California is a wonderful state to live in. Earthquakes USUALLY aren't such a big problem...we don't have them for years, and even when we do, they're 'usually' small. Besides...other states have hurricanes, tornados, and other natural disasters that can cause a much greater amount of damage. Unfortunately, every place has its drawbacks.
California is very expensive too, but of course, there are still affordable areas in the state. Unfortunately, those cheaper areas are few, but they do exist. You really have to have a good job to live a decent life in most cities here.
The weather here is gorgeous most of the year. (It rained too much this year, but in general, most of the time the weather around here is wonderful year-round.) I have been to SO many parts of the world, and really haven't experienced this wonderful weather anywhere else. I think California's main attraction is the weather. We don't have much humidity at all, so even when we have a heat wave during the summer months, it is still more bearable than a place where you'd have heat AND humidity together. The intensity of summer also depends on the area you live in. Some areas get really hot. Others tend to stay cool year round. There are certain cities near the coast that hardly get hot at all. In general, our summers aren't too hot. They can get hot, but most summers have a hot week or two, and then it cools down again. Winter's nice and mild. The lowest it will get is in the mid 30s in most parts of California, and that is the 'night-time temperature'. It usually stays in the 40s-50s during winter. Spring time can bring allergies for those who are allergic to pollen. Thankfully, I have never had allergies, so it isn't an issue for me, but I know its something that some people would rather avoid. My dad and brother hate spring because of the allergies it brings. The only way to avoid pollen completely would be to move to a desert!
All in all, I love California. I was born here and lived here my whole life, and have always loved the state. We have everything from deserts to snowy areas, rocky mountains, fertile mountains and hills, beautiful beaches, numerous rivers, lakes, forests, gorgeous national parks. There are so many BEAUTIFUL breath-taking areas here. You can find pretty much everything in this wonderful state. I also love the agricultural part of California. Good weather year round makes the state perfect to grow all sorts of fruits...pretty much anything. I love the fact that we can grow whatever fruit we want in our own backyard.
People here, in general are very open-minded, and nice, but of course you have jerks everywhere.
Having lived in California my whole life, I can say that besides the outrageous cost of living (which can be a HUGE drawback for some), and occasional earthquakes, its a wonderful state to live in. There aren't many places in the world where you can go skiing one April morning, and come back home to nice 65 degree temperatures on the same day...then go to the beach the next day.
Another state I absolutely LOVE is Oregon. Oregon is just a cheaper California...really. There's more greenry there, and more rain, but otherwise, its very similar to California in so many ways. The good thing...its not expensive.
Hope you find the perfect state you're looking for...and I hope this helps in giving a better picture of the good and bad sides of California.
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I think you should do some research online, though, there are lots of lists that can help you, especially if you have a criteria. Lists like "safest city", "smartest state", etc. Good luck!
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