How To Leave Your California Residency Forever 

As an American who currently lives in Miami who has travelled a lot and lived in other countries. I have the same view that America has deteriorated dramatically post covid. You can have a much better life in Asia or parts of Europe. So many people are moving to Florida and I’m getting out and living abroad soon.

I just returned from South Dakota with my new SD driver’s license. I was a resident of San Francisco until I moved to Mexico City last year. This video was immensely helpful. I stayed at the same hotel and went to the same DMV to get my SD driver’s license. Thank you Forrest!

Life long (50+ years) resident of CA's capitol city, you are 1000% correct Forrest about the vibe here. CA used to be a great place during the 70s and 80s, but sometime during the 90s things changed and its been going downhill ever since. I wasn't aware of S. Dakota as a domicile option, definitely "off the radar" compared to FL and TX which are getting more & more attention, its something I will look into. My plan is to relocate to SE Asia eventually, retirement is still a few years away. Financially the numbers aren't quite where they need to be, but its getting close. I hope the excrement doesn't hit the rotating oscillator too soon.

Am also an immigrant and can 100 percent relate to this video of yours .. bailing out of California and can’t do it fast enough at this point. We’ve lived there since the 1960’s

Great move. I agree will all you say. Thanks for your honest thoughts. I moved from Illinois to Florida 3 years ago, and I have to say much better and significantly safer. The next stop is Thailand in November-till the next video.

I moved to Nevada 3 years ago, or as I put it - I escaped from behind enemy lines. Just not paying Kalifornia state income tax pays my rent for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath house with a 2 car garage, which is less that what I paid for STUDIO in Santa Rosa. I got my CCW immediately as well. I still work for the same company and have to go to a couple of our offices there once or twice a month and every trip is a reminder on how great it is to NOT live there any more. I'll be retiring to Thailand in a few years and can't wait!

Great move! I was in similar situation like you. Instead South Dakota, I bought a home in Florida in 2021 and sold my California home in the Bay Area in 2022. I quitted my tech career and moved to FL in 2022 as well. Since I have a home in FL, it was easy to break away from CA by filed a sworn Declaration of Florida domicile with the Clerk of the Courts and obtained Florida driver license. Year 2023 will be my first full year without paying California Franchise Tax, saving me more than 10% state tax. Btw, I did vote to recall Gavin Newsom in 2021. After he survived the recall, I had to plan my migration out of California. In a few years, my next adventure is to move to Puerto Rico for Act 60 to eliminate federal tax completely. "Go where you're treated best", quoted from Nomad Capitalist.

I moved to California in 1976, went to UC Berkeley, and worked and retired from UC Berkeley in 2011. I’ve seen the changes in California over the years. Living in CA over the years was good to me but I retired to Thailand in 2017. I didn’t have any complaints about CA. I just found Thailand and Bangkok to be a more interesting place to be. I get that people may not like what CA has become but be sure you really want to be in the place that you are going to. It is not all about money though the favorable exchange rate is nice whatever your income. Moving overseas is not for everyone. Don’t come here expecting it to be like the US only better and cheaper. Be willing and ready to adapt to a very different culture. I continued to maintain my ties to CA, including paying CA taxes, for my first 2 years in Thailand just in case things didn’t work out. I stopping paying CA taxes 3 or 4 years ago. The CA FTB lists the type of ties it considers as personal ties to the state of CA for tax purposes. I have no property in CA and plenty of evidence that I have been retired and living full time in Thailand for over 6 years. As a retiree I don’t feel a need to do as Forest did but if you are of working age it makes a certain amount of sense to consider the tax state you reside in whether you move overseas or not. As a Boomer I take the perspective that you should build a career and earn your American $$ and wait until retirement to move oversee. America is still the best place in the world to make money. However, I realize it is a very different work world than went I went to work in 1980. And I do feel a touch of envy at the young people exploring the world that I only saw on the occasional 2 week vacation. Good luck out there.

