Monday, November 12, 2012

Lone Star State of mind



 
I am a California Girl, born and raised. I have never lived anywhere else and I have no idea what it would be like to live outside of this state. 

Over the years, living in California has become more and more difficult.  The expense of living in this state has gotten out of control and it has become a place where few people live the good life and more often than not, struggle just to get by. Cost of living is very high, homes and rent (even is this terrible economy) have stayed unaffordable on most wages.  Taxes are high, car registration is astronomical, and each year strange fees suddenly appear (such as $175 bill sent out in 2012 if you live in a high fire area).  In Los Angeles county alone sales tax is 10%. Gas prices have been $4 or more per gallon for over a year now and property taxes are expensive because of the higher property values.  Many professionals who have paid for a very expensive education, have a hard time finding employment and end up taking minimum wage jobs.  It is that way everywhere right now, but with a cost of living triple what it is in most places, it is next to impossible to get by.

Many people, including my family, have started to look for other living options outside of the Golden State.  I have always loved living here and I feel such sadness at the thought of leaving. But even with all of the things I love being considered, I am so tired of struggling each and everyday just to get by. My parents have always made a decent living, but being here in California I have watched them constantly fight to keep what they have attained, struggle to give us the good life, and they have never had a break. I look into my future and wonder what awaits us if we stay here?  Will we ever be comfortable? Will we ever be able to put money away, send our kids to college, take family vacations, or live for more then just what each payday brings?

Mr. Practical and I have worked in the theme park business for many years.  While searching for other places in the country we might be able to find work, we stumbled upon an array of options in Texas, particularly San Antonio. I’ve heard wonderful things about living in the state, housing seems very affordable, there is no state income tax, and I have read good things about the school system.  There are so many things to consider before making a decision like this and we most certainly want to go there as a family and see how we feel about it before making any sudden movement.  Never the less, Mr. Practical has begun to apply for jobs in the area to see what there is to offer.  If we visit and like it there, and if there is a good position for him to move into, we might just be moving in a very short time.

So much to think about, so much to worry about, so much to be overwhelmed about. With the holidays around the corner, it is very difficult to imagine moving away from my family and friends but we must consider what is best.  For now, we will be taking it one day and one step at a time.  You never know what the future may hold.


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