General

Chat

Why California is better than Texas

I've lived in both states before. I know both states' problems and bright sides. But overall, the Golden State emerges victorious, and here's why:

When it comes to big states, there can only be one king (sorry, New York). The real competition comes down to California vs. Texas -- a battle of red vs. blue, good vs. evil, surfboards vs. 10-gallon hats, avocados vs. Texas toast.

The big-state debate has been revived this month thanks to Trends Magazine, which poses the question: Which state, California or Texas, is the blueprint for America's future? We'd love to read the full article and get Trends' insight, but its website costs $195 per year, so we'll just have to take matters into our own hands.

Let's simplify the discussion for everyone who can't afford Trends' absurd subscription price.

Texas sucks. California is king. Here are 10 reasons to prove it.

No. 10 -- People Want to Come Here

Would you rather see the Golden Gate Bridge or the Alamo? How about Hollywood or the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum? The San Diego Zoo or the Fort Worth Zoo? People don't really visit Texas. You can only go to Cowboys Stadium so many times.

Come to California and see Yosemite, Fisherman's Wharf, Wine Country, Lake Tahoe, Disneyland, Joshua Tree, Alcatraz, the Gaslamp Quarter and Sequoia National Park.

In the mood to see it all, hop in the car and take the Pacific Coast Highway in any direction.

No. 9 -- Big States Don't Cry

When political life gets tough, we call emergency legislative sessions. We make tough cuts. If things are going south, we hold a recall election. Make fun of budget woes if you must, but we'll get through it -- and we'll do it with dignity.

When things get tough in Texas, Gov. Rick Perry throws a hissy fit and threatens to secede from the United States.

Grow up, Texas. Plus, Perry's just crying wolf.

No. 8 -- Our Waistlines Are Under Control

Everything in Texas is bigger -- including Texans.

When it comes to 2008 state obesity rates, Texas scored a 28.3. California scored 23.7.

Dear Texas, call us when your pants fit.

No. 7 -- Hit the Beach

Texas has a few beaches, sure. (We know, we know, 600 miles of shoreline.) But there's a reason we're famous for ours and they're not famous for theirs. The California coastline is host to the most beautiful beaches in the country. Dare we say it -- the world.

Plus, our best beaches are generally a short drive from where people actually live (think La Jolla, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Half Moon Bay). Texas' biggest claim to beach fame is probably South Padre Island, and while it is admittedly quite lovely, it's also a major spring break destination (yuck) and really difficult to get to.

No. 6 -- World's Toughest Governor

Despite Texas being the land of unadulterated machismo, our governor can beat up your governor. So, there.

No. 5 -- We Have Options

Californians have options. Getting bored of San Diego? Drive an hour and try Mexico. Got a case of the Sacramento blues, you're just moments away from Lake Tahoe.

Los Angeles not doing it for you? Within an hour's drive, Angelenos can hit mountains, the Pacific, or perhaps the desert. Not in the mood for those options? Extend your driving time and make a break for Vegas.

Oh, sweet Vegas. Seriously, Texas. Our neighbor is Las Vegas. Your neighbor: Oklahoma.

No. 4 -- Plenty of Eye Candy

Texans have gun racks. We've got guns. And racks.

We're hot, we know it and just in case, there are enough plastic surgeons here for every Californian to look gorgeous.

And if cosmetic surgery isn't your thing -- don't worry -- we have plenty of therapists too.

No. 3 -- We Actually Invent Stuff

Yes, Texas is enticing businesses away from California to its land of fewer tax headaches, but send us a telegram when Texas invents something.

Sure, it makes financial sense to set up shop in Texas, but the Lone Star State will always live in our innovation shadow. Google can put its headquarters anywhere in the world -- they put it in California. Apple, HP, Twitter, Intel, YouTube, MySpace, the Gap, eBay -- companies that actually changed the way the world does business are in California.

We may not cut the best tax deals, but we have a lock on creativity.

We make movies, music, theatre and television. Hell, we invented blue jeans.

No. 2 -- It's All About the Weather

Texas wins! But only in the number of tornadoes, with an average of about 140 per year. Words like "Mediterranean" and "I can't believe it's January" are used to describe California weather. If you like cold, we have mountains for that, too. Arid, humid and "I miss California" are terms often used to describe Texas' weather.

No. 1 -- California Isn't Home to George W. Bush

We gave the world Ronald Reagan, and you gave us George W. Bush.

Worst. Trade. Ever.

January 4, 2013

34 Comments • Newest first

pancakes030

Can we say people from Texas are dumb?

