California is one of the most beautiful states in the US.
With its Mediterranean climate, it’s also a very popular place to reside in.
Thinking of moving to California?
California has plenty to offer and comes with an amazing lifestyle.
But, it won’t be for everyone.
We’ve broken down the pros and cons of residing in this pocketful of sunshine.
Have a read of the guide below to discover whether you should live in California.
Table of Contents
The Pros 25 Pros And Cons
High Quality Of Living
Californians have a high quality of living and generally seem pretty happy about it.
The state is big on environmentalism with a large focus on climate change awareness.
Californians are also known for being open-minded, tolerant and embracing diversity.
Amazing Recreational Activities
There’s plenty to do in California when it comes to outdoor activities.
Surfing, fishing, and boating are popular on its beautiful beaches.
In the winter, there are world-class ski resorts where you can hit the slopes.
The Greatest Weather Of Your Life!
Expect near-constant sunshine in California.
The weather in California is phenomenal and you won’t be disappointed.
With mild winters and warm summers, get ready for plenty of sunshine.
Beautiful National Parks
If you’re interested in hiking or climbing mountains, California is a great place to live.
Highlights include Joshua Tree, Yosemite, and King Canyon.
The Channel Islands are also perfect for experiencing the great outdoors.
Fresh Produce Is Readily Available
California has plenty of fresh produce and natural resources.
Fresh fruit and vegetables are easily accessible.
Fresh seafood is also farmed across the state.
Fantastic Wine And Cheese
Not only does California have fresh produce it also has other delicacies.
California is a wine country and is known as a producer around the world.
The state is also big on cheese and is the largest dairy producer in the US.
Making Money
California has an incredibly high GDP and the largest economy of all the states in the US.
Workers in California tend to make more money than in other states.
This is likely due to the tech, film, and health care industries in the state.
A Relaxed Vibe
Compared to other places in the US, California is less rushed.
The state has a big focus on work-life balance as well as a large retired population.
For a slower pace of living, this is the place for you.
Job Opportunities
California is famous for its film industry in LA.
If you want to be a part of this industry this is the place to be.
Similarly, San Francisco is big on tech and there are plenty of job opportunities out there.
Access To International Airports
It is incredibly easy to travel both domestically and internationally from California.
If you’re looking to travel overseas, California is home to 12 international airports.
This is a great state to live in if you travel for work or want to regularly visit family and friends.
If you need to use a pet sitter when traveling, you might wondering what to pay a house sitter?
There are some average costs in that resource
The Cons of Living in Calfornia
A Heavy Tax Burden
California has some of the highest taxes in the US.
Living here will greatly impact your take-home pay.
Before moving to California research what your income tax will be prior.
Natural Disasters
While there are plenty of beautiful parts of California, it is also home to natural disasters.
In recent years California has been severely impacted by drought and wildfires.
Earthquakes, landslides, and floods can also occur throughout the state.
Rents Are High
Renting is expensive in California, even without the taxes on top.
Prices will differ depending on where you choose to live.
But overall the rental prices of this state are very high compared to the rest of the country.
High Cost Of Living
Like its taxes, it’s expensive to live in California.
The major cities of California are also some of the most expensive cities to live in in the entire country.
Basic amenities and things like groceries and transport also cost more.
Gas Prices
Living in California you’ll be doing a lot of time waiting in your car and spending money on gas.
Gas prices are typically more expensive in California across the state.
Be sure to take this into account when you’re tallying up your future living expenses.
The Summer Heat
For the most part, California has beautiful warm weather all year round.
However, if you live further inland you can expect some hot summers.
Sacramento in particular can get very warm whereas coastal cities are cooler.
Homelessness
Because of its cost of housing California also comes with extreme poverty.
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego have some of the highest homeless populations in the country.
If you live in California, this is something that you will see daily.
Buying A Home
Buying property in California is extremely expensive and unrealistic for many people.
Housing prices are also rising rapidly across the state.
If you are looking to buy in California, avoid the major cities for a better price.
Public Education System
If you’re looking at schools, avoid public schools in California.
Public schools in the state are some of the worst-performing in the country.
Private schools come with an excellent education system but are also more expensive.
Traffic Is Awful
You have to have a car in California but driving may drive you insane.
Traffic is notoriously a nightmare and you can expect it to become a part of daily life.
Public transportation options are also limited and unreliable.
Thousands of people move to California every year to soak up what the state has on offer.
But, like every state, it’s crucial to consider the pros and cons.
We love the pleasant weather, laid-back lifestyle, and high quality of life.
However, it also comes with high costs, bad traffic, and natural disasters.
Either way, California is a great choice- even if it’s not suited to everyone!
Why do you want to live in California?
Author: Britt
I am Britt. I have been house-sitting and pet-sitting for the past seven years. I have cared for 25 dogs, 35 cats, one turtle, and one rabbit over 80+ houses in 15 countries.
The opportunity to experience different homes, cultures, and communities has been extraordinary.
I’ve connected with homeowners seeking reliable sitters through house-sitting platforms like Aussie House Sitters and Trusted House Sitters. This unique way of living has allowed me to save money on accommodation, explore new cultures, and meet new people.
Being a member of these platforms has broadened my horizons and opened doors to short- and long-term house-sitting jobs. I’ve found joy in providing excellent pet care and ensuring the home is well-maintained.
I get many questions about how to start as a housesitter, so please reach out if you have any questions! I want everyone to enjoy this incredible lifestyle as well!
You can read more about Jay and me here!
Or connect with me on Facebook or in our house-sitting community on Facebook.
