All my friends have fled California. Here’s why they made the biggest mistake of their lives

The writer argues that despite concerns about taxes, regulation, housing costs, energy prices, crime and one-party rule, they have no intention of leaving California. They distinguish the state’s political leadership from the California they value: a place whose varied landscapes, attractions and communities have shaped a lifetime of personal memories.

Their examples range from Lake Tahoe, Yosemite and Napa wine country to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego, with activities including fishing, theatre, sport and boating. The article says U-Haul ranked California last among states in its 2025 Growth Index, underscoring the contrast between the state’s appeal and its political and economic problems; the supplied text ends mid-sentence before giving further context.