Are you thinking of moving to California, but still on the fence about whether or not it is worth it? If so, you have clicked on the right link. We have researched some of the pros and cons of living in California and hope they will help you come to the right decision. So, let’s get started!
Pros
1. The weather
California is known for its year-round warm weather and many people who move to California are inclined to do so because they dislike being cold. It’s important to remember that not all of California has sunny skies and warm temperatures all year. Northern California is known to get rain and snow up to 7 times a year. During the winter months, some Northern California cities even get below freezing temperatures.
If you are looking for nothing but warm weather the majority of the time, your best bet would be to live in places like San Diego, Santa Barbara and Morro Bay where temperatures remain in the 60’s during the coldest months of the year.
2. There is always something to do.
It’s no secret that California is the place to be for entertainment. No matter what kind of things you might be in to, you can bet that California offers it. In addition to several different museums, dance studios, night clubs, restaurants, and bars to attend, you may also find unusual attractions in California to visit too. Visit places like the Museum of Death or the Garden of Oz in Los Angeles. There are so many unique places to see!
3. Beaches
There are not many people who would not want to live near the beach. There are so many things to do when you have access to a nearby beach! If you like the water you can fish, swim, sail, go boating, surfing and so much more! There are so many activities to do in the water, but even if you don’t like the ocean, you can enjoy being on the beach just the same! There are always people playing sand volleyball, rollerblading, working out, or just laying out in the sun. You really cannot go wrong when you live near the beach.
4. The diversity
One of the great things about living in California is that many of the residents were not actually born in California. So many people from all over the world come to live in California. Whether they are seeking a career in modeling, acting, singing, or just want to be in the mix of it all, California attracts many different types of people. When you mix different races, cultures, and backgrounds together you get an amazing blend of the human race. California truly is the place to be if you want to get to know people from all over the world.
5. Healthy living
Staying active in California is easy to do when you have access to both the beach and mountains in our area. Whether you are rollerblading by the beach on Santa Monica or mountain biking in Truckee, you will be sure to find many ways to stay active in California.
In addition to offering an active lifestyle, California is known to have some of the best Farmer’s Markets around! Eat fresh and experience all the healthy benefits of shopping locally. If you’re a vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, or are simply looking to eat cleaner, California has many restaurants and grocery stores that cater to you.
Cons
1. Traffic
As we all know, with more people, comes more traffic. In places like Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Francisco, a rush-hour could have you waiting in your car for more than 2 hours. Nobody enjoys being stuck in traffic and if you do not live near your job or school, you might dread your commute every single day. Of course, there are always ways to make your travels less stressful. You can choose to live close to the places you frequent the most, leave extra early, or use public transportation to get you the places you need to go.
2. Cost of living
The cost of living has always been high in California. Many people who live in California have to live with roommates or settle for a less than normal size apartment/house just so they can afford the rent. In addition to high rent prices, gas prices always seem to be much higher in California than in any other state. If you are planning to live in California, you might consider having a roommate and using public transportation.
3. Crime
Although there has been a substantial decrease in the last few years, California remains high on the list for violent crimes, which leaves many people hesitant about moving there. Similar to all major cities, it’s a good idea to be more conscious of your surroundings and avoid unfamiliar places when out on the town alone. For a more detailed summary of crime reported in California, visit The Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in California.
4. Lots of people
California has one of the largest populations in the United States and continues to grow every year. If you do not enjoy crowds and living in close proximity to others, California may not be the state for you. Of course, if you are planning to move to California, it is also one of the largest states in America. So with that being said, you do not have to live in the most populated cities. You could choose a more rural area of the state and still enjoy California living.
5. Too many laws
California is known to have strict laws that other states do not. For example, their gun control laws include restrictions on the purchase of ammunition, limits on who can own a firearm, and what type of gun a person can own is also limited. in some cities such as Los Angeles, citizens cannot even apply for a gun permit, period. If owning a gun isn’t at the top of your priority, this may not apply to you. However, there are plenty more California laws that you may want to read up on before you make the move.
Every state has its pros and cons. The important thing is to know what they are before you move so you can make the best decision for you and your family. If you do plan on moving to California, be sure to check out this list of California apartments for rent.