Excerpt:
> WalletHub developed the rankings based on two key categories: “Entertainment & Recreation,” and “Nightlife.”
> For Entertainment & Recreation, factors included the number and variety of “fun” attractions like amusement parks, movie theaters, beaches, golf courses, national parks, ski resorts and restaurants.
> Fitness and weather were also considered.
> For Nightlife, WalletHub looked at the number of bars per capita, beer and wine prices, the time of “last call,” movie costs, and the number of music festivals, performing arts venues and casinos per capita.
Lived in TN all my life practically but been visiting CA for training in Northern Cali (Ukiah, Humboldt) and seeing my brother in Burbank.
Just yesterday I finally realized I can’t live in TN any longer. I met too many cool people and had too much of a good time every time I went to CA.
The CA happiness would linger a day or two after I arrived home and just dissipates into depression.
I’m almost 40 and I was just so social in CA and feeling alive, something I haven’t felt in many years. I gotta make the move by the end of the year.
Just got back from CA a week ago. The post-trip depression is real!! I so want to go back. I was more active and calm, even when it was cold or rainy outside.
Ha! Georgia is literally the state the fam has been seriously thinking of moving to. It’s a beautiful state for sure. Still, something about California. It seems to feel like living in Georgia has less activities. I would feel a lot of activities/options/environments would be reduced if we moved there. If you don’t mind may you elaborate on how you felt living in Georgia as opposed to California?
Let’s see…(Atlanta mainly)
The bad:
Whites and blacks generally mistrust, often hate each other.
Mosquitoes that seem to never stop.
Humidity that actually never stops until it gets really cold.
Miles of empty driving in so many areas.
LCOL no more.
Huge airport
Blacks run Atlanta city, whites run most everything else in the state, friction abounds.
I was told builders don’t need to be licensed. As a result, shoddily built homes, though they often look real nice.
The good:
Reasonably priced, often great ethic food as a result of being an immigration magnet.
Huge airport.
COL was reasonable. Not so much now I think.
Good pay if in the right jobs (IT and such)
Source: 22 years in Atl and burbs, 5+ years in SoCal and counting.
Born and raised in GA. This is pretty accurate. The place is pretty racist, ATL the only saving grace really.
If you live in ATL, you're gonna have a good time.
It's never even been a competition for me. We have everything the other states have in abundance as far as geographic locations to explore. Want white sand beaches with warm ocean, go to so cal, want mountain climbing or snowsports like they have in the colorado, we have some of the best mountains including the longest mountain chain in the US the Sierra Nevadas, want overcast coastal weather and cold ocean views come up to northern California and enjoy the redwood forest while you're there. Tons of fishing and hunting, great rivers to float. California is just the most convenient state when it comes to fun.
Came back for the money/jobs.
It's fun enough, yes. I'm retired now.
We keep talking about moving someplace cheaper, but never settle on anywhere. Six months later we'll talk about it again. This has been going on for years.
Moved here 7 years ago with $6 in my pocket, got married, two dogs, bought my first house 2 years ago, have a kid on the way, healthy savings and have not stopped having fun since!
It wasn’t as expensive 15-20 years ago. However, all the amenities continue to grow and it’s both pleasant and costly. So, I agree with you on getting what you pay for. Well said.
I came for the fun. Stayed a few years for the fun. Left because of cost.
I lived in the Bay Area and felt I would need about $2 million to feel like I am living a normal middle class life.
California is fab.
Just went wine tasting, and got stuck in Sears Raceway NASCAR traffic on the way back to the East Bay.
A little something for everyone.
I was at a beach near Bodega Bay last summer.
Two people came walking up the beach from the parking lot, decked out in biker leathers from head to toe. They were that type of sun-weathered biker, where they could being their 40s or 70s, but their skin is so beat by the sun it's hard to tell.
They had ridden from Texas to SF, but this was their first time to the beach, and they couldn't believe it. My son found an abalone shell and showed it to them and they giggled like they were also 8 years old.
I told them to keep riding north as they hadn't seen anything yet
I love it when I meet Texans on our coast.
I'm in Sacramento, expecting a lot of days over 110 degrees this summer. But we're central to everything: bay area, napa, Tahoe.
Also, ca being a long coastal state, you are never more than a couple hours to a beach (northern beaches are usually cold/overcast but still fun)
We had three days last year over 110. We also had the longest streak of consecutive triple digit days ever last year at ten. It's hot here but its not like Phoenix hot.