You are doing a very important public service,sir... THANK YOU

I fled the Bay Area to Houston in 2021. Thai husband loves the southern hospitality and hot summers, though this one is brutal. I agree with you completely about the direction CA is heading. Awful. I miss my people. I miss the landscapes. Nothing else.

Bay Area native here, Santa Clara to be exact and I have literally seen this state become worse than a third world country and it is absolutely appalling!! Back in the day, I would go to the City just about every weekend to enjoy everything it had to offer and it was a place you can be proud of. Today? You couldn't pay me to go there and it's a damn shame what was once a beautiful city has become, a total disaster riddled with crime, theft, drug abuse out in the open, homelessness, gargabe everywhere and yes, human feces to a point where they literally have an app to tell you where to avoid feces! There are no words to describe the horrific condition this city/state is in and unfortunatlely, it will continue to decline even more so if these radical, leftist lunatics are in power and people continue to vote them in!

I was born in China, since my childhood, the elders in my family have told me many stories about our family, from the Communist Party taking over our city in 1949 to the late 1970s. During this period, our family was scattered and struggled to survive under the rule of the Communist Party. They confiscated our assets, land, houses, and everything you can imagine. They labeled us as a "black five categories" family （landlords,rich farmers,counter-revolutionaries, bad elements, rightists) because we used to be wealthy. Some of our family members fled to Taiwan and Hong Kong, so we were considered "guilty" for having connections there. My grandfather was imprisoned twice during the Cultural Revolution, and they even placed him in a cowshed with animals, tortured him. But he remained strong and survived. In the mid-90s, we finally immigrated to the United States, Everything seemed wonderful… However, the reality now is far from the ideal place we had in our hearts. Seeing this great country deteriorate saddens me deeply. Two years ago, we decided to move to Thailand. Now, my family and I are living in Bangkok, cherishing every day here.

I totally agree with you Forrest. I too lived in Cali but would never go back. Now I live in Thailand and I love it! In my humble opinion, Thailand is how America (in general) used to be. Thai people grow up appreciating a good education and a good job. I wish America and California could be like Thailand is now. Keep up the great work here on your channel. Thanks

I visit California (Northern and Southern) alot with work. In the late 80's it was great. After that i noticed Cali was in decline. Crime, insane regulations for business etc. My friend has a Delivery Service with 10 Vans(gas powered and customized) and now Cali tells him he can only drive them 100 miles per week or replace with electric. He told them he normally drives each Van 150 miles per day. They said "too bad, sell your Vans and buy electric". He said "who is going to buy my customized Vans with these Regulations"? They said "thats your problem and try selling them out of State". He doesnt have the capital to replace with all electric and says he will most likely see his 15 year old business fail. I have nothing against electric but not everyone can afford to switch over, especially the Mom and Pop small delivery businesses. I think the plan is to get rid of the little guys so the big guys can thrive

Forrest. Thank you for this video. I am a New York State resident and will be moving to Thailand in a few months. One of the things that I've been researching is that when you do your US taxes you have to declare a state of residence.... even as an expat. I had thought of changing my residence to Florida, but South Dakota sounds perfect. I think I'm going to make a side trip to SD while visiting family before I head off to Thailand. Thanks again

Hi Forrest, I have been scratching my head on getting out of California and getting to no state tax state to maintain USA residency while living abroad. Your video solve my dilemma. The step by step guide really help immensely. I will retire next year and will be heading to SD before I fly out to Malaysia and Thailand to live. Thank you so very much for putting out this video. California has lost its charm with the crimes, drug and robbery everywhere. I am tired of the all the news I hear and seen all the crimes in action. I will take my money and get out and no longer have to pay for the missmanage state high tax and doing nothing to curb all these daily crimes. California now become the place known for it’s drugs , crimes and allowing these Idiots to roam free to cause havoc to us that lives here. Thank you so much Forrest!

Good intel there - Gobro where your treated best ! - The new modified 60’s song is now titled “California Leaving” ! I was living there in the late 70’s when it was a paradise and went back recently to visit and I will sum it up as parasitic. 🤮

Im still here and you are 💯

Awesome, thank you! I've been looking forward to this video. I was just watching news of a string of carjackings in Castro Valley moments ago. Stressed on purging 30 years of stuff, but ecstatic to finally be leaving San Francisco.

