I have complex relationships with both states, and family roots in each, so my entire life has been spent between the two, and I often visit Texas still.

Both are dysfunctional in completely different ways, and both succeed in very opposite AND similar ways, too.

Regarding “homelessness and crime”, though— I have not noticed a significant difference feeling in safety in either. And in both I lived in the “city” (Dallas and Los Angeles) rather than sprawling suburbs.

I do feel actually a lot more worried in Texas about gun violence when I go back, and find myself always mentally making a note of exit plans in e.g. concert venues or malls back in Texas.

I personally prefer the people in California more than in Texas, but that’s a subjective value judgement. That’s ultimately what keeps me here.