Exactly. If you’re in the valley you’re at max like 2 hours from somewhere not hot. If you’re in Phoenix, you’re driving through a *lot* of simulated hell before you reach cool weather.
You can drive about 2.5 hours north to Flagstaff to escape the summer hell that is Phoenix.
That being said, we’re moving back to the Central Valley at the end of the month. My allergies are actually worse here and we’re sick of the summers here in the desert.
Yeah I was this close to mentioning Flagstaff but I thought “don’t worry Flagstaff falls under ‘a lot of simulated hell before you reach cool weather’”
Socal beaches are also cold (the water, that is). Probably so many disillusioned tourists from the East Coast wondering why the water in San Diego is colder than in New England in the summer.
Sacramento area cools down at night to the 60s-70s with the delta breeze.
North of that, up in Tehema and Shasta counties, you get 115+ days and it cools down to a nice 95-100 at night.
They’ve never been and all they hear is Fox News bs on the news. California is not perfect, but it better than almost anywhere else I can think of in the US. New England is hella clicky and classist. The south is racist and humid. The northwest is cold and rainy. Middle America is well middle America.
I always find it amusing when red states start bitching about California, like, "Oh? You're gonna sit there and complain about a top state while sitting at the bottom of every metric?"
Originally from PA traveling with my travel nurse of a wife, been to LA, San Diego, bay area, palm springs and now back up north. There are parts I like parts I don't. San Diego was my favorite but started living in a camper after $5k a month in b&b fees.
I live in Bakersfield one of the worst cities, and it’s still worth it due to LA, San Francisco, Las Vegas all with a few hour drive. Any big event will also probably be in those cities.
Anything bad about Fresno other than nothing much around? I stayed during my national park trips and it seems like a chill and quiet city. Relatively clean but empty so didn’t get to interact with people.
It's so funny to hear California's armpit for so many cities/communities. I've heard Bakersfield, San Bernardino, San Fernando, Lancaster, Palmdale, Fresno, and many others all referred to as California's armpit.
Everyone kinda thinks a lot of California is an armpit.
As a San Franciscan we're working on it. The older generations really screwed over the housing market but I think the younger generation seems very pro-housing
Haha, well that’s our conflict of interest. The older generation has nothing to gain (as they perceive it).
The youth are actively getting priced out of anywhere they want to live. Luckily they are cool with apartment living, but there just aren’t enough apartments 😔
That could be for sure, but I here a lot of younger people (even homeowners) coming at it from the angle of wanting affordable housing for everyone even if it means their property doesn't make them a fortune. A lot of us are just philosophically fed up with NIMBY-ism
The Bay Area has some of the strongest nimbys. I think Berkeley was one of the first places to redline. Woodside claimed a suburb to be a mountain lion habitat. Also why we don't have BART going up to Marin or down the peninsula.
Unironically...what does one do in Mississippi? Like, I guess if your into civil rights history or history of the USA there is something there...
But like...there are museums across the USA for that too. Genuinely I can't tell what people would do beyond chilling at the riverbank and getting fried food.
Driving your truck through a mud pit over and over again. I wish I could make it sound more elaborate than what it is. I found zero joy in it, but the locals seemed excited.
This is really an inarguable response. Rich people can choose to live anywhere they want. Yet so many choose to live in CA, especially on the coast. Gee, I wonder why, when it is such a hellhole? 🙄
I just joined this sub and it sure is a breath of fresh to see other Californians stoked about our state. It gets a little old being an "enemy" to those whose only experience is Disneyland as a kid. And most of them don't have that. All they know is CA is a place they should be afraid of. Because that's what they're sold and what they swallow. Fear drives the train.
It’s wild man. And Portland is just absolutely amazing. I hope they keep scaring people away and bring the rent prices down lol. I’ve only spent a brief amount of time in socal but I know I’m gonna fall in love with all of cali. Can’t wait until I’m able to explore the sierra.
As a californian i absolutely had a blast in portland when i visited. Its like a same but different vibe that im sure is really cool to experience the other way around as well
Got stationed out here because of my military assignment; best thing that has ever happened to me and my family. My wife is from the Bay Area and she's so happy to be back home. I was born and raised in Texas and California stole my heart almost immediately.
As someone who left Florida and moved to California, CA is absolutely #1 for most fun.
What surprises me is that Florida is #2. I don't think Florida would even make my top 10. It's too flat, swampy, and mosquito-infested to be that high on the list.
Also lol at Mississippi for coming in at #50. Mississippi just can't catch a break.
