Most overrated state in the country. Would not shed a tear if it fell off the US and sunk to the bottom of the ocean.

in my opinion, this is not the best state in the union. actually, i would have to say it would be among the worst i have visited, and i've visited about half of the states. california is viewed as the meeting place of the rich and famous. yes, that may be true, but i've been here twice and in my experience, the people are either rich or poor. i have yet to know someone inbetween. san francisco is ugly. that's just my opinion, but the hills are just way too much. accompanied by disgustingly odd tourists and homeless people on streets. laguna beach may be like the television show, for some people. i had a relative who just moved out, and she lived in a trailor. la - the side away from the stars - (but like most metropolitan cities) is very violent and crowded and dirty and crime ridden. i'm glad to have been raised in alaska, where huge houses aren't hard to find for l00,000. in cali, you probably could'nt get nearly anything for that. the beauty has been destroyed by pollution and materialistic people on the beaches. and i dislike their valley accents. alot of spoiled kids running around too. the clothes are also a size smaller because all californians are expected to be skinny tanned barbies. but ON THE PLUS SIDE - sausalito is abosoulutely breathtaking. and cali DOES have fun shopping. i guess it's more of a place to visit, rather than live and the climate is way too hot. this is just what i think.

Deffinetly over-rated. People always talk about it being the most naturally beautiful landscapes in America. I mean, not to say it isn't nice, but far from being superior to the rest of the country. You can find places just as beautiful or even more in places like New England or the Rockies. It's average beauty, most states could match it in one way or another. And i am simply refering to the Northern part of the state, with the redwoods and green hills. I really don't see the beauty that you hear about in Southern California, its a desert wasteland that is being polluted by the dirtiest city in America, LA. And if it is so great, then why are they all dumping it for places like, nevada, colorado, idaho and all of those other interior west states. California was a fad. It's growth now is no longer people from other parts of the country seeking life in the promise land . It is mostly growing from illegal immigrants jumping the boarder, and hopeless kids that didn't get into college coming to see if they can make it in showbiz. Not a fraction as glamourous as it likes to make itself look.

One of the few things this state has going for itself is the coast, forests and the Bay Area. Everything else sucks. I was born in Los Angeles and I was lucky my mother had enough sense to move us from there before I grew up because the pollution, filth and crime is not worth it. Where would I be these days? Making minimum wage at a dead end job hoping to get my big break someday? Everytime I've gone to LA for a visit we almost wind up getting jacked. We're not flashy people and we were still targets. The place is paradise lost. The smog is widespread throughout the state except parts of the Bay Area and maybe San Diego. The air stinks sometimes in Sacramento and I can't go out to exercise because the air will do me in. The roads are always crowded. I'm glad we're moving out of here soon. The people here are so apathetic about the effect they have on the environment with all of their driving, vehicles, cell phones, not recycling and the overall quality of life in the state. People only seem to live for today and for themselves.

ah yes- the golden state-much loved and disliked. The positives of California are climate- especially along the coast- and diverse recreational opportunities- but the downsides are indeed enormous- soaring housing costs- poor schools, and too wide a gap berween the haves and have nots- too dismiss Calfornia's high costs as 'OK' is silly. You are either rich or poor here- with decreasing in betweens- that degrades the overall quality of life. And as an 'ignorant easterner' in New England- who has been to California nearly a dozen times- and am not impressed with its mostly shallow and empty culture- I find caphillsea77 opinies typical of the golden state. I really wonder if California's wonderful climate and superaltive physical envirionment are worth working 3 jobs just to live in less then favorable circumstances....the choice is yours.

A state that was once paradise- that still is, but with problems that are complex and not easy to solve or understand. Great diversity, interesting people with so much potential. Luminous cities that are glamourous and famous, vaunted climate, great beaches, mountains, forests, and cultural/recreational possibilities. The 'down side' are high costs, congested traffic, educational system that has been sliding for years, and rising crime in some areas. Still a wonderful state to visit- but no longer an easy place to live. I still miss it- but am happy in CT now.

