posted by like_thatI wonder how long they have been holding this info.
posted by Dr Winston O'BoogieWell, they're there because there are a lot of high paying jobs, they like the weather, they like all of the nature/beauty, the like to do outdoor stuff (mountains, ocean), they like the international vibe of some of the big cities (LA and SF), they want to take advantage of top notch public schools, etc. It's not for everyone obviously, but there is a reason that almost 15% of the US population lives there.
California could be a great state, but the first bolded part is not why most people are there. High salary, but they are being pummeled in the ass by taxes. Bryce Harper turned down SF, because of the taxes. In SF if your family brings in $117K, you can qualify for low income status. Also, to the second bolded part, this might be true now, but California also has the highest outbound rate of any state in the country. I believe they are #2 or #3. People are getting out, because the policies there are making it unaffordable. California could easily be the best state in this country, but unfortunately the lawmakers there are driving people out.
I don't see it that way. If people wanted to buy a bigger house, they'd leave - and many have as you say. But the people that are there and aren't leaving are satisfied with jobs,.pay, weather, scenery, whatever the case. The question was why would anyone live there, and I think these are the answers. I wouldn't live there. Maybe you wouldn't either. But the people there chose to be there and they elect the politicians that put he laws in place that affect taxes. Speaking with their pocketbooks, these people approve of the way the place is governed.