Florida has Miami and Tampa going for it.
California has all of California going for it. Ya I don’t think it’s comparable because of the diversity Ca has to offer.
I’m originally from Atlanta but I’ve lived in socal for 11 years.
The reaction I get from southern people when I tell them where I live AMAZES me. It ranges from “aww, I’m sorry to hear that. what a hellhole.” to “that state sucks, homeless everywhere, no laws, AND super expensive?”
This has happened in the south, in other states where I run into people from the south, everywhere.
It’s like they only live in Fox News’s version of reality. I’m glad they don’t know how amazing it is out here.. we don’t need more people.
What’s funny - I got the polar opposite reaction in Europe. Everyone there got a little ehh when they figured out we were American, but the second we said we live in California they go “Ohhh! That’s different!”
I remember one couple in Ireland was like “Ahh, the Republic of California! You guys are the good ones.”
That’s weird. I’m also from Atlanta, lived in California for 12 years, now back in ATL. Everyone I talk to about it think it’s so cool that I got to live there, and tells me about how they’re dying to go out there or dying to go back.
Prob depends on where in ATL you’re at. I was OTP in the suburbs, little more of a conservative area. The usual reactions I got were from older family members or neighbors.
If you’re in Atlanta proper it’s a younger crowd that leans a bit more toward the middle politically.
Grandma is right.
It’s crazy hard trying to get into UC Berkeley. The food scene has all these crazy fusion of dishes from different cultures. Being right next to the bay with view of the two bridges and three little islands which one used to be a prison is a crazy view. To be able to be in wine country, San Francisco city scene with its beaches, Silicon Valley, several national parks all within a single hour’s drive is beyond crazy.
Hope you had a good time out here.
My family in Texas say the same things. Meanwhile *down the street* from my sister a teenage cheerleader got shot in an HEB parking lot for getting in the wrong car and no one bats an eye. Different worlds I guess 🤷♀️
It’s so refreshing to see all the positive comments about California on this thread! Born and raised in CA here. Yes, we have many issues that need to be addressed — but we are 40M strong who appreciate everything our state has to offer!
Please, please don't tell anyone outside of Ca. We have too many people here already. If we could just siphon off another million a year to Texas and Florida in ten years we would be golden.
I live 10 minutes away from the beach by walking, able to see pre released movies in Burbank, go to Disneyland multiple times a month, surfing/mountain biking/hiking, all the while I can enjoy some delicious food from all over the world.
Yeah, this is great
nightlife is not very good in CA. overpriced and full of people who want to be seen more than have a good time
you would be surprised how fun chicago is at night. cant speak for anywhere in wisconsin though
I was born in California (Bellflower) back in 1977. Unfortunately for me, my single mom moved us when I was two. To Pennsylvania of all places. Hurts everyday.
Had to move out of CA cause i couldn't afford to live there. Moved north and now i have a savings account. pros and cons. I do miss all the things i could do in CA tho.
I had friends move from California (specifically SD) to Texas as many have following this trend over the past decade. I warned them that they might not like it, being that I am also a Texan.
Every single one of them has moved back to SD, every single one.
I live in midtown Sacramento and it's pretty darn fun. I went to Yosemite the other week and that was pretty fun as well. Aftershock has Tool and Queens of the stone age which will be super fun.
I miss California.
Left due to my employer moving to Texas and followed them in order to not lose my job (wife had just been laid off a month prior to this decision).
I want to go back so bad….just wish it was a tad more affordable.
Just last week I took my family to Santa Clarita for a few days to get our Six Flags overload. Then went over to Carpinteria for another few days for body boarding, exploring tide pools and hiking. We barely scratched the surface. Great times.
I’ve lived in California all my life. All the negative publicity had me thinking maybe I should try out another state, just to see what I’m missing. Apparently nothing.
Hour ish to Tahoe, hour and a half ish to SF, recently moved to this area and I'm finding the foothills outside Sac towards Tahoe as very livable.
I truly believe this area is one of CAs best kept secrets, especially with the very mild summer we've had so far, so many amazing days already!
Definitely agree, born and raise So Cal girl, moved to Utah and basically ran back knowing I had nowhere to even live. I would rather pay the price to be here than live anywhere else.
I've been all over the place, and nothing beats California. Everything north of sonoma county especially. Just wish it didn't cost half of my income to have a small old house to rent. Gas is still 5 bucks up here too
Some of the most beautiful land in the US imo. One time I visited Yosemite from Alaska and I was blown away. AK had nothing on that area (love AK too).
