California has the beach and the waves, but lacks the jobs or stability that young people crave.
Ten states, excluding California, have been deemed the best places for youth ages 18 to 24 to thrive and prosper, according to an analysis conducted by Moneyrates.com.
At the top of the list are North Dakota and South Dakota, and rounding out the top ten are Alaska, Utah and New Hampshire. The list of states was generated by consideration of economic and lifestyle factors, including availability of jobs, cost of a college education, cost of housing, youthfulness of the state and nightlife.
North Dakota is at the top of the list because of its booming economy and variety in lifestyle factors, including clubs, gyms and availability of retail stores that appeal to youth, according to the ranking.
Other states on the list include Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, Delaware, Vermont and New Hampshire.
According to Moneyrates.com, youth cannot succeed in California because jobs do not exist and space is limited in the golden state. Instead, students and soon-to-be graduates should look towards other states, such as North Dakota, South Dakota or even Alaska to find jobs.
Cal State Long Beach English professor Carla Nysson said she was shocked by the list. Nysson said she believes that California is a good place, but the high cost of living and lack of jobs is what, in her eyes, leaves California out of the running.
Nysson said this list will have an impact on young people and she understands why many of these states made the list.
In states such as Alaska, “you get a job and make a lot of money in short period of time,” Nysson said.
On the other hand, Danielle Carr, a sophomore psychology major, said California should be added to the list because it is diverse and “allows youth to meet people from all over.”
“Also, California is a liberal state that offers young people more opportunities and resources,” she said. “I think I would study out of the state once in my life, but my family is here in California, so I would want to be with them.”
John Jimenez, a junior criminal justice major, said he does not agree with California being left out of the list.
“No, I wouldn’t leave California,” Jimenez said. “I was born and raised here, and I want to earn and get my degrees here.”