KD, care to post an update of your current short list of locations you've narrowed it down to?
As you know, I've also had a move on my radar for a few years, but am likely 5-10 yrs behind you due to family and work logistics.
My own short list based on my own travels across 40 of our 50 US states as well as 15 countries OUS and feedback from others: North Carolina, Utah, Flagstaff, AZ, with longer term plans for possibly out of country (including Japan, Malaysia, Panama, Turkey).
I don't know if you've been following the current real estate market and predictions, but all indications I've seen analysis on the past 6 mo seem to point to a market self correction by sometime in 2023. Nobody can predict these things for sure, but if you're planning on cashing out on the current upswing when you move, the next year may be a good time. If it were me though, if you can afford it, I would hold onto your CA property and rent it out for a few years after you relocate. That could supplement your new location expenses and also provide a tax deduction. Whether you plan to stay here or not, CA property values should still hold value for the long term.
