Escape from California

Move from California Now

(Don't be the last to leave!)

by Michael Relfe, Realtor®
INI Realty Investments

Tens of thousands of people are leaving California every year. But what is even more important, is that billions of dollars are leaving along with those people, which will hasten the downfall of California. This means that many of the business mover-and-shakers - the job creators - and the people with brains - are also moving.

In addition, according to Joseph Vranich, Business Relocation expert, FIVE TIMES more businesses moved out of California in 2010 than in 2009!

So, why wait for things to get worse? How about leaving now for the best town to live in the USA - Palm Coast, in North Florida.

That way you can finally afford a BIG, beautiful house in a friendly town, just ten minutes from Flagler Beach.

The LA Times reported:

California lost a total of 144,000 people during the year ending July 1, 2008. This was more than any other state, according to census estimates.

The state with the next-highest net loss through migration between states was New York, which lost 126,000 residents.

After reading numerous posts on the internet saying why people left California, here are some good reasons for you to do the same:

High unemployment
Absurd housing prices
High taxes
Crime
Traffic
Pollution
Oppressive government
School legislations that go against people's religious beliefs
Overpopulation
Quality of the neighbourhood deteriorating
Mudslides and the coming big earthquake
Illegal aliens draining state revenue & causing other problems
You don't speak Spanish

Joseph Vranich, Business Relocation Coach, has done a lot of research on this subject. He discovered:

The top 10 reasons why businesses leave California:

#10 (New!) – Unprecedented Energy Costs

The California Manufacturers and Technology Association states that commercial electrical rates already are 50% higher than in the rest of the country. However, a law enacted in April 12, 2011 requires utilities to get one-third of their power from renewable sources (e.g., solar panels, windmills) within nine years. Look for costs to increase by another 19% in many places to a whopping 74% in Los Angeles.

#9 – Severe Tax Treatment

The Tax Foundation in their 2011 State Business Tax Climate Index lists California at No. 49 for tax fairness.

CFO Magazine ranked California the worst state for tax treatment.

The Council on State Taxation ranks California as the only state to receive a D- grade (the lowest grade).

Last year the National Conference of State Legislatures said California remains the number one state in raising taxes – raising them higher than any other state that increased taxes in 2009.

#8 – Worst Regulatory Burden

The consulting firm Bain & Co. constructed a “regulatory hassle index” that found "California is far worse than any other state by a very significant margin."

The finding was echoed by Development Counselors International that found that 72% of surveyed corporate executives listed California as having the “worst business climate” in the entire United States.

#7 – Dreadful Legal Treatment

The Civil Justice Association of California said the state ranks 44th in legal fairness to business. Los Angeles was again named the least fair and reasonable litigation environment in the entire country.

#6 – Most Expensive Business Locations

The Rose Institute of State and Local Government reported in its 2010 survey that California cities continue to be some of the most expensive locations to do business in the United States.

That was confirmed by the Milken Institute, which found that California businesses are paying 23% more than the national average just to operate here.

#5 – Provable Savings Elsewhere

Again Bain & Co. found that more than half of California business leaders – an astonishing 60% – said their policy is to restrict job growth in the state or move jobs to other U.S. locations. .

#4 – Downright Unfriendly

The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council in Virginia found that California ranked 49th overall in terms of business friendliness.

#3 – Uncontrollable Spending

Extravagant spending causes California to now have the lowest credit rating of any state.

The American Legislative Exchange Council points out: "Despite the dubious distinction of having both the highest statewide personal income tax and the highest state sales tax in the nation, California still finds itself with far and away the largest budget deficit of any state."

#2 – Excessively Adversarial

For two years in a row Chief Executive magazine found California to be the worst state in the nation in which to do business. The magazine calls California the “Venezuela of North America.”

#1 – The ‘Outpouring’ of Poor Rankings Continues

California ranked dead last in the latest Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States for 2010 study

There is little evidence that California’s business environment will improve considering that that the legislature in 2011 has voted down litigation reform, tax-increase plans are underway, and a host of new regulations are to be implemented that will increase costs for literally every business.

(But don't forget the personal reasons why people leave California. Happier workers make a company more successful).

