California vs Texas

If one were to relocate from Pennsylvania to Cali or Texas what are the advantages and disadvantages of each state? My wife and I were both born and have lived in PA our entire lives and have discussed moving to a warmer weather state. NOT Florida. Sorry, way too humid.

She has been to California on four or five business trips and one vacation with me we just took in Sept. That was my first time there and we both love it. It really is a beautiful state. We've both been to Texas but only on brief business trips.

I realize there are many different things to consider. I am just looking for any and all opinions and experiences folks here have. There seems to be a lot of folks from both states here on TW.

The topography and weather of California is tantalizing but I know it's crazy $$$ and we wouldn't get 1/3 of the house we have now. If we were to consider Texas it would need to be somewhere that has hills. hahaha. I like to trail run and ride mountain bike and we both like to hike. I know a lot of Texas is pretty flat.

It doesn't need to be 85 year round(although she'd like that lol) but staying in the 50s in winter would be good.

So, if anyone has any input I am all ears.

Side Note: She also got to go to Lake Tahoe for a trip and absolutely loved it. I know I would too but I also know probably colder in the winter there just like here in PA.

Also forgot to add......we're both early 40's no kids.

 

i would say take a mini vacation on both but my answer would be Texas

 

depends on your hobbies. If you like guns, freedom, and low taxes, go to Texas.

If you like being in the epicenter of modern music, entertainment, food, off roading, hiking, snowboarding, skiing, close to Vegas, then SoCal might be more for you.

 

we haz too

 

I really enjoyed our vacation to California and would love to spend some extended time there. However, I'm biased as I live in Texas.

Too many things are not CA compliant. You might have to get a different lawn mower...at least mine said "Not CA Compliant" on the side. Certain car/truck modifications are not legal in CA. Although, the trails seems to be way better there. Limited to 10 round magazine in guns. Harder to get a concealed carry permit.

No state income tax in TX. No restrictions on magazines. More space between houses and less traffic (in my experience, but depends on what time and where you are). Fewer restrictions on car mods.

Where do I want to go when I leave Texas? Florida.

Too bad that's not an option.

 

I've lived in both and have to say Texas.

 

I'm also a little biased because I can go snowboarding, off roading in the mountains, rocks or desert, and go to the beach all within two hours of my house, which is within 15 miles from Hollywood

 

Cali is a great place to visit, but Texas has better food, a huge music scene (SXSW), there is entertainment, (the longest running outdoor production show in the US), it's the second biggest state so you can find a place to off road or hike, we don't have snowboarding, but you can water ski, and you don't pay taxes on milk. So if you like milk, live in TX.

 

It's hard to debate food, since it's all opinion, but I can tell you SoCal has the best Chinese food in the States (believe me, I was born and raised in China), best Korean food, some of the best Japanese food, really good Mexican food (of course), great Armenian food, great Middle Eastern food since we have a huge diaspora, and some of the best Vietnamese food in the US. I can eat a difference dish from a different country every day

 

Being from Cali I'd vote Texas since there's so much bs here in CA

Lol everything is illegal

 

so can i and i do

 

Plus all the money you'd save living in Texas you could visit Cali often lol

 

Everything that is cool is illegal in CA, and as a former Texan. I too vote for TX! H-Town represent!

 

Although when I do move, it would be to Nevada, close to Reno/Tahoe area. More freedom and awesome wildlife and nature.

 

Truthfully the only thing keeping me here in CA is my job

 

I've lived in both but I stayed in Cali. Over all California would be a more expensive place ti live in. Texas has higher property taxes though and topography in Texas is pretty flat from what I saw. Lots of land, houses are cheaper, people are nicer, beaches suck. Summers can be humid depending on where you are.

Cali = pay to play. Too many laws about everything.

You really need to visit both to really see the difference and I'm not talking about once city. Take a drive from San Diego up to San Francisco and Texas can't compare.

 

No Jen in those pics?

 

I'll have to see if I can find some pictures from Hill Country Texas.

 

haha no because I think she took all of them except the panoramic one from Superstition. Im never good at busting out the camera.

 

Well her pictures were always appreciated.

OP, sorry for thread jacking.

I still vote Texas. Again, I'll see if I can find some pictures from Hill Country just outside San Antonio.