Financial Samurai

OK, I was someone who mentioned how the winter makes me appreciate spring that much more. I am going to stand by my opinion – have four seasons is wonderful. Sure, winter lasts too long, but the fall is just wonderful. You take the good with the bad. I would have a hard time not experiencing fall every year.

You also need to add to your list that California seems to be bug-less. By that, I mean it seems like you can leave your doorwall open and mosquitoes don’t come rushing in like they do here. Whenever my nephews visit from Anaheim, I have to follow them around closing doors and windows or my house will be under attack by insects.

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 5:56 am

I admire you for standing up for your opinion! That’s what it’s all about frankly, standing up for what you believe in, which is why I wrote this post to defend against those who’ve been attacked and looked down upon.

I remember the beautiful fall colors, and ironically, because for 6 months things are so great, it makes the other 6 months that much worse for me.

There are definitely still bugs out here don’t you worry!

[Reply]

Money and Risk Reply:
June 25th, 2010 at 2:41 pm

Everyday,

No No. LOL. California do have mosquitoes. They’re very large. Rare but they exist. They tend to cluster and attack certain people with certain body chemistry. I know because when I leave my french doors open, I wake up the next morning with bites that have to be treated.

The other visitors that we get are tree rats. I don’t mean squirrels. I mean giant roof rats that my cat used to protect us from.

[Reply]

I would add clean cities to the list. I remember being shocked as a pre-teen on vacation at how dirty the cities were in the East.

Another is lots of parks and open space. I was in DC last month and the dog park near my hotel was the size of one home lot. My local dog park has three very large areas (so we can separate by size).

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:08 pm

Things definitely seem a lot cleaner here because it’s less congested except for LA. Less density, less trash and pollution for sure. The North West is a beeautiful.

[Reply]

Haha, true West Coast guy! I wanted to wait until after I had my trip to see if it was all hype. We really enjoyed the trip, but I’m going to have to come again to really check it out. The traffic was horrendous, but we have a friend who lives there and she helped us find some awesome hole in the wall spots.

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:09 pm

E3 was in Vegas though right? If so, that’s not considered West Coast! Gotta go one more state West until you’re there. Vegas is an artificial dream land.

[Reply]

Money Funk Reply:
June 23rd, 2010 at 2:54 pm

E3 was at the Los Angeles Convention center!

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 23rd, 2010 at 6:18 pm

Ah hah! Thnx for the heads up! Shows what I know about electronics and stuff!

I love that I have the mountains, beach, and desert all with an hours reach from me. Makes for some great recreational activities! and we have Disneyland. :D

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 5:51 am

But they’ve got Disney World!

[Reply]

Money Funk Reply:
June 23rd, 2010 at 2:54 pm

True, true. Hmmm…. we have the Pac 10! :D

[Reply]

Ken @ Spruce Up Your Finances Reply:
December 11th, 2010 at 5:44 pm

Pac-10 rules…LOL.. ooops maybe I better stop. I’m not trying to start a controversy here but I hope Oregon beats Auburn!!!

Disneyland, beaches, close to Hawaii, nice weather. If I want some snow, I can always go to Big Bear, Mt Baldy, etc but at least no need to deal with it on a daily basis. Only in California where you can go to a place with a snow in the morning and go to the beach in the afternoon in the same day during winter time… LOL

[Reply]

Financial Samurai Reply:
December 11th, 2010 at 6:47 pm

I hope Oregon wins too! Cam Newton is a freaking rock though, so it’s definitely not Goig to be easy! I bet Oregon is a 3-5 point underdog.

[Reply]

I’m an East Coaster, but I’ll admit first that I’ve always been fascinated by the West Coast way of life. (As I’ve heard it: “East Coasters live to work. West Coasters work to live.”)

All that being said, I don’t understand why this article or your other on the East Coast needs to turn into a “one side is unequivocally better than the other.” You’re stating your opinion as fact, when this is definitely something that can be debated. I don’t much care for the winter, but I love the trees changing colors in the fall. It’s a beautiful sight, driving through the Great Smoky Mountains and seeing all those shades of yellow, red and orange on the trees. There are good and bad to both sides. I’d take the cost of living here over California any day.

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 5:54 am

Hi Red, you hit it spot on “East Coasters live to work while West Coasters work to live.” That seriously could be the line that sums up the difference best. When I worked on the East Coast, people were very type A and aggressive. Very unbalanced. Out here, colleagues and clients are much more mellow.

People see the cost of living as a deterrent. I see it as a reason. The reason why things are expensive out here is because you can make more money and live a better life.

Yes, everything is one man’s opinion and I welcome other’s to share their own, even if they have to attack!

[Reply]

Red Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 1:16 pm

Good point! If I could make double the money for double the cost of living, it wouldn’t really make much difference to me. But I’ve been reading Stacking Pennies blog lately, her archives. She moved from the Midwest to the West Coast, and her income definitely didn’t increase enough to make up for the increase in living expenses.

I would like to visit someday though. Just to see what all this fuss is about. ;-)

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:10 pm

I guess I’ll have to check out that blog! There’s not so much fuss, just the reality that life out here really is quite nice.

I’m kind of the same opinion as Red. You’re presenting your opinion as a fact of life. Maybe it’s that obvious to you but to those who might prefer other areas (and have just as compelling of reasons in their mind as to why they feel that way), it comes across somewhat belittling.

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 5:50 am

I can see that, however you misinterpret my intention. The original post about the East Coast was a true attempt to find out more reasons as to why the East Coast is a good place to live. I didn’t put down the East Coast at all. Yet, some of the responses didn’t even offer any other good points and instead attacked the West Coast.

Hence, I thought it only appropriate to defend West Coast readers and share some points of our own! Just on Twitter, someone responded “California is the laughing stock of the nation.” Sweet! This is the type of thing which is important to counteract and defend.

[Reply]

I guess part of the reason why you were attacked for your East Coast Living – Is It Really That Bad? post because you made the assumption that it “really is that bad” lol.

Although I do see your honest attempt at trying to find what’s good about the East Coast though. The “time zone dominance” was particularly original and insightful.

I’ve found people attack when they have no other defense. Like kids saying “you’re ugly” or “but you’re stupid” kind of thing.

Forget both coasts! Hawaii is where it’s at!

