Many parts of California are literal paradise, similar to the nice areas in other states, but in fucking California.
Where I grew up it was 1.5 hours east to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevadas, 1.5 hours west to the beach and the bay area, 3-4 hours south to Yosemite/Giant Sequoias/King's Canyon, 3-4 hours north to climb a literal 14,000 mountain peak covered in glaciers. No crime, everything was new, everything was nice.
I'll say it again, everywhere I've been since then has been a shithole in comparison. You non-California people don't know what it's like. I imagine it makes you feel better to think California is flaming wreckage and people can't get out fast enough, when in reality, most people are simply cashing in on their ridiculous equity.
Me getting my doctorate in South Carolina was like those people who live in Costa Rica for a time and their money goes miles. It's just so fucking cheap, because nobody here has any money and the area has no prosperity. My little bit of California money got me a degree and a house in the south. Can't wait to go back, 2 more years.
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