Escaping California's Dysfunctional Dystopia (Denver, Colorado Springs: schools, contractors, college)

[Teckeeee]

Originally Posted by Hschlick84

The OP would probably be alright in Douglas county if he/she wants to stay near large cities.

I miss Douglas county, miss Parker so much. If I didn't have to take care of my elderly Mom I would move back. Great neighbors, conservative, but not too much, just right.

None of the homeless problems they get a free ride to downtown Denver.

[EastwardBound]

Yes, strip malls, traffic, anywhere America. Ahh, makes the heart skip a beat!

[smdensbcs]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

Colorado was californicated in 1960’s

There is little difference today.

Consider moving overseas.

Interesting suggestion. Not a lot of "advanced" first world societies overseas are likely going to suit the "conservative American" mindset. The "social democracies" of Northern Europe are going to be vastly more irritating and politically correct than even California, though anti-immigrant right-wing fringe groups in Europe are, I suppose, starting to emerge, which might be attractive to the "patriot" "they're all out to get us" survivalist groups that congregate in the US states you mention. Probably going to have to relocate to Russia or Philippines or Iran or maybe one of the African dictatorships to get the type of conservative/traditionalist society without any of that "progressive" influence. Our OP here is not "religious" so Iran is probably not an ideal fit.


Me, I pretty much put up with political $#%^ I utterly despise on a daily basis to live in the country, state, city that provides an otherwise decent quality of life. I think most grown ups do exactly the same thing.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by smdensbcs

Interesting suggestion. Not a lot of "advanced" first world societies overseas are likely going to suit the "conservative American" mindset. The "social democracies" of Northern Europe are going to be vastly more irritating and politically correct than even California, though anti-immigrant right-wing fringe groups in Europe are, I suppose, starting to emerge, which might be attractive to the "patriot" "they're all out to get us" survivalist groups that congregate in the US states you mention. Probably going to have to relocate to Russia or Philippines or Iran or maybe one of the African dictatorships to get the type of conservative/traditionalist society without any of that "progressive" influence. Our OP here is not "religious" so Iran is probably not an ideal fit.


Me, I pretty much put up with political $#%^ I utterly despise on a daily basis to live in the country, state, city that provides an otherwise decent quality of life. I think most grown ups do exactly the same thing.

True... 99% of generic "Americans" / USA are not gonna be able to hack living overseas, BUT it is an option (as are other places in USA IF you can afford them and tolerate their unique issues.) EVERYWHERE has issues!

but... if you are really grown up (say age 50 or so...)

IN USA, you very likely will need to live overseas to access affordable healthcare prior to age 65

Pre A(?)CA we had 5 very affordable options

post A(?)CA we have none, and like rural Coloradoans $2500+ / month for a high deductable HC policy is pretty common, so


Keep your relocation options open. Certainly won't be as desirable as the privilege of living in USA, BUT, you may have better chances of survival, and possibly a better QoL

Yes, we had it nice in USA, and at a time CO was nice too.

The declaration of "Political Battlefield" only complicated an already caustic situation and an already divided community / state. Really is quite sad, as all of this would be very easy to work out without the hostilities / loss of personal participation in the electorate and policy making. It is highly likely that the USA political process has exceeded it's effective life, and should be tweaked to return effectiveness without the animosity that leads to rebellion that leads to change.

Colorado (today) scares me; where at a time it was home, very comfortable (friendly / congenial), very secure (as a youth).

During HS, we even had our rifles in the back window (gun rack) of our unlocked pickup trucks... Things have changed a bit, possibly not for the better... (for some of us Colorado exiles).

[robertbrianbush]

Originally Posted by Zadekian

Yup, lawmakers do create laws that happen to affect it's citizens. So many bogus laws and regulations here in California. Also, because defying Trump is mandatory here in California, it's not helpful when the state refuses to work with the federal government. We have some of the highest homelessness in the country. I can't even go down Orange County (wealthy neighborhood) without seeing hundreds (I'm not exaggerating) of tents pitched up along the freeway and against pretty expensive looking apartment buildings. There was a huge complaint about this recently... poor guys are paying $2500 a month for rent to walk outside and be greeted by dozens of homeless people socializing around there tents. Hmm... guess social welfare has become more of a burden than is helping at this point. California is going bankrupt, we can't even afford to pay back bonds from 30 years ago! So now Jerry Brown is trying to start a new project and get more people to buy bonds so they can start paying back guys that bought it 30 years ago. It's not even adjusted well enough for inflation. If you bought a bond 30 years ago, you lost money....

So yes, it's important

But if California living is not in high demand why are rents so high? Isn't that a result of high demand?

[DrDog]

Originally Posted by LaylaM

Again, you need to state the facts - google is your friend. Illegal residents are permitted to vote in school board elections that affect their children. Nothing more.
https://www.motherjones.com/politics...eep-them-away/

I own a home in California (which was recently purchased) and do NOT pay income tax in the 10 percent range. Income can be derived from taxable and non-taxable sources. And BTW, since this is a CO thread it may be of interest that the state taxes both income and social security. Every state gets their money one way or another.

Lastly, if you can't afford the $438 dollars per year in gas tax and prefer to drive through potholes, crumbling roads and worn out bridges then it's probably time to move.

If you own a home in California with that little income, you are fortunate.

Arizona has probably the best roads in the country with less than half the gas tax.

[LaylaM]

Originally Posted by DrDog

If you own a home in California with that little income, you are fortunate.

Arizona has probably the best roads in the country with less than half the gas tax.

I am fortunate, but who says I have little income? My spouse and I have income from several sources - some of which are tax exempt. It's called strategic planning...

Re Arizona, Tucson has more potholes than sidewalks as do most of the smaller, older communities in AZ. Not buying....but do agree it's dirt cheap to live there if that's what you're after..and the state as a whole is bright red.

[Thoreau424]

Originally Posted by robertbrianbush

But if California living is not in high demand why are rents so high? Isn't that a result of high demand?

I bet they are just used to it; used to paying those high rents. It's one of those attributes that doesn't really retreat, even if the surrounding economics changes.

[DrDog]

Originally Posted by robertbrianbush

But if California living is not in high demand why are rents so high? Isn't that a result of high demand?

Building restrictions.

[SkyDog77]

Originally Posted by DrDog

Building restrictions.

Thats your answer? Come on.