Leaving California for the South

I'm originally from California and moved to the south years ago. I lived in South Carolina and I now live in Tennessee. In this video I discuss the practicalities of such a move and what you can expect if you do make the move.

[@brandoncormac]

hey man, I absolutely love the way you honestly just state the facts. "Americans are Americans." I'm from San Diego and being in the military I've worked across the the country and have noticed that this is definitely the case. Every place has a shit hole but really there's beauty everywhere in the country. Definitely had my worldview changed about the South after traveling there multiple times. Everyone's pretty much the same.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Well said, it is sad how divided our country is right now. Born in Mississippi, raised in Philly, 40 years in San Diego.

[@harleyb.birdwhisperer]

I think you’re pretty right. Also, your viewpoint illustrates why I think the all-volunteer military has contributed to the divisions in the country, since many people’s only exposure to folks with different backgrounds and values was due to service.

[@nigelprance2540]

Even if I wanted to (and I don't) I cannot leave California because I cannot bear the deadly winters of the Northeast (where I grew up) and/or the oppressively humid summers of the Southeast (where I lived many years ago -- Atlanta and Jacksonville). That said, I hope everyone has found a place to be happy.

[@jennymtz8684]

I came to this video since I am moving to the south. Loved your video and am subscribing due to how respectful and factual you are responding to the comments.

[@GeographyKing]

Thanks! I'm glad the video was helpful. I hope your move is as stress-free as possible and you're able to settle in easily.

[@jennymtz8684]

@@GeographyKing Thank you!

[@psfca]

Dude is right, people in CA pay more but earn more. People in the south pay less but earn less.

[@unlimitedpower4101]

But if you're in a standard White Collared job like being a lawyer, you make around the same and you get more for your dollar in the South.

[@GeographyKing]

I had a standard white collar job that paid nearly twice as much in CA as the same job in TN.

[@halfpac5]

Similar to when I lived in toronto, I earned nearly double what I earn in Milwaukee....practically broke even after salary/tax/cost of living

[@bobbyswanson3498]

Minimum wage here is literally 7.25 (besides florida now)

[@quadded]

People in Pennsylvania pay more but earn less

[@joecapesius2887]

Nice video Kyle. No state has the fantastic natural beauty of California and to me that explains perfectly why they regulate so much.

[@PanthraxIV]

Though I agree California is beautiful, i'd argue Utah has more natural beauty to it.

[@socksal]

Great perspective. The South needs more people like you.

[@tiffsaver]

I think this guy is dead-on accurate on ALL of his comments regarding this topic. Rent may be cheaper in the South, but the wages are MUCH lower than either California or New York, that's for sure. The only thing he didn't bring up is that there are TONS of hardcore, "Born Again" Christians living in the Deep South that you simply don't see anywhere else. It seems there's a big church on nearly every corner. If I were the Devil, I'd move somewhere else. That said, what people do behind closed doors, including what they choose to believe in, is simply nobody else's business, in my opinion. As long as people stay in their own lane, who really cares if they're gay or straight, or rich or poor, or Democrat or Republican?? In the final analysis, it's all about how people personally treat you , and if they do it with respect and kindness, we're basically all the same, all over the world.

[@ldjc]

There are more "hardcore born again Christians" in California than anywhere outside of the US. The so-called Bible Belt where I live has 14% of the population attending church at least 2 times a year. Even San Francisco would be close to double that.

[@joelcrow]

I realized Californians weren't that different when I met a coworker who moved to Atlanta, who was a HUGE gun fanatic... the guy could probably open a gun store selling his own weapons... and he brought most with him FROM California to Atlanta!

[@justjosie8963]

I paid about $3.78/gal for reg gas yesterday at the inexpensive station. I agree with most of what you say, but gas, food and taxes are higher un Cali.

[@quanbrooklynkid7776]

that's you in your profile picture

[@chuckwilliams6261]

Gas and real estate are more expensive, many food products are cheaper in Cali. I live in NC, and every head of lettuce I've bought here came from Salinas, CA. just like me.

[@firefalcoln]

Heating, AC and property taxes are typically worse in much of the south than California. I think that makes up for the gas and water bill if you want to throw that in. When it comes to food, it depends. Eating out is likely going to be more expensive in California. But a lot of grocers stores are similarly priced if you go to the cheap ones in both regions.

[@firefalcoln]

My thought on why there is growing poverty nationwide is the increase in wealth inequality. And that is largely due to corporations mattering more to politicians than the U.S. residents of the U.S. and the cooperations caring more about their stocks and profits than the well-being of their workers. And it’s not a red or blue state issue. It’s a national issue.

[@douglasthompson9482]

I love California....great weather, food. Why would anyone leave. I am a Republican too but who cares. Many of our states are great places. We are together in this.

[@psfca]

Great attitude ... Live where you are happiest !

[@user-yy4ux9zf4r]

Dude you cant be a serious conservative if you don’t understand why people are leaving california.

[@mobyjoe1]

Forced harmful school vaccines is why so many leave. Yes they miss the weather but your children's lives come first.

[@The-San-Francisco-Treat]

As someone with similar political views that wants to live in San Francisco٫ i have mad respect for you!!!

[@94benz]

@@user-yy4ux9zf4rlmaoo just stop watching fear mongering news.