Powell

[Reply]

Living in the West means that within an hour or two drive you can be at the beach, in the mountains, in a forest, on the prairie, or in the desert. We have all five regions within driving distance. That’s what makes, not only California great, but other west coast states as well. WARNING: The wonderful weather and the urge to be outdoors may cause people to spend more on vacations, shopping, and their car.
P.S. Your comment section looks strange. I think I’m on the mobile theme. What’s up with that?

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:11 pm

Hmmm, donno how my comments section looks on your mobile as mine looks normal.

Good warning to have on WC living though!

[Reply]

EARTHQUAKES, TRAFFIC AND SOME OF THE HIGHEST TAXES WORLDWIDE! Monday Night football should be at night, not 530 like it is in Cali! Plus we have Biggie Smalls.

[Reply]

Bucksome Boomer Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 10:46 am

I wouldn’t say highest taxes worldwide; but they are higher than a lot of places.

I love having MNF earlier in the evening but we go to bed early to start work at 7 am for…East Coast clients.

P.S. What is Biggie Smalls?

[Reply]

Chris @ FeFi Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 11:28 am

Biggie Smalls aka The Notorious BIG né Christopher Wallace
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Notorious_B.I.G.

Evan is attempting to open a HUGE can of worms, methinks. ;)

[Reply]

Evan Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 11:31 am

Awww dated yourself! It was Biggie vs Tupac in the east coast vs west coast rap fued in the mid 90s lol

It was a joke….kinda!

[Reply]

Chris @ FeFi Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 1:05 pm

Haha, I’m a child of the golden age! Ahh the mid 90s… rap has been on life support ever since.

…of course, that’s debatable. (see: Waka Flocka Flame, OJ da Juiceman, Gucci Mane))

Don’t get me started!

youngandthrifty Reply:
June 25th, 2010 at 8:52 am

Ahh I loved mid-90′s rap! All the stuff on the radio now is junk. Oh Tupac, forgot to mention that Tupac came from the West, therefore West is best! =)

Callliiifooorrnniiiaaa Love!

I have a feud with my boyfriend about Tupac and Biggie. I’m a Tupac fan he’s a Biggie fan.

admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:14 pm

Oh man… ya see! Your comment is EXACTLY my last point in my post. We in the WC don’t have to say sensationalist comments to make ourselves feel better, b/c things are so nice out here!

Shame on you Evan!

[Reply]

Ken @ Spruce Up Your Finances Reply:
December 11th, 2010 at 8:03 pm

A lot of people have been anticipating about that BIG ONE here in California and from time to time, we’ve been having those earthquake drills and emergency preparedness awareness. We’ve had a lot of minor earthquakes the past few months but the shake-outs are not that bad. Some of them would just last around 10 to 20 seconds.

Traffic also exist in the east coast, just check out Atlanta and New York, it’s probably worse than Los Angeles.

[Reply]

Well, after all of this east coast-west coast (it’s very mid nineties, if you ask me) I think I’ll join in on the conversation. I’ll use my blog as a platform to say why the mountain west is superior to all these places. I’d also like to invite red and money beagle to state why they believe their regions (south, midwest) are better than the others. Anyone from the sunbelt?

@bucksome – bigge smalls/notorious BIG was a rap star from the early/mid nineties.

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:15 pm

Feel free to write a post and highlight why you think the Mountain West can even hold a candle against the two coasts. Will be a fun read and a very hard post to write!

Go Timberwolves!

[Reply]

while i agree that the west coast has its perks, i dont agree with your comment about all crooks coming from the east coast. there are plenty of politicians, businessmen, and regular joe shmoes that live out west that are just as crooked as those famous east coast ones you mentioned
Preferred Financial Services

[Reply]

I think what’s getting lost in this interesting discussion is that the west coast and east coast are clearly inferior to the midwest! We’ve got a great standard of living, reasonable costs, great family oriented cities, beautiful outdoors (10,000 lakes here in MN), wonderful change of seasons and so much more! Silly east and west coasters. :)

[Reply]

Ninja Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 12:09 pm

Don’t forget below 0 winters, mosquitoes the size of airplanes, and humid summers. Yeah, MN sounds great

[Reply]

Money Smarts Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 3:07 pm

Actually the mosquitoes haven’t been bad in years, the humidity isn’t that bad, and we like having winter – how else are you going to ski?

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:18 pm

Another Timberwolves fan, nice! Unfortunately, the Twins and Timberwolves will never win anything major. Isn’t that good reason enough not to live in the MidWest?

[Reply]

The Left Coast is the best coast.

That is all.

[Reply]

Why isn’t anybody defending the Deep South?

[Reply]

Ninja Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 12:55 pm

It was 115 degrees and humid when I was in the deep south last year…. that’s why

[Reply]

Larry Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 5:50 pm

That’s nothing. Now you could have all that and a big oil spill.

[Reply]

Chris @ FeFi Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 1:08 pm

My state has Mark Sanford as Governor. Need I say more?

[Reply]

Larry Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 5:49 pm

Yeah, well I’ve got David Paterson and Sam has Ahhnuld. So there.

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:20 pm

I enjoy the South, I really do. I just think there could be more diversity, entrepreneurial clusters, and more moderate weather.

[Reply]

given the financial resources, I would definitely live on the West Coast. I have relatives up there and they just love the beautiful weather.

[Reply]

haha Yeah I’ve lived on both coasts and although there are perks about both, it’s nice having less extreme weather in the West. That’s also easier on home repairs. We still can get floods in some areas in a bad storm every few years, but it’s definitely less common to have to deal with storm water damage, molds, and humidity wreaking havoc on homes in the west.

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:56 pm

Yeah, the massive temperature changes wreak havoc on homes, increasing maintenance costs such as roof repair, paint, and bursting pipes. Good point there seriously.

Also, many dealers will advertise “California cars” b/c they have also been exposed to less harsh elements.

[Reply]

I have decided the winner of your “which region is best” contest.

The winner is Canada.

What’s my prize?

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 25th, 2010 at 6:22 am

Sorry, Canada not on the radar unfortunately. Too cold. Besides RIMM/Blackberry, I’m trying to think what other awesome contributions come from Canada. Hockey I suppose. Feel free to write a post!

Young and Thrifty too!

[Reply]

I’ve lived in the Northeast, the Midwest, Florida and California. I have to say that wherever I lived, I was pretty happy with the exception of Florida. Other than Key West and the Intercoastal/Beaches, Florida has very little to offer. Sorry if I offend, but just not my cup of tea.

