Why Some Regret Moving from California to Texas: A Personal Account
Over the years, the question of moving from one state to another has been a topic of discussion among friends, family, and colleagues. Many people have left California for Texas, excited by the promise of warmer weather, lower taxes, and a more relaxed lifestyle. However, some regret their decision. In this article, we explore the reasons why some individuals may feel disappointed about moving from California to Texas, with a personal account drawing from real-life experiences.
Why I Don’t Regret Moving from California to Texas
My name is Alex, and I am one of the fortunate ones who experienced California during a crucial time. My story is unique because when I moved to Texas, it was 40 years ago, and the bar was set low in terms of employment opportunities in Los Angeles. I found decent work in Houston, which was a pleasant surprise. Yet, I understand that many Texans express regret over their move, believing that they have failed to leave the negative aspects of California behind.
The Weather in Texas: A Double-Edged Sword
While Texas offers a range of weather that can be both a blessing and a curse, the majority of the year is not palatable. Only about six weeks out of the year are considered tolerable, with the rest of the year either unbearably hot or cold, often too hot to handle. There are no deciduous trees that offer fall colors, making the winter months look bleak and lifeless. In the summer, the temperatures can soar over 100 degrees, with months passing without relief. Mosquitoes are a significant issue, something I never had to worry about in California. Additionally, there are numerous biting insects and scorpions that are not present in California.
The Legal and Economic Factors
Another aspect that has led to regret is the legal and economic landscape. In Texas, the lack of job-killing regulations means that general contractors are unregulated, leading to a lack of protection for those who rely on them. This was the case for me; I was ripped off for $90,000 by a career criminal general contractor. The lack of regulations meant that I had to relentlessly bug the District Attorney to take the case seriously, but even then, I was not included on the indictment. The outcome was that the contractor got his first felony conviction, but my subcontractors received only $23,000 in restitution, and my total recovery was a mere $4,500.
In civil suits, it is almost impossible to collect from a criminal who knows how to make himself "judgment proof" due to Texas law, and wage garnishment is not allowed. This makes it incredibly difficult to recover losses, which adds to the frustration and regret for many. The lien laws enable subcontractors to bypass the contractor and claim against the project owner, which happened in my case. The financial challenges were compounded by the changes in eating habits, such as consuming more bacon and cream gravy and drinking the notoriously sweet Texas "sweet tea."
Quality of Life and Community
Quality of life and community have also been a point of concern for some. While Texas is praised for its big-state advantages, it can be difficult to find the same level of friendliness and cultural diversity found in California. Beaches and mountains are a significant draw for people in California, but they are often too far away for spontaneous visits. For instance, South Padre Island is a 7-hour drive from Dallas, making it impractical for a surprise visit. Moreover, the mountains in West Texas are so far away that they are practically out of reach for a weekend getaway. The people in Texas are generally not as friendly or welcoming as those in California.
The personal story of Alex, whose journey involved moving to Texas in the 1980s, provides a candid insight into the challenges of adapting to a new state, from weather to legal and economic issues, ultimately leading to feelings of regret. Every state has its advantages and disadvantages, but the decision to relocate should not be taken lightly, especially when considering the unique characteristics of both California and Texas.
Keywords: California, Texas, relocation regrets