Though a mass exodus out of California sounds about as possible as snow in San Diego, many Californians have begun to ponder leaving. Many are questioning if the high cost of living and questionable policy initiatives are really worth it.
Nobody can deny the fact that California’s cost of living is far higher than that of virtually any other state in America, making it a difficult location to raise a family or retire comfortably. Housing demands continue to strip new housing stock dry, and progressive housing regulations have failed time and time again to address the problem. If anything, much of the existing policy has only made matters worse.
Homelessness, despite being the most prevalent issue to California voters throughout 2019, has only continued to grow. Political responses seem to constantly act counterproductively to the issue, providing a lack of understanding as to why homelessness is such a massive issue in the first place.
Meanwhile, transportation has become one of our biggest boons. Traffic gridlock is an issue that affects everyone in California—as we all rely heavily on the road and highway system to get where we need to go. Despite the utopian ideals behind a good public transportation system, the fact is that Californians use it exponentially less than they do highways. Unfortunately, the former is improving before the latter. Projects such as the failed high-speed rail system have sucked billions out of our budgets, yielding no improved traffic flow for citizens.
Taxes are a major driving force behind fleeing citizens. Our income, sales, and gas taxes are the highest in the nation, not to mention property taxes are only being kept in check by Prop 13, but that may not last long. It’s no surprise that these policies are forcing people out, especially when they impact people every single day.
Many Californians are waiting with bated breath for the terrible measure or natural disaster to push them over the edge and convince them that the few benefits California poses are vastly outweighed by the many downsides. If we’re to hold our status in America as the great state that we are, it’s essential that our legislators begin to listen to the people, and focus on fixing issues that really matter.