[@margefoyle6796]

Hi Kyle. As a Californian who has moved to New Hampshire, then back, then to Virginia, then back: I agree! The only strong disagreement I had was the price of vehicle registration is literally twice as much in California - though that depends on where in California you live, but since I live in the Bay Area it is as high as it gets. I would posit another thing that nobody ever talks about regarding living in a humid and/or snowy part of the world: the cost of upkeep of your house. Here in California, as you know, you paint your house and you put on a roof and you forget about it for 20+ years. With the constant painting and pressure washing and roof fixing and all the rest of it, not only did it cost a pretty penny, you just spend so much of your free time taking care of your house! Also: Yes, the evenings are warm and you can sit outside without a sweater on in the evenings in the south, east, or midwest, but you're covered in bug spray! I absolutely hate to go sleep with bug spray on and getting on my sheets. Where it's dry, there are no bugs. Yes, it is different for people that don't drink, but the liquor laws which you mentioned are a much bigger deal for us. We have wine shipments coming every spring and fall, and it is a pain in the butt in some states because they either don't allow it or you have to use a distributor just to get something sent directly from a winery which makes it cost prohibitive. I also mix cocktails, and the strange laws about buying liquor as well as the availability of good and various bottles, or the same ridiculous rules about shipment, is an issue for someone who enjoys a well-crafted cocktail. That said, there is great beer everywhere now. The upshot of it is that I have been able to convince my husband fairly easily (now that he's lived in other places) that retiring in California actually has so much more going for it than he thought. Fantastic recreation opportunities at all times of the year. He loves to ride his motorcycle, and the roads are great and he can ride them during any month. Not so in Virginia and certainly not a New Hampshire! Anyway, there are many ways the weather affects people more than just whether you can sit outside in the evening or do things more because it rains less. But the main thing is the obvious thing and moderate weather is the best for my quality of life! Kind of a long comment and two years late (still catching up with your back catalog), but once again I'll say I really love your channel and I really love these ideas you come up with for videos.

[@JustTyFr]

Virginia isnt really the South tbh

[@margefoyle6796]

@@JustTyFr Which region would you put it in?

[@JustTyFr]

@@margefoyle6796 Well, I would consider north Virginia, to belong to the North East. While South Virginia, belonging to the South.

[@margefoyle6796]

@@JustTyFr That seems fair in current political trends, though living in NoVa for three years, it certainly felt like the south to me. I lived on Robert E Lee Drive and the local fire truck had "Stonewall Jackson" painted on the side. The sir/ma'am culture is in full effect as well as fried pickles and basically fried everything. So I see your point, but as a Californian that has also lived in the Midwest and New England, it felt like the south to me.

[@justinbeynon7980]

How was New Hampshire?

[@TampaAerialMedia]

I dont agree that it is only housing that is more expensive. Gas, sales taxes, property taxes, Groceries with the exception of produce. Also if you own a business there are more government fees and regulations in CA vs AZ, TX, FL. But still a good video.

[@ArtificialMayo]

Can you make a video of the reverse? I want so badly to live in San Diego or Santa Cruz or something.

[@dimarks444]

Come out. It’s great!

[@urphakeandgey6308]

If you like city life and/or nightlife, then I say go for it. If you stay in the suburbs, it's probably not much of a difference from anywhere else.

[@theeboss93]

Choose San Diego, much better than Santa Cruz.

[@theeboss93]

@@Onlinerando you’re right, on that part. I guess I let my biases known. However, I’d also say San Diego has better weather in general too. I’m from Northern California and used to live about 40 mins from Santa Cruz. Chill area, and vibe. But can be a little dirty for being a small city.

[@ibarraray]

I moved from Los Angeles CA to Dallas Texas and 100% agree with what he says. Spot on!

[@davidcawrowl3865]

I sold my 1200 sq ft house in Santa Maria, sold/donated my furniture, took only what I could get in my car, hit the road to Mississippi (my birth state), bought a larger house free and clear, furnished it with new furniture, bought an available 10 wooded acres with a creek right behind my house (a separate transaction)--again free and clear, and have several tens of thousands dollars left in my account. Life is good!

[@GeographyKing]

That sounds really nice. It's always good to hear people living the life they want where they want. Although personally i can't do those Mississippi summers.

[@Yellow-Rose]

I'm from there where in ms did you move?

[@anthonygiordano3991]

Just out of curiosity, how much did the house/land cost you in Mississippi?

[@davidcawrowl3865]

@@anthonygiordano3991 150k for 1750 sq ft house (10 yrs old); 18k for 10 acres wooded land with creek (bottom land) directly behind house.

[@anthonygiordano3991]

@@davidcawrowl3865 - Is the land hard to take care of? Is it expensive to maintain it? Man, that price really tempts me to move over there. I’m in California.. I absolutely love the weather here.. but over there, I can basically be debt free with no mortgage.

[@mikeorclem]

If a parsley farmer gets sued, can they garnish his wages?

[@michellef7130]

I love it when I randomly stumble upon a fellow Gamecock's videos!

[@jobrofan123]

Go cocks!! I’m an alumna!

[@Earwaxfire909]

My dad bought a house in California for $22k in 1972 and sold in in 1989 for $200k. Now the same house is worth over $1 Million. That is what changed. It really doesn't wash.

[@westonmatthews5501]

Yeah this guy is trying to pretend there isn’t any problems with California.

[@foxfoster1]

Inflation tho

[@ronpulido743]

I never take for granted the beautiful coastal SoCal weather. Love a marina layer that only burns off around 1PM. For me it is worth the higher housing costs and crowds.

[@clovis-ti1yv]

Good video. I moved to Boise from San Diego. It’s better, not perfect, but I don’t regret the move. I like your neutrality and how you moderated comments. You’re smart. It’s off topic, but you’re handsome.

[@GeographyKing]

Thanks for your comment. I try to keep things unbiased and nerdy. Glad you liked the video.

