America's obsession with California failing
sfgate.com
sfgate.com
I can't think of many more places that are developed, stable, have the employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, and have this kind of climate and nature.
The downsides is that it's so expensive, not everyone can afford to live there, pay the taxes, pay the cost of living, etc.
And you could argue it's now over-crowded too.
So it seems like a recipe to make others jealous.
However the Bay area is also a cultural desert. There are no other major metros within a reasonable driving distance, and a paucity of museums and cultural activities in SF itself. Especially compared to living on the US east cost or even Los Angeles.
Distances are long, the municipal water quality is abysmal, everyone is hyper competitive and living in a bubble where being a millionaire is considered poor.
The road quality is not befitting a first world country, the cleanliness of streets and interchanges is below par, and public transport is a joke, enforcement of traffic laws is non existent, and taxation is ridiculously high relative to what the government invests in infrastructure. The California government is probably one of the most corrupt in the country.
I only live here because moving would be too disruptive to my kids. Once they go to college, I'm getting out of here.I just wanted to temper the jealousy sentiment. :)
When I think of what I'm envious, I think LA, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Long Beach, etc.
If the average person who moves there becomes poorer and sees a lower standard of living, I'm not sure we can really call it "great". Great for some people, maybe.
If that is failing, then sign me up for some of that failure please.
California has reached some kind of equilibrium where it is sending away as many people as it attracts. I don't think Texas will be able to grow easily past 40 million either.