America's obsession with California failing(sfgate.com)
sfgate.com
America's obsession with California failing
https://sfgate.com/california/article/americas-fascination-california-exodus-19960492.php
7 comments
>The downsides is that it's so expensive, not everyone can afford to live there, pay the taxes, pay the cost of living, etc.
If the average person who moves there becomes poorer and sees a lower standard of living, I'm not sure we can really call it "great". Great for some people, maybe.
If the average person who moves there becomes poorer and sees a lower standard of living, I'm not sure we can really call it "great". Great for some people, maybe.
My opinion is about the SF Bay area. Yes we have easy access to nature, year round good weather, and tech jobs are more plentiful compared to many other locations in the US (that's a lot of positives admittedly).
However the Bay area is also a cultural desert. There are no other major metros within a reasonable driving distance, and a paucity of museums and cultural activities in SF itself. Especially compared to living on the US east cost or even Los Angeles.
Distances are long, the municipal water quality is abysmal, everyone is hyper competitive and living in a bubble where being a millionaire is considered poor.
The road quality is not befitting a first world country, the cleanliness of streets and interchanges is below par, and public transport is a joke, enforcement of traffic laws is non existent, and taxation is ridiculously high relative to what the government invests in infrastructure. The California government is probably one of the most corrupt in the country.
I only live here because moving would be too disruptive to my kids. Once they go to college, I'm getting out of here.I just wanted to temper the jealousy sentiment. :)
However the Bay area is also a cultural desert. There are no other major metros within a reasonable driving distance, and a paucity of museums and cultural activities in SF itself. Especially compared to living on the US east cost or even Los Angeles.
Distances are long, the municipal water quality is abysmal, everyone is hyper competitive and living in a bubble where being a millionaire is considered poor.
The road quality is not befitting a first world country, the cleanliness of streets and interchanges is below par, and public transport is a joke, enforcement of traffic laws is non existent, and taxation is ridiculously high relative to what the government invests in infrastructure. The California government is probably one of the most corrupt in the country.
I only live here because moving would be too disruptive to my kids. Once they go to college, I'm getting out of here.I just wanted to temper the jealousy sentiment. :)
That's fair. I admit I am not envious of the Bay Area, because I've heard what you say about the cultural desert.
When I think of what I'm envious, I think LA, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Long Beach, etc.
When I think of what I'm envious, I think LA, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Long Beach, etc.
California today is a utopian eden of peace, abundance, prosperity, health, and tranquility compared to California in the 80s and 90s.
If that is failing, then sign me up for some of that failure please.
If that is failing, then sign me up for some of that failure please.
the article argues that the outflow that occurred in 2020 and 2021 has rebounded, that's not really true. while 2024 is the first year that california's population increased, it still decreased as share of US population. if you look at california's share of the US population, that has been decreasing since 2015.
> if you look at california's share of the US population, that has been decreasing since 2015.
California has reached some kind of equilibrium where it is sending away as many people as it attracts. I don't think Texas will be able to grow easily past 40 million either.
California has reached some kind of equilibrium where it is sending away as many people as it attracts. I don't think Texas will be able to grow easily past 40 million either.
It is frustrating more people don't buy doom spiralism. I go to Hertz and they're overflowing with cars from FL, GA, TX, CO, NV, ID. Why won't people listen?
What do you mean?
They hate us cuz they ain’t us.
https://imgflip.com/gif/g13fl
https://imgflip.com/gif/g13fl
Demography is destiny.
I can't think of many more places that are developed, stable, have the employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, and have this kind of climate and nature.
The downsides is that it's so expensive, not everyone can afford to live there, pay the taxes, pay the cost of living, etc.
And you could argue it's now over-crowded too.
So it seems like a recipe to make others jealous.