If I had to live as far inland as even Poway, I’d probably consider Texas. 1/3 the price, no state income tax, same salaries. Sure the property tax % is higher, but if the value of the home is 1/3 less, you end up paying the same, so I can’t see what difference that makes.

I can say being in the 150K family income range that the lack of state income tax, is a far bigger savings than any extra percentage of property tax. However, with the coastal climate I at least have aesthetic reasons for sticking around here.