California has been on the receiving end of scathing criticism in recent years, thanks to its politics and the decidedly different stance it takes on many issues compared to the rest of the country. Prominent business leaders are even considering abandoning the most populous state in the country, thanks to taxes and regulations.
But what about regular people? Is the Golden State still the place to be? Well, as you’ll read in this post, it still has a tremendous amount going for it. It’s not a down-and-out just yet.
The Weather
No matter your political views, there’s one thing that politics can’t touch in California, and that’s the weather. The Golden State gets more than 250 days of sunshine per year with only sporadic rain – just enough to keep things looking verdant in the spring and fall. Compared to many parts of the east coast, it has a distinctly vacation feel about it: something that persists for most of the year. Even in the winter, a snow shovel is a rare sight. Being so close to equatorial wind currents, the state remains mild for most of the year.
Incredible Education
California is also famous for its wonderful educational establishments. The University of California, Berkeley, engages in the world’s leading research on a number of fronts.
Mexican Food Galore
New York and Florida both have plenty of Mexican eating options. But thanks to its Hispanic population, California takes the food up a notch. Here you can get all manner of delicious tacos, refried beans and some hard-to-find dishes, like mole.
Coastal Road Trip Opportunities
California is the quintessential road trip state, thanks to Highway One, a scenic strip of asphalt that hugs a large chunk of the west coast, providing incredible views of the open ocean beyond. Be sure to check out the Bixby Bridge near Big Sur.
It Welcomes Dreamers
If you’re going to live the American dream anywhere, California is the place to do it. The state is a Mecca for anyone who wants to hit the bigtime in their lives, whether it’s tech professionals wanting to create the next generation of devices or actors looking to star in major films. California rewards people’s determination and drive. If you have a skill and know that it’s worth money, the Golden State is the place to go to reach your full potential. It’s a state that celebrates success in practically all its forms.
It Has Some Of The Best Coffee Outside Of Seattle
We all know that Seattle is the home of Starbucks, but California still offers some of the country’s best-known and most cherished coffee houses. In fact, it’s here you’ll find a vast range of celebrated independent outlets and small chains all offering their unique take on your daily cup of Joe.
It’s Home To Some Of The Nation’s Most Celebrated Sports Teams
Whether you’re into the LA Lakers or the SF Giants, California offers all the sports that you could imagine. The state is replete with giant venues which each offer incredible atmospheres and spirits of their own. Even if you’re not a sports fan, it’s easy to jump on the bandwagon and get involved. Just turn up to an event, order your hot dogs, and enjoy the live action unfolding in front of you.
You Don’t Have To Travel To Go On Vacation
California is a dream vacation destination for people from all over the world. And so, when you move there, you literally have the world at your fingertips. California offers all of the trappings you could ever want, right at your doorstep.
Disneyworld is one of the state’s primary resorts, offering all kinds of attractions. It recently opened a new Avengers zone previously slated to come online in 2020, but delayed owing to COVID. You can read all about this new land in publications across the internet.
California is also a place for wine-lovers out there. The Napa Valley region plays host to beautiful hotels, wonderful walking trails and vineyards to die for. Go here if you want to taste the best wines in the western hemisphere.
Also, be sure to check out San Francisco. Even if you don’t live there, it’s worth exploring in its own right. It’s possibly America’s most beautiful city right now.
Access To A Diverse Range Of Cuisines
It’s not just Mexican food on offer in California. In fact, the Golden State is home to practically every type of cuisine you can imagine, particularly in the LA area. Thanks to people from all over the world making the state their home, there’s virtually every taste sensation available to suit your palate. Whether you fancy Peruvian or Vietnamese after a busy day at work, California has you covered.
Adventures Galore
When people think of California, they imagine its great coastal cities. But the state itself is actually quite vast – about the same size as Spain. So there’s a lot to explore well off the beaten track. For instance, if you head inland, you’ll soon hit hills. These offer rock climbing on genuine cliff faces, operated by experienced guides. There are also adventures to be had on the open ocean. Windsurfing, for instance, is one of the Golden State’s most popular maritime experiences.
Trees That Reach Up To The Sky
If you’ve never seen redwood before, you’re missing out. Somehow, these giants flipped an evolutionary switch that allowed them to grow bigger and taller than trees anywhere else in the world. And they’re all over the place in California. You can find them in highest concentrations in cities like Oakland, regional parks and the world-famous Sequoia national park.
Skiing Opportunities
If you’re a ski enthusiast, California should also be at the top of your places to live. That’s because even though it is quite far south, it also has some high mountains offering beautiful powder throughout the winter months. What’s more, weather permitting, the Golden State is just about the only place in the world where you don’t have to get changed for skiing after a day at the beach. When the sun is blazing, shorts and t-shirts will do just fine!
It’s Totally Dog-Obsessed
If you’re a dog-obsessed person, you’ll love San Francisco and other cities along the coast. Many of them actually have more dogs than children – or so the rumours have it.
Dogs get star treatment from their owners who live in this part of the world. Grooming parlours are second-to-none, and many establishments will cater to both you and your pet. So you really can have a spa day with your dog. Who would have thought it possible?
Best Burger Shops
If you’re a fan of beef patties in a bun, then California is the place to go. Here you can find some of the country’s most beautiful hamburgers, plus fresh-cut fries. The quality tends to be better too due to the locals’ discerning palates.
The Nightlife
California plays host to some of the world’s best nightlife. The state is home to exclusive clubs galore, no matter what you’re into. If you’re the sort of person who enjoys sipping on cocktails while overlooking the city or drinking beer underground, you have options. What’s more, because so many famous people and celebrities call California their home, you’re almost guaranteed to bump into somebody famous.
Diverse Communities
California has some of the most diverse communities in the country, if not the world. They all retain their own culture but also blend into the whole as well, meaning that you can dip in and out of how you like. For travellers or people staying temporarily, this feature of the state is great news. It means that you can find a group of people who can show you the ropes and how to thrive in the Golden State.
It’s A Magnet For Health-Conscious People
The US in general has a poor reputation for health, but California is different. While the state has many of the same issues as the rest of the country, there are also smoothie bars and vegan restaurants galore. In fact, the community of plant-eaters is so large that they regularly host events to celebrate their pastime.
There are also fabulous exercise opportunities in the state, from Muscle Beach to hiking in the mountains. California offers a plethora of world-class gyms to enjoy, each decked out with a massive selection of equipment. Here you’ll find all types of people, from flexible yoga enthusiasts to muscle-bound bodybuilders.
The Fact That It’s California
The California brand is still strong both in the US and around the world. So it remains an aspirational destination for many people. The state is among the wealthiest in the entire country, and it shows the moment you step out of the door.
California is a cool place to be. Yes, it has its fair share of issues. But they tend to pale in comparison to the perks that it offers. It’s a wonderful location for anyone to relocate, whether you enjoy spending time inside, outside, or a mix of both!