>>I’m trying to figure out why any self-respecting conservative would live in CA, NY or NJ.<<
Because we’d have to be living somewhere else for at least a year to qualify for in-state tuition?
Besides, if all of us left, this would have just happened faster.
There may be a solution for that problem. See the information at this link for reduced tuition at participating schools in the West. Many of the schools will accept a transfer from a California school and give you the reduced rates you need.
My oldest son moved right onto school at Idaho State University in Pocatello when we relocated from San Diego. There was no question of residency. We purchased our house outright. My wife took a job at the local police department. There is plenty of very affordable housing in the area.