Wife number one’s brother lived in CA late 70s thru mid 80s. We went on vacay out there several times ... some beach trips, some skiing trips. It was great.
But while Mudda Nature has many outstanding things to offer, there is no reason to torture oneself with the out-of-control government, astronomic prices for everything, and crappy anything if you live in or close to a large city.
I have two work friends that retired out there about 14 years ago. Both are leaving soon, one to Idaho and the other back to Texas.
My uncle was transferred to So. Cal while in the US Air Force.
Mid 70’s. He retired there. I have gone out to see him several times since the late 70’s. The landmarks haven’t changed but the culture has gone to hell since then.