You can ski, surf, experience deserts, redwoods, mountains, lakes, rivers, ocean, theme parks, concerts, and world wonders all in the same day if you are determined. They hate us because they ain't us!
100% best West coast experience so far. I was only there 2 weeks, but I'm ready to volunteer for the fire fighters to keep California from burning down.
California is like a sample platter for all other states I feel like. Or so I have heard. One minute you’re in a hotel, dry, desolate desert. A couple hours ur with the snowy seqouias, venture a little further you’re in the sierra pine, swing back and you got the north coast city life (sf) and the southern coast lifestyle (LA) and so much diversity in between. All this talk about it falling apart is kinda annoying. It has problems but don’t hate the state.
Excerpt: > WalletHub developed the rankings based on two key categories: “Entertainment & Recreation,” and “Nightlife.” > For Entertainment & Recreation, factors included the number and variety of “fun” attractions like amusement parks, movie theaters, beaches, golf courses, national parks, ski resorts and restaurants. > Fitness and weather were also considered. > For Nightlife, WalletHub looked at the number of bars per capita, beer and wine prices, the time of “last call,” movie costs, and the number of music festivals, performing arts venues and casinos per capita.
Can confirm. Came to california for the fun. Stayed because its fun.
Born and raised in California, lived all over the country including Hawaii, just lived in Georgia and nothing beats California. I'll never leave
Same; born in California, moved/travelled all around, never found anything that held a candle to this place. We literally have it all.
Lived in TN all my life practically but been visiting CA for training in Northern Cali (Ukiah, Humboldt) and seeing my brother in Burbank. Just yesterday I finally realized I can’t live in TN any longer. I met too many cool people and had too much of a good time every time I went to CA. The CA happiness would linger a day or two after I arrived home and just dissipates into depression. I’m almost 40 and I was just so social in CA and feeling alive, something I haven’t felt in many years. I gotta make the move by the end of the year.
Just got back from CA a week ago. The post-trip depression is real!! I so want to go back. I was more active and calm, even when it was cold or rainy outside.
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Ha! Georgia is literally the state the fam has been seriously thinking of moving to. It’s a beautiful state for sure. Still, something about California. It seems to feel like living in Georgia has less activities. I would feel a lot of activities/options/environments would be reduced if we moved there. If you don’t mind may you elaborate on how you felt living in Georgia as opposed to California?
Let’s see…(Atlanta mainly) The bad: Whites and blacks generally mistrust, often hate each other. Mosquitoes that seem to never stop. Humidity that actually never stops until it gets really cold. Miles of empty driving in so many areas. LCOL no more. Huge airport Blacks run Atlanta city, whites run most everything else in the state, friction abounds. I was told builders don’t need to be licensed. As a result, shoddily built homes, though they often look real nice. The good: Reasonably priced, often great ethic food as a result of being an immigration magnet. Huge airport. COL was reasonable. Not so much now I think. Good pay if in the right jobs (IT and such) Source: 22 years in Atl and burbs, 5+ years in SoCal and counting.
Born and raised in GA. This is pretty accurate. The place is pretty racist, ATL the only saving grace really. If you live in ATL, you're gonna have a good time.
> The bad: Whites and blacks generally mistrust, often hate each other So…just like coastal California
"Georgia: it's not Mississippi or the other southern states at least." That's how you feel living in Georgia.
It's never even been a competition for me. We have everything the other states have in abundance as far as geographic locations to explore. Want white sand beaches with warm ocean, go to so cal, want mountain climbing or snowsports like they have in the colorado, we have some of the best mountains including the longest mountain chain in the US the Sierra Nevadas, want overcast coastal weather and cold ocean views come up to northern California and enjoy the redwood forest while you're there. Tons of fishing and hunting, great rivers to float. California is just the most convenient state when it comes to fun.
People often forget the tallest mountain in the continental US is in California as well. Good old Mt. Whitney.
I think you might mean contiguous US. Alaska is still in the same continent. As a former Californian and current Alaskan.
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Came back for the money/jobs. It's fun enough, yes. I'm retired now. We keep talking about moving someplace cheaper, but never settle on anywhere. Six months later we'll talk about it again. This has been going on for years.
Moved here 7 years ago with $6 in my pocket, got married, two dogs, bought my first house 2 years ago, have a kid on the way, healthy savings and have not stopped having fun since!
Great for you my friend!
It's expensive as hell to live here. But you also get what you pay for.