[@tonycampbell4982]

Depends on what industry one works in

[@BillGreenAZ]

Isn't that the truth. As Kyle showed in the video, some occupations will actually make more living in California when adjusted for costs. However, for others, housing is more affordable elsewhere but salaries aren't all that much less. It also makes a difference for single people vs. married people where married people share a house and have 2 incomes.

[@jevinday]

My parents moved from Arizona to North Carolina 2 months ago because the cost of living. They sold their house and bought an even bigger beautiful brick house with cash. My mom loves it.

[@M3LTUP]

Your video was very good. So many times people give this pie in the sky impression of life outside CA. And people think they can outrun their problems w a U Haul. Doesnt work that way. Thanks for posting it.

[@GeographyKing]

Thanks. That's what I aim to do. There's enough biased bs out there and since I've made the move cross country thought I'd provide actual first hand knowledge.

[@M3LTUP]

@sunn powerI have lived in CA for 25yrs. It has its good side and bad. Like everywhere else.

[@gnosis6656]

I have a friend who moved from his hometown of Sacramento here to Spartanburg, SC. Soon after arriving, he went to a breakfast joint and told the waitress he had just moved from CA. He then posed a few questions about grits, which he had heard of but never eaten. After answering, she walked off and said under her breath (but audibly), “Crazy Yankees!”

[@SouthernGothicYT]

I'm from Charleston and I feel this personally

[@laurenhanson8094]

I live in Spartanburg, the server was probably weary of rude Yankees, there are many of them here now. Not all are rude, my parents are Yankees, but many of them are.

[@workplaza]

That's funny my parents just moved from Chattanooga to Los Angeles last week! They got lucky buying a house in LA County in the 80's when it was much cheaper and now moving back primarily because of the weather, and to enjoy their golden years near the beach:) Sadly our houses (my parents, mine, and brothers) were hit by the East Brainerd Tornado this year which was also a big factor for the move.

[@GeographyKing]

I hope the best for your parents in LA but sorry to hear about the East Brainerd house. That was a scary storm even though we live several miles from any of the touchdowns.

[@workplaza]

@@GeographyKing Yes it was easily the scariest night of my life, but we all survived without a scratch! I finally got to move back home and I pretty much got a free remodel with the Insurance money🙌 Thank you and yep they are loving being back in Beautiful California.... can’t wait to visit them:)! Keep up the good work love learning about US geography from your channel!

[@stevehawke9819]

I do think there's something of a "culture shock" or at least "surprise" if you move from California to some parts of the South if you are Asian American! Lots of either white and/or black and not nearly as many Asians. That comes with differences in food availability, social interactions, night life, and so on. Most people are friendly everywhere and Southern hospitality is for real, but culturally speaking it's definitely different for many Asian Americans, I think. And even areas with a lot of Asians like Plano, TX, certain parts of Houston, Atlanta, etc. aren't quite the same. In short, I suspect there won't be much of a culture shock if you're white or maybe black (maybe?) but there is something of a culture shock if you're Asian American, I think. Regardless I love the South and have considered a permanent move to the South. But that's because I don't need to have an Asian community and culture around me and I just love Southern culture.

[@donnelcrunk2122]

as an Asian American myself, i can tell you that the black areas of the deep south are very dangerous and not friendly to our people

[@Bendwow]

Maybe stop being racist against non-asians and you will start to fit in faster 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@stevehawke9819]

@@Bendwow What makes you think I'm racist toward non-Asians? I have one white friend, I try to play golf and tennis at country clubs, I order mocha frappuccinos at Starbucks, I spend a lot of my own time volunteering at nightclubs to teach white people how to dance. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jnyerere]

It's interesting because I've lived in Maryland since I was a teenager and have lived in the DC Metro Area my entire life. And many of my friends have always had the same answer when I asked them if they loved Maryland and if they wanted to move. "Maryland is ehh, it exists...nothing to run home about." Weather is cold in the winter and humid in the Summer. But at the end of the day, few people are willing to leave a recession-proof region.

[@charlotte7725]

So I live in a little town in Mississippi and have met people that moved here from California . They love it here.

[@brooksb.2884]

Am I the only person who thinks the Southeast has great weather? There's a nice long summer and you get to experience every season! If you're someone who's most comfortable at about 80 degrees (we do exist!), the Southeast has weather that's comfortable a lot of the time but variable enough to keep things interesting.

[@SweeneyJeffreyJ]

I bought a home in East Tennessee for 170k, I make less than someone in California but I can see the Appalachian Trail and I’m next to one of the best Whitewater rafting rivers. Even with the California salary hike, I couldn’t find my quality of life in California. Most homes in CA are $500,000 or more.

[@Felix_Effex]

amazing difference, back in '13 we moved to a rural area of Mich., although our former house was paid off in metro Detroit, we got half of what we paid for it, if that's the worst thing. It was a near straight across deal.. now we have plenty of acerage, lower property tax, lower insurance rates, not much traffic, better schools.. if this home was in metro Detroit, we'd not afford this!! Even if you just move within your own state can make a big difference!! Thanks for sharing your story!

[@Felix_Effex]

I noticed you don't upspeak and don't say "like" every other word.. amazing what a good college will do! would never know you were from Cali

[@GeographyKing]

Thanks for your comment. I definitely prefer smaller cities (but not too small) but also want to be within a couple of hours of a big city. I really like rural Michigan and small towns like Petoskey and Traverse City.

[@windsongshf]

Good practical advice!

[@matthewcabrera5952]

Moved from Daly City, California, to Dalton, Georgia. Two different planets!

[@skoli55]

There is huge difference between ca coast and the valley. I lived in sf Bay area for 30 years. I sold my house 3 years ago and moved out of state. I'm pretty much set for the rest of my life. You are absolutely right about climate. It's the only thing I missed.

