[_8j50]

California as a whole is a great place to live but I have no idea how people manage.

My biggest hangup isn't jobs but housing. You have to be a millionaire to afford a small house far away from any city. And if you decide to rent instead, then even making 200k+ you are unlikely to afford a house at all. By the time you save up a million, housing prices increasing and inflation will push you back to square one. If you go through the debt route, interest and monthly payments will drain you dry for the rest of your life (unless your plan is to start your real life at 55+). I feel like high speed railways to desirable places like cali to affordable states will sove a lot of issues.

[carom]

This is a little exaggerated. You can own a $1m home on 180k/yr at old interest rates. I am not a millionaire and bought a $1.2m property in the heart of LA.

[_8j50]

When was this and how is it not renting but with more steps? Can you pay it off in 10-20yrs?