Thoughts on leaving California?

You know the trend, the saying of the "mass exodus". I wanted to hear from those of you who are in California, have plans on staying or moving and your reasons for staying.


I'm 100% remote and my company is as well(So is the industry) . Recently I've been seeing how fucked my commison checks are just from tax and my parents and siblings are thinking of making the move to Texas(Big surprise there). So for those of you staying or leaving, what are your reasons and are/were you happy with your decision?

🐱 Off-Topic
🏡 WFH
🌏 Location
25
BmajoR
Arsonist
8
Account Executive
I'm staying because California /thread 
InQ5WeTrust
Arsonist
5
No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL
Tiddy loves the california tan he can get on that beach while working those 'marketing leads' 
BmajoR
Arsonist
10
Account Executive
Also, anyone that gives their opinion on California but says Cali is an outsider and should not be trusted. 
InQ5WeTrust
Arsonist
5
No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL
BayLyfe420BlazeIT
BmajoR
Arsonist
5
Account Executive
smok weed errday
InQ5WeTrust
Arsonist
5
No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL
SnoopDoggVentures 
SaaSam
Politicker
6
Account Executive
My coworkers in Cali recently learned how much of a difference the state tax makes in their checks vs my own. While they admitted that it sucks they also stated that they would still rather live in Cali. Like everything else I think it comes down to a cost vs benefit situation. Nothing against folks in Cali but it just isn't my cup of tea. While I'm sure many folks from Cali wouldn't ever care to live in my state despite the lack of state income tax.

Different strokes for different folks.
funcoupons
WR Officer
4
👑
Yup, comes down to whether you value your CA lifestyle over extra money. There's no right or wrong answer.
mitts2
Politicker
3
Account Executive
I'm from the mountains in Tahoe so the first chance I could come back and live fully remote here I jumped on it. Granted I grew up here so it was not a stretch for me to come back. I am at my happiest and most productive when I have easy access to activities specific to this area (skiing, hiking, biking, etc.) I also have a dog that requires a lot of exercise and open space so city living doesn't cut it. 

Dont get me wrong, living in the Bay Area was really fun right out of school but I value the other activities I mentioned more than what I was doing in the City. I likely wont ever move back to a city full time.
highlyinadvisable
Opinionated
1
SaLeS dEvELoPmEnT rEpReSeNtAtiVe
Yeah dude, I'm really about ready to move back to Truckee. Currently have a lease in SF, lived in Leadville last year, and I think being up here is probably the best compromise. 

I miss the woods and the quiet but also I don't want to do a small town where there are 100 people my age and 85 of them are stoned all the time.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
3
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
I'm in California and not leaving.   "more in taxes" often just means I see it come out of my paycheck in one place, but in others, it's death by a thousand cuts.

No way in hell would I be moving to Texas and the least free state in the country.  And they may not get you on income tax, but they will get you in other ways you won't even notice.   Government ALWAYS gets you.

But seriously...I have lived in every region of the US, and it's a big and beautiful country with something for everyone.   I happen to have landed in CA, have a home here, and have everything I love about environment, from coast to snowy mountains, in a few hours of driving time.  Want redwoods?  There are some down the street.  Wildlife?  Living in my backyard.  Earthquake?   Foot massage!   But with that in mind, to each his or her own.
FamilyTruckster
Politicker
2
Exec Director, Major Accounts
If you like cali, stay there. I enjoy visiting. Awesome buffalo wing joint in Sacramento 
Justatitle
Big Shot
2
Account Executive
Leave because of the insane taxes, lack of affordable housing, increasing power issues and overall the big middle finger cali gives to hard working individuals… 
highlyinadvisable
Opinionated
2
SaLeS dEvELoPmEnT rEpReSeNtAtiVe
I'm considering a 183/182 split between another state and CA. Kinda hate real winter, so I'd be here to avoid the real cold--but am considering Western NV or MT from 5/1-10/31 for the mountains, space, and the tax breaks. 

I saw most of America last year and the mismanagement of a lot of simple things here is kind of astounding--whether it's the massive fires, roads in disrepair, or the fact that SF/the emerald triangle/other places are more than a little lawless--I'm kind of weary of the risk, expense, and the thought of having to dance to pay $2m for a home that cost my parents $550k 17 years ago (~700k adjusted for inflation). 

It just hurts since I can get around almost the whole state without a map, I've got friends in most towns between Redding and La Jolla, I know all of the best trails, and which plants to eat in the woods. 

