- Jackie Burse moved from Orange County, California, to San Antonio, Texas, in 2021.
- She said that California's high living costs and political homogeneity made it difficult to stay.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jackie Burse, 58, who left Orange County for San Antonio in 2021. It has been edited for length and clarity.
My name is Jackie Burse and I am 58 years old. I'm a divorced mother of two children and I work as a compliance officer for a real-estate brokerage.
I was born and raised in California. I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley, which is between the Inland Empire and Los Angeles. When my children were born, my husband and I moved to Ontario and lived there for about 20 years. After our kids were raised, we relocated to Orange County.
I never thought I would leave California, but it doesn't feel like the Golden State anymore.
In the past, residents could earn a good living and comfortably support their families. However, there are now exorbitant taxes and people don't feel safe in their own towns. Everybody I talk to in California has that same kind of feeling, like they're on edge.
That's because crime and homelessness have become horrendous in the state. Every day in the news, there's constant crime being reported, and when you're walking around town, you see a lot of homelessness. It's become a part of daily life there.
I'm a conservative and I feel like it's difficult to have any opinions in California other than liberal, especially when you're living in the cities. I've definitely been blasted on social media for my opinions. It makes you feel intimidated and like you're living in a hostile environment.
In 2021, I made the move to Texas and am currently living in San Antonio. I chose the area because it's more affordable to live here as a single woman. I also love that Texans still have pride in their state and that there is room for people to believe what they want without being shamed.
Living as a single person in California is difficult
In 2019, my marriage ended after 30 years. In the divorce, I was awarded a certain amount of income from my ex-husband. With how expensive California is, I realized I'd be a fool if I didn't move somewhere I could maximize my money.
I wanted to live in a state that had a low cost of living, as well as no state income taxes. I thought Texas was the right fit as the area wasn't completely foreign to me. I already had two sisters and three nieces who had relocated from California to San Antonio, so I had been visiting the state for years.
As of 2023, I've lived in San Antonio for a year and a half. It was difficult going through a divorce and taking the leap of faith to move 1,300 miles away, but I'm really proud of myself for relocating to Texas.
My money goes further in Texas
Being able to afford life as a single woman is huge to me. I wouldn't say that I've saved a lot on finances, but my money definitely goes further in Texas. I feel like I have what I need to get by without stressing.
When I lived in Orange County, I had a one-bedroom apartment that I rented for about $1,900 a month. In San Antonio, I rent a cute little three-bedroom, two-bathroom house that I pay $1,600 for each month.
Gas and groceries are also more affordable in Texas. In July, I drove back to California to visit my grandkids, and when I went to the grocery store I noticed that some of the items I normally buy in San Antonio were $1 to $1.50 more expensive. Gas in California is also more than $5 per gallon, which is a lot of money.
There's a lot to do in Texas, especially in San Antonio.
I live 10 minutes from downtown San Antonio, which is home to The River Walk. On the weekends, I'll find a fun restaurant or bar, do a little day drinking and meet somebody new. I've made a lot of friends in the area and I feel like I have a really good life here.
I feel more comfortable to voice my opinions in Texas
I go back to California about four times a year to see my family, but I don't miss living there at all.
I am a person of faith, and I believe I should have the freedom to openly express my religious beliefs without fear. In Texas, you can think and feel how you please and people respect that — that's not the case in California anymore.
I didn't move to Texas because of abortion laws or anything like that, I'm more concerned about parental rights and the government overstepping boundaries. It's a big issue for Californians right now.
This week, a judge blocked a mandate made by the school district that my children grew up in — The Chino Unified Valley School District — that required staff to notify parents if their child chose to identify as a pronoun other than the one they were born with.
I believe that parents have the right to raise their children, not the state. We should have the freedom to speak our opinions or live our lives the way we want, whether we're Republican or Democrat. I think this is a value that Texans also hold dear.
For now, I don't have any plans to leave Texas any time soon. I've found a great church, made many friends, and feel safe here. I'm really happy to be living in San Antonio and would make the move all over again.