Reply January 4, 2013
BlueColt

@ErvTheMan Probably lived in some hick town? Haha, try again buddy. I lived in Houston and Dallas. And your obviously didnt go anywhere theory is 100% BS.

@AnotherPoster Aww, look at you all butthurt because I know more than you. Grow up. And wow, the least I can do is do my own research? What the hell are you talking about? This was my own research, I know all this stuff. It may not be my exact words. "...since this thread was by a troll" I don't even know if I should respond to that or laugh at how stupid you are.

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
ErvTheMan

I honestly doubt OP has lived in Texas, and if you have. Obviously didn't go anywhere, and probably lived in some hick town.

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
AnotherPoster

[quote=jaesang0]ok smarty, impress us with your knowledge of Texas. go[/quote]

I'm not here to impress anyone over state pride, that alone is pretty pathetic. -_-
If he's going to try to start a flame war, the least he can do is do his own research on both states, but I doubt that'd happen since this is a thread by a troll.

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
DragonBandit

I would prefer to go to texas. Also NYC is better than both of them. Although very ghetto.

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
Jrosen

Canada ftw.

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
Metacafe

california because there are plans to build a bullet train here
hubba hubba <3

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
GraveJokerR

It's funny how flame wars start over simple topics.
OT: To me, all states have pros and cons about them.
It just depends on how you see it.

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
AnotherPoster

[quote=BlueColt]I've lived in both states before. I know both states' problems and bright sides. But overall, the Golden State emerges victorious, and here's why:

When it comes to big states, there can only be one king (sorry, New York). The real competition comes down to California vs. Texas -- a battle of red vs. blue, good vs. evil, surfboards vs. 10-gallon hats, avocados vs. Texas toast.

The big-state debate has been revived this month thanks to Trends Magazine, which poses the question: Which state, California or Texas, is the blueprint for America's future? We'd love to read the full article and get Trends' insight, but its website costs $195 per year, so we'll just have to take matters into our own hands.

Let's simplify the discussion for everyone who can't afford Trends' absurd subscription price.

Texas sucks. California is king. Here are 10 reasons to prove it.

No. 10 -- People Want to Come Here

Would you rather see the Golden Gate Bridge or the Alamo? How about Hollywood or the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum? The San Diego Zoo or the Fort Worth Zoo? People don't really visit Texas. You can only go to Cowboys Stadium so many times.

Come to California and see Yosemite, Fisherman's Wharf, Wine Country, Lake Tahoe, Disneyland, Joshua Tree, Alcatraz, the Gaslamp Quarter and Sequoia National Park.

In the mood to see it all, hop in the car and take the Pacific Coast Highway in any direction.

No. 9 -- Big States Don't Cry

When political life gets tough, we call emergency legislative sessions. We make tough cuts. If things are going south, we hold a recall election. Make fun of budget woes if you must, but we'll get through it -- and we'll do it with dignity.

When things get tough in Texas, Gov. Rick Perry throws a hissy fit and threatens to secede from the United States.

Grow up, Texas. Plus, Perry's just crying wolf.

No. 8 -- Our Waistlines Are Under Control

Everything in Texas is bigger -- including Texans.

When it comes to 2008 state obesity rates, Texas scored a 28.3. California scored 23.7.

Dear Texas, call us when your pants fit.

No. 7 -- Hit the Beach

Texas has a few beaches, sure. (We know, we know, 600 miles of shoreline.) But there's a reason we're famous for ours and they're not famous for theirs. The California coastline is host to the most beautiful beaches in the country. Dare we say it -- the world.

Plus, our best beaches are generally a short drive from where people actually live (think La Jolla, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Half Moon Bay). Texas' biggest claim to beach fame is probably South Padre Island, and while it is admittedly quite lovely, it's also a major spring break destination (yuck) and really difficult to get to.

No. 6 -- World's Toughest Governor

Despite Texas being the land of unadulterated machismo, our governor can beat up your governor. So, there.

No. 5 -- We Have Options

Californians have options. Getting bored of San Diego? Drive an hour and try Mexico. Got a case of the Sacramento blues, you're just moments away from Lake Tahoe.

Los Angeles not doing it for you? Within an hour's drive, Angelenos can hit mountains, the Pacific, or perhaps the desert. Not in the mood for those options? Extend your driving time and make a break for Vegas.

Oh, sweet Vegas. Seriously, Texas. Our neighbor is Las Vegas. Your neighbor: Oklahoma.

No. 4 -- Plenty of Eye Candy

Texans have gun racks. We've got guns. And racks.