[@donnelcrunk2122]

okay boomer

[@efrijim700]

I left California in 90s. Groceries and most retail is the same everywhere-ish. However, all energy, vehicle registration , housing and taxes are 3 to 5 times what it is in Texas. I was unable to get ahead in California. So many Californians have moved out to Texas. They all say how much better they live here and get a much better bang for their buck. here.

[@TheHonestTruth]

It'll end soon in Texas. Too many people. Rent is skyrocketing

[@xDownJuggalettex]

STASS LIFE Colorado too, home prices skyrocketing ,over populated my beautiful state is being ruined

[@TheHonestTruth]

@@xDownJuggalettex America is Unsustainable. Crash coming

[@melikey3758]

gary Johnson so why not take in more immigrants right??? Lol

[@calebproductions5970]

@@TheHonestTruth there is that created word again unsustainable... it's about the United Nations looking at Humanity as an enemy and something that needs to be herded and controlled like cattle. Such as what we're saying right now in Exodus from the state of California

[@railrider4745]

don't bring ur west coast bs with u!! 🙄

[@marksommers6764]

Rail rider.... promise .

[@BOOMBOOM-ji8rt]

Exactly

[@melodyanderson2982]

If people are moving to another state from CA its because they dont LIKE what California has become. So WHY on EARTH would we want to bring it with us??? So sick of people saying this...

[@anthonymrbs]

I’m from the eastern us. California has everything, beautiful rugged coastline, cool beach towns, epic national parks, amazing cities, the desert, the Sierras, you name it. I couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to move to the boring east from there. I’m from West Virginia and we try to get out there as often as we can. I always say how lucky it would be to live there other than cost of living and the drought.

[@irksome100]

You're right, Americans are more the same than different, wherever you go. Thanks for the thought provoking comparisons.

[@bojanglesfries]

I will admit, the humidity SUCKS in the south. Props on you for being able to handle it.

[@phongphong4640]

I love Kyle's shirt, very unique!

[@Lorianne729]

I live in Florida, which I am not sure even counts as a Southern state. It's a whole different vibe here. But since I have been here since a very young age, I found NYC oppressive, extremely cold, expensive and most of all, no sun. It's dark and dreary. I love the sun. Gotta have it👍🙂

[@phongphong4640]

Which NYC are you talking about? I moved back to NYC from west coast ( Vegas & LA) before the lockdown. I so love NYC: the 4 seasons, the wealthy resources, the super brains, the beautiful women, the artistic, cultural stimulation... Mild weather every single day feels like a punishment. It's boring and depressing...

[@cc2758]

Your video was pretty informative and useful. I have lived in Los Angeles County and have resided in Orlando and Orange County Florida the past 34 years, was born here in 1963 and lived as a child in SoCal from 68-75. Moved to Miami in 75-79 and Orlando from mid 79 til present. Besides Texas cities Dallas, Houston, Austin and (I think San Antonio is also a fast growing metro in Texas) the USA's booming metros the past five years are Tampa and Orlando which are over the 3,000,000 range (Orlando's CSA puts it over 3 million and the CSA is a very accurate depiction of the sprawling "Californication" of the Greater Orlando region. Orlando and Austin are two metro's that were two small to be included in the planned Interstate Highway system, Interstate 4 through Orlando was designed to go around Orlando and politicians fought to bring the freeway into downtown and slicing and taking on a North/South direction through the city. As far as comments that your two least favorite cities are Phoenix and Orlando (don't know much about Phoenix) but Orlando (city 25 miles away from Disney with suburbs sprawling 50-60 miles away from tourist area) is a a very beautiful, busy, growing, changing city with neighborhoods and districts resembling the Pacific Northwest more than Florida or the South. ( Btw, to us down here the South ends around Gainesville or Ocala and non southern Florida begins below that line. The population of Orlando is very well known for its diversity and Orlando, not so much Atlanta anymore has a huge LGBTQ population and along with Ft. Lauderdale and St. Petersburg have very high percentage of gay population. And in Orlando every city and suburban neighborhood have large amounts LGBT couples and are very well accepted within their neighborhood of choice. The Gay Pride parade in October is Orlando's largest parade and festival and family oriented and the city touts it as "Orlando's Most Colorful Parade." Two metro counties are very liberal and very blue, Orange and Osceola and Seminole County is purple with Lake being the most Red county of the 4 county metro. No state income tax and the absence of Interstate Beltways and other needed expressways have made the region a model area for toll expressways and technology that makes toll collection easy. Monthly toll bills are a part of the cost of living. The average home price for the month of February 2023 was $355,000 and average rent was $1395 month which is a much larger chunk of monthly income here than in California. But there is a high amount of wealthy residents who may not be in the work force?? Also the average age of Orlando resident is like 32-33 years old and the city proper has a young hipster vibe. Unlike Tampa or Jacksonville, Orlando has commuter rail and a free downtown bus/trolley system that keeps expanding and high speed rail is opening in a couple of months between Orlando and Miami

[@weslandia2001]

Meanwhile New Hampshire has no income tax and no sales tax. And yes, we have the third highest property tax in the country but if you do the math the overall tax burden is a lot less for the large majority of people.

[@tech8222]

The tax system in NH kinda reminds me of the tax system in the UAE; Low taxes for people, but high taxes for businesses.

[@margefoyle6796]

I moved from California to new Hampshire for one year and saved not a dime.

[@e_knows_u6938]

I would love for you to revisit this video for an update!

[@sarnobat2000]

Question: where is the best weather outside of the (expensive) west coast or (impractical) Hawaii? My research shows that North Carolina is the best.