California is a state that is hard to put all together. There is so much varied geography and culture. California is a naturally beautiful state ranging from the Redwood Forrests down to the Death Valley National Park. This state contains the all famous Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe and various famous cities ranging from the coast and in land. San Francisco bay area is a unique city that was enjoyable visiting. Los Angeles is warm with endless amounts of things to do including amusement parks, Hollywood, beaches, and famous parades. With the various amounts of things to do in this state from North to South and East to West it's hard to believe that this is all one state.

can u say snobtown?

Over rated? Yes- but a wonderful place to live if you have the $$$$. I have always had fun in California and enjoyed the beaches, desert, forests and mountains- as well as its glittering and at times gritty urban landscapes. Lots to do- quirky people that are not boring, and a benign climate along the coast that is nearly perfect.

I have to agree with underspin. My husband and I went to Los Angeles this past year and was very disappointed. The traffic was horrible to the point that 90% of the time we took public transportation to different attractions, and I thought NYC was bad??? I dont think so! If you plan on living there, I'd say that you make sure you live about 2mins from your job since it will take you about 30mins to get there(not joking). The smog there is absolutely herendous. The only thing we enjoyed was the lakers game and Beverly Hills. But its very clear that you have to be making at least 100k yearly, be a movie star or work for some celebrity cleaning their 10mill dollar homes while you in the mean time live in a shack. The beaches are nice but so are beaches in florida and some of the eastern states. Come to NYC before you go to Los Angeles. No comparison whatsoever!!!

I couldn't imagine living in any other state. California is my home, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Whether I want to go to the beach, the city, the country... California has it all, and the people are level-headed, contrary to the beliefs of those who have never visited.

most people come here wanting to be an actress/actor and come out to be icky, mean,nasty, buttered up, washed up porn stars who get raped, conned, and get broke. that's california for you. also too dang expensive! a 1bed studio costs more than 1k in most areas/mo! I am in NC and get a very huge 2bed 2 ba 1155 sq ft aprtment for 680/mo! and who would live next to the most annoying people in the world... celebs!

could hardly breathe in LA. overcrowded, poor schools, gangs, trashy dirty beaches. I live here unfortunatly, but maybe will be lucky to move somewhere else one day.

Californis has an idealic and almost perfect climate along the balmy coast. There are incredible recreational choices with wonderful landscapes, forests and coastal vistas that are among the best in the world. There are also man made and human interactions that are exciting and stimulating. Great art and cultural opportunities abound. What makes California a tough sell nowdays are very high housing costs, poor schools, strangling traffic and paradise lost with too much materialism.

hope to live there one day! MEET ORLANDO BLOOM

Paradise lost. Awesome places (carmel, SF, San Diego, Lake Tahoe) along with some real crap holes (Fresno, Bakersfield). Would love to live in San Diego, but it costs too much. LA sucks.

I find it funny how a lot of bad remarks I've heard about California were from the ignorrant minds of people who haven't been here. One thing, I can't think of any coastal place I don't like, but I just love the ocean. No other state offers the diversity that California has. Where else can you combine golfing in the warm desert sun, world class ski resorts, several cosmopolitan cities, beach after glorious beach with breathtaking sunsets, dense forests with huge trees, striking mountain ranges and lakes, a number of National Parks and some of the worlds finest agriculture. Yes California is expensive, but what I've decribed above only scratches the surface. As cliche as is may sound there really is something here for everyone !

This is a great state! Yes there are areas that are superficial and over populated, but if you have only traveled to California cities then you have only experienced a part of California. Yes the people are wierd and different, but that is what makes it such a great place, the people choose to deviate from sterotypical conformists that inhabit much of central America. The north coast and the red wood forests are espeically beautiful.

5/4 Stars for the climate- 4 along the coast from Oregon To San Fran and 5 from the San Fran bay area and south to the Mexican border 4 stars for vibrant San Fran, LA (with some reservations) and SD. 4-5 stars for recreational opportunities and the incredible diverse physical beauty. 1 star for traffic, educational system, costs, and the seemingly phoney culture and rather plastic people I have met here over the years on my times here.

Seems all the bumpkins in the heartland (those states will not be named here) condemn all the liberal hedonists in California, along with those similiar Northeastern clones-the 'elitist variety' of the same old tired accusations- being anti God, sinful and superior and arrogant. California has problems- but I would rather spend any month of the year in LA or San Francisco then spend a day in one of those 'un named states' Most of the people in California have the rational objective ability to judge with logic and fairness- not with religous hypocrisy or ignorance.

