It comes as no surprise that California has something amazing for everyone. From the bright lights of Los Angeles to the southern deserts to the Hollywood attractions, Silicon Valley and the sumptuous landscapes- it has a lot to offer.
While there are many good things about living in California you should be aware of negative aspects also. Every place has its pros and cons and knowing both can help you to make a better decision about where you are planning to live. In order to help you, we have compiled a list of the pros and cons of living in California. It will help you to analysis the positive and negative aspects of the state and make the right choice.
Here we go!
Pros
- Exciting to Do
California is renowned as a place to be for entertainment. Whether you love exploring monuments or you enjoy night living, you can have that in California. The city has various night clubs, restaurants, museums, dance studios, bars and monuments to visit.
- Beaches
When you live in California, it means you are staying closer to the beach. If you love water, you can fish; go boating, surfing, sailing and much more. Even if you do not like the oceans, you can still enjoy playing sand volleyball, rollerblading, working out or just laying under the sun.
- The Epic Scenery
The point is what makes California one of the best states to live in is its beautiful and epic scenery. The state has 840 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean offering residents some of the best beaches, fishing and boating anywhere. California has truly beautiful mountains and world resorts.
- Job Opportunities
This state has an endless variety of job opportunities. There is a diverse set of industries including agriculture, trade, and tourism that contribute to its strong economy and different types of career options.
- Warm Weather
California has amazing sunshine and warm weather. People move from one place to another place for warm weather but later they realize that where they moved actually has very little warm weather. California is a perfect place for those people to enjoy the sunshine and different outdoor activities.
- Hollywood
Hollywood is one of the most iconic sights in California. Visit here to explore the history of the golden age of cinema. Besides, you can find some star-spotting along Hollywood Boulevard and in the Hollywood Hills.
- Education System
California has plenty of public and private schools and colleges that lure people across the world. Here, the education system is excellent and people living in California tend to be more educated.
- Never Far from Anything
When you live in California, you can be at the beach in 5 minutes or among rolling hills in 15 minutes. Both the beach and mountains are an hour away from you. You can be at any restaurant just after walking some steps. Overall, everything you can imagine, is closer to you.
- People are Happier
As per the analysis of public polling on how people rate their living condition with the state they stay in, people living in California are happier than people living in other parts of the country.
10. Neighbourhood
People who have enough money to spare and love fun, the state provides several affluent neighbourhoods where people can make lifelong homes.
Cons
- The Weather
It’s true that there are many places in the US where the weather is warm and warmer but it comes to California, it’s hot. Sometimes, people get full weeks of 110-degree weather.
- Traffic
Today, there is a huge population in California. Almost all people have cars and most of these car-owing people drive said cars. It results in traffic.
- Cost of Living
The cost of living in California is high. Many people living here share their room or live in a normal size house so they can easily pay the rent. Besides, gas prices always seem to be much higher here than in any other state.
- Strict Laws
Another con of living in California is its strict and various laws. Like, here people are not allowed to sleep on the road. A man cannot go outside unless his jacket and pants match. These rules sound completely unnecessary but Californians have to follow these laws.
- The Crime
Some parts of California see higher crimes rates than any other state. It may be the reason for high popularity, more people equals more crime. Although, there are many safe towns and cities that you need to find if you are planning to move to California.
- Natural Disaster
Despite having perfect weather sometimes Mother Nature gets angry. This causes all kinds of natural disasters in California including wildfires, earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, and droughts. These unsudden natural disasters are like punishing Californians for living in one of the best places in the country.
- Inner-state Rivalry
Very few people know that the state was at war itself. This war is a bit of a stretch, but it surely brings some bad vibes flying between NorCal and SoCal- and even sometimes a third area that tries to enter L.A., called itself Coastal Cal.
- Quality of Healthcare
Although California is on the top position in terms of job opportunities and other factors its overall quality of medical services is not as good as it is in many other states of the USA. But a lot of people believe that access to healthcare is better in this state than elsewhere.
- Overall Tax Burden
This is really shocking for people who dream to live in the Golden State that the overall tax burden in the state is among the highest of all US states. And, this is also one of the reasons why people are moving from California.
10. Air Pollution
Air pollution is one of the major issues in the state. Here, smog clods are quite normal during daylight hours. Unfortunately, California faces air pollution issues more than any other state in the nation.
Bottom Line
There you have it- major pros and cons of living in California. Hope, this guide will help you to make the right decision. Now, it’s up to you, whether you want to be a Californian or not, take your decision smartly, and good luck!