Got a coworker who moved all out of Cali to the east coast. Quality of life for him and his family have 100X

Personal income tax is even higher than the US but you do not get anything in return. Less than 6% of Thai pay personal income tax. My wife's uncle returns to Thailand after retirement, he has pension 1,500 USD/Month which is enough to live peacefully here.

I just saw where California has Renounced Forest Lee ! Wow!

Imagine moving to Thailand, keep your properties in California as a safety net/passive income and the state says give us 20% of the value of your property to help pay all these reparations back to the slaves we never had. 🤦🏻‍♂️ yikes that’s me 😮

I have been out of the U.S for 25+ years. When I go back to the U.S, I count the days to return back to Asia. Thank you for the South Dakota information. I will switch from Texas. Cheers Stay safe. I love Thailand. 🙃

Yup I feel you 💯. Moved out 2 years ago. I do miss California but all I need to do is take a look at the current affairs there and see what home prices are. NOPE, no thank you. It’s a great reminder why my wife and I left. We are in South Carolina now. I’m not in love with this place but at least we can buy a home if we so choose and our taxes have been cut more than half. Believe me South Carolina has its share of problems but nothing like the scale of California. At this point, California is it’s own little communist country.

Very good video and info Forrest! I know exactly what you are talking about because I’m a current Bay Area resident who is ready to escape. I always thought of TX, NY, and FL but never SD. But after watching your video and doing some research about domiciling options in other states, I have to admit you found a gem with SD. SD was on my radar for years in regards to setting up a business, they are one of the best options in the USA. Like you I will relocate internationally and I am beginning to see there is a very good and cheaper option than the more popular domicile targets. Thanks for the enlightenment!

I'm currently flying to SE Asia, halfway way over the Pacific Ocean right now. Its nice to have wifi on the flight. Been waiting for this video, I'm currently living in California. Have the same opinion about the state. Just a few more months to go and i will be doing the same thing. What do you plan to do if you are called for Jury Duty? I think you would renew your S.D. license every 5 years. The first time can probably be done online. At the 10 year mark you might need to be physically present. I will be avoiding $1700 a year in California state tax if I pull enough to fill the 12% tax bracket from my tax-deffered accounts (401k).

Just subscribed after watching your videos since March 2020. I watched this video when I was in Singapore last week after a direct flight from Newark NJ. I arrived at Bangkok yesterday and trying to setting in for the next 6 months in Bangkok to see if I want to retire in Thailand. My family situation is closely to yours. My parents (born in China), my sister & I emigrated from HK to the South Bronx, NY in December 1970. My parents owned a Chinese/Spanish restaurant in the South Bronx for 28 years until they retired. For me, I sold my retail business & now I'm here in Bangkok. Hope we can touch base in the near future. I can say I'm the old Grumpy Chinese uncle. By the way, I contacted Sophia after your last video with her but didn't get a response. In addition, realtors do not like to work with 6 months rental, min 1 year rental. I got mine thru Airbnb.

Bear in mind that in the view of Californja taxing authorities, the state in which you have your DL is the least important factor in deciding whether you are no longer a tax resident. Owning property, where your children attend school, your employment (if you provide services to a California company, you must pay California income tax), civic organizations you belong to.....it is not so simple.

Okay, you’ve motivated me and beyond!! Everything you said is 100% true, plus worse if your here longer!!! On my way to SD!! Thanks buddy!!

I left CA a few years ago. Best decision of my life. The taxes alone that I save each year pay for my rent and trip to Thailand each year. Beyond that though, it feels much better to live in a place that aligns with my values, where hard work, family and participating in the community is actually valued.