I have read blogs by people who have left California, who are very glad they did. These are a few of quotes from their posts at http://www.nationalbubble.com/people-are-leaving-california-by-the-thousands:

I plan to move out of California for sure and away from the (illegal aliens). I am so tired of supporting these people. Every week as I am walking my dog, the graffiti in my city is multiplying even though my city isn’t even in a gang area. Our parks are jam packed every weekend with the families of these kids and they don’t even live here. Trash everywhere, illegal drivers without licenses cutting you off in traffic not caring if they kill you, and tax dollars all going to this? .... There is no fumigation for this infestation.

Silicon Vally since has become a ghost town, I drive down the street and see endless amounts for lease signs up on abandoned buildings, the small and big tech companies have either moved out or shut down because of high property, living and business taxes.

Corruption is big, when I was taking a Criminal Justice class one of my teachers, who was a former Police Sargent for 30 years said that he has had mayors, and members of the governors board bribe him with money, new cars, nice women, etc. to get out of trouble, he never took any of it. ...

Taxes, my biggest pain in the ass, Sales tax is 10% where I live, property and income tax is huge, and gasoline tax is big also, it nearly cost 50¢ per gallon more for gas here compared to other states.

I moved from Silicon Valley (SV) in 2003 during the dot-com meltdown. Bought a 3bd ranch house in Wisconsin for less than I sold my 1bd condo. Everything is far less expensive here: bars and restaurants, taxes, insurance, gas. In the SF Bay area, you need two professional incomes to buy a small house. Here two unskilled blue collar jobs will buy a decent house. Property taxes here are high, percentage-wise, but lower dollar-wise. What I don’t miss: not going to all those cool places because the freeway is in gridlock. Four-way traffic lights every quarter mile, so it takes forever to get anywhere on surface streets; bridge tolls; overcrowded everything everywhere, especially lines at the cash registers; the insane skills requirements for jobs when jobs are scarce; competing with H-1B visa holders; Mexican music (and neighbors with 7 people in a 1bd apartment); the crappy roads; the endless overbuilding of retail space (how many Starbucks and Jamba Juices do you need?); did I mention the traffic?

I was born and raised in CA. As many of you have pointed out, it was once a really great place to live. Over the last ten years or so, things have steadily gone downhill and the speed at which that is happening is increasing and alarming. Jobs that used to have a starting pay of $15-$16/hour, have now gone down to $10-$11/hour. With rent on a one bedroom at $1,200/month, it is difficult to survive…much less try to save money.

CA has become a third world toilet. I’m tired of seeing illegal aliens dragging their fifteen kids down the street, the litter, graffiti, crime and gangs. It’s extremely overcrowded and traffic is horrendous. I agree with the previous poster about not wanting to go to the grocery store. It has gotten to that point for me. I’m tired of hearing announcements over the PA systems in the stores in Spanish. On a daily basis I have to remind myself that I’m technically not in Mexico.

In closing, I’m excited and happy to say that I will be leaving CA very soon. I’m looking forward to a lower cost of living, a slower pace, less people, fresh air, clean water and some open space.

Once you decide that you want to leave California, the big question is, where to? The USA is a BIG country and it takes a lot of time and money to travel around and learn where you want to be.

Well, we've done the hard work for you! My wife and I have lived in more states in America than many Americans have visited. We have lived in Michigan (Farmington Hills), Indiana (Indianapolis), Arizona (White Mountains), Virginia (Chesapeake), Texas (Dallas), Iowa (Dubuque) and Australia (Sydney and Melbourne). Plus I lived in Chicago (Illinois), Missouri (Kansas City), Oklahoma (Tulsa), Idaho (Idaho Falls), Los Angeles (California), Arizona (Phoenix), Atlanta (Georgia) and Indiana (Southbend) before I married.

In addition, we have travelled through dozens of other states. After many years of looking for the best place to live in the world, we have finally decided that Palm Coast, in northern Florida, is the best place to live. We have lived here for eight years.

Palm Coast is in north Florida, between Jacksonville and Daytona Beach, and only 10 minutes from Flagler Beach, on the Atlantic Ocean.

Here is a picture of Flagler Beach, with the pier in the background -

Being in North Florida, next to the Atlantic Ocean, Palm Coast has moderate temperatures and cooling breezes.