California rates at least a three with a city like San Fran and to a slightly lesser degree L.A and S.D. Mild balmy weather along the coast- yet diversity in the Cultural and physical envirionment. Negatives are high costs for just about everything. Be rich or ultra talented to live here- or get a sugar daddy or mama to support you.

You're full of it if you hate this state! It's so wonderfully kooky. Probably the best state there is.

I love California!

I've lived in Northern (Berkeley), central (Santa Barbara) and Southern (Los Angeles) California, and have traveled most every area in btwn...and I must say that the state is WAY over-rated. Perhaps in the 60's it was a decent place to live - not so now. In my experience (just moved after living there for over 7 yrs) it is an extremely crowded, expensive and often superficial place living off it's past glories...well those days are over folks! One serious problem that can't be overlooked (unless you're wealthy enough to insulate yourself from that reality)is illegal immigration. Crime, gangs, drugs, horrible drivers are just a few of the symptons of this spiraling epidemic that only seems to worsen by the week. (BTW, don't even try to race-bait me; I am married to a Brazilian so I obviously don't have a problem with immigrants per se; it's ILLEGAL ones which are the problem, as they clearly have no regards for U.S. law). In sum, if you're just visiting the state, it may be pleasant enough in small, entertaining doses, but anything more than this will likely quickly jade you to the place - count on it.

It is hard to beat California's combination of beaches, mountains, water and sun. N California quite scenic. SF, LA and San Diego are all insanely expensive and crowded, so dont move there, but visit all of them. Take a drive along the coast. Even the interior deserts are beautiful. I am far from a republican, but I get a kick out of the Gubernator. Just please dont let him run for prez.

People have a love-hate relationship with California. Conservative types from outside the state see it as a haven for loony lefties, hippies, and rejects from the Midwest. San Francisco would probably warrant such a stereotype, but this whole state of 35 million strong(not counting the many illegal Mexicans)? California has some of the most stunning, variable terrain in the country and benign weather to boot. More than just boasting mountains, beaches, evergreen rainforests, deserts, and farmland, the state boasts a wealth of options in many areas....you've got your Eurocentric types in scenic San Fran, trendoids and Chicanos in L.A., retirees in Palm Springs, surfers in San Diego, hippies in Eureka, conservative suburbanites in Orange county and so forth. These are just common perceptions of the above places, but they all have attributes make up the most diverse state in the country. No other state has a 'lifestyle' that could be called uniquely its own; California perfected 'lifestyle' living and successfully marketed it through Hollywood to the rest of the world, for better and for worse. I hesitate giving the state 5 stars, as the 'California Dream' of a single family home with a pool in an enviable setting has become tarnished. Most areas of the state are simply too expensive,especially in housing, and the bubble shows no sign of popping anytime soon. Managing the state's huge, diverse and continually growing population is an enormous challenge that has--and will--mean changes in lifestyle for many, specifically the large pool of destitutes that eke out a living statewide. The inequalities of wealth are especially glaring in Los Angeles....Bel Air and Pacific Palisades are a world away from Watts, East L.A., and even places like Riverside. Cali's become a tougher state to live in, but preserving it would be worth the effort.

I THINK CALI. ISN'T THAT COOL I'VE LIVED IN CALI. FOR 6 YEARS AND IT IS SO NOT WHAT EVERYONE SAY'S IT IS !!! AND I'VE BEEN LIVING IN SOUTH JERSEY FOR 4 YEARS NOW AND IT'S SO MUCH BETTER !! BUT I GUESS CALI. IS OKAY FOR SOME BUT IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A LITTLE BITE OF EVERYTHING I WOULD SAY JERSEY IS THE PLACE FOR YOU

How is California the America of America? That makes no sense at all. If you are refering to the fact that people from the rest of the country move to california, then I have to tell you, all that does is make the state's people charecterless. AMERICA is diverse, and what makes it diverse is that people in different regions may talk, act, and live in different ways, but we are still one united country. California is just where all of the illegal aliens from latin america and the hopeless people from the midwest flock to. The east coast and midwest especialy and even the Northwest and south are all AMERICA. California might as well become it's own country. If people still migrate there from the midwest and mexico, and you ever get any sort of POSATIVE charecteristics, then you can go ahead and call yourselves another America. But don't get your hopes up. Oh well no biggy, it is suggested by many scientists that California can fall into the pacific at any time. And all you people saying i'll take an earthquake vs. a hurrican or tornado any day I've got news for you, they can predict tornadoes (90% of which never cause any damage or injuries) half an hour before they hit, and hurricanes days before they hit. Not to mention that the average deathtol worldwide from tornadoes and hurricanes combined is less than 100, while the average deathtoll from eartquakes averages in the 500,000-over 1million range.

