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I'm Leaving California


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2019 Jan 23, 11:18am   20,032 views  132 comments

by NuttBoxer   ➕follow (0)   💰tip   ignore  

Getting on that outta state bandwagon. Despite making good money, and keeping my rent level for the past two years we are tighter than ever. I accepted a job in Phoenix, partly for the 30% decrease in cost-of-living, partly to stay within a drive-able distance of friends and relatives in San Diego. I had always assumed a six figure salary would mean I'd made it when I was younger, even if it was low six figures. That is no longer the case in California. Sick of seeing all my money go out as quickly as it comes in. I'd love to come back sometime in the future if prices ever go back to something remotely normal, but great weather and the ocean just aren't enough anymore.

I've always preached live within your means, this is me making the hard decision and practicing it. If you rent you are always one move away from getting back on track.

Debt is Slavery!

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57   anonymous   2019 Mar 8, 12:06pm  

NuttBoxer says
Lake effect snow is AWESOME!


No - it is boring, depressive and a pain in the ass to deal with. Overcast constantly - a day with sunshine is a rare commodity. Big pain in the ass

NuttBoxer says
Did you ever actually live in Michigan?


I'll see your 4 years and raise you 20

Wish I didn't but unfortunately had no choice in the matter until I got old enough and had the means to get the fuck out.

1951 - 1971, Keweenaw Pennisula. Winter runs from October to end of April, in a good year it starts in September and last until mid May

Technical residence for mailing and tax purposes from 1975 thru spring of 1979 combined with obligatory visits to see the family

NuttBoxer says
We lived on a lake for four years, and I don't remember having any crazy mosquito problems.


Wind/breezes off the lake do nothing for Deer Flies, plus those suckers can break skin right through a sweatshirt . Mosquitos will appear like magic as soon as you get a few feet into the woods.

Go into the woods in May and June become a moving smorgasbord
58   anonymous   2019 Mar 8, 12:07pm  

NuttBoxer says
I did look at Michigan as the COL is among lowest in the country, but pay is also very low.


Look at the property taxes and then the utility rates, the Marquette area is a great example of not being able to afford the electricity, double that if on the UPPCO system.
59   anonymous   2019 Mar 8, 12:15pm  

NuttBoxer says
The Lakes prevent the 100% humidity that blankets the Midwest


Not spent any time in Lorain, Cleveland, Gary, Chicago now huh ?

Real gems round about late August early September - almost like New Orleans while the stupid lasts and Lake Erie and Ontario are worst.

Southern Lake Michigan comes in third.
60   anonymous   2019 Mar 8, 12:32pm  

@NuttBoxer

Before asking here are my post Michigan travels and places of residence/work.

New York City & Long Island 1971 - 1975

Great Lakes / St. Lawrence Seaway 1975 - 1979

Louisiana 1979 - 1990: Bought and Sold Two Houses

South Central Pennsylvania 1990 - 1995: Bought and Sold Two Houses

California 1995 - 2014: Bought 1995, Sold Spring of 2006 - then rented. Neighbors thought I was crazy when I sold because prices only go up

Present Location 2014 - to now: Bought August of 2014
61   NuttBoxer   2019 Mar 8, 12:44pm  

Kakistocracy says
No - it is boring, depressive and a pain in the ass to deal with. Overcast constantly - a day with sunshine is a rare commodity. Big pain in the ass


You're conflating two things, the dense snowfall, and the clouds. I guess the snow wouldn't be as fun if I still lived there, my memories are as a kid in junior high/high school.

Kakistocracy says
Wind/breezes off the lake do nothing for Deer Flies, plus those suckers can break skin right through a sweatshirt . Mosquitos will appear like magic as soon as you get a few feet into the woods.

Go into the woods in May and June become a moving smorgasbord


I do remember deer flies. But I didn't hunt, guessing that's why I don't remember mosquitoes being bad. Lived there 7 years altogether, a few years in Grand Rapids as a kid.
62   Tenpoundbass   2019 Mar 8, 12:48pm  

Even the sky is rainbow gay.
63   anonymous   2019 Mar 8, 1:14pm  

NuttBoxer says
You're conflating two things, the dense snowfall, and the clouds.


Can not have one without the other and the prevailing wind like most places is from the west/northwest so even if it is not snowing, the clouds are forming and blowing across Lake Superior picking up more moisture and even it is does get frozen over - you still get the damn constant overcast.

Younger people are not as prone to getting into the gloom/depression but the shit gets to people after awhile - just like the Northwest. Grey skies and more grey skies.

The lake is still warmer even at 30 some degrees then the air temperature - great for making clouds/snow.

The Lower Peninsula is not as bad by any means unless you get up into the Traverse City area northward to the straits.