I read a blog where a Californian left California. They are happy they did that, but they still miss the beach and Starbucks. Palm Coast has both!

In these economic times we live in, one of the things you want to consider especially is, what will the place you move to be like in ten or twenty years time? Here's a clue - see where the money is moving to. It turns out that in the ten years from 1999 - 2009, more money moved to Florida than any other state. $70 billion in fact!

Palm Coast did not grow haphazardly like most towns. It was a master-planned community from early on. It was first developed in just 1969! It is a charming, clean city with modern houses, for a fraction of the price you pay in California!

The bulk of Palm Coast is formed of thousands of well-priced houses in family-friendly neighbourhoods. Most houses here are made of concrete and stucco, with a few made of brick. Which means low maintenance, no termites and longer durability. And they are pretty!

Some homes right now are less than $50 a square foot, including the lot. For example, you can get a beautiful, 5 year-old house that is fully renovated with 3,000 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, a loft and office, and a double garage and screened-in lanai (verandah) for just $140,000!

Property taxes are around $1,100 - $2,000 a year for normal homes.

Nearly all the homes are on 10,000 square feet, which is nearly ¼ of an acre. Mobile homes are not allowed. The council is very good at keeping the place tidy.

And if you want to live in a gated community, there are a number of them in Palm Coast, which add to the general beauty of the surroundings for everyone. Here is one of them, which we pass on the way to Hammock Beach, one of the three beaches next to Palm Coast -

Some people miss the beauty of California when they move. Palm Coast has both natural and man-made beauty, and the mayor and city council are working to create even more.

Here is a state park beside the Intracoastal waterway. You can see Flagler Beach in the background -

Here is Washington Oaks, a state park which we love to visit -

We have some very nice restaurants, for example, at European Village -

And, if you want to go on a boat, there are plenty along the Intracoastal. Along which is a park that we enjoy walking along -

So, if you are sick of California, now is the time to move, because so many people with money and sense are leaving, and taking their money, brains and work-ethic with them. Plan a holiday in Florida right now.

Relocation for Businesses

I suggest that businesses looking to relocate consider Palm Coast, Florida because:

No state income tax.
Employees get to be near the beach, so there is less upset at moving.
Very cheap land and buildings. Build your dream headquarters or factory.
Growing, modern city.
Housing costs are much lower.
Low property taxes.
Pro business mayor and city council.
Best chamber of commerce in the state of Florida.
Moderate temperatures (therefore lower energy costs)

The synergistic combination of these qualities can significantly add to a companies bottom line.

But wherever you want to move your company to, I can help you move from anywhere to anywhere. Our relocation group is the best in the world.

If you are thinking of moving, plan a holiday in Florida right now.

You might like to visit some of the other cities in Florida first, so that when you come to Palm Coast, you will realize what a gem Palm Coast is, and how it truly IS the best town to live in, in Florida.

If you think you might like to own a home in Palm Coast, or to build one, please email me so that I can send you a questionnaire of the kind of house you would like to live in or to build. That way I can have several homes or house plans lined up for you to see, that will fit your criteria.

WHY YOU MUST HAVE A BUYER'S AGENT

As your buyer's agent, my services are free. I work for you and protect your interests in negotiation. In Florida, the seller pays all commissions and by law I claim half of those funds. If you deal with the seller's agent directly, you are dealing with someone who is working for the seller, not for you. That is, you have no representation and the seller's agent keeps all the commission. It makes no difference to the final price whether you have a buyer's agent or not.

Find the home that fulfills your requirements.

Get the best price for a home. I negotiate without being emotionally involved with the transaction while maintaining confidentiality, loyalty and obedience to you.

Have reduced liability through disclosures and inspections.

Save time.

Minimize inconvenience.

Receive progress reports.

Education regarding the transaction process. It's more complicated than you may realize.

You have someone to talk with about your wants, fears and concerns without affecting the outcome of the transaction.

I am a Realtor®. Realtors are much more than ordinary Real Estate agents:

A Realtor is a member of the local state and national Realtor® boards.
That gives me the power and support of those organizations.
That gives me the legal right to use standardized contracts in all transactions. These are prewritten contracts used throughout the state, that a buyer does not have to pay a lawyer to create.
Realtors are bound by a strict code of ethics.