Well it seems that from the reactions of all the people from other states who haven't visited and the fact that our economy is the fifth largest in the WORLD that we ARE the America of America, lol. I have no problems with the rest of the states California just happens to be my favorite (and yes I've visited many other states).

It's Calee-FOY-nee-ah now. Fear our Governater.

I'll admit there's a lot of bad stuff about Cali (ie, crime, cost of living, etc...). But with that, there are so many great things to do and see. In fact, I have lived there for about 20 years and there's still so much I want to do. In my opinion, this far outweighs all the bad. It is easily the best state in the US I have seen.

what do the meanest people in america, the dirtiest air in america, the highest debt in america, the least organized city in america, the highest gas prices in america, the worst traffic (even in places other than la)in america, and the most overrated scenery in America all have in common? They are all part of that shallow, materialistic, tacky state of California.

California is still a terrific state, but I think that its share is falling. It is simply too crowded. San Diego remains pretty nice, but Los Angeles is a smoggy, traffic-clogged mess and San Francisco is becoming too expensive for anybody to consider living in. In between is some beautiful scenery, but it's rapidly getting choked with traffic and quaint towns as well. Only the northern part of the state is spared, and by then you might as well be in Oregon. It's a pretty state, and has a lot to recommend it - but it's terribly overrated.

to visit, the state's fine. but to live it's overcrowded, polluted, and superficial in the southern part of the state. i love san fran, but south of that is just disgusting. and even san fran has too too many people.

By far the most overrated state! The beaches are too cold and smell bad, they get tons of earthquakes, and one of them in teh near future is expected to make about half of california sink into the ocean. everyone in california has there nose stuck so high in brown air, and think they are so much better. And no, california is not the america of america, because california is not diverse at all, and it sucks, most of america doesnt suck, but calfornia does. yes, it is a lot of people from the midwest that make up much of the population. i have only been there three times, each time i visited one of the cites, san francisco, los angeles, and san diego. they all kind of sucked, mostly los angeles, san francisco would be nice if the people werent all hippies. los angeles literaly appeared to be hell on earth, and san diego was the most clicky and preppy city i have ever seen, it made me think of one of those teen movies like she's all that or bring it on or some other gay movie . the people in california need to come down to earth!

Good to Great state-with many caveats-which prevents 5 stars. What makes California great is its climate, the coast is temperate and has no extremes. There are rugged coastlines in the north and south, with famous beach's in the south. There are mountains and forests and deserts providing a diverse and beautiful environment for outdoor fun and exploration. Glittering cities like LA and SF. A progresive population that is forward thinking. What does take the luster off is very pricey housing- esp. along the coast, too much traffic in the major population centers, super high costs of living, too much crime in some areas, poor schools in many areas, and too wide of a gap between the rich and poor. A great place to visit- and live (especially if you are rich or have the skills to make lots of money- if not it can be a struggle.

San Diego and the Bay Area alone ought to give Cali 5 stars, but the ****hole that is Los Angeles has to bring it down.

A cesspool.

It's funny how people from other states always talk about the wierdos in California, or the high crime rate. Some of this is true. The irony of this is that almost every one of these wierdos or criminals seem to be from other states, especialy the mid west, which is touted as the heart of America. I'm sorry but California is the real heart of America. California is to the U.S, What the U.S. is to the rest of the world. And just like people from all over the world come to the U.S. and hate us and talk trash, people from all the other states come here, and hate us and talk trash. Still they keep coming. Now that's irony. California has the most beautful coastline in the world. The mountains have some of the best fishing, especialy the Mighty Kern River. The women are without a doubt the most beautiful in the world. From north to south California has it all. But hey, don't feel the need to come and tarnish our great state with your hate. But if you want come here and enjoy all that California has to offer, then by all means, pay us a visit. One thing is true, we can be a little arrogant, maybe we're not perfect after all.