Now of all the places I have lived, California blows away all the others in many, many ways. It’s expensive, congested, and there are lots of negatives, but the positives heavily outweigh the costs:
1) In over a decade of being here, my wife and I have never, ever once said, we didn’t have anything to do. We said that a lot in the Midwest and Florida. There are 100 things within 50 miles of my house that would make most state’s top 10 list.
2) Entrepreneurs: This is an important factor for me and here there is just no comparison. Look at the companies that have rocketed in the last decade, nearly all of them were in California (with some in Washington State). And for every headliner there are another 200 lesser known companies that are successful out here. The West Coast breeds startups, that’s why I came out here.
3) Weather: Its so lopsided. If you live in San Diego, there is literally no other place in the Country that has better weather. Want snow and 25 degree temps, head to the mountains. 100 degrees too hot for you, head down to Malibu in July where it is about 70 degrees. Low humidity, cool nights.
4) Mentality: The East Coast was all about “what does your father do and what town do you live in?” Nobody on the West Coast gives a rats *** about your family lineage. This is probably the most striking difference for me growing up in the Northeast. Really, very few people care about your family on the West Coast.

I could go on but these are some of the big points. I am glad I didn’t get to California earlier in life…. I wouldn’t have seen much of the rest of the country! Sure you have to make some cost side adjustments to deal with expensive real estate, but outside of that, things are not much different from a cost perspective.

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 25th, 2010 at 6:44 pm

Fantastic comment Live Cheap! You’ve hit all the key points for sure. Once you’ve experienced the West Coast, it really is SUPER HARD to leave!

[Reply]

Live Cheap Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 10:52 am

Funny thing, we were sitting out back of a friend’s house last night and the topic of California living came up. 65 degrees at night and little gas heater on, perfect weather. And the notion of ever moving away came up. The answer from them, “No way I would give this up, ever.:

Once you get used to a lifestyle, it’s hard to change.

[Reply]

@Larry
I was stationed in the south and we called the mosquito the Mississippi State Bird!

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 25th, 2010 at 6:45 pm

HAhahah, nice Norman! Gotta love ginormo mosquitoes!

[Reply]

I was born and raised in California. After marriage and kids we escaped to the Rocky Mountains. Congestion, crime, high cost of living drove us away. All my family is in CA so we visit a lot. Great place to visit, California but a nightmare to live in. Both Northern and Southern, whenever I visit I am appalled at the traffic and how LONG it takes to get anywhere. Yeah, you have the beach and skiing both close by but it is not much fun getting there! We have mountains almost out our back door. Great skiing in Winter and hiking in summer (but watch out for the bears!). We have a lake about 8 miles away that takes…about 10 minutes to drive to. We have rivers for fishing, rafting, canoeing. Yellowstone National Park a few hours drive away (never visit in Summer…in early fall it is fabulous). The biggest crimes in the police blotter are paint-balled cars and barking dogs. No sales tax in Montana. No state income tax in Wyoming. The bad economy has not hit this area nearly as hard as other areas. There is so much about California that I love (particularly visiting in the Winter) but the Rocky Mountain states provide a wonderful lifestyle that -for me- beats California.

[Reply]

Another like feature of today’s technology would be that if you had a currently had a prime job, you could still move to Cali, and telecommute into work. Yeah, you’d have to travel more often, back and forth a bit, but it’s not impossible!

I think a lot of people, just can’t afford it too though. It’s expensive out west, and a lot of hassle to move, strip the kids from friends, not to mention relatives.

If I were 21 again, I would have tried harder to move out west while I was young!

Say, how is the pollen count on the West Coast? Since you don’t have the seasons, I’m guessing the pollen activity is a little less dramatic than the East or does everybody have allergy problems?

[Reply]

All these claims of “subjectivity” and “personal opinions.” Assuming that what makes a region the “best” also makes its residents happy, why not just look at who has the happiest residents? And for that, I bring to you, a statistical smackdown from Gallup: http://www.gallup.com/poll/116497/rankings-reveal-state-strengths-weaknesses.aspx

Short answer: West and Mountain West wins. West Virginia (?) loses.

[Reply]

Hey Sam!

I love how intense this little rivalry has become. I def enjoyed your hand chopping analogy and you have some great points about the West Coast. I mean I’m still a fan of the time zone and the culture (being in Mass) but I can’t argue with anything you listed up there. I think it has a lot to do with pride and a sense of ownership. Where ever you end up or settle in is obviously the right place to be..right?! So even when you try to take it from an objective approach – your pool of participants might not lol. I mean even me included. Be it ever so humble (and cold, and muggy, and expensive heating billed) there’s no place like home :)

As far as spending more than you earn goes. That’s a whole other conversation for another blog post.

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 25th, 2010 at 6:20 am

No rivalry brotha, because there’s not really competition! “Booo, hissss” I can hear from the crowd :) I admire you for enjoying being “cold, and muggy with an expensive heating bill”. Gotta stay true to your roots!

So if youre happy, stay by all means. If you’re not, feel free to explore!

[Reply]

We have Vegas and Cancun on the west!

[Reply]

Wow, that photo of the beach is like.. eye porn. Did you take it? It’s beautiful.

YES… west is best!!

The list you created hits it to a tee =)

We have the Oregon Coast (so beautiful), fantastic food (more immigrants to the West, so more variety and delicious food), sushi (good sushi trumps all),

Haha thanks for mentioning me as a contribution from Canada! It’s not too cold! Today we have 24 degree weather (in Vancouver). RIM is good though their share prices went down 7% today- no competition for iPhone 4, really. We have Hollywood North, lol (Twilight is filmed here), Celine Dion (lol).

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 27th, 2010 at 3:17 am

“West is best” lol. Nice.

Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve been to as well. It’s a great launching point for Alaskan cruises!

Alas, no, I did not take the picture. Wish I did! Don’t go too crazy with Rob Pattison fevor now you here??

[Reply]

You guys are so lucky having the West coast within your borders (plus so many other opportunities).

I live in London in the UK, which would very much be an East Coast city in US terms. (In fact, it’s influence and the influence of other European capitals has partly seeded the culture of the East Coast of the US).

Move to the West Coast and you end up in rainy rural Wales or Cornwall. Beautiful in its own right, but hardly Santa Monica.

Then again, we have 20 different languages and nations on our doorstep here. But I hate languages! ;)

Hurrah for counting your blessings!