Has anyone in the comments who has done this ran into the jury duty problem? I called Dakota Post in Sioux Falls and they said once you get a South Dakota drivers license, you are responsible for Jury Duty. I googled it and some people say you just call in and say you aren't a resident but that defeats the purpose of going through all this. Wondered how some other ex-pats have avoided that problem. I get called all the time in California so I'm wondering if it's the same there or if they don't even bother sending to those with addresses at the mail forwarding places. Thanks Forrest for this great video.

Yo Fellow Cali Native living in Thailand. I left in 2011 and Have never been back!! Screw the Politics, Gangs, Drugs, and Homelessness. Inmates running that whole Asylum.

Yeah, more taxing is OK if we get good health care system like in Norway, Finland. Here, more tax, but we still end up paying crazy for health care or higher education.

I was born in Bangkok and immigrated to Southern California when I was 2. Now I'm 49. I know now in 2023 it's crazy expensive to live here and also in certain parts there are problems. No Cal where Forrest is from has a lot of them. I grew up here and my friends and family are here. But, I like being here even though it gets really hard sometimes, so I can't see myself doing something as drastic as Forrest. I realize he wasn't happy here, so he needs to do what's best for him.

Forrest, as a mid-30s, Asian-American from California myself, you are living my future dream. However, once I have enough money to live off of dividends, I don't know how to MOVE TO and STAY in Thailand...so, I'm kindly asking: how are you staying in Thailand for extended periods of time? Do you have a work visa / work for a Thai company? Love your content dude. Thank you for helping me out with the Thailand content.

If you voted democrat and put Newsom and Pelosi into office, you can’t complain. This is what you voted for.

Great video. Your wrap up at the end (the last 3 min) was terrific for life in general. (Bless your Dad too.)🙏🏼 Thanks for being you Forrest and telling it like you see it. Peace in man. ✌🏼

I could not agree with this video more. Thank god you got out before the REAL lunacy begins. I’m also in the process of leaving a less-than-desirable state.

I’m glad you spoke on the bad liberal leftist socialist politics of California instead of glossing over it. Great to leave California but if people take their same bs politics with them to the next state they will ruin the next place too.

I also grew up in CA and used to believe that it is the best place to lived in the world. No way I would ever be a CA resident again..unless some business miracle come up. It's a nice place for rich people, minimum wage workers, working under the table paying 0 tax, welfare recipients, illegal immigrations, druggies, criminals, thieves, etc.. I know a lot of middle class Asians cannot leave due to family ties, community bond or comfort zone, well then.. my advice is stay there and continue to get bullied by those in power - one party system.. very align to the one in China

Hey buddy, I saw and commented on your other video about your trip. My step father who raised me was born in SF. His aunt owned an embrodery shop that made the Hells Angels patches. She lived in a shit area in the 70s in SF. An area that would scare the shit out of me. If california was on the east coast it would be at least 5 states. ITs huge and because of that it has a lot of different areas. All the areas in california that suck now, sucked in the 70s there's just more people now. Yes, there are homeless. More in concentrations in the big cities than other areas. In SF, lots. In LA, lots. What rich people like about southern california and in other places, poor people love it too and thats the climate. (SF has shit weather compared to my 278 days of sunshine) Its literally a safe 20 minute bike ride to the beach for me contrary to the feel of the violent video you shared) There's a saying, "if you want trouble you will find it". Next time you come to cali, stay in Huntington beach. You will still complain because it will cost you, but you won't be complaining about crime and lawlessness. I see you shared the "Tracktours" video then mentioned crime is running rampent. Your next cut to be fair should be in front of Nana Plaza. If you aren't real, its a political propaganda video. On Tax liabilities, I can agree with you but as far as California being a shithole, thats bs. Its a shithole if you can't afford it because then you are living in crappy places. Same shitty areas are in thailand, its just much more affordable to live in better areas. Make a video about the Gas tax, I'll be high fiving you all the way to the airport. What I'll never agree with is moving from California because California is a bad option. If money wasn't the reason to leave California you would just move to Laguna beach, or any number of amazing beach communities. Even my City which has an amazing amount of asian food choices minutes from your front door is a great place. The only negative is Cost. Thats it. You could have had a hour flight from the bay area and been fine with no rainy season. No Nana, No visa runs, none of the negative thailand has. (I've never once had a problem, because I've never stayed more than a month) You and I shit talk California on the Tax thing but when you look at all things considered for the average man, comparing Cali to Texas for example, at the end of the month, californians have more money in the bank. Its a fact. Check out Nicholas Powers "the spread sheet". Its an excell sheet that has every metric you could dream of and it puts california as a winner against a lot of red states that people are moving from california to. It would be cool to see him compare BKK to the US states. South Dakoda is a great option. There are agencies that will recieve and open your mail for you or forward it to you. I have friends that use them. You will never have to worry about blue state people moving there because it sucks there. Very small population there, its not ever changing. We all have opinions. While my love for Thailand and BKK mostly aligns with you, the hyperbole in your comments about "California" I think is un needed. Clearly, its cheaper in thailand. If you live within a few miles of the beach in southern california and don't want readily available bar girls, thats really the only thing that sucks about my california. Easier to mountain baike, road cycle, snow board, surf, ride a street motorcycle and anything that requires it to be rain free. Man I wish I would have saved more money in my younger years.... Still working on keeping the house here and the house in Chiangmai. The dream would be Thailand Nov.-June and Southern California June-Nov. If I don't make it happen its Renting the house out here, and moving 100% to Chiangmai as a home base and doing lots of trips in the region.

