Pros and Cons of Living in California
If sunny views, adventure, and diverse views are your thing, moving to California can never be a wrong decision. Starting from hiking to surfing, there are adventure activities for everyone to enjoy. If you are thinking about whether moving to California will prove to be the right decision for you or not, you have come to the right place. We have got you covered with the pros and cons of living in California.
Let’s start with the first part of the CA pros and cons.
Pros of Living in California
There are numerous advantages of living in California. Some of them are –
State and National Parks
The first and foremost benefit of living in California is its proximity to nature. You can come across loads of state and national parks. You will be surprised to know that California has total of nine national parks, more than any other state. Also it has 840 miles of coastline, having plenty of beaches. Some of the famous national parks are Sequoia, Yosemite, Redwoods and Joshua Tree National Park. So add flavor to your life in California with the great outdoors in this state.
Good Weather Throughout the Year
Next in the list of advantages of living in California is that it has the perfect weather. Summers and winters are not too harsh. You can say that seasons are a bit less subtle. So, it is a mix of dry and wet season. The dryness in the climate makes the heat in the summer months bearable. On the other hand, the favorable weather in winter allows the residents to enjoy the things outdoors.
Cultural Diversity
The state is a hotspot for immigrants, especially from Asia. So, you can explore a lot of international food and culture there. Examples of some famous cultural events are Dia De Los Muertos, Lunar New Year, to name a few.
Endless Job Opportunities
Next comes the employment opportunities in California. There are countless opportunities in the tech industry in San Francisco and film in Los Angeles. Let’s unravel a fact here – LA and Silicon Valley are the hotspots of the USA when it comes to startups and entrepreneurs.
You can easily find any event happening with like-minded individuals here to form your network. Also, businesses are often hiring for the professionals who can work on them. So, there are multiple opportunities to grab employment in California. Large employers like Oracle, Netflix, Google, and Apple have their headquarters set up here.
Excellent Universities
For families who are considering moving to California, you are going the right way, as there are excellent education facilities. Some of the top universities in the nation, like Stanford University and the University of California, are located here. Besides, there is no lack of private and elite universities. If you want to plan the education of your kids on a budget, California has community colleges where your kids can go for free. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Cons of Living in California
Besides the advantages, you can’t deny that there are some drawbacks to moving to this state. Want to know what those are? Let’s take a look.
You’ll Probably Need a Car
Some of the trips around the state are not easily accessible by public transportation. For instance – If you are going from California to LA, you have to drive 380 miles. And let me tell you that the traffic in bigger cities can become pretty congested.
High Cost of Living
Although California provides you with lots of employment opportunities and the minimum salaries and wages there rank higher than most states, the cost of living is also high. Many times, high salaries in California are insufficient to cover your expenses. For instance – earning 100,000 US Dollars p/a is considered low income in San Francisco. And the popularity of multiple jobs and side gigs is higher there due to the urge to earn more. Housing costs are also extremely high. With the high demand, desirable location, and limited supply, the exorbitant housing expenses can pose significant financial hurdles for individuals who want to own a property in California.
Significant Income and Sales Taxes
With the state sales tax being 7.25% and income tax at 1-12.3%, the state has the highest tax rate in the nation. In addition, you will see one of the highest gasoline taxes in the USA in California. If you have made up your mind to move here, consider how you will adjust the taxes into your budget.
Prone to Wildfires
As we have discussed California has abundant of natural beauty, but it is prone to frequent wildfires. The worst-case scenario is when the residents of California are asked to evacuate their homes and some may even lose their property. Ensure to buy home insurance that covers the wildlife damage if you are planning to move here.
Crowded Cities
California has become crowded in recent years. If you have a home in the Southern half of the state, you know what are we talking about. The infrastructure here was not created for such a massive population. And now it has become difficult for it to support such a massive population, especially the ones living in LA and the Bay Area. Overpopulation has also resulted in pollution and heavy traffic. If peace is something that attracts you, choose a remote region of California.
To Wrap Up
There is no denying the fact that there is something for everyone out there in California. But you must also prepare yourself for the cons. Fetch as much information about the pros and cons of living in California as you can from the locals. Despite the number of problems listed above, you will truly have a wonderful experience living here amidst the beautiful diversity, quality education, financial benefits, and employment opportunities.
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FAQs
Why Is California a Good State to Live In?
California offers stunning natural beauty, including numerous state and national parks, a mild climate, and rich cultural diversity.
Why Is California So Expensive?
The high cost of living in California is driven by several factors, including high housing demand, desirable locations, and limited housing supply. Additionally, significant income and sales taxes, along with high costs for goods and services, contribute to the overall expense.
Is California a Good Place to Live?
California is a great place to live for those who value outdoor activities, cultural diversity, and ample job opportunities. However, potential residents should consider the high cost of living, frequent traffic congestion, and risks of natural disasters like wildfires.
What Is the Tax Rate in California?
California has a state sales tax rate of 7.25% and an income tax rate ranging from 1% to 12.3%. In addition, the state imposes one of the highest gasoline taxes in the nation, contributing to the overall tax burden.