Member-only story
Why I’m Leaving California
It’s not for the reasons you’ve heard before
I have lived in California for 21 years. I know this state well. I love it.
But, after 7 years in San Francisco, 2 in Irvine, 8 in Santa Monica, and what will be 5 in Los Angeles next year, I’m out. I’m headed to Portland, Oregon.
Most people who riff on leaving California trash the state (not me) and name not being able to afford a home as the driving force behind their move (also, not me). I’m living proof — you can have an insanely low cost of living and a great life, even in California’s most expensive cities. If you leave here to own a home elsewhere, there’s a good chance your cost of living will increase.
For example, I rent in Los Angeles. I’m frugal. I live on roughly $2,500 a month. There’s no way I could move to the places people tend to leave California for — Austin, Dallas, Portland — buy a home and maintain this same level of frugality. I’m moving because I want to get more for my frugality.
I’ll get more for my frugality in Portland.
Here are the main reasons why I’m leaving. After I list them, I’ll connect them to my choice and the larger issue of being frugal and making lifestyle choices that preserve, rather than compromise frugality.
