California, also known as The Golden State, is a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and lifestyles. Many people move to The Golden State with hopes of building lives that do not conform to societal norms. You may be one of those individuals who dance to the beat of your own drum and, thus, have plans to relocate to California in the coming months. You should understand that the state has many pros and cons.

California Is Diverse

You can expect to find communities that cater to nearly every culture in California. There is a large Asian population in San Francisco and a prevalent presence of African American roots in Oakland and Los Angeles. There is also a rich Latin culture in Los Angeles that takes precedence in May when Downtown turns into a place to specifically learn about the city’s Mexican roots.

California is also rich in domestic life, though not always from what has been considered traditional domestic living. West Hollywood and San Francisco champion the LGBTQ+ movement with an emphasis on love and the family unit.

There are also heterosexual couples in California who may not believe in the confines of marriage like more conservative individuals. Nearly 5.5 million U.S. couples live together unmarried. A significant portion of these 5 million couples resides in California.

Those who are deeply conservative may not appreciate the diversity element of California as much as individuals who are more open to new concepts. There are, however, regions of the state that carry more traditional ideals, which may be appealing to such persons.

California Is Spread Out

California has elements of city life that rival that of New York and New Jersey. Geographically speaking, though, the region is spread out.

The Golden State spans approximately 163,696 square miles. Cities within this region are typically farther apart.

Trying to live in California without a vehicle is nearly impossible. Even going to the local grocery store in some parts of the state is not possible without some form of personal transportation.

Those moving from the East Coast to the Golden State may not be as culturally shocked by the car-dependent culture of California if they move to Los Angeles or San Francisco. Residing closer to the epicenter of these cities is the best way to make public transportation connections that do not cost you hours in travel to get to and from work.

The Cost Of Living Is High

The average home in The Golden State costs nearly $600,000. These prices climb higher if you hope to live in Calabasas or the hills of San Francisco. You need to be prepared to spend a significant amount on real estate while getting less privacy than if you were to reside in Texas, where $600,000 can purchase a nice home with a big backyard.

The likelihood of disputes between your neighbors who live in close quarters is high in California. Boundary disputes account for about 17% of real estate issues between neighbors on a national scale. Such a percentage doubles in regions such as Oakland where homes are nearly on top of each other.

Repairs also cost more in California. Furnaces have a life expectancy of about 15 to 20 years. Replacing the furnace in your California home can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the size of the home and the company you choose to complete the job.

You can best prepare for the high cost of living as a homeowner and resident in the Golden State by living within your means. Do not buy more home than you can afford and bypass eating out every night. Finding a job near your house also saves on gas, which is among the highest in the nation.

California living is a dream for many. You can make the fantasy a reality by preparing yourself for the cons of living in The Golden State.