Why is Arizona so cheap compared to California (Phoenix, Mesa: subsidized, taxi)

[Bluefox]

Arizona actually has some really nice areas with beautiful scenery and great weather, like Sedona and to a lesser extent Flagstaff (due to the amount of snow they get in the winter). The problem is that the major job centers have severe weather in the summer and thus aren't very desirable, at least compared to coastal California. Also wages are suppressed due to the politics. It's similar to Florida in this regard.

[jamies]

Because Commiefornia is a socialist republic populated by illegal aliens who took it over to make a workers paradise with $15 wages the highest taxes in the country, and all the original residents have escaped to the free state of AZ and now live in a giant refugee camp called Phoenix.

[GeneR]

There's an interesting examination of the assumption that red states receive more in federal subsidies than blue states. First this warning; if you prefer propaganda sheets such as Salon or Politifact then I suggest you NOT read this item.

http://http://www.ijreview.com/2015/...can-deceiving/

[jlawrence01]

^^^

Largely because the federal Government controls about 70% of the land as well as the the military bases in the state.

[KurtAZ]

Originally Posted by Bluefox

Arizona actually has some really nice areas with beautiful scenery and great weather, like Sedona and to a lesser extent Flagstaff (due to the amount of snow they get in the winter). The problem is that the major job centers have severe weather in the summer and thus aren't very desirable, at least compared to coastal California. Also wages are suppressed due to the politics. It's similar to Florida in this regard.

And you use 2 of the more expensive places in the state to live

OP: Having been born and raised in the People's Republik of Kalifornia...I WOULD LOVE to move back to Monterey and give my kids the same kind of experiences I had growing up. That being said, LOTS of people would love to live near the ocean and those that can put up with the political climate and have the money will pay to live there. The rest of us find the best place for us and our families. I don't even visit CA anymore.

[I Love Buildings]

^ Makes me cringe that you admitted to being priced out of California, your own birthland. Your child is probably miserable in Inland Arizona wishing he was raised in CA. Oh well the less people the better. Too bad for every person that leaves there are 3 others gladly willing to take your spot. You just downgraded your family's life for moving in a barren desert.

[goolsbyjazz]

Originally Posted by jamies

Because Commiefornia is a socialist republic populated by illegal aliens who took it over to make a workers paradise with $15 wages the highest taxes in the country, and all the original residents have escaped to the free state of AZ and now live in a giant refugee camp called Phoenix.

I didn't want to, but I had to chuckle at this!: Darn you!!!!

[I Love Buildings]

I'm just saying... If i was his son, i wouldn't want to hear any bragging stories of what my father experienced before he decided to move away. It's just so selffish. He probably has never seen the ocean in his life before because of you.

[PoppySead]

I have a place in both and there are a lot of reasons, some mentioned above.^^

The mind set is very different between the two states, this plays a big role. Obviously, CA is home to a coast, and more attractions. An added draw is the chance at a high paying or glamorous job but, it's really a needle in a haystack. People find this out later on.

I am drawn to the politics of AZ more, as CA passes laws that make my head spin. I'm more of an Independent, less of either party. Arizona allows for that without much conflict and I hope it stays that way. If I had to choose between the two I'd pick AZ. I was born in CA, and have family there but hopefully most will make the move one day.

I have a feeling, as other states provide more jobs, CA will start losing more and more people. Soon, they will just be a large pool of poor, with a few rich enjoying their services.

[PoppySead]

Originally Posted by I Love Buildings

^ Makes me cringe that you admitted to being priced out of California, your own birthland. Your child is probably miserable in Inland Arizona wishing he was raised in CA. Oh well the less people the better. Too bad for every person that leaves there are 3 others gladly willing to take your spot. You just downgraded your family's life for moving in a barren desert.

Inland Arizona is pretty similar to what most people afford in CA. It looks, and feels about the same. Not many get a beach front dwelling, and when you live there inland, you rarely make it to the beach you're paying for, you are working a lot. Most would rather have a few extra thousand a month and be a Zonie every summer whilst flipping all the cash they've saved at us California locals. It is what it is. Get a pool. You won't miss it that much. Once or twice a year is enough.

That said, it's always sad to be priced out of your homeland. But it is what it is, and CA seems fine with it. Loads of us California natives pile into Arizona suburbs yearly. I'm thankful to them.