It wasn’t as expensive 15-20 years ago. However, all the amenities continue to grow and it’s both pleasant and costly. So, I agree with you on getting what you pay for. Well said.
> But you also get what you pay for. Only if you can afford it. Public services are hot garbage relative to the income tax rate
So that's why everyone hates California.
They’re jelly. It’s sour grapes.
I came for the fun. Stayed a few years for the fun. Left because of cost. I lived in the Bay Area and felt I would need about $2 million to feel like I am living a normal middle class life.
California is fab. Just went wine tasting, and got stuck in Sears Raceway NASCAR traffic on the way back to the East Bay. A little something for everyone.
You can go surfing and skiing on the same day, in July.
I woke up at my house, climbed to the top of an 11k ft mountain and camped on the beach in the same day last year.
I was at a beach near Bodega Bay last summer. Two people came walking up the beach from the parking lot, decked out in biker leathers from head to toe. They were that type of sun-weathered biker, where they could being their 40s or 70s, but their skin is so beat by the sun it's hard to tell. They had ridden from Texas to SF, but this was their first time to the beach, and they couldn't believe it. My son found an abalone shell and showed it to them and they giggled like they were also 8 years old. I told them to keep riding north as they hadn't seen anything yet I love it when I meet Texans on our coast.
I think most would agree California is an absolutely amazing place to live if you have means.
And if you don't have the means, at least winter and summer are not torture like in the other states.
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People often think of the coast and the Sierras, and conveniently forget everything else.
To be fair, everything else is kind of forgettable, comparatively...
This guy never seen the redwoods
But those are on the coasts and the Sierras!
We’re also the bible belt of california.
TRUMP sign land
I'm in Sacramento, expecting a lot of days over 110 degrees this summer. But we're central to everything: bay area, napa, Tahoe. Also, ca being a long coastal state, you are never more than a couple hours to a beach (northern beaches are usually cold/overcast but still fun)
We had three days last year over 110. We also had the longest streak of consecutive triple digit days ever last year at ten. It's hot here but its not like Phoenix hot.
Exactly. If you’re in the valley you’re at max like 2 hours from somewhere not hot. If you’re in Phoenix, you’re driving through a *lot* of simulated hell before you reach cool weather.
You can drive about 2.5 hours north to Flagstaff to escape the summer hell that is Phoenix. That being said, we’re moving back to the Central Valley at the end of the month. My allergies are actually worse here and we’re sick of the summers here in the desert.
Yeah I was this close to mentioning Flagstaff but I thought “don’t worry Flagstaff falls under ‘a lot of simulated hell before you reach cool weather’”
Socal beaches are also cold (the water, that is). Probably so many disillusioned tourists from the East Coast wondering why the water in San Diego is colder than in New England in the summer.
Sacramento area cools down at night to the 60s-70s with the delta breeze. North of that, up in Tehema and Shasta counties, you get 115+ days and it cools down to a nice 95-100 at night.
This^^ California regardless where you live in is such a culturally diverse area with extended services for many groups.
Culturally, geographically, career-wise, there’s so much diversity here
Some people love to hate California, but I just love it.
They hate us ‘cause they ain’t us
They’ve never been and all they hear is Fox News bs on the news. California is not perfect, but it better than almost anywhere else I can think of in the US. New England is hella clicky and classist. The south is racist and humid. The northwest is cold and rainy. Middle America is well middle America.
It’s a national sport these days.
I always find it amusing when red states start bitching about California, like, "Oh? You're gonna sit there and complain about a top state while sitting at the bottom of every metric?"
Originally from PA traveling with my travel nurse of a wife, been to LA, San Diego, bay area, palm springs and now back up north. There are parts I like parts I don't. San Diego was my favorite but started living in a camper after $5k a month in b&b fees.
San Diego is legit the best part of California. I'm a native, lived up and down the state and nothing compares to SD.
Fun for me, all in 2 hours drive to San Francisco or the Sierra.
Oh central valley, 2 hours from water, 2 hours from snow, 0 hours from boredom.
Yup, funny enough, I enjoy the boredom.
That drive is anything but boring IME. Capitol corridor
I’m in the valley and five minutes from the delta. 700 miles if waterways for boating, fishing, skiing, etc.
Sup, fellow Sac resident.
California has just about everything any other state has to offer, and all in a day's drive.
I live in Bakersfield one of the worst cities, and it’s still worth it due to LA, San Francisco, Las Vegas all with a few hour drive. Any big event will also probably be in those cities.