[@LTPPropertyMaintenance]

I just moved to Charlotte, NC from Vermont and I love it. The summers are definitely hot, upper 80's - mid 90's with humidity making it feel like 95 -105 most days late June - early September. But Spring and Fall are beautiful with temps in the 60's and 70's. I personally find the Winter to be great, with most days reaching 50-55 with sunny skies, but that's coming from Vermont where it was always well below freezing and gloomy. It does seem to rain quite a bit here too, but it tends to be in pretty short intervals followed by abundant sunshine.

[@sridharsarnobat625]

@@LTPPropertyMaintenance thank you very much for the info. If my finances get into a deeper crisis here in the Bay Area then this is probably a safe bet to move to.

[@cificare2184]

I'm in South Carolina, about 60 miles inland and I have not had to pull my winter coat out for the last 5 or 6 years! So if you can stand the summer heat, the winters are fairly mild.

[@bobbyswanson3498]

I wouldn’t really call the weather crappy lol. Spring and fall are mostly nice and the summers are hot but you get used to them. The winters are a little cold but nothing like the northeast or Midwest and you end up looking forward to it after the summer heat. (Raleigh btw)

[@junexgalaxy]

California is not for the weak-hearted. I was stationed in Washington DC and couldn't stand the weather. I was very lucky to be a government employee. But when it snows or storms, most stores would shut down leaving many people with lost hours. Imagine having to save for weeks- months to support yourself through bad weather. I've only stayed on the west coast because geographically speaking, it is the "center of the earth" with mild climate.

[@jacktyler7599]

I'm new to your channel, Kyle, and very much enjoying your videos. I will say we moved from Santa Barbara, California to Charlotte, NC (from UCSB to UNCC) and, after two years, realized the 'culture' there (racism & provincialism, most especially) was enough of a disappointment to move further up the East Coast. We've now lived in 11 states (3 different times just in CA) and I think your general summaries about cost of living and weather are 'spot on' but not widely understood by many.

[@GeographyKing]

Thank you! I'm glad you found the channel and like the videos! Sounds like you've experienced quite a lot of the US.

[@noahway13]

Oh, I'm glad there is no racism up north.

[@Dog132583]

With the weather in East Tennessee it can go from 70 and sunny to 30 and snowing within a couple days. That’s what most people say around here.

[@tech8222]

Happened here in Connecticut this week

[@juliejensen7370]

You are so right about it being crowded with people in the Southeast.

[@michellesotoreidba9869]

Thanks for a data driven video! You were right, this definitely fills a need in KZbin. I hope this inspires others to do a similar analysis for other states!

[@douglasthompson9482]

I really enjoy your videos.

[@nashvillain171]

*OK, so I'm originally from California (Van Nuys), graduated from the University of South Carolina (Engineering), lived again in California (Monterey), settled in Tennessee because my wife's family live here.*

[@wesley4122]

pretty enlightening video from a tax perspective, great input. single, no children. have considered moving to california and have always wanted to.

[@GeographyKing]

It's definitely not a low tax state but it isn't the "tax you up the wazoo" place that a lot of people think it is. You can live within 2 hours of the major cities and it's hardly any more expensive than Anywhere USA but you can visit all of the great places in the state with ease.

[@DevilJin01]

@@GeographyKing This is exactly what I was looking for. A house pricing oasis like some offskirts thing near Fresno where you can get a great house for less than 300k. If the main issue is the price of housing then can always fix that and enjoy the year round great weather. I hate east coast weather so Cali would be a great change

[@zolanola6368]

I am one of the people who actually WAS priced out of California. I didn’t leave until 2019 but I couldn’t find anywhere to live that I could afford. The job at the time was a decent paying job, $40,000 a year, but I couldn’t afford anything in the Bay Area without moving to the outskirts and commuting an hour or 2 to work. It just wasn’t worth it. The traffic, the housing costs, and the other parts that make up the high cost of living. I quit, used my savings, came to New Orleans. I didn’t think it through and I didn’t realize that New Orleans is really expensive compared to what they pay. I had to start all over in terms of a career and eventually having to switch my careers because I couldn’t get hired in my field. This city has a very small town feel for being a larger city and everyone knows everyone eventually. So if you don’t have the right connections, you’re not getting the job you want. So you’re right about moving to the south, because the pay is so low, you’ll be switching one set of issues for another set of problems. BUT I have been able to create a life here. I couldn’t do that in the Bay Area.

[@urphakeandgey6308]

In some areas of the country, people's car payments are LESS than their house payments. I definitely see all your points, but CA is undoubtedly more expensive for the most part.

[@TheHonestTruth]

SO GLAD U SAID THIS. 3:27 IM MOVING TO LA NOW

[@lonw.7016]

This is what worries me. The "entitlement" attitude coming from California to the rest of the country. Is a shame.

[@GeographyKing]

What about the entitlement attitude of people that think they can keep Americans from moving wherever they want? Entitlement Blvd is a two-way street.

[@jarvisstradford7211]

People like the four season in Charlotte. Everybody just don't like spring and summer all year all the time.

[@michaelkenyon3372]

The best climate in the country is the Lake Tahoe Basin. It is crazy comfortable. It does get cold, but its rare. And the snow can be a PITA, but if you can handle snow, winter in Tahoe is better than anywhere on the East Coast. I lived in many places in The Basin, and only a handful of nights I wished I had AC. And strangely enough, the best place I lived as far as climate was on top of a ridge above Tahoe. In the winter when you get in inversion, its warmer at night in the winter. Some winters the day time high would be 40, and the low would be 35. In the summer the low is in the high 40s, and the high rarely broke 85. When the Zephyr winds don't pick up, it is eerily calm. 50 degrees in late march with the sun at that elevation, is t-shirt weather. Too hot? find shade. Too cold, find sun. Unfortunately Tahoe is economically unsustainable for even educated workers. And the culture is officially dead. It is all Air BnB and second home owners. No soul. but 2005-2015 was amazing. I regret nothing.

