“We were able to get six times the amount of property and 1,000 square feet more of living space for the same price that we sold our home for.”
Karen and her family left the Inland Empire early 2023 after researching several different states. It wasn’t just one thing but several factors which influenced the move. “It’s just not safe in California anymore. There are no consequences for crimes and they let violent criminals out.” Using the analogy of an abusive relationship, she described it wasn’t one thing but thousands of tiny changes until you get to a breaking point and leave.
We discussed housing. “The American dream of homeownership is very difficult in California” siting that unless young families can save $100,000 to put down on a home, they are destined to live with their parents.
Everything is more affordable in Tennessee: auto registration, fuel, groceries, utilities. The state is tax friendly and there’s no state income tax. “The people here are warm and friendly. The kids are polite and respond with ‘Yes ma’am/No ma’am’ and you’ll see lemonade stands in the neighborhood.” “The people are fantastic. If they don’t like Californians, they are way too polite to say anything”.
She went on to mention that California is not business friendly and it results in businesses relocating to other states…taking the jobs, employees and tax base with them.
When asked about the weather, she found the weather in California…the Mediterranean climate, to be enjoyable with outside of California experiencing snow or humidity.
“What do I miss about California? I miss my friends and family. And Disneyland”.