But if my favorite places keep going up in smoke and I have to work to the point where I don't have time to reap the benefits of my labor I'm really not sure how I feel about staying.
BmajoR
Arsonist
1
Account Executive
Actually it’s $815k adjusted. But your points are valid nonetheless.
Diablo
Politicker
1
Sr. AE
Have couple of friends there who have the same questions. Though they make more money, they endup paying more in taxes. Feel you.
Fribbles
Notable Contributor
1
Sales doosh
I’m born and raised in Texas, live in Dallas. Texas is the shit! Ton of money here, great bbq and Mexican food. Only
Other place I’d consider is Colorado. Also, flights to Cancun are cheap
Here too haha.
QueenSoopers
Opinionated
0
Account Executive
currently in CO - 0/10 would recommend the front range
Fribbles
Notable Contributor
0
Sales doosh
Why? Personally, I love the mountains & hiking.
QueenSoopers
Opinionated
1
Account Executive
the mountains are one thing and the front range (Denver and I believe Boulder and the Springs count as well) is a completely other animal. i love the mountains and the nature of the state - it’s one of the reasons we moved here. if i could move into the mountains and maintain my lifestyle i would in 6 seconds.
justatopproducer
Politicker
1
VP OF SALES -US
Lol, just dont come to my town. Too many of you here already! (Kidding) But yes I would, thats because of Newsome and the taxes. Just know many companies will fight you on the higher cost of living in regards to salary. My friedns that moved from CA seemed to get lower offers unless they were directors or above.
Gyro25
Notorious Answer
0
Account Executive
That's fair. I work remote and my salary is on par with my colleagues in the same role in Austin. Don't think I'll be changing companies anytime soon, but it's good to know. 
justatopproducer
Politicker
1
VP OF SALES -US
Well hell yeah then. Kudo’s.
happyhunter
Politicker
1
spittin' sunshine
Yes the sunshine tax really fucks you. But then I step outside and that warm Cali sunshine hits my bare arms on a perfect February day (and let's be real...like every day of the year), I have the best beaches at my doorstep paired with amazing nightlife, beautiful mountains a couple of hours away and such a killer culture/community that it's all worth it. Shit, even Mexico is less than an hour from me!! VIVA LA MARGARITA!! 
 
I'm not paying to live in a house for the rest of my life with a pool in a suburb of blah, I'm paying to live in a dope city/state with access to literally everything you could want. If that means I sacrifice having a big house with a pool, so be it...I have the ocean one mile away. 

I feel like if you can make it in California, then you really truly are living the American dream. Gotta pay to live in one of the best states in the US!


RealPatrickBateman
Politicker
1
🔪Amateur Butcher🔪
In California. Love where I live but hate literally every single thing about living in California. Commission checks make me feel like an indentured servant. The roads/infrastructure makes me feel like I live in a 3rd world country and the people here are ughhhhhh. Texas or Arizona in the next two months is what it has come down to. Trying to get out of here before I can't. California has suggested MANY times as of late that they will try to tax people who leave the state for up to 10 YEARS after they leave, because paying the highest income tax while you live here isn't enough.... THAT's how bad this place is. 
Blackwargreymon
Politicker
1
MDR
My coworkers in Cali recently learned how much of a difference the state tax makes in their checks vs my own. While they admitted that it sucks they also stated that they would still rather live in Cali. Like everything else I think it comes down to a cost vs benefit situation. Nothing against folks in Cali but it just isn't my cup of tea. While I'm sure many folks from Cali wouldn't ever care to live in my state despite the lack of state income tax.
countingmyinterest
Politicker
0
Account Executive
Ideally, I'd love to spend a % of my time in a big city and another % of my time in a smaller city. 

CA is great and all, but SF and LA are filled with homeless people, infrastructure sucks, taxes are high, and it's expensive. 

I'd rather move to FL
Hotlead
Politicker
0
Producer
We only work w/ business in California sooo.. IM NOT FUCKING LEAVIN!
FinanceEngineer
Politicker
0
Sr Director, sales and partnerships
I left CA and went to NYC. Honestly, not saving that much money (but I am saving some). I 100% would recommend the move.
SaaStruthATX
Valued Contributor
0
Senior Enterprise Account Exec
California sucks ass! I grew up there and loved to surf but at some point it didn’t matter especially once you have a family. The cost of everything is significantly more(taxes, gas, childcare,etc). The idea that it is this amazing place usually comes from someone who has never lived anywhere else. Leaving was the smartest decision I have ever made. I have lived in SoCal, Colorado and Austin Tx. Each has pros and cons, but they all have amazing things about them. The cost in California however when you have responsibilities will suck out your soul. Set your self up for success and long term financial independence because the weather means nothing if your living paycheck to paycheck.
Jewcan_Sam81
Politicker
0
Account Executive
My wife and I legit talk about this 3-4 times a week. We always end up with the same conclusion: “Ugh, let’s just move to the fucking valley.”
Just as a note of caution, if you do ever leave California, because wherever you go will have a drastically lower cost of living, it’ll be almost impossible to come back
Flippinghubs
Opinionated
0
Account Executive
Oh baby im here for the chaos 
Fenderbaum
Politicker
0
Retired Choirboy🪕
Staying for parents.
MR.StretchISR
Politicker
0
ISR
Make sure you get really drunk, good things always follow
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