Leaving California

Until not too long ago, leaving California (for reasons other than business or pleasure trip) was unthinkable for me. And I'm sure many of you would have agreed with this sentiment. However, with recent economic downturn, staying in California seems to make less and less sense.

Here are some of the reasons that makes living in California unbearable.

1. High taxes (CA is among the highest in all types of taxes you can think of; be it personal or business.)

2. High living cost (Out here in Inland Empire, and yes I am a 909-er, we are 20% above national average. It gets worse in the big cities.)

3. Worst job market/ High unemployment rate (Again, in Inland Empire, it was about 15% last time I checked. With states boasting rates less than quarter of that, I think this is an extremely serious issue.)

4. Bad schools (We are among the highest spender per child in the nation. Yet we are at the bottom of the list when it comes to performance. I just don't think raising the taxes will solve the problem. We've already been there and done that.)

5. Chaotic immigration issues. (I'd think whichever side you are on with this issue, it's bad either way.)

To make the matters worse, the best thing about California, it's sunny weather, is also getting worse. Whether you believe it's man-made or natural cycle of our ecosystem, both sides of the camp agree that global warming is a real issue. We are having record heat and record low at the same time. The other day, I drove from Beaumont where heavy shower was accompanied by hails with 54F to Redlands where it was sunny and dry with 88F. All that within 10 mile drive.

Seriously folks. Can anyone tell me why one should stay in California? Politicians don't seem to get it. Even with them getting their acts together, which is unlikely, we are going to be effected for over a decade at least with what's been going on in this what used to be an awesome place to live.

Yes this phenomenon is nationwide. But before you accuse me of being short sighted, state to state comparison shows that there are many states that are fairing very well. It seems that California is the one that's dragging the curve down. Wyoming has 3.4% unemployment rate with many other states having half the rate of California. Many states do not have sales tax, property tax, income tax, or corporate tax. Most states have better schools than California. Some of their housing is half of even this 909-er territory. Same with cost of living.

Folks, what we are feeling here in this great state of California isn't exactly nationwide. Yes our country suffers from bad economy. But we are actually at the bottom of the pool and it's especially severe in this state. I partly blame politicians. But really, I feel that us voters are the idiots for selecting them.

For those of you that are staying in the state, please try to fix the state by voting for someone who is responsible and actually knows what they are doing. For me, I've already begun state shopping. It is just simply frustrating to death whenever I think about what is happening to this state. The worst thing is, I see all those empty retail buildings and wonder how bad it would be next year once the wave of commercial short sale/foreclosure hits the street.

For those of you who are new to this revelation, look around. The lawn really IS greener on the other side.