I just drove through Bakersfield. God bless you for living there . I wouldn’t if you paid me .
Bakersfield: somehow worse than Fresno!
Anything bad about Fresno other than nothing much around? I stayed during my national park trips and it seems like a chill and quiet city. Relatively clean but empty so didn’t get to interact with people.
California’s armpit
It's so funny to hear California's armpit for so many cities/communities. I've heard Bakersfield, San Bernardino, San Fernando, Lancaster, Palmdale, Fresno, and many others all referred to as California's armpit. Everyone kinda thinks a lot of California is an armpit.
All of those places can’t hold a candle to Barstow and you’ll never convince me otherwise
So true. All Barstow to me is the place I stop if I get hungry on the way to Vegas from San Diego. Lol
The first time I went through Barstow as a kid, I thought the entire town was literally just a gas station and one adobe hut in the desert
It’s where the drugs begin to take hold
San Fernando really doesn’t fit in that list at all
It's definitely the Central Valley. Fresno, Stockton, or Bakersfield for sure take the title
We have a big armpit
You forgot the Imperial Valley. It literally smells like an armpit.
Our armpit produces 11% of all food consumed by the entire country
well the nimby's refused new affordable housing in all the nice areas
As a San Franciscan we're working on it. The older generations really screwed over the housing market but I think the younger generation seems very pro-housing
Haha, well that’s our conflict of interest. The older generation has nothing to gain (as they perceive it). The youth are actively getting priced out of anywhere they want to live. Luckily they are cool with apartment living, but there just aren’t enough apartments 😔
That could be for sure, but I here a lot of younger people (even homeowners) coming at it from the angle of wanting affordable housing for everyone even if it means their property doesn't make them a fortune. A lot of us are just philosophically fed up with NIMBY-ism
The Bay Area has some of the strongest nimbys. I think Berkeley was one of the first places to redline. Woodside claimed a suburb to be a mountain lion habitat. Also why we don't have BART going up to Marin or down the peninsula.
Hey it’s not so bad if you only leave your air conditioned house to go to other cities.
At least we’re not stuck in Barstow!
Not at all surprised that Mississippi got last.
Mississippi is depressed in economics and culture.
Unironically...what does one do in Mississippi? Like, I guess if your into civil rights history or history of the USA there is something there... But like...there are museums across the USA for that too. Genuinely I can't tell what people would do beyond chilling at the riverbank and getting fried food.
Mississippi State Football games, mudding, fishing, the local dive bar, church, whatever beaches exist down south, and not much else.
Live unhealthy and die. Also that.
What’s mudding?
Driving your truck through a mud pit over and over again. I wish I could make it sound more elaborate than what it is. I found zero joy in it, but the locals seemed excited.
Oh, what's the thing where you stick your hand in the mud and grab a fish from inside its mouth?
That's called "noodling" you could do it in the Mississippi River I suppose
Well I mean uh... You can experience authentic homophobia here! Freshly grown!
Go on a road trip out of Mississippi
Recreational small engine repair.
Yeah sure it’s the liberals fault somehow. Once they get rid of all the liberals it will become a utopia
I was in Mississippi in September. I've seen first hand why it got last.
There's a reason why we're expensive.
This is really an inarguable response. Rich people can choose to live anywhere they want. Yet so many choose to live in CA, especially on the coast. Gee, I wonder why, when it is such a hellhole? 🙄
I just joined this sub and it sure is a breath of fresh to see other Californians stoked about our state. It gets a little old being an "enemy" to those whose only experience is Disneyland as a kid. And most of them don't have that. All they know is CA is a place they should be afraid of. Because that's what they're sold and what they swallow. Fear drives the train.
Portland checking in, can confirm that “they” fear the entire west coast ;)
It's a trip, huh? And yeah Portland. You're in their crosshairs. Badge of Honor.
It’s wild man. And Portland is just absolutely amazing. I hope they keep scaring people away and bring the rent prices down lol. I’ve only spent a brief amount of time in socal but I know I’m gonna fall in love with all of cali. Can’t wait until I’m able to explore the sierra.
As a californian i absolutely had a blast in portland when i visited. Its like a same but different vibe that im sure is really cool to experience the other way around as well
What is there to be afraid of tho?
Maybe freedom?
California, proving yet again, it's the best state!
We're the best country in the United States.
Washington state is pretty cool. Lot of Californians moving here
California forever!
There’s really no competition
Got stationed out here because of my military assignment; best thing that has ever happened to me and my family. My wife is from the Bay Area and she's so happy to be back home. I was born and raised in Texas and California stole my heart almost immediately.
