From a political standpoint, CA ranks toward the bottom. CA is also more socialist than many other states. However, incomes are high, and since one can still choose one's friends, on a day-to-day basis the fact that Boxer and Feinstein are my senators doesn't really affect my life.
I'm sure it's the same for a person who lives in a state with low incomes and a low education level. If one is educated, has educated friends and colleagues, and associates with mostly like-minded people, it's a good life anywhere.
By the way, I love Gulf Shores; a beautiful beach and very relaxed. Also have a niece who's a Dr. in Brent, AL--bet you don't know where that town is (hint: it's appoximately between Birmingham and Montgomery, on Rt. 5).
Well, speaking to the lower income factor; you have to consider that our cost of living is lower. For instance, we have had a huge number of $500,000 homes cropping up, of late, homes that would most likely be $1 million or over in California, New York, Boston. As to low education, we have a lot of industry here which is a good bit hands-on. Besides, from what I have been hearing of the education system in some of the non-flyover states, the schools are mainly indoctrination camps. Just because money is being spent out the wazoo on each student doesn't automatically mean that the student is getting a good education.
I think it is funny that I touched on some things that some Californians on here gripe about their own state, but because I am from a flyover state, it is something to get offended over.