I lived there for decades. People want to live there because of the reputation it *had* and what the state holds on to for what it used to be, not for what it's *become*.
Financially, not all people want to rent, and flush their money down the toilet instead of owning and building some equity.
For the price to OWN property, I don't think it's worth it. To VISIT? Fine, I'll visit. But I'll come back home and enjoy less traffic, less trash, less bums, better roads, more space and more affordable living, and better opportunity for building self worth financially.
To each his own, I *kind of* get it, but unless it's San Diego...California lost its desirability for me a very long time ago.