California Reviews


284 Reviews



BestPlaces offers the best, most comprehensive city reports,
with insight into cost of living, crime, climate, and more.
What BestPlaces Users Say about California

California is known for its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and thriving economy. It is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Hollywood. With a population of over 39 million, it is the most populous state in the country. However, living in California comes with its own set of challenges, including high living costs and natural disasters. Let's take a look at what people have to say about living in this particular place.

According to user reviews on BestPlaces, living in California has its pros and cons. One user, JohnD, highlights the state's natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities: "Living in California has been a dream come true for me. The weather is amazing, and there's always something to do outdoors." On the other hand, another user named SarahH mentions the high cost of living: "I've been struggling to make ends meet in California due to the high cost of living. Rent and taxes are through the roof." Despite the high living costs, many users still appreciate the state's diverse culture and career opportunities.

Another user, MichaelS, shares his experience with the wildfires that frequently occur in California: "Living in California has its risks, especially with the constant threat of wildfires. It can be nerve-wracking, but the community comes together in times of crisis." Similarly, JessicaT mentions the earthquakes and how it has affected her perception of living in California: "I always knew earthquakes were a possibility, but experiencing one firsthand was terrifying. It's something to consider before moving here."

In conclusion, California has its advantages and disadvantages for its residents. The state's natural beauty, diverse culture, and career opportunities are highly praised, but the high cost of living and natural disasters are also significant factors to consider. Overall, it seems that living in California is a mixed experience, and it ultimately depends on an individual's preferences and priorities.

 based on 284 Reviews
Get to know California with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited California

Correction - 10/14/2011
Just a note to let readers know that even though I am listed as principal at Warm Springs Elementary, I was not the administrator in 2005 when the negative comment was written. I did not become the principal until 2006/07. Ana M. Read More

Start Your Review of California


expensive - 10/13/2011
Very Read More

Tracy - 9/30/2011
What is the crime rate like in Tracy. I have two small grandchildren and I'm looking for a safe place for them to Read More

BYE-BYE CALIFORNIA - 9/29/2011
I was born in Los Angeles, but grew up in the Midwest. I returned to Los Angeles after college and I have lived here for 35 years. I have watched Los Angeles go from being one of the best cities in America and the most beautiful large city in the country. Los Angeles use to have the best schools, jobs and employment opportunities were in abundance, best road system in America and a great place to live.
OVER THE YEARS...I have watched the city of Angels slowly deteriorate, schools are no longer the best and are near the bottom, air pollution is totally unacceptible, Taxes are extremely high, the best roads in America are now the most highly congested as traffic jams dominate, schools are some of the worst in America. Politicians in Sacramento, argue, play political games, raise taxes, tax businesses out of existence and are driving away businesses out of the state as well as employment opportunities. Jobs are harder to get and the crime rate is soaring. I do not consider Los Read More

Great For Some....Not for others - 8/10/2011
Simi Valley is a RURAL (not suburban) town about 37-38 miles NW of Los Angeles. Many people come to Simi Valley under the impression that it is a typical suburb in the LA area, but it is NOT... although it's population (124,000) is really the size of a small city, Simi is VERY different from other "far-out" suburbs, like Santa Clarita or Thousand Oaks. Simi is a great place to live if you are Republican/Conservative, religious, raising a family, and put safety at or near the top of your priority list... If you are liberal and want to have easy access to the city, this is not the place for you. People live in Simi for one of several reasons: They work here, they want a very safe environment (Simi Valley is one of the Top 5 Safest Cities in the country), they need a decently priced home--as SoCal is ungodly expensive--, or they like being in a politically and religiously conservative environment FAR from the urban center. A few of the schools are excellent, particularly the elementary Read More

If you can't find it here, you can't find it! - 7/7/2011
California has every kind of recreation you could want, ocean and lakes, mountains and woodlands. Anyone can feel at home in our state because we have every stripe of humanity within our golden borders. There are charming small towns, wealthy snooty ones, and mid-range middle class areas, and just about everything in between.

But why am I telling you that: we already have too many Read More

Moving out of NYC - 7/5/2011
I'm also looking to move to California--I'm mid-career and looking for a change! I've been in NYC most of my life but am getting sick of it! Where would be a great place in Cali not too expensive and not too crowded? Any suggestions anyone? I really want to do this soon as Read More

People's Republic of California - 6/18/2011
Though not born, but certainly bred in Orange County, California for the last 48 years, my life feels shattered to think of moving. From spending nights watching the Disneyland fireworks from my front lawn, to not even being able to afford taking my small family there, when I have a well paying job; from riding my bike until the street lights came on to having to check the Megan's Law website every three months to find out what new sex offender has moved into the graphiti ridden apartments that sparkled when they were built - gosh, has it already been 20 years? When you could get into Knott's Berry Farm for free, while waiting for the chicken dinner, to lawsuits forbidding the workers from touching you during "Haunt Haunt" - "The OC" is now "The Old County". My daughter's great grandparents were married at the old Santa Ana courthouse, but don't get married there now on Wednesday's after 4:00 or any dew kissed morning as it's not picturesque with the homeless getting their Read More

.... - 5/24/2011
How do you look at your Read More

need to move - 3/20/2011
Love Ca. but tax rate is just too high and will only get higher. Property values are dropping, unemployment will rise. State is not friendly to business small or large...don't recognize job creators. Out look not good.  Read More

Overview

The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.