For years, life in California has seemed like an elusive dream worth pursuing. Folk rock group The Mamas and The Papas sang about the California dream in the 1960s, along with countless other musicians and poets wishing they could live there. And why not? There are lots of great reasons to love life in California.
1. The Climate
Cali weather has something for everyone: arid deserts, cool breezes in North County, snow for skiing in the mountains, and sunshine 365 days a year in the southern areas. Who wouldn’t want to live in a state where one can experience all four seasons within a couple of days?
2. The Pacific Coast Highway
People who haven’t rented a convertible and hit the PCH in late spring or early fall have truly missed out on one of life’s great experiences. The PCH runs along most of the California coastline and a drive on it includes a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge and several posh communities in Southern Cali. Who wouldn’t want to cruise the road, hair whipping in the wind, seagulls overhead, stopping only for the pictures, saltwater taffy or a savory espresso?
3. The Ocean
California has what some estimate to be almost 3,500 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline. That means enough beaches for everyone. Avid fishermen flock from everywhere for ocean fishing. Commonly caught fish include different kinds of bass, halibut, salmon, tuna, and shark. California may be the most diverse U.S. state in terms of various types of land wildlife because it offers so many different natural habitats. Northern Cali is home to black bears, gray foxes, cougars, and bobcats. Elk and black-tailed deer can also be found there. The state is also home to sea lions, seals, whales, and otters.
4. San Diego
One frequent visitor to the state once remarked, “Other places in California are great to visit. San Diego is where you go to live.” Indeed, aside from pristine beaches for every activity imaginable, San Diego has some of the most reasonably-priced real estate in the entire state, far more affordable for average wage earners than a place like Los Angeles or greater Orange County.
5. The People
Aside from tales one may have heard about movie stars on every corner, Californians are some of the nicest, most easy-going people one could ever hope to meet. One woman who frequently visited various parts of the state recalls running into people of all backgrounds with ties to her home state. Sometimes she even happened to bump into people she knew! This story seems at odds with California being one of the largest states in the U.S. but that just goes to show how warm and welcoming of a state it is.