Grand Rapids etc. is like going to the deep south in April onwards compared to the Upper Peninsula. Spring arrives weeks ahead of the U.P. - short sleeve shirt weather there while up north still Puffer Jacket season.
64   FortWayneAsNancyPelosiHaircut   2019 Mar 8, 3:39pm  

Yeah I know.

I like that sort of thing. But kids would probably never visit. Young people don’t like that sort of life much.

CBOEtrader says
FortWayneIndiana says
Was thinking of going back to Indiana, but couldn't convince the Mrs.


Tbf, Indiana is as boring as a state can get. Low cost of living though sure. You can pick up a corn field farmhouse for peanuts
65   BayArea   2019 Mar 9, 9:45pm  

NuttBoxer says
I accepted a job in Phoenix, partly for the 30% decrease in cost-of-living, partly to stay within a drive-able distance of friends and relatives in San Diego.

Debt is Slavery!



30% decrease? Did you live in Bakersfield or Fresno?
66   NuttBoxer   2019 Mar 11, 10:06pm  

Kakistocracy says
Younger people are not as prone to getting into the gloom/depression but the shit gets to people after awhile - just like the Northwest. Grey skies and more grey skies.


I do remember the clouds getting to me, even as a kid. Still love Michigan as a great place to live, at least the areas I lived in.
67   NuttBoxer   2019 Mar 11, 10:22pm  

Tarantula says
My apologies, I'm clearly not as well versed in the various forms and sources of welfare as are you ;)


Too bad, you could have gotten something for your taxes besides a dick up your ass.

Tarantula says
I'm curious how an astute and boot-strapping right-wing Trump supporting conservative


.. But you are educated in the adult WWF, false dichotomy, hate anyone who doesn't agree with you propaganda. Trump is a warmongering, Wall Street insider who was smart enough to see an angle into the White House. Obama was warmongering Wall Street insider who did the same. You, are an ignorant bigot who has wasted his life defending one, and hating the other, but they both took turns fucking you.

Tarantula says
Personally, I'd be embarrassed and ashamed to be on welfare.


Bullshit. Someone as low-brow as you has no shame. Or maybe you do? You don't post under your original account here anymore, I wonder why not..?

Pussy.
68   NuttBoxer   2019 Mar 11, 10:23pm  

BayArea says
30% decrease? Did you live in Bakersfield or Fresno?


San Diego
69   just_passing_through   2019 Mar 11, 10:29pm  

Appreciate the story NuttBoxer keep it up!
70   just_passing_through   2019 Mar 11, 10:30pm  

NuttBoxer says
. But you are educated in the adult WWF, false dichotomy, hate anyone who doesn't agree with you propaganda. Trump is a warmongering, Wall Street insider who was smart enough to see an angle into the White House. Obama was warmongering Wall Street insider who did the same. You, are an ignorant bigot who has wasted his life defending one, and hating the other, but they both took turns fucking you.


Man, that was like a downgrade of his entire family!
71   joshuatrio   2019 Mar 12, 4:29am  

MrMagic says

I believe he's outside of Atlanta, GA

Down with the Rednecks. Talk about a culture shock when leaving CA, right?


The biggest culture shock was the workplace. People actually speak their mind down here without caring about stepping on someone else's toes. It's nice.

The other thing, people down here joke about skin color (my co-workers are about 50% black, 10% latino). Reality is, no one really cares what color you are - just the media - who try to race bait everyone.
72   Goran_K   2019 Mar 12, 6:08am  

joshuatrio says
MrMagic says

I believe he's outside of Atlanta, GA

Down with the Rednecks. Talk about a culture shock when leaving CA, right?


The biggest culture shock was the workplace. People actually speak their mind down here without caring about stepping on someone else's toes. It's nice.

The other thing, people down here joke about skin color (my co-workers are about 50% black, 10% latino). Reality is, no one really cares what color you are - just the media - who try to race bait everyone.


Democrats have nothing to offer besides genitals and melanin. Anytime they try to debate on policy, you get AOC type suggestions and everyone cringes or laughs.
73   anonymous   2019 Mar 12, 6:33am  

joshuatrio says
no one really cares what color you are


Au Contraire - one of many similar comments personally heard while facilitating training sessions in the greater Conyers area

I might have to work with "them" but I don't have to break bread with "them"

I might have to be nice to "them" at work but I don't have to spend time with "them" outside of work

The Old South has not died - it is just better hidden from view most of the time
74   anonymous   2019 Apr 1, 6:07pm  

Americans are relocating more frequently than before, here's why. On average, 47 million U.S. residents moved each year from 2012 through 2016

As the housing market continues to slow down across the country, many homeowners are relocating to housing markets that better suit their financial needs.

In fact, according to NerdWallet’s Home Buyer Survey an average 47 million U.S. residents moved each year from 2012 to 2016.

