? California’s culinary scene is incredibly diverse and innovative. Sports fan? Root for one of the state’s many pro and college teams. Outdoor enthusiast? Hike, bike, surf, ski – you name it.
Some of my favorite only-in-California experiences:
- Watching movies under the stars at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
- Wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma
- Riding roller coasters at Disneyland
- Catching a show at the Hollywood Bowl
- People-watching on Venice Beach
The options really are endless. Though I will say, having so many choices can sometimes be overwhelming. And popular attractions often come with long lines and big crowds.
Career Opportunities Galore
If you’re looking to advance your career or start a business, California can be a land of opportunity. The state has the largest economy in the US and would rank as the 5th largest in the world if it were its own country.
Some of the biggest industries here:
- Tech – Silicon Valley is still the global epicenter of innovation
- Entertainment – Hollywood isn’t going anywhere
- Agriculture – California produces a huge chunk of the nation’s food
- Tourism – Millions flock here each year to visit
- Green energy – Leading the way in sustainability
I work in tech and the job market here is red hot. Lots of exciting startups and established tech giants to choose from. Salaries tend to be higher too, though that’s offset by the high cost of living (more on that later).
The flip side is that competition for top jobs can be fierce. And some industries like manufacturing have been shrinking. But overall, there are tons of career paths to explore here.
Diverse, Progressive Culture
One thing I love about California is how diverse and accepting it is. You’ll find people from all walks of life and corners of the globe here. It’s a true melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and ideas.
The state also tends to be on the progressive side politically. We often lead the way on things like environmental protections, LGBTQ+ rights, and cannabis legalization. Though of course, views vary widely depending on where in the state you are.
I find the overall vibe to be pretty laid-back and open-minded. People are generally friendly and welcoming to newcomers. Though some may find Californians to be a bit flakey or superficial at times.
The Not-So-Good: Downsides of Living in California
Alright, now for the not-so-fun part. California definitely has its share of challenges and drawbacks to contend with. Here are some of the biggest ones:
Holy Moly, It’s Expensive
There’s no way around it – the cost of living in California is HIGH. Housing costs in particular are through the roof in many areas.
To give you an idea, the median home price in California is over $800,000. In pricey areas like San Francisco and Silicon Valley, you’re looking at well over a million for even a modest home. Rents aren’t much better, with many people shelling out $2000+ per month for a basic apartment.
It’s not just housing either. Food, gas, utilities – pretty much everything costs more here. I definitely experienced some sticker shock when I first moved.
To live comfortably in most parts of California, you really need to be pulling in a six-figure salary. And even then, you may feel like you’re just scraping by. It can be really tough for young people and families trying to get established here.
That said, salaries do tend to be higher to help offset costs. And there are still some more affordable pockets if you’re willing to live further from major cities. But yeah, the high cost of living is probably the biggest downside for most people considering a move here.
Traffic is a Nightmare
If you hate sitting in traffic, parts of California might not be for you. Major cities like LA and San Francisco are notorious for horrible traffic congestion.
I live in LA and my 15-mile commute can easily take an hour or more each way during rush hour. It’s not uncommon for people here to spend 2-3 hours a day just sitting in their cars.
Public transit options are improving but still pretty limited in most areas. So having a car is pretty much a necessity for most people. But then you have to deal with expensive gas, insurance, and parking.
The constant traffic definitely takes its toll after a while. It eats up so much time and can be really stressful. Though I will say you get used to it eventually. Podcasts and audiobooks are lifesavers!
Natural Disaster Risks
California is beautiful, but it can also be a bit disaster-prone. Some of the risks to be aware of:
Earthquakes – The San Andreas fault runs through California, so earthquakes are always a possibility. Most are small, but the Big One could hit anytime.
Wildfires – These have gotten worse in recent years due to drought and climate change. The smoke and air quality issues affect huge swaths of the state.
Mudslides – Heavy rains after wildfires can trigger dangerous mudslides.
Drought – Water shortages are an ongoing issue, leading to restrictions in many areas.
You definitely need to be prepared for emergencies here. Have an earthquake kit ready, know your evacuation routes, etc. The constant threat of natural disasters can be anxiety-inducing for some people.
Crowding and Sprawl
With nearly 40 million residents, California can feel pretty crowded at times. Popular attractions often have long lines and packed parking lots. Housing developments keep sprawling further out into formerly rural areas.
The population growth has put a strain on infrastructure in many areas. Roads, schools, and other public services struggle to keep up with demand.
If you’re looking for wide open spaces and room to spread out, you may need to head to more rural parts of Northern California or the eastern side of the state. The major metro areas can definitely feel claustrophobic at times.
High Taxes
Get ready to fork over a big chunk of your paycheck if you move to California. The state has some of the highest tax rates in the country.
Income tax rates range from 1% to 13.3% depending on your income level. There’s also a 7.25% state sales tax (and higher in some cities). Property taxes, gas taxes, you name it – it all adds up.
The flip side is that tax revenue does fund a lot of services and infrastructure. But it’s definitely a shock if you’re coming from a lower-tax state.
The Verdict: Is California Worth It?
So after weighing all the pros and cons, is California actually worth moving to? In my opinion – yes, but with some big caveats.
If you can afford it and don’t mind dealing with traffic and crowds, California offers an amazing quality of life. The weather, natural beauty, career opportunities, and overall vibe are hard to beat.
But the high cost of living is a major hurdle for many people. You really need to crunch the numbers and make sure you can swing it financially. And be prepared for some culture shock if you’re coming from a smaller, slower-paced area.
I’d say California is worth considering if:
- You work in an industry with lots of opportunities here (tech, entertainment, etc.)
- You love the outdoors and want easy access to beaches, mountains, etc.
- You thrive in a diverse, progressive environment
- The idea of constant sunshine sounds amazing to you
- You don’t mind paying a premium for a high quality of life
It may not be the best fit if:
- You’re looking for an affordable place to buy a home and raise a family
- You hate traffic and big crowds
- Natural disaster risks stress you out
- You prefer a slower pace of life
- Low taxes are a priority for you
Ultimately, whether California is worth it comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. For me, the positives outweigh the negatives. But I know plenty of people who tried living here and decided it wasn’t for them.
My advice? If you’re on the fence, try visiting for an extended period first. Rent an Airbnb for a month or two in the area you’re considering. That will give you a much better sense of what day-to-day life is actually like.
And if you do decide to take the plunge, go into it with realistic expectations. California isn’t perfect – no place is. But for the right person, it can be pretty darn close to paradise.