I just checked my tax bill. I live in Cupertino, one of the highest cost areas in the state, and even including all special assessments and fees, my bill is 1.34%. But here's the problem: It's 1.34% of my base rate. I've lived here for 10 years. Using Zillow as a guide, my real tax rate is 0.56% thanks to Prop 13.

My neighbor, who has owned their house for 35+ years, is paying 0.08% on a house worth just slightly less than mine. And more than 1/2 of that is special assessments.

That's the problem with California property tax. We are all totally disincentivized to move or the encourage a drop in our property values, since eventually we want to sell it for top dollar and retire out of state.