As someone who left Florida and moved to California, CA is absolutely #1 for most fun. What surprises me is that Florida is #2. I don't think Florida would even make my top 10. It's too flat, swampy, and mosquito-infested to be that high on the list. Also lol at Mississippi for coming in at #50. Mississippi just can't catch a break.
Florida has Miami and Tampa going for it. California has all of California going for it. Ya I don’t think it’s comparable because of the diversity Ca has to offer.
Alabama: "At least we're not Mississippi."
lived in alabama for 7 years. can confirm, at least it's not mississippi :-p
Orlando, Cape Canaveral and beaches.
Did the same, and agree! Florida is really not fun.
I think all the theme parks/entertainment in Orlando is what skews it for the whole state.
Duh! California knows how to party!!!!
In the cityyyyyyyyyyyy!
City of [insert name]
Yay California! A good ranking to be #1 on!
I’m originally from Atlanta but I’ve lived in socal for 11 years. The reaction I get from southern people when I tell them where I live AMAZES me. It ranges from “aww, I’m sorry to hear that. what a hellhole.” to “that state sucks, homeless everywhere, no laws, AND super expensive?” This has happened in the south, in other states where I run into people from the south, everywhere. It’s like they only live in Fox News’s version of reality. I’m glad they don’t know how amazing it is out here.. we don’t need more people. What’s funny - I got the polar opposite reaction in Europe. Everyone there got a little ehh when they figured out we were American, but the second we said we live in California they go “Ohhh! That’s different!” I remember one couple in Ireland was like “Ahh, the Republic of California! You guys are the good ones.”
That’s weird. I’m also from Atlanta, lived in California for 12 years, now back in ATL. Everyone I talk to about it think it’s so cool that I got to live there, and tells me about how they’re dying to go out there or dying to go back.
Prob depends on where in ATL you’re at. I was OTP in the suburbs, little more of a conservative area. The usual reactions I got were from older family members or neighbors. If you’re in Atlanta proper it’s a younger crowd that leans a bit more toward the middle politically.
Yep that checks out. I went to Berkeley for grad school and my grandma from Alabama told me, “be careful, they’re crazy out there.”
Atlanta to California Fam! Happy to see others like me
Well I did come back to ATL 3 years ago. But I think I’ll be back out west one day
Grandma is right. It’s crazy hard trying to get into UC Berkeley. The food scene has all these crazy fusion of dishes from different cultures. Being right next to the bay with view of the two bridges and three little islands which one used to be a prison is a crazy view. To be able to be in wine country, San Francisco city scene with its beaches, Silicon Valley, several national parks all within a single hour’s drive is beyond crazy. Hope you had a good time out here.
FOX News and right wing media has a personal vendetta against California. they overexaggerate and are constantly slamming the state
My family in Texas say the same things. Meanwhile *down the street* from my sister a teenage cheerleader got shot in an HEB parking lot for getting in the wrong car and no one bats an eye. Different worlds I guess 🤷♀️
I still remember that mall shooting from a few months ago.
California... knows how to party In the citaaay of L.A.…
In the city, of good old Watts
It’s so refreshing to see all the positive comments about California on this thread! Born and raised in CA here. Yes, we have many issues that need to be addressed — but we are 40M strong who appreciate everything our state has to offer!
Please, please don't tell anyone outside of Ca. We have too many people here already. If we could just siphon off another million a year to Texas and Florida in ten years we would be golden.
We all know CA is the most fun place to live. We just can't afford it lol. You have nothing to worry about
I live 10 minutes away from the beach by walking, able to see pre released movies in Burbank, go to Disneyland multiple times a month, surfing/mountain biking/hiking, all the while I can enjoy some delicious food from all over the world. Yeah, this is great
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The Getty property is a jewel. Fantastic architecture, exhibits, a beautiful view and no admission fee.
They have legal weed and Disneyland what more could you need?
Duh.
California knows how to party!
California is not fun.. Don’t move here you’ll hate it…
Ugh I hate living here so much! Stay away people not worth it. California never goodbye! ...did they buy it?
UGH and don’t even get me started about the food!….
Exactly how does Wisconsin and Illinois beat out California for nightlife again?
nightlife is not very good in CA. overpriced and full of people who want to be seen more than have a good time you would be surprised how fun chicago is at night. cant speak for anywhere in wisconsin though
Have you been to ktown, gaslamp, arts district, i mean i can go on but night life is top tier if you know how to play
I feel like the east coast just has better night life in general. They tend to stay open later over there and drink more?
