"Where are you moving to?"

"California."

"...why?"

Why, indeed?

I may be bias but I think Washington state is the best state of all 50 states, and for several reasons. There are some who may have to relocate to California due to a job or family or something but if you have to move from Washington to California, you're going to be in for a rude awakening.

The 4 Seasons vs. 2 Seasons
Here in Washington we have four distinct seasons. Winter, spring, summer and fall. Sure, some seasons may seem like they last longer than others, but we go through our cycle every year. In California, they have two seasons, smog and construction.

Photos Courtesy of Heather Hadsel - Larry Burmaster
Photos Courtesy of Heather Hadsel - Larry Burmaster
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Skiing/Snowboarding?
Is that even a question? They may have surfing but how high can those waves go? A couple feet, maybe, at most. We have White Pass which, from what I've seen with my own eyes, is at least a few feet taller than a couple feet. If you're into skiing and snowboarding, unless you drive north to Mt. Shasta or something, you'll have to miss out.

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Beer Country vs. Wine Country
Washington State, Yakima Valley, specifically, hosts 75% of the hops used in beer in United States. California does have some decent beer, I'll give them that, but it's not in the same category of what we have here in the northwest. Even when it comes to wine, people think Napa, CA, has the best wine in the world. Now, I'm no geographist but if you look at a globe and follow the latitude, Washington state is on the same line as France, world reknowned for their wine. Napa, CA is on the same latitude as Afghanistan. I don't know about you but between France and Afghanistan I think I know where I'd put my trust in my wine.

Friends toasting with beer
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Taxes
According to CaliforniaView.org, Washington is one of 7 states without a personal income tax. California has the highest income tax rates of the entire country.

Tax Preparers Work To Meet Tomorrow's Deadline
Getty Images
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Hiking
Where would you rather go hiking, the cool, crisp air of the Olympic peninsula or Death Valley? Okay, moving on.

Hiking
Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash
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Yeah, if you don't have to, don't move to California. There's a reason so many are moving out. That should tell you something.

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