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 4:36 am

Do only the English hate languages cause I’m so impressed and amazed that Europeans can speak so many languages! Blows Americans out of the water! The joy of Eurorailing is so awesome. Consider yourself lucky you get to see so many places in such a short distance!

[Reply]

Hiya Sam.

Having lived in the NJ/NY area for the first 40 years of my life, and now in the Seattle area for the last 7, it’s no contest. Seattle living is infinitely better than NY/NYC living.

1. The seasons. The PNW has 4 identifiable, long seasons. NY/NJ has about 1 month of spring, 1 month of fall, and the rest is broiling, soggy summer or bitter, snow-drenched, winter. And thunderstorms often. In the PNW, a typical summer day would be a ‘top 10 day’ in NY/NJ; we have them by the dozen.
2. Fall. No contest. Fall color out here is better than the Berkshires or New Hampshire. And it’s just outside the door. No lining up in cars for hours to see tree in color.
3. Cost. Any way you slice it vs. NY or NJ, it’s *much less expensive here.* Lower taxes (no income tax in WA!). Lower insurance. Lower rents, housing, …. A short ride from the metro area and you can do so well in terms of your housing dollar. Not so in NY/NJ. It’s much easier to live frugally here – there’s the fabulous outdoors available 9 months a year for exploring, cheap entertainment provided by Nature. NY/NJ? Drive a few hours and you and a few thousand of your new closest friends will be there. Summers at the shore? If you can find a square inch for your blanket after paying the beach fees. Beach fees! *laugh* Needles and medical waste!
4. Crime and corruption. So endemic in NY/NJ, so rare here that things that wouldn’t make the back page of a NY paper are big news in Seattle and followed for months. NJ is like ‘comic opera’ criminality, heck, entire town councils and mayoralties regularly get thrown in jail. Corruption’s a way of life and firmly entrenched.
5. Traffic. This one’s tricky – the PNW does a pretty good job of traffic engineering, so there’s highways that haul you through major metro areas. But, nothing can save you from increasing population, the curse that will do in prosperity. I think overall though, average traffic delays are less, density is less, off-hours driving is pretty empty and even though there’s not really good mass transit, you can still get places fairly readily in cars.
6. Culture. Oh, o.k. NY is a cultural mecca. Seattle isn’t. +1 for the Northeast. But you can’t afford to live in NYC and its filthy and crowded and crime ridden.

I tell my East Coast friends that the PNW is the best place in the world to live, and I’ve seen a lot of it. I can’t speak for California like your other posters have, but I think the climate alone would be sufficient to put it on ‘better than the east coast’ in my book

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 27th, 2010 at 3:20 am

The Pacific North West is definitely a place I was thinking about retiring since like you said, it’s cheaper with NO STATE TAX in Washington! I mean, if you can save 10% a year in taxes on a $100,000 fixed income, that’s pretty good!

Since you’ve lived in the NY/NJ area for 40 years before moving out West, we’re going to have to take your word for it that West Coast living really is better. What took you so long?

[Reply]

Igotadose Reply:
June 27th, 2010 at 8:22 am

Opportunity and brainwashing. There’s an embedded culture that ‘everything in the Northeast is better’ and you’re strongly discouraged from leaving.
People trace their families back for centuries there. Folks are born, grow up and
die in their hometowns. My family was mad at me for years for having the temerity
to move to NJ from NYC! Why couldn’t I stay at home?!

Plus, it’s a big move when all you’ve known well, is where you grow up. I got a job
offer from a great company, and married someone from NoCal who loathed NJ and
was very good at showing me the delights of the West. So, file me under ‘slow learner.

[Reply]

I would move back to the west coast tomorrow if I could afford it. I live in the middle of the country now. I miss the Pacific ocean. I lived on the East coast years and years ago, and the weather was not as comfortable, too humid. West coast weather, especially the Central California coast and north into Oregon, is much more comfortable.

Watching the sunset on the west coast, standing on a cliff, the water seems so huge, and you can actually see the curvature of the Earth, magnificent. I missed that when I was living on the east coast. And I miss it now.

Another thing for an old west coaster like myself, born and raised on the beaches of the west coast, when you go to the beach on the East Coast, the water is on the wrong side…….

As for it being a lifestyle. When we lost our jobs out there (aerospace) in the mid ’90′s, we moved to the midwest to get by, just because the cost of living was SO incredibly much cheaper. Unfortunately, we found we cannot go back now.

And that is a downer about either coast, no doubt, the cost of living is so high. I want to go back, but can only visit now and again. If I could find a way to do it, we’d be back to the west coast.

Where we live now is beautiful though. We have rolling hills, trees, prairies, and a relaxed, good way of life here. So, I’m content to stay here too. But I DO miss the ocean and the feel in the air, and the only place I’ve ever been that the air feels like that is the West Coast.

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 27th, 2010 at 3:25 am

Merry, what a beautiful comment. I feel what you are saying so vividly. I know what you mean regarding the water being on “the wrong side” on the East Coast. Doesn’t help the water is so dark and murky too.

Have you ever walked the Atlantic City boardwalk before? Oh how depressing it can be. There is a certain peace out there though.

“Watching the sunset on the west coast, standing on a cliff, the water seems so huge, and you can actually see the curvature of the Earth, magnificent. I missed that when I was living on the east coast. And I miss it now.” Love this comment. It’s barely 4:30am here on Sunday and I think I know what I’ll be doing right before sunrise!

It’s good to know that people on both coasts can move inland to lower their cost of living. Do come back and visit often.

Thnx, Sam

[Reply]

Sam,

I thought you were originally from Australia…?

I always thought the Melbourne is like London and Sydney is like New York with California weather!

-Mike

[Reply]

Ha ha, I never read the first part and to be honest I have not been to the West Coast unless Washington DC does count?

You know I can’t say I have ever been anywhere in the world I disliked. I think living anywhere has it’s peaks and troughs. Believe it or not I actually liked the Winter in Montreal and Vermont when I was living in that part of the world.

I have heard some terrible things about Iceland… It’s cold, it’s depressing, they live underground… blah blah blah but then I also have friends who think it’s the best place on the planet with the friendliest people.

I know you are just trying to rouse people to speak (and it works) but I think people will find different reasons to be no more or no less happy wherever they are if they can just live a comfortable life.

[Reply]

Both this and the east coast bit read as “protest too much”. Maybe Sensei, you are tempted to move back east but trying to convince yourself not to?