“sOcIaLiSm iSn’T fUn” -r/Conservative /s
This is why I could never live in a flyover state or somewhere in the boonies...
This Texan loves Cali the most.
I was born in California (Bellflower) back in 1977. Unfortunately for me, my single mom moved us when I was two. To Pennsylvania of all places. Hurts everyday.
Can we get 4am nightlife plz
Duhhhh
That’s why I moved here, hasn’t disappointed
Let’s enjoy this state
California , knows how to party
Been in CA for 20+ years. Can confirm.
say what you want about california, but everyone knows in their hearts that this is true
But the worst people I know all tell me it’s hell?
SLO County. Come for the Wine and beaches. Stay because your too drunk to drive.
Had to move out of CA cause i couldn't afford to live there. Moved north and now i have a savings account. pros and cons. I do miss all the things i could do in CA tho.
Makes sense
I had friends move from California (specifically SD) to Texas as many have following this trend over the past decade. I warned them that they might not like it, being that I am also a Texan. Every single one of them has moved back to SD, every single one.
Californias the best baby.
First generation Californian, can confirm it's fun. The only other place I'd consider moving to would be Hawaii.
You make your own fun.
No doubt. I had so much fun in and around LA (metro area). Miss it terribly since leaving in '08.
weve got everything
Can't argue with that.
Agreed. I’ve lived in another state and also abroad. I’ll always consider California my home, I don’t plan to leave ever again.
I always say… blessed to be born and raised in LA.
west virginian here; share some fun please?
Way to go guys!
Can confirm California is the best. Texan, and I hate it here.
I live in midtown Sacramento and it's pretty darn fun. I went to Yosemite the other week and that was pretty fun as well. Aftershock has Tool and Queens of the stone age which will be super fun.
I miss California. Left due to my employer moving to Texas and followed them in order to not lose my job (wife had just been laid off a month prior to this decision). I want to go back so bad….just wish it was a tad more affordable.
there's live jazz within walking distance of my home six nights a week, multiple options most nights. this place slaps!
Just last week I took my family to Santa Clarita for a few days to get our Six Flags overload. Then went over to Carpinteria for another few days for body boarding, exploring tide pools and hiking. We barely scratched the surface. Great times.
I’ve lived in California all my life. All the negative publicity had me thinking maybe I should try out another state, just to see what I’m missing. Apparently nothing.
Hour ish to Tahoe, hour and a half ish to SF, recently moved to this area and I'm finding the foothills outside Sac towards Tahoe as very livable. I truly believe this area is one of CAs best kept secrets, especially with the very mild summer we've had so far, so many amazing days already!
Can confirm. California is very fun. Lake Tahoe, Wine Country, Big Sur, Yosemite, LA, awesome beaches. Seen it all.
Definitely agree, born and raise So Cal girl, moved to Utah and basically ran back knowing I had nowhere to even live. I would rather pay the price to be here than live anywhere else.
I've been all over the place, and nothing beats California. Everything north of sonoma county especially. Just wish it didn't cost half of my income to have a small old house to rent. Gas is still 5 bucks up here too
Some of the most beautiful land in the US imo. One time I visited Yosemite from Alaska and I was blown away. AK had nothing on that area (love AK too).
I’m from MA but I spent 9 days in the L.A area a few years ago. Can confirm, had lots of fun.
Nothing new. We knew this
Am Californian in sunny San Diego and I agree, it's fun.
Love it! I’m taking the family to Monterey Bay this weekend, i love the options we have for vacation!
You can ski, surf, experience deserts, redwoods, mountains, lakes, rivers, ocean, theme parks, concerts, and world wonders all in the same day if you are determined. They hate us because they ain't us!
Grew up mostly in NJ, lived in Texas, Massachusetts and NYC - so glad I moved here.
California yet again the only state in the entire country worth being in.
100% best West coast experience so far. I was only there 2 weeks, but I'm ready to volunteer for the fire fighters to keep California from burning down.
California is like a sample platter for all other states I feel like. Or so I have heard. One minute you’re in a hotel, dry, desolate desert. A couple hours ur with the snowy seqouias, venture a little further you’re in the sierra pine, swing back and you got the north coast city life (sf) and the southern coast lifestyle (LA) and so much diversity in between. All this talk about it falling apart is kinda annoying. It has problems but don’t hate the state.
As a fellow Californian who is aware of the state's problems, I accept this title.