The worst state so far

I have lived in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Florida, and now California.  Of all  the places I have lived, California has got to be the worst.  This is the point where everyone from California gets upset and exclaims how great their state actually is quoting some Katy Perry song or if they're old the Beach Boys.

I know this first hand because my fiancée believed California was the best state and every other state wished it was California.  She has since changed her mind, and wants the hell out of this state.

The reason or should I reasons she changed her mind are simple.  California charges one of the highest income tax percentages in the country.  They also charge one of the highest sales taxes in the country.  What does that mean?  In a state like New Mexico where you pay %5, California charges you at least %8 and most places closer to 9 or 10. That means that you can pay significantly more for a car, engagement ring, or anything with a price tag.  It adds up in a hurry.  Even though most companies and even minimum wage is higher out here, you actually make less than you would if you worked in New Mexico for a lower salary.

The cost increases just don't stop there.  In California you also pay significantly more for a place to live.  This can vary depending on where your job is, but I just happen to work in one of the harder to reach and more expensive parts of state.  That means living closer to work costs more, but living far away costs just as much in the gas I would spend.  The rent out here can be 3-4 times as much as say Texas.  That combined with the highest gas prices in the country and you basically hijack your wallet every month.

One thing that most people don't realize while living here is that food costs more as well.  With higher gas prices, higher electricity bills, and higher minimum wage mean higher prices at the grocery store.  I spend almost 1/3 more a month of food then I did anywhere else.

Now my real problem is not with how expensive it is out here.  That would just be petty.  I more have an issue with what you get for your money.  When you look at this state in that aspect it almost immediately falls to the bottom of the list.

Out here you do get great beaches, great views, and something to do all the time.  In that aspect it is already better than a small town.  But, when was the last time anyone here went to the beach.  If you live here you know that going to the beach on a nice day is almost impossible.  There is no parking because everyone is already at the beach.  Once you're there, you can't find a place to even lay down, and no one is leaving their stuff because either a bird or person will steal it.

Its the same with going out.  You can't go to a bar or club without waiting outside for days.  The only places that aren't crowded are too expensive to even go to.  Ya I'm looking at you Sessions.

I also have a huge issue with the lack of rights as a citizen of this state.  You cannot work on your own car without fear of retribution.  As a car guy, I am used to doing anything from an oil change to a complete engine replacement.  But nooooo, you can't replace an engine out here without having it signed off by mechanic which will cost you a lot extra.  You can't put after market parts on your car either.  CARB standards out here make a person want to pull their hair out.  Your two choices are to either get it done illegally or make minimal upgrades and make your car look fast.  You can't even put a cone air filter on your car!?!

The environmental laws out here get you charged too.  You get charged a disposal fee for everything you buy, even if it will never be disposed.  You get charged $40 when you buy new tires so they can dispose of your old ones.  The only problem is that most tires don't get disposed.  They get sold to companies that either shred them or re-tread them and sell them.  So tire places make even more money off of you.

Honestly, if you have a job offer in this state seriously re-evaluate it.  What you do get out here is not nearly worth what you pay.  The only way this state is worth it is if you have rich parents, or at least ones that will help you out.  Because when it comes time to buy a house and you need 70K as a down payment and another 10K for closing, you might need a little help.