And among the 25 metros analyzed in the report, all but Chicago and New York posted a net resident increase from migration.

“There are a lot of factors to consider when trying to understand why people move to a new city, and why some from abroad look to make the United States their new home,” NerdWallet Expert Holden Lewis said. “While some of those reasons might seem obvious, like a lower cost of living or relocation for a new job, some factors may be less tied to finances, like wanting to live closer to family or in a more culturally diverse city.”

That being said, NerdWallet’s report indicates the most common factor behind homeowner migration is the request of a housing upgrade.

“More than one-third of people who had recently moved said they wanted a larger or better-quality home, according to the 2017 American Housing Survey by the Census Bureau,” NerdWallet writes. “Such upgrades don’t typically require big moves — heading down the street or into another neighborhood is often enough. But some may seek more dramatic changes and move to another state.”

For those migrating out of state, NerdWallet’s data points to affordability as the second biggest motivation for relocation.

“Even though upgrading is the most common reason people move, according to the American Housing Survey, 18% of recent movers say they left their prior residence to reduce housing costs,” NerdWallet writes.

So, what markets are these homeowners relocating to? Well, according to the analysis, Tampa and Phoenix.

These housing markets had the highest share of out-of-state new homeowners, sitting at a whopping 41%. This total even exceeds the national average of 32%.

“Often the cities that attract the most newcomers are the same places where people are forced to compete for living space,” Lewis said. “In these growing metros, if construction of affordable housing doesn’t keep pace with population growth, then rents and home prices will rise.”

And Lewis is right, as Nerdwallet revealed homeownership costs have priced out many of out-of-state newcomers, resulting in 68% settling into their new housing markets as renters.

NOTE: NerdWallet’s Home Buyer survey is based on data collected from The Harris Poll, which features the responses of 2,029 U.S. adults ranging from January 16th through 18th.

https://www.housingwire.com/articles/48687-americans-are-relocating-more-frequently-than-before-heres-why
75   everything   2019 Apr 3, 1:26pm  

I look at what happens to some of the old people.. They end up kicked into assisted living, etc. by family & company, etc. Thus, I continually downsize out of bigger into smaller places that fit my needs. Retirement communities are expanding is my guess.

Personally I'd rather migrate right the hell out of here to a country where people are valued.
76   Ceffer   2019 Apr 3, 1:40pm  

Some people just move because they are chronically agitated and annoyed where they already live and think that the 'adventure' of moving will change things, until they become agitated and annoyed in their new environment.
77   NuttBoxer   2019 Apr 4, 8:40am  

After about a month here I've already decided I'm never going back. The one thing I didn't account for here is how much less stressful life is. When I go to the store, I don't have people constantly on top of me. There's more parking. The commute is at least five miles further than what I had in San Diego, but it takes me the same amount of time. My neighborhood is super quite, everyone is friendly, I have a yard, at least 500 more square feet, two car garage, and a pool for $300 less a month than what I paid for a 2/2 condo. And I can realistically buy a house here without going into debt for the rest of my life.

Oh yeah, and I already got my daughter into a charter that is VASTLY superior to the one she attends in San Diego.

Those people you talk about don't come from California. Californians have legitimate reason to leave.
78   joshuatrio   2019 Apr 4, 8:49am  

NuttBoxer says
 

After about a month here I've already decided I'm never going back. The one thing I didn't account for here is how much less stressful life is. When I go to the store, I don't have people constantly on top of me. There's more parking. The commute is at least five miles further than what I had in San Diego, but it takes me the same amount of time. My neighborhood is super quite, everyone is friendly, I have a yard, at least 500 more square feet, two car garage, and a pool for $300 less a month than what I paid for a 2/2 condo. And I can realistically buy a house here without going into debt for the rest of my life.


Sounds pretty identical to our story.

Glad the move has worked out for you guys!
79   FortWayneAsNancyPelosiHaircut   2019 Apr 4, 8:51am  

Are you in Texas?

NuttBoxer says
After about a month here I've already decided I'm never going back. The one thing I didn't account for here is how much less stressful life is. When I go to the store, I don't have people constantly on top of me. There's more parking. The commute is at least five miles further than what I had in San Diego, but it takes me the same amount of time. My neighborhood is super quite, everyone is friendly, I have a yard, at least 500 more square feet, two car garage, and a pool for $300 less a month than what I paid for a 2/2 condo. And I can realistically buy a house here without going into debt for the rest of my life.

Oh yeah, and I already got my daughter into a charter that is VASTLY superior to the one she attends in San Diego.

Those people you talk about don't come from California. Californians have legitimate reason to leave.
80   NuttBoxer   2019 Apr 4, 10:36pm  

FortWayneIndiana says
Are you in Texas?