Anyway I’m in Seattle, and it’s nice to count it as west coast but the weather sucks for 9-10 months of the year. The skiing is great if you drive to the mountains though!

[Reply]

3 of the top 5 from the East… None on the West

http://financiallyfit.yahoo.com/finance/article-109886-5703-4-best-cities-for-young-professionals?ywaad=ad0035

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 5:15 pm

Saw it. You couldn’t pay me to live in Texas. And also, guess where the writer is from? Bingo.

I, on the otherhand, have lived for many many years on both coasts. I have no agenda, and no monetary benefit. I just encourage those out East who have never been out West to give it a try. You’ll wonder to yourself why you didn’t do so earlier.

[Reply]

Houston and DC were in the top 5… This survey’s a joke, right? It obviously didn’t include crime frequency and cost of livinig, or quality of life. It was sort of based on job opportunity, something called ‘elite graduates’ and data from Moody’s (the same Moody’s that rated many liar loans bundled as CDO’s as AAA+ so we know *they’re* reliable).

Anyway, please, stay away from the PNW. We have enough people. All you Young’uns should follow BostonToDC’s advice and live your lives in the northeast corridor. Stay in the Northeast and be content in your superiority. In fact, stay east of the Mississippi so you don’t bother the Minneapolans, since it was in the top 5, and they have that weather thing going on in the winter.

[Reply]

admin Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 5:17 pm

I think the survey excludes the West b/c of our higher cost of living. Also, perhaps wealthy people out West paid the publication money to keep the West out of the limelight. Don’t want overpopulation out here!

[Reply]

BostonToDC Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 6:17 am

Yes, do what I say… do exactly as “igotadose” has said and follow every bit of my advice. (Did I even give any ???)

[Reply]

Not to beat a dead horse (well, maybe just a little), here’s another reason why living in New York City beats living on the west coast. We LIVE LONGER according to this NYT piece.

http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/29/new-york-citys-superior-health/

[Reply]

i grew up on the East coast and about 6 years ago moved to LA….trust me the WEST COAST IS THE BEST COAST :)

[Reply]

Ugh. I was born and raised in California, and lived there for 33 years. I HATED it.

California has the highest crime of any state I’ve ever lived in, and the worst traffic.
While I lived in California I:
– had my truck hit by an illegal immigrant in a van, who then ran.
– been assaulted on the street by a gang of hispanics
– been sexually assaulted by a gang of hispanics (separate from the above incident)
– had a drunk hispanic put his fist through a neighbor’s apartment window (we had to call the cops on him, and get him an ambulance since his hand was shredded from the glass).
– was stuck in more stand-still traffic than I’d ever care to remember.
– paying $1200 a month for a tiny 2-bedroom apartment in a crime-ridden barrio, because that’s all my husband and I could afford.
– eventually had to move out of California because my husband and I divorced and I could not afford to live in CA on my own.

I was miserable in California. Then again, I was also poor in California. The people who like California tend to be rich, and they can isolate themselves in tiny well-to-do pockets of California and never see the crime, assault, and barrios like the poor people do.

However, the rest of the West Coast seems nice. I loved visiting Seattle, and my friends in Oregon claim they love it there, so I guess WA. and OR. are decent. Just California is mostly a dive.

My most fave state living in so far was Florida. GORGEOUS weather, low-cost living, and a bunch of nice people. Plus, I loved all the wildlife there. (I like snakes, bugs and humidity a lot!)

[Reply]

admin Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 4:17 pm

Yikes, that sounds like a very bad experience. I have to imagine that if you had more money to spend, and didn’t go through a divorce, you’d like the West Coast a lot better?

Florida is nice, but I’ve been there in July, August, September and it is just way too humid. I love their no state income tax though for sure! Can’t beat that!

[Reply]

BD Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 12:57 am

I suppose if I had a ton of money, CA would be ok. Like I stated, there are rich pockets that are really nice. But most of CA is a dive. There are very few REAL middle class areas! It’s all either super-rich, or very poor. Because of inflated housing prices, what would be considered middle-class anywhere else is ‘rich’ in SoCal. (ie, a house that goes for $150,000 in a normal state goes for $600,000 in SoCal)

I love humidity, so summers in Florida are wonderful for me.
My skin actually feels smooth and soft for once! :)
And oh yes, I loved the “No state income tax” in Florida. It was actually affordable to live there. Too bad I couldn’t find any employment there though. *sad*

[Reply]

I recently relocated to Cali from the South and I’m pleased with my decision. However the uncertainty that comes along with earthquakes really bothers me!

[Reply]

Beautiful Weather
-Weather is overrated, i loved life more in London(miserable weather) than i did on the west coast. Plus here is alot to be said for discernable seasonal changes that signify lifes progression.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities
-complete hogwash, makes sense if your talking specifically tech companies but entrepreneurs are located all over this great country, they are not regional specific.

Access To Asia
-excellent benefit if you love to do biz or travel to Asia. cheap airfares.

Vacation Paradise
- Yet the West coast elite love to party in the Hamptons in the summer or Miami during any other part of the year? West coast is great if your vacation involves mostly outdoor activities.

World Class Winter Sports
- Skiing is still considered an elitist sport in this country, particularly in an economic downturn.

More Peaceful People.
- Nonsense, have u ever heard of violent west coast gangs? Do u also know that these gangs have branched out from california into the other 50 states?

Less Crooks.
-I am beginning to wonder if u live in a gated community. the west coast has more prisons than any other region of the country; more gangs, and more bank robberies. The state of california spends upwards of 10% of it’s budget maintaining the prison system.

Environmental Movement
- yeah but how do explain the dwindling water supply so people can water their perfect lawns and the lack of a cohesive public transportation system so everyone can drive their own car? the so called environmental movement is a pure publicity.

Great Athletics
- I can’t argue, there is a hotbed of athletic talent due to all year round training facilities

Pride
-didn’t u tell me that ‘intangibles” don’t count? hear any good earthquake, brush fire or mudslide jokes lately?

[Reply]

A few good things about the West coast

- outside transportation and a home you can actually save money because u have fewer places to spend your disposable income on vs a walking city like NYC.

-generic supermarkets are the best in terms of product offering but you don’t have as many niche gourmet food places

-cheaper to date due to the smaller supply of overly expensive restaurants(mexican anyone?) and places like theaters, concert halls, etc but movie theaters are everywhere.

