I'm from Ohio and have really only been to the East Coast, so on surface I want to say California seems really cool. Amazing beaches, pretty happening place. If I put my leftism aside and look at things differently, I can see myself liking California.

But to me it also looks like one of the most hypocritical states. Some of its progressiveness is to be commended, but never get between a Californian homeowner and their precious property values. They genuinely see the housing crisis as "worth it" just for their property values. Try a free market approach and want to relax zoning and build more housing to meet the sky-high demand? They will gleefully block it all and tell their children to "go and bring progressive values to red states" or queer people who are rich enough to leave red states to "stay and fight" their hopeless battle. They don't see the state as a state, but more like a country club.

If I ever get a high-paying job, I think I'll fuck off to New York or Washington or something when leaving Ohio.