[@robertstv8045]

FL car registration is 80-90% cheaper than Ca. Gas is 40% more, no state income tax.

[@redsox2187]

Ummmm, gas IS NOT more expensive in Florida, than it is in Cali..

[@melodyanderson2982]

Yes but we dont have to run our AC 24/7 here in Ca or be concerned about the next hurricane.

[@redsox2187]

@@melodyanderson2982 Our electric bill in the summer is about $150-$180, cooling a 2000 sq. ft. home. As for hurricanes, at least we get ample warning, unlike an earthquake..

[@benavraham4397]

My family moved from Cal to Georgia in 1967, and it was like going to an entirely different country. It was SHOCKING😨!!! (Haven't see Georgia since 1969).

[@davemehelas5053]

Hey Kyle, Re Asheville, Ive never been but my friend just returned from a family RV trip where they stopped for a visit. Said had a cool bar, restaurant, shopping thing going. However the main drag was full of skid row types and panhandlers, annoyingly so. Also said they were never where you could not smell weed. His 5th grader broke out in tears at this scene, so they had to high tail it out of town. Just passing this along.

[@mathewfullerton8577]

You are "nickel and dimed" with income taxes as much as sales tax. It comes out every paycheck. Just because you don't look at your paystub doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Own your own business and make those payments yourself and you'll understand. And income tax is on your whole income, so if you pay 5% on $100K income, that is $5000. If your state sales tax is 3% higher you don't spend your entire income on taxable items, so say you spend $50K that means your total sales tax is $1500. You're $3500 better off in the state with higher sales tax and no income tax.

[@greengateimages]

Yeah, I don't understand the logic that it's better to pay state income tax than sales tax. Here in Oregon we have to pay so much income tax and I'd rather pay tax only on what I purchase.

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

I moved from NY to Tennessee and here is a comparison of taxes: NY: High sales tax (8%) High income tax High property tax Tennessee: High sales tax (10%) No income tax Low property tax That's a pretty good trade that's not even getting into things like gun rights (New York is the worst state to own a firearm Tennessee is one of the best), gas (Tennessee gas is very cheap especially where I live thanks to Bucees), registration (alot cheaper, plus I love that Tennessee is rear plate only), and the fact Tennessee won't do nutty things like ban gas stoves or ICE cars

[@emem2756]

That was really valuable video. Thanks

[@troywallace7011]

I'm a Canadian thinking about moving to South Carolina. It's not exactly California, but I think this helped a little :p

[@XxWinnerPGCxX]

Can’t completely agree with this. I’m from the Boston area as a truck driver, making $28 dollars an hour to live in a tiny town in New Hampshire, but paying over 1100 for a studio in a dangerous area. If I chose to live in Boston it would be $1800 for a 1 bedroom to make the same $28 an hour. When I moved to Raleigh, my rent was 1,000 down here for a 1 bedroom, IN THE CITY, and I make $26 an hour to live here. I think it really depends on the job you do. I promise you, most truck drivers and blue collar jobs will not take such a big hit like you talk about in this video.

[@user-xw7mx7ee3d]

Thank you.

[@justamaninTN]

Honestly, Tennessee housing isn’t that cheap anymore, at least not in Nashville/Williamson County lol. I just bought my first condo in Maury County. Tried my best to find a place in Williamson, but holy crap there was nothing decent under $450k.

[@kedrickd7]

Yea I live in Austin are property tax are through the roof. And housing honestly is picking up but I think Texas standard of living is way cheaper than California. Gas, food, entertainment are much cheaper in my opinion. But the property tax and sales tax here are pretty high. Love the video by the way thanks

[@GeographyKing]

Texas salaries are definitely higher than the southeast but not quite up to California. One thing that helps Texas is no corporate taxes so companies want to move there to not pay taxes and then not have to pay employees what they'd have to pay in the west or northeast. Overall I think Texas is cheaper to live than California but probably not to the huge extent that a lot of people think. But moving to Texas is a better move from a pure financial standpoint than the southeast for sure.

[@efrijim700]

Austin is an exception . So many Californians have relocated to Austin and have priced the locals out of the housing market. Austin has similar laws regarding the homeless as cali and seattle which makes it dangerous and a filthy shithole. You can't walk 3 feet in any direction without be accosted by panhandlers. Liberals come here to escape the laws and politicians they voted in and then do their best to fuck up a well oiled machine giving them the opportunities they didn't have in California.

[@woodyahh2110]

Lived south Texas 2007 lasted for 5 years bought a house on 8 acres the crash cought up couldn't find a descent job gave the property back to the owner carrying the paper basically paid 425.00 a month for rent Had to go back to Calif Left Calif again to Washington Now weighting for the wife to hill from an work accident to move to one of the most expensive places to live but the most cheapest if your smart Not going to say where Good luck I'm 54

[@eldermoose7938]

honestly point one was the most important and I feel like it's under appreciated poor people aren't being priced out of California because they can't afford to leave the state. I feel like people don't appreciate how expensive moving can be it's at least 2-5k that has to be paid up front. If you live paycheck to paycheck your unlikely to ever have that much saved up let alone the free time to find a job outta state interview for and visit. What is happening is poor people are being pushed out of cities as richer people wan to live closer to their jobs and fun things in the city. Minimum wage workers went from communing 30 mins within the bay area to communing from as far outside the costal metropolis as such as Antioch, Fairfield, and Rio vista.