-good domestic wine is cheap

-less running around time to schedule activities due to driving distances and traffic

- a bevy of beauties that sort of look the same due to cheap cosmetic surgery

-less money on clothing because t-shrt and jeans or shorts can be worn everywhere. no need for expensive suits, sports jackets. Also no need to have a seasonal wardrobe.

-cars last longer

-day labor is cheap to acquire

-people are collectively passive aggressive until they get into their cars to vent their rage

-an hour late for a date or event is acceptable because bad traffic is always the at ready excuse.

[Reply]

This post is definitely making me reconsider my position on not moving out west from the East Coast. However, with Cali’s new rules on minimum wage, I wonder how it’s trying to help its citizens afford the high cost of living.

[Reply]

I will definitely say there is something incredible about the West Coast. My trip to San Francisco is definitely one to remember and I would move there in a heartbeat. i lived on the East Coast and loved the energy as well. The Mid-West is great as well.

[Reply]

Recently having been in the east coast traveling around I will say it is SO beautiful in Autumn. Wow how electric orange/red some of the leaves get. But along with leaves comes really bad seasonal allergies!! So even though I’m happy to take visits to the East in the Fall I definitely love quickly returning back to the west coast so I don’t end up sneezing my head off. ;)

[Reply]

I’m not sure if I can handle the snow on a daily basis and having to shovel snow just to get my car out. I like what we have here in SoCal and the weather is perfect for me.

Ahh, those east coast bias. I know it happens a lot in college basketball and football on how east coast teams are always better. I guess, it can also happen in non-sport issues!

[Reply]

I was doing some reading and ran into this website. I have lived in Seattle, Austin, Chicago. Austin has clearly been the best place by a long shot. I know that CA has great weather. But the weather in Washington and Oregon isnt anything to boast about. The summers are fantastic but the winters are terrible. Months without seeing any sun is the norm in Seattle. And the rain is dreadful – there is a reason its called the rainy city. Portland weather is extremely similar. As far as the people, I find them to be pretty cold compared to the people in the southern states. Just for a point of reference, I was born in Asia and have no beef in this game.

[Reply]

Financial Samurai Reply:
December 23rd, 2010 at 5:10 am

True…. Portland and Seattle have some damn dreary weather in the winter. I guess I’m just really talking about California :)

But, Washington has NO state taxes so I love them!

[Reply]

MS Reply:
December 23rd, 2010 at 1:10 pm

I work for a large multinational with offices in both the bay area and WA. If you move to CA, you automatically get a 15% salary hike to compensate for the state tax and the cost of living. The point being having state tax or not makes very little difference. I know I will be paid more if I move to CA.

Also, why so down on Texas? Weather is just fine, except for 2 months at the height of summer. And the larger metros – Austin, San Antonio, Houston – are predominantly blue. They dont have the natural variety to offer though. It looks like Texas is the fastest growing state and will join the 30Million plus club (currently only CA) within a decade.

[Reply]

Financial Samurai Reply:
December 23rd, 2010 at 3:01 pm

That’s really great they pay more for living in more expensive places! If that’s the case, heck yeah send me to Paris and other fantastic locales!

Regarding Texass, come on, you know it really sucks there except for no state taxes either. Super sweltering hot for more like 5 months of the year, little diversity, and just really not a comparable place to live if one has a choice. There’s a reason why it’s called the Armpit of America!

I would take heat over 9 months of Seattle rain. Unless you are a skier, there is nothing to do here other than wait for the summer to roll around. Even the simplest of things like running around a lake cannot be done with poor weather in the PNW.

I am wondering what exactly do you refer to when you say diversity? I went to school at University of Texas at Austin and University of Chicago. If diversity means people from different parts of the world bringing ideas together, Austin was as good as Chicago. I havent been to Berkeley, Stanford, and agree that the University of California system has more depth (great campuses at Berkeley, LA, Davis, SB, SD, Irvine). Texas university system is limited to Austin, Rice and Texas A&M as premeire univs.

Someone in this thread commented about cities being dirty on the east coast due to higher density populations. But that is also very true of most large cities on the west coast as well. Seattle doesnt fare well when it comes to cleanliness. And the roads in Washington state cannot be compared to those in Texas. Of course, the problem with Texas is that old money is racist there – but there are going to die in the next 20 years.

[Reply]

valid points and i agree with them. here is my question(s)

how do you feel about California’s financial condition? if this hasn’t impacted your area yet, in what way (how) do you anticipate it impacting?

many also talk about the high cost of living (property values really is what i think) as a big reason for not moving despite the ideal weather. any thoughts?

[Reply]

Financial Samurai Reply:
January 2nd, 2011 at 9:25 am

I think the Federal government and the rest of the country will bail California out if things get too bad before the State raises taxes on us any more frankly. Hence, I’m not worried.

We’re all Americans, right? :)

It’s not a right to live in California and an expensive place… so if you want to live here, you have to earn it. Or, live in Minnesota.

[Reply]

I lived in Mid-West – Indiana and been here in Colorado for the past 16 years. I also frequently travel to the West Coast as well. When I lived in Indiana, most of the business I had to deal with were in NJ, CT, NY. If I was required to live on one of the coast, I take West Coast, hands down.

I agree, the main attraction for the WC is outdoor recreation, weather and more of a laid back/work to live mindset. I don’t know how much things has changed on the EC but here is where the WC wins me over:

1. You can go anywhere to eat from a shack to a very fine place and no one cares how you dress

2. No one cares about position, status or possessions, therefore, a person who is “entry level” can talk directly with a VP of a company and be on first name basis and ideas regardless of position have equal footing.

When I traveled to the EC, I got in trouble for not being formal when dealing with people and I have been told that I need to know my place. Also we had to dress nice even outside of work hours and when something was needed, it was already considered late. You were expected to deliver this instant !

In a different job, we had counterparts in Maryland and you are expected to put work first and everything else plays second fiddle even to vacations. Going on vacation, you had to leave contact info and be expected to drop everything at a moments notice to return to work !

In my current job, I deal with customers in many parts of the country and I find that customers in the EC especially the Northeast are very difficult to work with. In my previous job, I was ordered to move to the EC and I took a layoff instead ! I was offered the same money but it would have been difficult to adjust to the EX culture and lifestyle change.

