Also referred to as the land of “milk and honey,” California is known for Hollywood glamor, Silicon Valley, and scenic state parks. More films and TV shows are filmed in California than in any other U.S. state, so you may already be familiar with its iconic sites. Since the Gold Rush in the 1800s, hoards of people have flocked to California in hopes of finding fame, fortune, or careers in the ever-expanding tech industry. But beneath the glitz and natural beauty lies a string of eccentricities sure to make you think twice about moving there.
The Bear’s Gone Extinct
The Golden State’s flag features an image of the California Grizzly Bear, a majestic predator who enjoyed the area’s wilderness for thousands of years. Sadly, the influx of people during the Gold Rush and the human tendency to overhunt led to the animals’ untimely extinction. The last sighting of the California grizzly was a century ago.
It Gave Birth to the Internet
If you’ve ever found yourself still scrolling through TikTok at 2 am and knowing you’ll be exhausted when your shift starts at 8… well, you can blame California. It was 1969 when a UCLA tech sent the first online message to the Stanford Research Institute. The two letters that started it all were “Lo” (it was supposed to say “Login,” but the system crashed before the entire word could be typed up).
Ghosts… Well, Ghost Towns
At the height of the Gold Rush in the 1800s, a myriad of towns appeared all over the place to cater to the needs of newly minted residents. Everyone eventually moved out and sought their fortunes elsewhere, leaving behind more than 300 ghost towns scattered across the state. As eerie as visiting these abandoned settlements may be, it gets even stranger. One ghost town in particular, Darwin in the Mojave Desert, stands out for still having a population of 74 people.
Likely to Give You Motion Sickness
California may be the most populous state in the country, but it’s also the most dangerous regarding natural disasters. More than 100,000 small earthquakes shake up the population each year. If you don’t do well with unexpected shakes or are particularly fond of your delicate possessions, such as your favorite coffee mug, California is best avoided.
A Cat’s Worst Fear
California is a fantastic destination for dog owners. People tend to take their dogs everywhere and you can even buy a stroller for your four-legged friend if they aren’t keen on walking. San Francisco is home to around 150,000 pups and proudly holds the moniker “City of Dogs.” As great as that sounds for pooches and their humans, it’s less than ideal if you’re a cat person.
You Have to Buy Your Fridge
If you’re like most people and can’t afford to buy your own house, you’re probably renting. For most of the U.S., even unfurnished rentals include basic cooking appliances and refrigeration units. That’s not the case in California. You must buy your own fridge (or live off take-out meals).
Celebrities Make for Bad Neighbors
Celebrity sightings are so common in Los Angeles that most locals don’t bat an eyelid when sitting in a restaurant across from an A-lister. But those lucky (or unlucky) enough to live near movie stars sometimes find themselves cursing the day they moved in. Awful neighbors include the Kardashians launching midnight firework displays without warning, Justin Bieber egging neighborhood houses, and Hulk Logan hoarding his very own (and very smelly) personal Zoo.
No Frat Impersonators Are Allowed
In most of the United States, it’s illegal to impersonate a police officer, and for good reason. That also applies to California, of course. But the state goes a bit further by making it a misdemeanor to impersonate a member of any “secret society or fraternal […] organization.” So, wearing your brother’s fraternity t-shirt in Cali might land you in hot water with local authorities.
Driving in the Rain Is Frowned Upon
The state is known for its warm climate and residents thrive when the sun is out. Having this much sunshine means Californians avoid going out when the weather inevitably sours. Many believe driving in the rain to be as dangerous as driving in the snow.
An Introvert’s Living Nightmare
The stereotype paints Californians as hippy-ish, sun-loving, and friendly. While living among happy-go-lucky and overly friendly people sounds like a dream, introverts may find excessive social interaction overwhelming.
A Millennial Avocado Dream
Most of the world’s avocado grows in California. One city, Fallbrook, is home to a yearly festival dedicated to celebrating the fruit. That’s good news if you’re a fan of the culinary delight known as avocado on toast. If you’re not, fitting in with the Cali crowd could prove challenging.
No Long Showers
Droughts are an ongoing issue in many state areas, so authorities implemented restrictions on water usage, affecting hundreds of cities. Stringent rules apply to outside lawn sprinklers, forbid running outdoor fountains, and limit how much drinking water restaurants can serve patrons. People who enjoy long showers may need to change their routines, especially during drought emergencies.
Too Many Tourists
The Golden State offers an array of attractions, ranging from hundreds of state parks to vibrant cities to iconic landmarks. Living anywhere near sites such as Hollywood Boulevard, the San Diego Zoo, or San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge means you are likely to run into hordes of tourists every step of your day.
Overcrowding
If anything, California has always been extremely popular with a seemingly never-ending stream of people seeking new opportunities. The state is the most populous in the country. Back in the day, overcrowding was such a big issue that the City of San Francisco even made burials illegal for a while. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case.
The Poverty Beneath the Riches
The state may be known for its wealth and celebrity culture but it’s also home to extreme poverty. One in ten people struggle to make ends meet. California also has a major homelessness crisis, with more than 171,000 unhoused people. There are not many places in the world where the wealth divide is as obvious as in the Golden State.
It Used to Be a Country
In 1846, California decided it wanted to be an independent country. And it succeeded at staying one for almost four weeks, before the U.S. re-conquered it. If the state tries pulling that stunt off again, you may need a passport to visit any out-of-state family members.
Driving Dress Code
Dress codes are a part of everyday life for most of us. You can’t wear pajamas at the office (unless you work from home) and going to church on Sunday in your workout leggings would be highly inappropriate. The state of California takes dress codes one step further by making it illegal to drive if you’re wearing a housecoat. Oddly enough, the law only applies to women. Men can road trip in their lounging robes as much as they like.
You Need to Leash Your Elephant
California is infamous for its wacky laws and this one is no different. If you want to walk your pet elephant in San Francisco, the city’s laws demand you keep it on a leash. The real difficulty is finding one that’s big enough.
Shattered Cowboy Dreams
Cowboy boots are comfortable and some people might even deem them fashionable. But if you enjoy walking around in your cowboy boots pretending you’re the reincarnation of John Wayne, make sure to avoid the city of Blythe in Riverside County. The city’s statutes prohibit anyone from wearing Western footwear unless they’re the proud owners of at least two cows.
Ugliness Used to Be Illegal
San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. But even if you could afford the extortionate rents, “ugliness” may still prevent you from fully enjoying the perks of residency. Not now, but in 1867 the city did have a statute preventing anyone “diseased, maimed, mutilated, or in any way deformed” from taking a stroll in public.
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