[@michelegillespie1971]

My husband and i did this 30 years ago. We were moving to a Vermont. Lol and his mother talked us into staying in Virginia. We left because we didn't want to raise our children in gang community, oceanside, ca. My husband was in aerospace in California. Can you guess how easy it was for him to find a job,? He never worked in aerospace again. Speaking of Marijuana, you can now grow 4 plants per person, legally in Virginia.

[@jxavier3876]

Yeah if your considering moving it’s best to look at individual values other than state trends, like there will be no problems moving to the south if you can expect to make more than the average.

[@jessemartin5049]

thank you for your input very denu clarifying izing there'll have to listen , and if they don't alls well , and ill thank you again for your time , good job well done.....

[@lateesha8174]

Thank you for pronouncing Chattanooga right.

[@hespheiden1]

And California has an 8.25% Sales Tax on top of the Income Tax. What am I missing? That's barely lower than Tennessee. That does NOT "come out even".

[@favjr]

That was great. Make sure you get those hash browns scattered, smothered and peppered at the WH.

[@YouAdii]

Gold Rush mentality runs through California's history. It still holds true today.

[@ashleyhockenberry2187]

A+

[@GeographyKing]

Thank you. It makes me happy to know people enjoy the videos.

[@noahway13]

Marijuana laws in Virginia have just changed drastically. Under an oz is not a crime. NC has loosened up a bit also. Minor amounts are nothing to worry about. I don't know about other states.

[@mrburns805]

Idk my job pays more in ND than it did in CA and I make my rent in one day of work. It’s 25% of what it was in CA

[@jahreigns888]

Thanks for sober perspective. Skilled labor gets paid well in the SF Bay. The SF Bay has great weather. We also have an abundance of fresh produce.

[@hzhrway]

We are being taxed out. You have to be really poor or really rich to live here.

[@GeographyKing]

You have to be pretty well off to make it anywhere in the country. I live in Tennessee. There is more poverty here than in CA. It's expensive everywhere.

[@TheHonestTruth]

@@GeographyKing JUST MADE A VIDEO SAYING Exactly THIS!!!

[@marshaperez4158]

It's called Socialism and Communism in its most ugly form. I'm sure their leadership is quite PROUD of themselves at accomplishing their intended goals of wealth for them and high taxes and poverty for all others that "they" deem as the lesser!!! It is truly a premeditated and methodically planned event for ending freedom there!!! Seems the old slave trade has just never truly ended unfortunately. Maybe California is the test case for the Georgia Guidestones and Global Agenda 2021, 2025 and 2030 Depopulation Program where you have the wealthy..., and then you have the slaves in which they will then own of course!!! Financial "WIZARDS" are usually pretty good at their sorcering and crafty piracy!!! If you do leave from there..., the only thing you will be missing are the diseases from those that bring in diseases from no vaccines..., poisonous chemtrails and the rains with the nuclear poisons of Fukushima. That's why so many people are getting sick and dying there. Notice all the celebrity deaths in the last few years???

[@GeographyKing]

@@marshaperez4158 ummm......... There are good counselors and therapists out there that can help you. Medication has come a long way in recent years.

[@marshaperez4158]

@@GeographyKing..., Yeah...,👌!!!

[@chineseslaves1971]

You have to create as many income streams as possible...and although it’s wonderful, even that is just about security and stabilization. So imagine if you do nothing. Wealth comes after many years and even then it will be nice but not wealthy. You still have to think about all of your purchases and manage money, but you can afford a safe, attractive neighborhood and city and buy what you would like. The only thing I don’t have to work at is my coffee, my Keurig does it for me and I won that bid on eBay, saving at least 40.00...it’s a fancier machine then I intended but I bid on it. I don’t just go right out and buy in the moment. I wait for the comfortable price. You can’t wait in CA real estate matters though so I didn’t and in a year I have 100,000 k equity.

[@Buckseed]

The South is like 8 years behind Cali...but as soon as one moves their they class the place up.

[@MacGregorLassie]

I live in CA. WHERE is there an apartment for $800 in this whole state?? I have been looking for two years....do tell. I think you are totally out of touch. And FYI house prices are still way over inflated.

[@GeographyKing]

In the San Joaquin Valley. A lot of the towns are not at all expensive. But no one wants to live in that part of the state. Places like Hanford, Porterville, Dinuba, Los Banos, etc. Those places might suck on California standards but they're nicer than most of the towns of the same size in the southeastern US.

[@orthodox1173]

Geography King they are not nicer lol Illegals all over those towns you mentioned

[@GeographyKing]

Having illegals has no bearing on whether or not a place sucks. Poverty and poor education are common denominators in places that struggle mightily. Besides illegal immigrants live everywhere in the US. The absolute worst parts of the US (WV, KY, AR, MS, LA) have strict anti immigration policies. Don't be so misguided by the media.

[@melissahernandez9910]

Defs in Bakersfield

[@angelcitygirl]

Ugly san berdo. San Joaquin valley. Not 800 though. Maybe 1000.