Cakifornia is still the Mecca- but the reasons for it being a 'Mecca' are fading. Why? Overcrowding, silly housing costs, traffic, and a jaded view by its residents of its so called vaunted 'superiority'. Sure it has a great climate, with limitless recreation opportunites- but to survive there, you must be rich, or moved ther 15-20 years ago. Too 'liberal' not really- tolerant YES! And one thing California has going for it is it being Liberal- and in a new global order- that will be very important- The same can be said of the Northeast- lacking the sun and mild weather.

I can't comment too much on the Bay Area, I did travel there back in the early 80's, but I was not even a teenager yet. I loved it though, it was quite cool and brisk eventhough it was June. San Diego is the best, beautiful, I always advise friends traveling to CA to go to LA first then San Diego (and Mexico -- watch your wallet -- and don't eat or drink ANYTHING). San Diego is sooo beautiful and equally expensive, I mean I wouldn't consider moving there if I hit the Mega Bucks Lotto. California is waaaay to expensive that's why folks are bailing to AZ, OR, NV, UT (you name it) and driving up property values in these other places. Coming from Cali any bloated price looks damn good. Oh my gosh, th smog in LA is unbelieveable and so is the price on a gallon of gas. A great place to visit (5 stars), a terrible place to live.

Pros-nice beaches, great attractions, especially Hollywood and neat theme parks, beautiful women, neat national wonders Cons-High crime rate, especially in Los Angeles, some of the nation's worst child molesters and killers, especially David Westerfield and Alejandro Avila, earthquakes, the nation's highest teenage pregnancy rate, the horrible smog above L A, and way too expensive.

I've had to live in this shit hole for 3 years now, I'm leaving in February and counting the days.

I always thought California was such a wonderful state. There are so many things to do here, and the majority of the people are really friendly. They may not be down to earth, but they do say HI when you talk to them. As for the cities, most of them are SMOG hell, but this can be overlooked. The opportunities are endless in this wonderful state.

california is probably the greatest state of them all. it's unbelivable. i go there for two weeks every year and let me tell you, they are some of the best weeks of my life. from surfing or spending a day at the beach to snowboarding or skiing on the mountains, california has got it all. going to da san diego zoo, hiking in yosemite, going on dolphin and whale tours. i'm not gonna even try to name everything there is to do. Las Angoles, San Diego, San Fransisco, Sacremento, Hollywood, Malibu, it's just one great city after the next. if you're looking to spend a weekend to any amount of time just having the best time of you're life, go to california.

California is the worst state in the Union. Not only does it not have any culture, but the people go out their way to ruin the natural beauty it once had. I have lived in the three largest cities in the country and LA by far is the worst place I have ever lived. The government sucks a fat one. The people are retarded and arrogant. The women are hideous. The stereotype of hot California women could not be more misleading. I have never seen such ugly people. Southern California is one disgusting flatulating suburb with no redeeming qualities. I would as soon live in Fargo. It is too bad that you have to give it even one star.

Disgustingly crowded and liberal. Southern California is the armpit of the world. A native of 30 years I finally moved to Oregon where I have an affordable home, clean air, and breathing room.

Been there once and thoroughly enjoyed it. I know Hollywood is full of liberal anti-americans, and San Francisco is a queer's paradise, but other than that this state's full of good qualities.

It has some gorgeous scenery, but I think it's rather overrated. The people are a bit too liberal at times, the residents are arrogant in thinking it's the greatest place on earth. And LA's air may be cleaner now, but that's only because the smog has moved east to Riverside.

There's no place like California. Very different and unique place-not becasue it's "trying" to be different, but because it just is. I would say any area of CA is worth visiting if you get the chance. Don't believe what people say about LA-it IS a worthwile place. You just have to know where to go and what to do. Don't base your whole LA trip on the Hollywood Walk of Fame alone or anything. The less touristy attractions are reccommended (as well as the touristy attractions). And if you go to LA determined not to like it (like a lot of people do) then you probably won't. I personally like LA better than SF (LA is much more exciting, and surprisingly, less snooty in my opinion. SF people are so stuck up on being "SF") But overall, the state of California is a great place.