California is considered a dreamy place with its magnificent coastlines, glamorous Hollywood lifestyle, and innovative tech industry.
But the Golden State has been seeing a significant number of its residents opting for a move to the Sunshine State.
This trend has been hard to ignore in the past few years, particularly after the Covid pandemic in 2020.
Now you might be thinking, what’s prompting this exodus?
Well, one of the biggest reasons is the cost of living.
It’s no secret that California has one of the highest costs of living in the US. Housing prices are through the roof and let’s not even get started on the taxes!
Meanwhile, Florida is like a breath of fresh air with much lower housing costs and no state income tax. Imagine all those savings.
And let’s not forget about the quality of life.
Florida offers a more laid-back lifestyle compared to California’s fast-paced living.
There’s a sense of relaxation and ease here that Californians are finding hard to resist.
Not to mention, Florida is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and natural parks, offering endless opportunities for outdoor activities.
But despite all of this, Steve Prevesk, a former Californian who relocated to Florida for a better life, is now relocating BACK.
Steve recently shared his eagerness to return to his roots in sunny California.
The lure of better weather and a calmer lifestyle is proving to be irresistible for him.
You see, Florida and California, while both offering their unique charms, present contrasting lifestyle options.
For Steve, it seems that California has won his heart over.
Let’s take a moment to dive into his sentiment.
The weather. It’s no secret that California is renowned for its near-perfect climate.
With its gloriously warm summers and mild winters, it’s as if Mother Nature herself has a soft spot for the Golden State.
The gentle ocean breezes that waft through the coastal cities and the sun that seems to have a perpetual love affair with the sky create an environment that is hard to resist.
Compare this with the often hot, humid weather in Florida, and it’s easy to see why Steve is itching to return to California’s embrace.
Beyond the sun-kissed weather, it’s the promise of a calmer lifestyle that has Steve packing his bags.
“I’ve made the decision that I’m going to move, and I would love to move back to California, which is a little more expensive but I know there’s a cover charge to look there,” he told Business Insider.
Steve had previously lived in LA for eight years, and it seemed as if Florida hadn’t brought him the same type of joy.
And the fact that he’s willing to pay more living in LA tells you he’s serious about getting out of Florida.
The move to Florida came shortly after his mother’s passing, which had prompted him to relocate to New York at the time.
And while he initially liked the state, his thoughts changed over time.
“I just don’t like anything about it now. It’s flat, it’s transient, it’s uninspiring. When you’re on the Pacific coast, those scenes and that weather, it’s just hard to go anywhere else.”
Picture this: waking up every morning with the sound of gentle waves breaking against the shore, strolling through farmers’ markets bursting with fresh produce on weekends, and stargazing in clear night skies unblemished by city lights.
That’s the Californian lifestyle Steve is yearning for! It’s a stark contrast to the fast-paced life in Florida, known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling tourist scene.
So, what would make someone move out of California or avoid it completely?
Whether you’re renting or buying, be prepared to shell out a pretty penny.
And it’s not just housing. The cost of groceries, healthcare, utilities – everything is higher than the national average.
And oh, the traffic! If you thought getting stuck in traffic was a nightmare, wait till you experience the infamous California traffic.
It’s like being in an endless loop of brake lights and honking horns. Rush hour?
More like rush hours. The traffic congestion in major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco can be downright frustrating.
The taxes? Oh boy, don’t get us started on that.
California has some of the highest taxes in the nation. From income tax to sales tax, it seems like every transaction comes with a hefty tax tag.
It may not seem like a big deal at first, but over time, it significantly adds to your expenses.
With that said, however, let’s not forget about the sense of community that California offers.
Known for its laid-back vibe and friendly locals, it’s no wonder Steve is eager to return.Â
Imagine having friendly chats with neighbors over a cup of freshly brewed coffee or joining local community events that celebrate diversity and unity. That’s what you call living.
His heart yearns for the better weather and calmer lifestyle that only California can offer him. As he bids farewell to Florida, we can almost hear him whispering wistfully, “California, here I come!”
Here’s wishing Steve all the best as he embarks on this new chapter of his life back in sunny California!