We're hot, we know it and just in case, there are enough plastic surgeons here for every Californian to look gorgeous.

And if cosmetic surgery isn't your thing -- don't worry -- we have plenty of therapists too.

No. 3 -- We Actually Invent Stuff

Yes, Texas is enticing businesses away from California to its land of fewer tax headaches, but send us a telegram when Texas invents something.

Sure, it makes financial sense to set up shop in Texas, but the Lone Star State will always live in our innovation shadow. Google can put its headquarters anywhere in the world -- they put it in California. Apple, HP, Twitter, Intel, YouTube, MySpace, the Gap, eBay -- companies that actually changed the way the world does business are in California.

We may not cut the best tax deals, but we have a lock on creativity.

We make movies, music, theatre and television. Hell, we invented blue jeans.

No. 2 -- It's All About the Weather

Texas wins! But only in the number of tornadoes, with an average of about 140 per year. Words like "Mediterranean" and "I can't believe it's January" are used to describe California weather. If you like cold, we have mountains for that, too. Arid, humid and "I miss California" are terms often used to describe Texas' weather.

No. 1 -- California Isn't Home to George W. Bush

We gave the world Ronald Reagan, and you gave us George W. Bush.

Worst. Trade. Ever.[/quote]

LOL. You might want to do a bit more research on Texas before starting a petty flame war. All you did was focus on California with your lame state pride, didn't you?

With a quick google search, I can see that all you did was copy+paste old posts LOL

So lame.

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
WontPostMuch

[quote=BabysAreFood]i'm not sure if jerry brown can beat up anyone[/quote]

No but his Zen Nazis sure [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW8UlY8eXCk]can.[/url]

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
BabysAreFood

i'm not sure if jerry brown can beat up anyone

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
WontPostMuch

Lol @ people failing to realize California is the greatest place ever. Praying 4 u guise.

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
Dorks

[quote=Adele]california is shallow
half the people who live there are brain dead who have "swag"[/quote]

This whole article is shallow imo.

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
juliacat

I always wanted to visit/live in California, but I'd miss the snow.
Oh well, I guess I'm stuck in New York for now

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
Tortoise

Can you actually list some points that matter?

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
Quasar

California got Nexon America hq.

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
Eliel

Technically, no state is better than the ever. I mean, we're in the 21st century people! Come off it already.

And Perry only said that Texas has the [i]potential[/i] to secede (as do all states) but it was Bill White (who was running against him for governor) that actually twisted his words in an obviously failed attempt to get votes. And that petition where 100,000 people signed for Texas to secede? It was an online petition so people from, say Hawaii or any other state, could sign it for Texas. Not a very accurate petition, is it?

Besides, y'all's housing prices are ridiculous just for a little beach front property you'll get tired of in 3 months. Double the amount of money and double the amount of time I'll be paying it off? No thanks.

Texas born and raised.

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
civfanatics

I live in California and I hate it here. >.<

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
yoyoyo25971

[quote=FiendOverlord]Hollywood, Disneyland, Universal Studios, LA, USC, CIT

All you guys got are the Sequioas, Sacramento and Berkeley.[/quote]

We got Silicon Valley. Apple>Hollywood any day.

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
RustedEdge

Oh my essays.

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
Quickjumper7

All my ex'es live in Texas.

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
insanes

Yaw man Im from CA and its hella banging than the otha states ya no what im saying bra
dat cali swag

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
MageOfRain

Texas Toast?

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
FiendOverlord

[quote=LeonZan]Norcal>Socal BRING IT [/quote]

Hollywood, Disneyland, Universal Studios, LA, USC, CIT

All you guys got are the Sequioas, Sacramento and Berkeley.

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
Yoshi7o7

I'd rather live where I can buy more house for my money, and not be scared of my state's economic stability.

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
shadow4son

[quote=tiesandbowties]california is nice. everyone seems gay though.[/quote]

most of the people are.
Cali is broke.

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
milkocha

Lol I live in Texas

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
yumtoast154

[quote=Adele]california is shallow
half the people who live there are brain dead who have "swag"[/quote]
So is the rest of America.

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
cashmoneyinfini

Californians are the biggest show offs of the world

Why did the football league pick spring field over L.A. in that Simpsons episode?

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
tiesandbowties

california is nice. everyone seems gay though.

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
CrucibIes

Bay Area Cali!

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
pluckyoureyes

Well aren't you a big man? Lived in both places and know everything there is to know about both of them.

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited
Dashin

Compare the prices and taxes.

Reply January 4, 2013 - edited