[@sierrrrrrrra]

I'm a trans woman, I've lived my whole life in North Carolina (Greensboro, Raleigh, Wilmington). It is definitely true that the cities here are more accepting of minorities than the rural areas, but there is still quite a bit of bigotry here. I would venture a guess that comparably sized cities in the West and North are better for minorities. You also have to consider that while the cities may be more accepting, the state government is also run by those rural areas that have a lot more bigotry. For example, my home state of North Carolina got famous recently for HB2, a slap in the face for trans people. This legislation lost us a lot of business opportunities as well, some companies decided not to do business here because of HB2. So in conclusion, I would say that the urban areas in the south are definitely more left leaning, but still have serious problems with bigotry compared to other regions of the country

[@DevilJin01]

As an east coast person I've always heard that Atlanta is an oasis for LGBT people, but bigger city comes bigger expenses. Hope you stay safe out there in NC. As someone who's lived on the east coast most of my life I'm dead tired of it and looking to move to Cali soon

[@waccness449]

Chromosomes determine your gender, you're a man, don't appropriate womanhood. That is sexist. You will never be a woman.

[@cademiclips]

revealed preference

[@outlawgt3045]

I live in the South.. North Carolina.. You wouldnt fit in here.. Rural NC

[@earleenthomas2572]

Outlaw GT Moving there next month, but, NOT wanting to Californize it. I’m more concerned about the growing college and silicon companies turning it blue, like they’re doing in other states.

[@ridetn7695]

We would run them out of town

[@harrycolon5301]

No beer on sundays. Sounds like Norway

[@alchristensen8121]

I was raised in Northern Virginia but lived the first part of my adult years in California. In 1995 I moved to North Carolina. It wasn't a good match for me.

[@TN-pw2nl]

You are sooo right, Californians should stay in California.

[@GeographyKing]

Unfortunately for the nimbys, it's a free country and people can move wherever they want.

[@sarnobat2000]

16:55 - very wise words (re: heating or air conditioning) for californians who think grass is greener on the other side.

[@Australisium]

comment section is a total mess lmao

[@sfbay123bay6]

California - only working class pay tax and now they are leaving..

[@GeographyKing]

There's literally no state in the country where the middle class doesn't do the heavy lifting while the ultra rich and poor don't pay taxes. It's nothing unique to CA.

[@robertwoodpa6463]

@@GeographyKing Absolutely WRONG! The top earners of the country by far pay the majority of the taxes in this country. I do not understand why you moved from California. Obviously you love the place and its values are your values. You really should have stayed there. You seem to think that you and your fellow lefties are improving the country by moving to conservative places and spreading your values. As you can see by the comments here most of us say thanks but no thanks.

[@GeographyKing]

This is a GEOGRAPHY channel. Not political propaganda. If you want to make everything about politics then that is on you. Educate yourself about US geography before making yourself look extremely ignorant in comments. If you don't want to live in a country where people can move freely to whatever state they want then perhaps the US isn't the country for you.

[@mva6044]

@@robertwoodpa6463 A little too strong there... lets find some middle ground here. I generally agree with ​ @Geography King , but he is wrong and @Robert Wood PA is right that "rich" pay the majority of US taxes. And sad to say Mitt Romney was right in his statement that majority of the US (in studies between 45-51%), get more in benefits than they pay. I am not talking the ultra rich as in those in the 0.01%ile, your Jeff Bezos types, they find a way to legally avoid taxes to the greatest extent of the law, with the best possible lawyers and accountants. I am talking about the professionals (doctors, lawyers), small business owners, etc. Yeah, they might make 6 figures, or have a million bucks squirreled away in their 401K, but that's not "rich" or being a millionaire these days. So yeah, @Geography King, the comment about only "rich" people or millionaires being stuck with the california's highest tax bracket does not come across well. Those 'upper middle class' are the people that bear the inordinate burden for govn't mismanagement (the "tragedy of the commons" in spending other peoples money), and more often more than half of their income does wind up in the highest 12% california bracket. And yes, besides housing costs, the general cost of living difference between california and elsewhere (except perhaps Hawaii and pockets of DC/Northeast), especially the highly desireable california (LA, OC, San Diego, San Francisco, Monterey, Wine country, Tahoe, etc), where all the best jobs and opportunities are) still exists. On the other hand @Robert Wood PA, your comments are a bit inflammatory. I think there is a benefit to people with a more liberal background, different life experiences to moving to more conservative towns. Not true everywhere (californians buying out whole towns in Idaho or Montana and driving up local prices, for example), but here and there a smattering of people mixing together of different values and backgrounds is great! These are the folks that can act as intermediaries and understand both liberal backgrounds and conservative values and help to bring people together, in our highly polarized society. Myself, I am a fiscal conservative but relatively socially liberal and swing my vote back & forth between democrats and republicans.

[@ML-ir5vo]

@@mva6044 You're right that they pay more tax and most tax in the same way that me earning £20k a year pays less tax than someone on £30k a year. End of the day, the person on 30k has more disposable income. There is a point where this is no longer just "disposable income" and it becomes a case of paying tax while still having hundreds of thousands or millions to live on a year. I have an after tax income of around £16k - if a guy got taxed at the same rate as me but on £20m, he'd still have millions upon millions in income. Anyone who makes it to the top and benefits from low-paid workers should be paying more tax to ensure that the poorest people aren't in destitute - unfortunately in the US and the UK, too many are given breaks and the average person is giving a proportional larger portion of their earnings in tax than the richest who could (in theory not suggesting this should be the tax rate) give away 99% of their wealth.

[@juliejensen7370]

I love the mosquito bite comparison for taxes!

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

He forgot to mention states like New York are just as bad if not worse. New Yorks sales tax is 8% and that in addition to a state income tax AND some of the highest property taxes in the country

[@adventureawaits4022]

Very informative.

[@dneuman7455]

People are getting stuck in the wrong circle of friends . Change your friends change your lifestyle change your thinking.

[@davemehelas5053]

On state taxes, I live in MD and we pay county income tax 3% on top of state and chart does not reflect this.