By Betty Kaldas
Since the 1800s, California has been named “the Golden State” mostly because of its immense increase in wealth and population due to the Gold Rush. Hundreds of thousands of people across America migrated to California for a chance to dig up gold and increase their family’s wealth. Fast forward two centuries to now, plenty of people still come to California for its rich atmosphere, beautiful beaches and wonderful weather. Despite this, there is debate on whether the current cost of living in California is worth its enticing environment.
Known for its excellent educational institutions and universities, California boasts the largest higher-education system in the country and is ranked number five for education according to US News. Every year, thousands of students fly from out-of-state just to attend university or college in California. This creates a bustling environment in the areas surrounding college campuses, keeping California a lively state.
Aside from education, California is also very enriching. Compared to other states, California has lots of things to do no matter what area you live in. From surfing and biking to trying new restaurants to visiting different places, there are a multitude of things to do during your free time. California also has a variety of museums, national parks, ecological reserves, famous landmarks and enjoyable attractions. You can never be bored as a Californian.
Although you may never be bored, you may get tired of the constant bills and ever rising costs of just about everything. From gas to groceries to rent, prices are constantly increasing. In the past five years since the pandemic, housing costs have risen to nearly double the average American home according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office. This is not the only issue with housing costs, as the average income is less than the income required to apply for a mortgage.
Aside from the cost of housing, the costs of everything else may be your problem. Cars, groceries and rent have all naturally risen in accordance with inflation. Some may not see this as an issue, as inflation is a problem across the world, but inflation is especially a growing concern in California. According to the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis, California had the highest increase in regional price parities, meaning that housing costs and all other consumption prices increased the most in comparison to other states. From buying a lemonade to making a car down payment, everything has gotten more expensive.
Perhaps the biggest issue for some is the political involvement of California. As one of the biggest Democratic states alongside New York and Illinois, it may be [annoying] to some to live in California as it is very involved in politics, diplomacy and government. The state has created an open and lively environment where you are able to freely protest in peace.
Despite a promise of peace, it is not always guaranteed, as we have seen in recent news of the killings of American citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers these past few months. While some may think politics are a trivial factor to where you live and do not affect you unless you let them, some people are more inclined to live in a neutral state that is not as involved in politics as much as California.
While the overall tone of all the information I have laid out so far sounds like I hate living in California, I actually love the state. It is diverse and lively, and I am proud to be a California resident. The activities, schools and opportunities are unlike any other state of America, and although it may cost my parents and neighbors more than other American citizens to live here, I believe it is worth it.
One of the many factors contributing to my opinion is the natural and cultural diversity of the state. Living in California means you will be exposed to many different cultures and landscapes no matter what region you decide to live in. California is often called a melting pot, as it has various people from different countries and backgrounds living across the state. Everywhere you go, whether that be at school, work or on your daily expeditions; you will always have the chance to meet new and diverse people.
Another reason for my decision is the quality of education in California. As I mentioned before, California is well known for its higher-education institutions. People from all over the world travel to California just to attend college or university, adding to its credibility as a well-educated state. As a high school student, I am grateful for the opportunities and choices I receive for my schooling. As a resident of California, I have the option to attend community college, trade school or a University of California. Despite college being a high cost expenditure, especially in California, I still stand with my opinion due to the availability of scholarships and loans to those in need.
Even though costs of just about everything have risen astronomically within the past few years, California provides its youth and adults with plenty of employment opportunities. Due to the amount of businesses, corporations and industries thriving within California, people have a variety of options when it comes to the fields they want to work in. California is most well known for its healthcare and technology industries, but there are still a great deal of employment opportunities in various other career paths.
In conclusion, although California may be a highly expensive place to live, it is still one of the most diverse, lively and dynamic states to live in due to its various activities, cultures and places to visit. California provides opportunities like no other, allowing young students and adults of all races and backgrounds the same chances. It also allows for the highest quality of living as well as education, giving youth the opportunity to thrive in various fields. Overall, California is a rich and diverse state with various natural landscapes, a plethora of cultural experiences and equal opportunities for everybody.
