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Moving back to California?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by 1999TacoMan, Aug 21, 2020.

  1. Aug 21, 2020 at 7:56 AM
    #1
    1999TacoMan

    1999TacoMan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I just need some personal experiences from some fellow TW members or even just some constructive criticism based on my current situation. My wife and I currently live in North Texas and have been here for a little over 3 years now. We are originally from California, So-Cal to be specific, and over the past 3 years, we are coming to realize that Texas might not be for us. We don't mind the political climate all that much, however we are realizing that we are constantly missing the things we used to have back in Cali such as food, different landscapes, and good yearly weather.

    Now just to be a little more detailed, all her family has since relocated to Texas and have honestly been a constant problem since we have moved here. I left all my family behind and my job to give Texas a try, mainly since the cost of living is much more affordable and we just haven't been very happy living here. I am in the EH&S industry and to be honest, my current job is very under paid for the amount of responsibility I have in the company. My main reason for sticking with the company is due to job security and how close it is from my house. I know that I will have no problem finding a new job in California, however I am aware that the cost of living change will be significantly higher. I would love to be closer to my family once again especially after losing an uncle 2 months ago, but I would love to get some input from anyone who has been in a similar situation in their life.

    Yes, I am aware that this is TacomaWorld, not a Dave Ramsey forum lol
     
  2. Aug 21, 2020 at 8:02 AM
    #2
    BillsSR5

    BillsSR5 Looking out for #1

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    why did you move to Texas?
     
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  3. Aug 21, 2020 at 8:26 AM
    #3
    916carl

    916carl Well-Known Member

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    Good Lord, if there was ever a thread more ideal for all the haters out there to make juvenile, half wit, un-clever jabs at California I'd be surprised.

    How does your wife feel? I noticed you said "we" a few times so I'd guess she isn't happy there either? If so then it sounds like it's time to go. Cost of living is a valid concern, but if the place your living makes you unhappy then what good is that lower cost?
     
  4. Aug 21, 2020 at 8:36 AM
    #4
    TheCochese

    TheCochese The Bronze T4R OG

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    Attempting to flee the south
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    Could you split the difference? I hear nice things about the higher elevations of NM and AZ.
     
  5. Aug 21, 2020 at 8:40 AM
    #5
    PzTank

    PzTank Stuck in the Well

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    Seems like you already know the pros and cons of your situation.

    If the pandemic has taught me anything, it’s to do what I want to do and not just sit around unhappy.

    Good luck to you and your wife :thumbsup:
     
  6. Aug 21, 2020 at 8:47 AM
    #6
    grdgz97

    grdgz97 Well-Known Member

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    Wife and I moved from NorCal to Houston 3 years ago. Was a rough go at first. Literally just her, I and the dogs. All our family is in NorCal. We're good now. Ideal? No. Affordable? Hell yes!

    Not sure of your situation job wise. We're lucky enough to have great vacation time and use it to visit the family and enjoy California. Can't say we'd wanna move back, especially with the cost of living continuing its rise out there.

    Living outside of California has allowed us to travel and have fun. :notsure:

    EDIT:

    Do what makes you happy!!
     
  7. Aug 21, 2020 at 8:48 AM
    #7
    scocar

    scocar hypotenoper

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    10 years have got behind you...no one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun....

    Don't lose anymore time being unhappy. Mortgages are absurdly cheap. Make it happen.
     
  8. Aug 21, 2020 at 8:51 AM
    #8
    jruiz555

    jruiz555 Well-Known Member

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    If your already in texas i would try and make it work, i noticed our bills have went up a lot during this pandemic. Cost of food, gas, water bill and power is increasing. Property tax was also reassessed and will increase and just wait till cali starts with the new taxes to cover the economic downturn.
     
    Last edited: Aug 21, 2020
  9. Aug 21, 2020 at 8:52 AM
    #9
    1999TacoMan

    1999TacoMan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Honestly, we moved to give it a try to make it work in Texas. Financially, we have been doing pretty good but it has been quite a rollercoaster ride.
     
  10. Aug 21, 2020 at 8:54 AM
    #10
    Gearheadesw

    Gearheadesw must modify

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    Pink Floyd for the win, excellent.
     
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  11. Aug 21, 2020 at 8:55 AM
    #11
    1999TacoMan

    1999TacoMan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    My wife feels the same about living here. She suggests that trying another state like Colorado would be a good idea but I know deep down that being back in California would make us the happiest. I am much more family oriented than her so being closer to family is a big deal to me. I would like our future children to grow up around the family.
     
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  12. Aug 21, 2020 at 8:55 AM
    #12
    TacoBoone

    TacoBoone Well-Known Member

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    AMEN TO THAT ! Its a must to do what makes you happy ! But Honestly I agree with @TheCochese maybe even split the difference an do Arizona. I would love to leave California and all the bs going on out here rn !
     
  13. Aug 21, 2020 at 8:56 AM
    #13
    1999TacoMan

    1999TacoMan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Houston is a really cool city. It almost gives me a vibe of being in a city like Los Angeles, but without the expensive housing. I travel there a few times out of the year to train managers and employees.
     
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  14. Aug 21, 2020 at 8:57 AM
    #14
    1999TacoMan

    1999TacoMan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I've mentioned to her Flagstaff a few times but the job market there is not a very strong one. Ideally, Flagstaff would be close enough to California to make weekend trips to visit.
     
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  15. Aug 21, 2020 at 8:58 AM
    #15
    DarthPow

    DarthPow Well-Known Member

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    I know California gets shit on a lot for its high cost of living, but there's a reason that cost is high. California has a lot to offer, and from what I hear from a lot of people outside of California, (in "low cost of living areas" anyway) is that you're getting what you pay for here. There are only a few places I would move to outside of California, and I'd only move to those places because of their accessibility to skiing and mountains but that's obviously because of my own personal passions and interests.

    My advice to you is to do what makes you happy. If you're unhappy in Texas, and think you'll be happier in California, in your shoes, I would move back to California pretty quickly.
     
  16. Aug 21, 2020 at 9:01 AM
    #16
    hr206

    hr206 Well-Known Member

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    With few exceptions high cost of living places have higher wages (but usually don't fully compensate for cost of housing). Good weather with lower humidity, food, scenery, culture, things to do it's hard to beat Cali - that's why people live there.
     
  17. Aug 21, 2020 at 9:09 AM
    #17
    1999TacoMan

    1999TacoMan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I agree it's hard to beat. The funny thing is that we used to travel a lot more while we lived in California making less money, than we do now making more money.
     
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  18. Aug 21, 2020 at 9:11 AM
    #18
    Rock Lobster

    Rock Lobster Thread Derailer

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    Never thought I would hear that phrase. Loved the food choices in Houston, hated everything else. :rofl: Sounds like you are set on So-Cal. If it makes your house happy, go for it. Normally I would suggest giving Santa Fe a try, but based on what I'm reading you'll always have the hometown calling in your head.
     
  19. Aug 21, 2020 at 9:12 AM
    #19
    1999TacoMan

    1999TacoMan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    What part of California do you reside in? Our plan was to relocate to to the Inland Empire and find jobs in the vicinity. I lived in the Inland Empire before and I've made the commute in the past dealing with the insane traffic to get to work 30 miles away. It was manageable since I rode a motorcycle, but I want to live closer to my job this time around.
     
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  20. Aug 21, 2020 at 9:14 AM
    #20
    1999TacoMan

    1999TacoMan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Let me add to my comment on Houston lol " Houston is a really cool city.... but it gets effin hot in the summer and traffic is terrible" lol I agree though, food there is so much better than North Texas food.
     
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