In past years, those who invested in real estate in CA–long before it became a chosen destination–found it possible, for the most part, to exit the rat race at an early age if we planned well.

The world has changed since then, and, imo, the OP is wise to consider all aspects of his decision, especially with the economic challenges our country (might–who knows?) be facing in the coming decades. It remains to be seen how long we can kick the current can down the road, so being well-positioned to endure and profit during a downturn, imo, is the most enviable position of all.