I was born and raised in Cali as were my parents, grandparents, each generations siblings and my great grandparents and back even one more generation...It is an incredible state in all aspects good and bad...I was raised with high values and good morals by my parents and grantparents and great grandparents at home...It is how we chose to live our lives generation after generation.
There are huge pockets of Cali that are rich in history and vibrant in life and wonderful to live in...and there are places not so great to live, just like every state in the union...
All the best in the move, I hope you find what you are looking for!