[Reply]

Dave Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 3:01 pm

I’m late to this conversation. But I have to weigh in on this. I live on the east coast, specifically North Carolina (10th most populous state and growing). I love the west coast, there are many beautiful places like the coast in Orange County, etc. When in California, you feel “special.” However, my problem with California vs the east is that when I’m there, I feel far removed from the rest of the country. Because when you’re on the west coast, you are far far away from the rest of the movers and shakers in this country. The majority of the US population is in the east – you hardly ever even see an out-of-state license plate in California because it is soooooo farrrrr from everything else. I like the east because in a matter of a few hours – 12 or less – I can leave NC and be in NYC or in Miami by car. If I want to drive to DC for the weekend and experience great food and all of the culture there, I can. If I want to enjoy a beautiful summer day on a wide beach with WARM Atlantic water (Pacific is brrrrr), I can. Yes, especially in the south, who your family is etc., can be VERY important to some people. But to others, no one cares. I live in a very progressive, affluent area, namely Raleigh. Here we have both Duke University and the nation’s first public University – UNC as well as NC State U. Over 75% of my city’s adult population holds at least a bachelor’s degree. We have the research triangle park here, home to more tech firms than anywhere outside of the Silicon Valley and Boston. Also, I find the west coast to be a bit “too granola” for my tastes. Yes we too have folks like that here – but in much smaller numbers. Nice people, but I am much more driven and career/money oriented/type A for that. I like living on the coast with the most – the east. I feel alive here. And people keep talking about the weather in LA. But I have been in LA in the winter and it can get cold there. Florida is MUCH nicer in the winter. Finally, when people from California move here, I have found many of them to be know-it-alls (back in California this and back in CA we did it like that). And they always complain about the humidity. OK…it is HUMID in the summer here and we like it – it is what we are used to. And that is why we jump in the WARM Atlantic water in the summer! Ha ha!

[Reply]

This post is so true!

I grew up in the Northeast, and have lived on the West coast for the past six years. I often think about moving back East, but can’t imagine giving up everything that comes with living out here. I just love it. When I was back in NJ over the summer, my sister and I had to drive an hour north to find a decent place to hike with some meaningful elevation. Our west, everything is hills. Mountain-like hills. And it’s just beautiful. It also helps that my professional industry is based out here. I love the West coast!

[Reply]

I have a good friend who moved from the East coast to the West coast… and he say’s he’ll never go back. The temperatures are more suitable for his desires, especially in the Winter, and the entrepreneurial spirit is far more robust. I’ve visited both… and tend to agree. I don’t even mind the rainier upper West coast – Seattle.

[Reply]

Financial Samurai Reply:
September 3rd, 2011 at 11:19 am

Where are you living now Doc and what are your thoughts about why people choose to chop off one hand and live on the East Coast? Thx

[Reply]

I have never been past the central time zone, so I really have no room to bash the east, but I can brag about my wonderful state! Colorado is absolutely beautiful and quite frankly it is an underrated place to live. The home of the Rocky Mountains provides probably the best skiing and snowboarding in the US. I’ve snowboarded in Idaho, and Utah and they honestly don’t even compare to how good the slopes are in Colorado as well as the scenery. Another thing I love about Colorado is because of the thin and crisp clean air. It makes it tough for people who have never been here to adjust to the altitude, but if you get use to it, you really don’t want to go back. I remember visiting Missouri way back when, and man let me tell you, the state should re-named to Misery because of the humidity just made it miserable!

If one thing that separates the east from the west, in my opinion it has to be wildlife and outdoor wilderness activities. Colorado alone is one of the best if not the best state for angling and hunting. I could name about 10 different rivers here in Colorado alone that are just great for fishing. I have also hunted for elk, white tail, pheasant, and turkey in different parts of Colorado. Pagosa Springs (south Colorado) is one of most visited tourist destinations in America!! For its beauty and wildlife! I would highly recommend Pagosa Springs to anyone who is thinking about visiting colorful Colorado!

[Reply]

Financial Samurai Reply:
September 3rd, 2011 at 11:18 am

I agree that Colorado is great for the great outdoors. The sun is always shining too. The only issue is that it’s hard to make the big bucks there and it’s not the Mecca of innovation as it is here in San Francisco.

If one can relatively easily make $150,000-$250,0000 in CO, I’m there since it goes a mug longer way there.

[Reply]

I grew up in Virginia and a tourist beach town in Maryland. I traveled around to several east coast cities when I lived there. I moved away when I was 23, and have lived in Portland OR, Dallas, and now San Diego. All my west coast comments are going to be based on San Diego, not LA. The east coast is nice but it is very different. The attitudes are much less laid back, more aggressive. People always want to fight about something. San Diego is a fantastic city – it’s very clean, the weather is great, there’s lots of natural beauty and outdoor activities. In the summer there are free concerts every day of the week. There are some spots where traffic is bad during rush hour. Dallas was far worse for traffic! San Diego housing is less expensive than DC or NY. The ghettos are not nearly as bad as other large cities. Crime rates are far lower than most cities.

I’m seeing this through my middle class eyes. I live in a VERY middle class neighborhood. I wouldn’t want to buy at current property values though, I still think it is too much. I’m sure the city would not seem so nice if I was barely making rent.

The smog is pesky. We have air and water quality problems, especially since we import so much water (80% of it). We have overcrowding problems; I wouldn’t even think of going to a Costco on a Saturday afternoon. We also import a lot of electricity, so that is a risk if a the big earthquake ever comes.

West Coast isn’t perfect but it is very different. It suits some people far better than others. Same for East Coast. I prefer San Diego, but I wouldn’t live in LA for anything. I WOULD live in NYC, but I don’t know if I’d stay long because of the high prices and brutal winters.

[Reply]

Financial Samurai Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 8:57 pm

Thanks for your perspective! LA does kind of suck.. however, if one can live and work around the Manhattan Beach, Santa Monic area.. it’s not that bad at all.

IT’s good that you’ve lived on both sides and look at things from a middle class perspective. The poorer you are, the better the West coast is b/c a poor person enjoys the same sunshine as a rich person!