Arizona. Thought about Texas, but the 3 day trip to visit family in California was a deal breaker.
81   BayArea   2019 Apr 4, 10:40pm  

Someone asked above.

The answer is Scottsdale over SD, no question
82   BayArea   2019 Apr 4, 10:45pm  

By the way, thanks for sharing your story.

My wife and I have tossed around the idea of leaving Silicon Valley for quite a while.

Unless you got into housing at the right time, why compete so hard for so little?
83   anonymous   2019 Apr 5, 3:19am  

everything says
Retirement communities are expanding is my guess.


Rent before buying in a 55 and over place - a cautionary warning, I did not buy in one of them and glad I didn't.
84   anonymous   2019 Apr 5, 3:21am  

Ceffer says
Some people just move because they are chronically agitated and annoyed where they already live and think that the 'adventure' of moving will change things, until they become agitated and annoyed in their new environment.


Also referred to as a "geographic" in 12 step programs. Doesn't work for most of those that try it since the underlying problems travel with them.
85   anonymous   2019 Apr 5, 3:22am  

NuttBoxer says
but the 3 day trip to visit family in California was a deal breaker


That would seem to be an incentive in a lot of cases - actually a 4-5 hour plane trip removed is far better and you just can't put a price on a 12 hour plus plane trip, different day and time zone..
86   Al_Sharpton_for_President   2019 Apr 5, 3:59am  

You can always return to SD to vote there. Even citizens of Mexico can vote in California.
87   HeadSet   2019 Apr 5, 7:11am  

willywonka says
You can always return to SD to vote there. Even citizens of Mexico can vote in California.


Or put voting in your Will. Dems like to "mine" the posthumous vote.
88   B.A.C.A.H.   2019 Apr 5, 9:20pm  

BayArea says
My wife and I have tossed around the idea of leaving Silicon Valley for quite a while.


Is the Bay Area your home town area? (ie, where you grew up?)
89   BayArea   2019 Apr 5, 10:03pm  

B.A.C.A.H. says
BayArea says
My wife and I have tossed around the idea of leaving Silicon Valley for quite a while.


Is the Bay Area your home town area? (ie, where you grew up?)


Yes, grew up in the East Bay
90   MisdemeanorRebel   2019 Apr 6, 8:36pm  

1 hour of Classic San Fran Freako rant

www.youtube.com/embed/B3BpkRa2Ubg
91   FortWayneAsNancyPelosiHaircut   2019 Apr 6, 8:40pm  

You got to do what makes financial sense for you. I feel like CA has gone from a family friendly place, to just a place everyone trashes. bums, needles, mentally ill parades (lgbt, trannies, and other horseshit), illegals, and problems such shortage of housing and other basic needs which probably stems from insane inflow of illegals that the system fails to keep up with.

I can't fault anyone for leaving CA, like I can't fault anyone for wanting to get the fuck out of Detroit.
92   Patrick   2019 Apr 6, 9:32pm  

California still has really incredible natural beauty in spite of everything.

Maybe after all the liberals have died out from feminism, it will once again become a good place to raise a family and stay long term.
93   MisdemeanorRebel   2019 Apr 6, 9:41pm  

Patrick says
Maybe after all the liberals have died out from feminism, it will once again become a good place to raise a family and stay long term.



Except, you still won't be able to escape "Something", even if you hide in the bathroom with the door shut.

www.youtube.com/embed/_G_cjOipwW8

Ese, it's 3AM, the fiesta no silencio, amigo. Ahora, nosotros tenemos los pollos luchar. Debito cuarenta dolares en "La Machina", el grande le aca.
94   B.A.C.A.H.   2019 Apr 6, 9:54pm  

BayArea says


Yes, grew up in the East Bay


Yep. This is sad. I know more homies who left than stayed. Many more.
95   B.A.C.A.H.   2019 Apr 6, 9:57pm  

Patrick says
after all the liberals have died out from feminism

Won't even be missed. Privileged grad-school graduates with H-1's backfilling the void with their own kids and value systems. We're becoming an extension of Shanghai and Bombay, with a population of illegals for them to exploit.
96   Patrick   2019 Apr 7, 9:38am  

MisterLearnToCode says
Patrick says
Maybe after all the liberals have died out from feminism, it will once again become a good place to raise a family and stay long term.



Except, you still won't be able to escape "Something", even if you hide in the bathroom with the door shut.

www.youtube.com/embed/_G_cjOipwW8

Ese, it's 3AM, the fiesta no silencio, amigo. Ahora, nosotros tenemos los pollos luchar. Debito cuarenta dolares en "La Machina", el grande le aca.


Damn, she's cute.

Mostly I don't mind the Mexicans as people. Good families, hard workers. I just want them to come here legally and in limited numbers, or not at all. And once here legally, they should strive to become American like previous waves of immigrants did.

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