As “entrenched incumbents,” per Mr. Kotkin, our family has been in the “Golden State” for generations, and, yes, it has changed tremendously in both positive and negative ways.

Yet, even if everything Mr. Kotkin says is true or comes to pass, no one we know seems to be interested in giving up the California lifestyle for one of the more “practical” locales.

I’ve visited all of the alternative locations he mentioned, and, even if I was just starting out in life, it would be very difficult for me to consider any of them, for many, many reasons.

I also understand the decision to leave the state is probably valid for the financial welfare of many families.

It has been clear for many years that many young people who were raised in CA will never be able to afford to stay here, or to buy homes here once they are out of their parent’s homes, and that faction is growing daily.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, many who have worked here for their entire lives, will never be able to afford to retire here. So, many of Mr. Kotkin’s points are well taken.

Yet, if one has only one life to live, you do want to ask yourself how and where you really want to spend those precious few years.