It’s no secret that people love the golden coast — and there’s no shortage of reasons why. California is a great place to visit, of course, but it’s also a fantastic place to lay down your roots and settle down — or not, depending on your lifestyle! One of the many amazing things about living in California is the opportunity to experience so many different things.
Whether you’re from the west coast already or you’re thinking about jumping coasts — or even if you’re simply wondering what makes California so special, here are just a few of the reasons why California is such a popular place to live.
It’s Beautiful
This one is hardly news to anybody, but California is one of the most beautiful states in the Union. It basically has everything you could ever want: cascading forests, desert landscapes, beaches, and mountains. Literally any view that you can picture!
Although beauty isn’t always the primary priority in where you choose to live, there’s something to be said for being surrounded by gorgeous environments. That’s something you can’t get just anywhere, and California has it in spades.
The Weather
Even with all of the different environments and landscapes present across the great state of California, pretty much everywhere has a great take on the weather. From the seasonal Northern California variations to the SoCal sunshine, there’s so much to love in California. It feels like a state where the weather was specifically designed for the human experience.
Unlike the warmer corners of the east coast, the heat in Southern California isn’t humid, making it all the more pleasant.
Industry
There are so many industries that call California home, all throughout the state. It’s no secret that in the entertainment industry, Los Angeles is the place to be. Additionally, Northern California — specifically the San Francisco Bay area — is the place to go if you work in tech.
There are so many industries and job opportunities all over the state of California. It’s a state with so much going on and with such a stimulated economy that, no matter what you do, you can find work.
Variety
You may already be aware of this, but California has so much variety in terms of the scenery, people, pricing, and environment. Unlike many of the smaller states, California has so much to offer. You can drive up or down the coast for hours and still remain within California.
There’s so much to see and do within the state of California, from the national parks to the great cities and beaches. You’ll basically never feel bored, especially if it’s all brand new to you.
Health Care
This definitely isn’t the case with every state, but California has so many good options for health care. In terms of public programs, the progressive policies in place in the state allow for much wider access to resources. This can include things like therapy, forms of addiction treatment, dental care, and vision care. This is good news for anyone in need of health coverage.
Education
California can hold its own in the realm of education, both with K-12 and in terms of university education. Technically, it’s ranked number 20 overall for education, but there are plenty of specific places where the education system really shines. There’s an entire network of public Montessori schools within California, and the university system within the state is one of the best in the country for public education.
Plenty of the University of California schools are considered elite colleges, which isn’t true for every state school. Many people move to California specifically to go to college within the state. Plus, for those who establish residency, there are so many opportunities for funding, scholarships, and financial aid for community colleges and four-year colleges.
The Culture
This reason for residing in the Golden State might be a little more nebulous, but it definitely still has its place. The culture of California is so varied and interesting that so many people are drawn to it.
Of course, there are stereotypes and first impressions that might fade — like the idea that everyone is a surfer or that everybody is a rock star. However, there is a distinctly pleasant culture that radiates from the west coast in all kinds of unique ways. Sure, the specific culture of Oakland might vary wildly from that of Encinitas, but that in itself is a part of the charm.
Diversity
California is an extremely diverse place, and this can stand true in plenty of regions. Both in terms of the people there and the cultures of each individual city, it can be a beautifully colorful place to meet all kinds of people and experience different things in life.
Plenty of people move to California and places like it to experience different cultures or to find groups they enjoy being surrounded by. This can be especially important for those who don’t feel represented where they currently live and want to prioritize community.
The Food Scene
If delicious food is one of the most important things you look for in a place to live, look no further than the great state of California. Since the state is so varied and has so many different diverse populations, the food is a colorful mix of all things vibrant and delicious.
Check out the seafood and the Mexican food — and, honestly, anything else you could dream of. Up and down the coast, you’ll find so many different things, too. The food has so much variety and culture that you’ll never get bored, even if you find a few favorites.
What Makes California So Popular?
California is a beautiful place with so much culture, so many opportunities, and tons of beauty. It’s no wonder why so many people choose to live in this amazing state. From all the industries that call California home to the amazing food, weather, and educational opportunities, this is a state that’s alive and not stopping anytime soon. Are you from the west coast? Or are you a fellow east-coaster looking to expand westward?
