Q, unfortunately, that article is from over 4 years ago. There's been a LOT of changes in the U.S. since then.

Just bringing it up because people are talking about what's good thing to do NOW. I'm in CT, after having been in northern CA for 18 years, and always thought I would go back to CA. Now I don't know where I where I'd like to move to (and still earn a decent income). Probably going to stick it out in CT/NY for a few more years...

Especially in the housing market. My home was going for about $900K back then and might be worth $600K today if Im lucky. Actually, the housing market is ripe for those who want to relocate or want to come back to California.

Problem is the State of California is bankrupt and the schools already near dead last have more cuts in store for them. I see no improvement in the next decade and California has been on a downward spiral for decades. Crime is on the rise no doubt related to the poor schools, lack of resources, activities and opportunity. The State loves new taxes and the local municipalities pile on their own taxes and fees.

California will spend 16 billion dollars next year on our prisons alone. That equates to about $50,000 per inmate when in comparison California spends $7500 per student per year only to be near the bottom of the pack. Arnold is looking to release 45,000 inmates for so called overcrowding deemed inhumane by the beloved ACLU. What a great idea...

Unfortunately, if one has a house in another state, one has still potentially lost a lot too. I'm not going to talk numbers but I've lost $700K in equity -- that was going to be funding my retirement home...

Top 10 states to live in terms of quality of life. Texas is at 21.

1. Utah
2. Hawaii
3. Wyoming
4. Colorado
5. Minnesota
6. Maryland
7. Washington
8. Massachusetts
9. California
10. Arizona

America's Best States To Live - Forbes.com

America's Best Places To Raise A Family - Forbes.com

I just visited Austin and Dallas this past December. I was very impressed with Austin, specifically downtown. The abundant restaurant selections, beautiful buildings and very nice people make this a great place to be. The Dallas part was great as well, but did not have a chance to visit downtown, just the burbs area. The burbs was nice, but seemed to be like every burb area in the NY/NJ area, just with much wider streets!

Good Luck.

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I don't consider California part of the 50 states of the United States, so if you do choose to move, welcome back! Texas seems like a decent place; my dad went to school there when he was young, and I have a pair or relatives further south in the same state. No glaring drawbacks that I've heard of from them, aside from the fact that everything is about 2 hours apart.

You don't consider it part of the 50 states? Um what is state number 50 then?

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The Present:
2014 Audi Q5 TDI Prestige
The Past:
2013 Lexus GS350
2013 VW Golf TDI
2007 BMW X5 4.8i LOADED & Loved
2009 VW Jetta
2008 VW Touareg VR6
2005 BMW X5 3.0i
2005 BMW Z4 3.0i
2004 BMW X5 3.0i
2003 BMW 325i
2000 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4x4

Mexico or Puerto Rico depending on whether you live on the west or east coast you pick

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You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.

Two Virginias: Virginia, and that "other" Northern VA.

If I became the king of the state, I'd sell Northern VA off to MD probably. The two have way more in common.