Why You Should Never Move To California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It’s bordered by Oregon to the north, Nevada to the east, and Arizona to the southeast.
California, aka The Golden State, is known for its Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and, of course, Hollywood.
For decades, California has been a top destination for people looking to start fresh and make a name for themselves. It is, after all, the city of opportunity – the go-to place for anyone hoping to make it big in the entertainment industry or big tech.
If you’re considering a move there, you should be aware that there’s a dark side to the Golden State. Here are just a few of the reasons why you might want to think about moving elsewhere.
14 reasons why you shouldn’t move to California
1. Too many people
With a population of over 39 million people, California is the most populous state in the US.
This means that no matter where you go in the state, you’re likely to run into crowds of people. If you’re looking for a more laid-back lifestyle, California is probably not the place for you.
2. The cost of living is astronomical
If you thought the cost of living in your current city was bad, just wait until you move to California. The prices there are sky-high, and they just keep getting higher. This is especially true in major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, where the cost of rent, food, and other necessities are through the roof.
The reason for this is simple: there’s a lot of demand and not enough supply. With so many people wanting to live in California, landlords and property owners can afford to charge whatever they want. And they do.
3. The traffic is some of the worst in the country
California is notorious for its traffic jams. If you thought the commute to work was bad where you live now, just wait until you have to sit in Los Angeles traffic for hours on end.
And it’s not just the big cities that are plagued by gridlock. Even smaller towns like San Diego and Sacramento can have some serious traffic problems.
The reason for this is twofold. First, there are tons of people in California. With many people come many cars, and more cars mean more traffic. Second, the state’s public transportation system isn’t very good, so most people are forced to drive everywhere.
4. The education system is failing
California’s public education system is in a state of crisis. In recent years, the state has been struggling to fund its schools, leading to larger class sizes, fewer resources, and lower-quality education.
This is especially true in California’s inner cities, where schools are often overcrowded and underfunded. As a result, many students there are not getting the education they deserve.
If you have children or are planning to have them, you might want to think twice about moving to California.
5. The crime rate is higher than the national average
Unfortunately, California’s high population means that the state also has a higher crime rate than the rest of the country.
According to safehome.org, California’s crime rate is 10% higher than the national average, with violent crimes like murder, rape, and robbery being especially common.
California also has a gang violence problem. In fact, the state is home to some of the most infamous gangs in the country, including the Bloods, the Crips, and MS-13.
6. Homelessness is at an all-time high
California is currently in the midst of a homelessness crisis. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, there are over 150,000 homeless people in the state, most of whom reside in Los Angeles. That’s the highest in the country.
Walking down the street in Los Angeles, San Jose, or Oakland, you’re likely to see homeless people begging for money or sleeping on the sidewalk. It’s a sad reality of life in California.
Many of these homeless people are also violent drug addicts, which can lead to serious safety concerns for residents.
7. Wildfires are a constant threat
Nothing can prepare you for the terror of a California wildfire. These massive fires can spread quickly and without warning, leaving entire communities in ashes.
In recent years, wildfires have become more common in California due to climate change. And they’re only getting worse.
If you live in or near a fire-prone area, you’ll always be at risk of having your home destroyed by a wildfire.
8. Air pollution is some of the worst in the country
California has some of the worst air pollution in the country. This is due to a variety of things, including car exhaust, factory emissions, and forest fires. It’s a serious problem that can have negative effects on your health, especially if you have asthma or other respiratory problems.
9. Drought is a serious problem
California is currently in the midst of a severe drought. This has led to water shortages, dust storms, and wildfires. The state’s agriculture industry has also been hit hard by the drought.
Things are only expected to get worse in the coming years, so if you decide to move to California, you’ll need to be prepared for some serious water rationing.
10. It might be too hot for you
If you’re not a fan of hot weather, then California is probably not the place for you. The state has a Mediterranean climate, which means that it enjoys sunshine and warmth nearly all year round.
In fact, some parts of California are so hot that they’re practically uninhabitable. Death Valley, for example, reaches temperatures of over 120°F (54°C). Scorching!
11. People are superficial
Californians are known for being shallow and materialistic. If you’re looking for meaningful relationships, you might want to look elsewhere.
People in California tend to be more concerned with appearances than anything else. They care about what kind of car you drive, what kind of clothes you wear, and how much money you make. You’ll often find that people only want to befriend you if you can benefit them in some way.
12. California changes people
If you move to California, there’s a good chance that you’ll come out a changed person. And not necessarily in a good way.
Many people who move to California end up losing their way and becoming just like everyone else. They start caring about superficial things and forget what’s truly important in life.
13. You could start to feel inadequate
With so much money, success, and surgeon-enhanced beauty, it’s easy to start feeling like you’re not good enough. Everyone around you seems to have their life together and you can’t help but wonder what you’re doing wrong.
This is a common problem in California, where people are constantly comparing themselves to others. If you’re not careful, it can lead to serious mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
14. Too liberal
Depending on one’s political leanings, California’s pronounced liberal perspective could be a major stumbling block. The state’s politics favor “progressive” policies, which can be disconcerting to those with conservative beliefs. For instance, California’s legislation is at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights, enacting policies that heavily favor inclusivity and diversity.
This commitment to liberal values is not confined to the political arena but extends to the state’s culture and societal norms as well. One example of this is the FAIR Education Act, implemented in California, which mandates the inclusion of the political, economic, and social contributions of persons with disabilities and LGBTQ+ people in educational textbooks.
While some applaud these inclusive measures, others, particularly those with more traditional or conservative views on sexuality and gender, may find them challenging. Therefore, for individuals whose views do not align with these liberal ideologies, living in California might be a nightmare.
Conclusion
California is like the Wild West. It’s a land of opportunity, but it’s also a land of danger. You’ll find that the state is full of beautiful places and people, but at the same time, it has its fair share of problems.
If you’re serious about moving there, then you need to be prepared for the challenges that come with it. From the high cost of living to the dangers of wildfires, there’s a lot to take into consideration. But if you’re up for the challenge, then California might just be the place for you.