California has long been a land of contradictions—sunny beaches and Silicon Valley riches on the one hand, sky-high housing costs and homelessness on the other. Now, a new poll has laid bare just how sharply divided Americans are in their feelings toward the Golden State, revealing a love-hate relationship that’s as complicated as California itself.
According to a survey conducted among 1,000 American adults by Clever Real Estate and reported by both the Pasadena Star-News and the Southern California News Group, California is both the dream destination and the place to avoid. The poll, published on September 19 and 20, 2025, asked respondents to rank all 50 states on a range of desirable and undesirable traits. The results? They’re as mixed as a Hollywood plot twist.
When it comes to desirability, California soared to the No. 2 spot, just behind Florida. Hawaii, Texas, and New York rounded out the top five. Each of these states boasts a big economy or a reputation as a vacation paradise—or both. As the Pasadena Star-News noted, "California ranked No. 2, behind Florida. Then came Hawaii, Texas, and New York. Each have big economies and/or great vacation spots."
But flip the question, and the story changes dramatically. When asked which state was the least desirable, California jumped to the very top—No. 1—beating out Alabama, New York, Alaska, and Florida. The lowest scores for least desirable went to North Carolina, New Hampshire, and Montana, suggesting that smaller, quieter states are less likely to stir up strong negative feelings. As Southern California News Group columnist Jonathan Lansner put it, "conflicted feelings for California" were evident in the results.
What’s behind this split personality? For starters, California is a place of extremes. It’s home to the world’s fourth-largest economy—though that drops to 11th-largest when purchasing power is factored in—and it enjoys famously ideal weather. The state’s natural beauty is legendary, from the redwood forests to the sun-kissed Pacific coastline.
Yet, the Golden State also struggles with some of the country’s most pressing social and economic problems. It holds the dubious distinction of having both the highest poverty rate and the highest unemployment rate in the nation. The state is notorious for persistent homelessness, rising crime, and a series of poorly managed natural disasters, including the infamous Palisades Fire. These issues have not gone unnoticed by poll respondents, many of whom cited them as reasons to steer clear of California.
Affordability is another area where California’s reputation takes a hit. The poll found that California ranked No. 3 as a place to relocate if money were no object—trailing only Hawaii and Florida. But for those on a tighter budget, the state’s appeal plummeted: California ranked 42nd out of 50 for financially struggling individuals looking to move. The best bargains, according to respondents, were Alabama, Arkansas, and West Virginia, while the worst were Massachusetts, Hawaii, and New Jersey. As the Southern California News Group explained, "if you’re financially struggling, a move to California ranked 42nd best. Can’t argue with that, considering the Golden State’s lofty cost of living."
Despite the high cost of living, California continues to attract newcomers, especially those seeking opportunities in high tech or the entertainment industry. The state’s allure remains strong for talented Americans and immigrants hoping to make it big in Silicon Valley or Hollywood. But at the same time, California has been losing residents to other states, driven away by high taxes, heavy regulations, and unaffordable housing. This out-migration has become a political flashpoint, with critics pointing to it as evidence of the state’s deeper problems.
Interestingly, the poll also explored some less conventional categories. When asked about the "most underrated" states, California landed near the bottom at No. 43. Small-population states like Vermont, Wyoming, and Maine scored highest in this category, perhaps reflecting a national fondness for under-the-radar locales. On the flip side, states like Mississippi, New York, and Louisiana fared worst.
As for the "most boring" states—a label that could mean anything from peaceful to dull—California was squarely in the middle at No. 29. The top spots for boredom went to Iowa, Idaho, and Wyoming, while Hawaii, North Carolina, and Massachusetts were deemed least boring. But when it came to quirky residents, California took the crown. The state was ranked No. 1 for having the quirkiest people, ahead of Alaska, New York, Utah, and Oregon. The least quirky? North Carolina, South Carolina, and Maryland.
These extreme rankings weren’t limited to California alone. Six of California’s rankings fell within the top or bottom 10 among the seven questions asked, tying North Carolina for the most extreme grades. Other states with five extreme rankings included Florida, New York, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and North Dakota. Looking at the volatility of these rankings—using a "standard deviation" statistic—only New York, North Carolina, and Mississippi had more unpredictable results than California.
All these numbers paint a picture of a state that inspires both admiration and aversion, sometimes in equal measure. As the Pasadena Star-News observed, "The contradictory way in which California is viewed could affect Americans’ views of likely presidential candidate Gavin Newsom, who has achieved little as governor but boasts that his state is superior to Republican-run states." The state’s image, for better or worse, is likely to play a role in national politics, especially as debates over the cost of living, homelessness, and economic opportunity continue to rage.
The poll also highlights a broader truth about how Americans see themselves and each other. States like California, New York, and Florida evoke strong opinions—positive and negative—while quieter states often slip under the radar. It’s a reminder that regional stereotypes, personal experiences, and media narratives all play a role in shaping public perception.
At the end of the day, California remains a place of dreams and disappointments—a state that’s as likely to inspire a cross-country move as it is to send someone packing for greener (and cheaper) pastures. Whether it’s the beaches, the tech jobs, the movie magic, or the relentless challenges, one thing’s for sure: nobody feels neutral about California.