[Reply]

I’m from the east coast. Born and raised throughout all of FL and even Canada once. I got family all through the east coast. Lived in Chicago at one point. I’m back in the east coast after living in San Antonio Texas for 5 years. I can say this with certainly, the east coast sucks ass. The people are rude as hell, materialistic, weather is HORRIBLY hot and humid, pay is low, too many damn snakes n alligators, mosquitoes, ghetto ass people who love to fight, and I’m just sick of it all. In one year, I’m relocating to the west and I can’t wait. It sucks that I have to deal with one more hot and hellishly humid summer before I leave. In central FL no less. :(

i’m sick of being too cold and too hot. I cannot handle the extremes anymore. Living in Texas which is basically almost the west coast for me, I loved it loved it loved. The people were nice, the houses were HUGE, the weather was way more tolerable than FL!! No humidity!! That was a joy! Everything was SO different. The clouds were different, the sunlight was different. I liked it way more than FL but it’s not enough for me. I want the REAL west coasts.

I’ve been fascinated with the west coast lifestyle for YEARS even as a child. I love the whole suburban thing that Southern California has going on. I ABSOLUTELY am in LOVE with the houses. Completely gorgeous. I am going to own one when I have enough money. I love the weather. Better than the east coast. And everything abt CA fits me. Except the air quality.

When I move, as soon as I get on the I-10 W towards Mobile Alabama, I’m going to give the east coast and FL the finger. Counting down the days.

[Reply]

simone Reply:
November 27th, 2011 at 5:46 pm

Thanks we love you too! XD

[Reply]

So true! I moved back to NYC after living in California for 5 years and I couldn’t do it. I turned around and ran back to Cali after 18 months. I found NYC to be highly stressful and cold and even though my family lives back east I just couldn’t see myself fitting in there anymore.

[Reply]

Financial Samurai Reply:
November 17th, 2011 at 9:35 pm

Welcome back! The California government needs your support! :)

I’ve been tempted to go back to NYC now that I’m no longer poor b/c I looooved living in NYC. But, maybe not!

[Reply]

I’m thinking about relocating to Houston, Tx. If you live there or have visited there recently can you fill me in on the pros and cons of living there, taxes, weather, jobs, schools etc… Thanks

[Reply]

Financial Samurai Reply:
November 26th, 2011 at 11:11 pm

Don’t do it! But, I guess it depends where you are relocating from. If from Karachi, then go for it!

At least you don’t have state income tax.

[Reply]

David M. Reply:
December 3rd, 2011 at 7:40 am

We moved from Wash. State to Austin, Texas…my advice…DO NOT COME TO TEXAS!! The summers are horrendously hot and humid, well over 100 ALL summer. Remember too, the whole state here is in a bad drought expected to last YEARS.
Also: Texas is NOT a pretty state. It just looks run down. Also, Houston is a very dangerous city.
Stay where you are OR go to the West Coast!

[Reply]

I have a few more reasons why I love being out on the West Coast, specifically California, although I absolutely adore East Coast and it’s people
1. Multicultural: if you look at Los Angeles or San Francisco (yes some people tend to forget that Nor Cal is a part of Cali whether they like So Cal or not) you see so many different ethnicities and people who really enjoy sharing their cultures i.e. the Hispanic population down in LA, Chinatown, etc.
2. Politics: you can be liberal here without getting your head chopped off, that’s what I’m most thankfull for first. We’re much more open to varying political opinions, and we are a powerful force for change. And it doesn’t hurt that we have a HUGE number of people living here, earth to politicians! Look at our number of delegates in the House of Representatives! Seriously, even when we lose delegates we still outrank everyone in the country. Lightbulbs should be going on about now.
3. Beaches, mountains, deserts, valleys, rain, snow, sun, all in one state?! enough said
4. Las Vegas, Hawaii, Seattle, need I say more?
And also, for all of you people insulting us because we’re such hipsters apparently, and we are so casual never dress up, all of that bullshit. THINK AGAIN! These rudes comments harassing us aren’t true at all. Half of you have never even been to the West Coast, and those of you who have didn’t take the time to truly observe and get to know us. Unsophisticated? Ever heard of LACMA? The Getty? The Grove or the Americana? Griffith Park Observatory? Ever been to Downtown LA? San Francisco (love that city)? SFMOMA? The Deyoung? Give us a chance, and we don’t all hate you, I mean I LOVE the East Coast, New York, Boston, it’s to die for.
Just noticed when people think West Coast and East Coast we automatically think California and New York, or LA and NYC, or SF and Boston.
Point is, no area is better than the other! Quit the stereotypes! Enjoy everyones cultures and be accepting of those different than your own! That’s what the West Coast is all about!

[Reply]

I lived for years in Bellingham, Washington. When the economy went south my partner lost his job and we had to move…my cousin presented an opportunity in Texas and we went. The WORST decision of my life! I HATE Texas and the South with a passion!! I MISS the West Coast horribly!
In Wash. State we were near the ocean AND the mountains, a day and a half drive from San Francisco, a 4 + hour flight from Hawai’i (where we went yearly). The weather, while a little drippy and dark at times, was moderate (unlike Texas summers where it’s ALWAYS over 100!). It did snow in winter sometimes but it never lasted and fall and winter were usually fairly temperate…50s and 60s were not uncommon.
As to the flora here in Texas…it’s great if you like cactus A LOT. I don’t. I do like the palm trees but can’t get out to enjoy them because it’s so DAMNED HOT! In Washington I had a gorgeous backyard planted with bamboo, hardy olive trees, lilac, sycamore, maple. In my front yard I had a hardy palm and magnolia.
If you saw “Twilight”…yes, the Wash. Coast really does look like that…mystical, ethereal, ancient.
OK, I’ve said my piece.

[Reply]

Financial Samurai Reply:
December 3rd, 2011 at 8:18 am

“It’s great if you like cactus” LOL! Love it man.

I love Texas for the no state taxes, but it’s still not enough for me to live there! Wyoming, Washington, or Lake Tahoe Nevada!

[Reply]

I love reading other people’s ideas of what California is. I grew up here (San Diego) but left for college and didn’t come back till age 26 (to Los Angeles). I’m posting an article soon about my love/hate relationship with California which I think you’ll enjoy! I’ll link back here when it’s up.

[Reply]

I was born in MA & grew up in CT. I miss the changing of seasons, especially fall when the leaves change. I hated the winters freezing, the summers are hot & humid. My whole family live in MA, CT & VT, NH & I miss being near them. I’ve lived in So Ca for 40+ yrs, traveled & lived overseas & So Ca is hands down the best climate with so many activities to do. The only earthquake that was pretty bad was in Northridge, we’ve had small jolts nothing major. I’d find it difficult to live any where else guess I’ve become a So Caifornian & even lost my New England accent

[Reply]