I counter-disagree :) I hope you don't mind. Here is why: It's a fun place and the weather is amazing, however I wouldn't call it diverse (diversity of thought as well) and I wouldn't say the pay is high because of the high cost of living.

I mean diversity of races in addition to diversity of thought :) High cost of living only really applies in a very specific area.

Thank you for the counter reply, I'd also disagree with diversity of races comment, but I will step back as I don't think counting people by color is fruitful labor. I'm only replying based on personal experience being all over different parts of the state over the years.

Very surprised that you feel this way after traveling throughout the state. Honestly, it blows my mind that places like Vallejo, Bakersfield, and Placerville are all part of the same state compared to places like the Bay Area and Socal. They don't feel remotely the same to me.

Counting people of color individually in any given setting, probably not. Organically living and working with a diversity of races is something I cherish and would hate to live without.

CA is most definitely diverse in thought. Leave the coastal cities and spend time in the inland communities.

CA has a lot going for it. but people are fake and no one will really help you unless there is short term money to be made or potential huge long term upside and you have funding or they have known you for 20 years. culture and arts is constrained compared to what you find in europe. food and quality of groceries is indeed really great. the high pay only comes if you work for FAANG or were lucky and got an exit from a startup. and the cost of living and taxes are sky high leading to constant stress. finally, VCs only invest if you do something that falls in their current interests or group think AND if they know someone who knows you etc. the same as anywhere else where there are VCs, with similar adversity to risk.

Unless you’d like to have children.

You speak like someone who hasn't found themselves in California's 13.3% tax bracket.