I have been a general contractor in California for 20 years, seems like every year the state adds more rules and regulations, fees and taxes that make it more expensive and difficult to operate a company , i have to pass on the expense to my clients. I found a house in North Carolina comparable to one in California for a 1/4 of the price, taxes are less as is the general cost of living. The people i have met there are very friendly and welcoming, they are not preoccupied with trying to make a living as it is starting to feel in California.