A half hearted effort on the topic at hand, basically this was a rant against the state of california and steps to establish south dakota residency, there 's a lot more to severing that CA connection you need to document than that

Thank You for making this video. I just moved to Arizona from California a few years ago. I grew up in California from 1949 to 2016. And it "Was" a great State to live in but not anymore. Really like your video's on Thailand - plan on visiting this "Dry Season". I'm Thinking/Looking to move out of the USA. Looking at Mexico/Costa Rica that I've been to many times. My Niece has been to Thailand 4/5 times visiting her Cousin who has worked in Bangkok since 2004.She is very impressed with how clean , safe and easy it is to get around there. Again thank You for all your good and helpful information.

Great information. I am a Chinese American from San Francisco living in pattaya for 18 years. I agree with everything your saying.

Just a reminder that FB is an international media, not an American one. So a great number of your viewers are not American, and couldn’t care less about American politics. People subscribed to your channel to hear about Thailand in general, and Bangkok in particular. Please keep to that if you want to keep your subscribers. Good if this video helped a small number of US subscribers, but I hope that is it with political US ranting. Most of us subscribers don’t give a sh*t about US polítics and your political leanings. We are here to hear you do what you have done best: talk to us about Bangkok and Thailand. Otherwise there is no reason for so many viewers to stay with you. Looking forward to future relevant Bangkok videos on your part. ✌️

Thank you! The CA legislature is right now contemplating passing a bill that you are responsible to CA for 10 years post moving away. You're right "Action, Action, Action" Have a business in CA and it has become insane.

Failafornia. I used to envy those from Cali, now I’m thankful to be from New England.

I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for putting it out there. Taxing the middle class to death! The policy makers are encouraging people to commit crimes.

i live in California and been thinking of moving to Thailand too. I need to hook up with the right people to make this happen. California taxes is sucking me dry.

I use to live in SD & have relatives there. Lovely people but don’t tell them you’re from California. Some locals are getting pissed off with “out of staters” moving in making the real estate prices go up. I realize you do not have a home there so no worries.

Forrest Great topic as we doing that exact process you just did. Living and doing business in California it has become a heavy burden on us. We are actually on our way out to Philippines/ Thailand as we will split our time between the two countries. My hat goes out to you. Keep up the great work. Happy Travels !!! E

I live in Concord, California, and I can't get out of here fast enough two more years, and it's Thailand for me.

And, many thousands of people will uproot themselves from other places to pursue their California Dream. Yes, People are leaving CA but others are coming in.

It would have been interesting to see a video on why you had to or think you had to do this. I am a USN veteran from Michigan and I have never had any problems at all with living in South Korea and Thailand since 2005 and not owing Michigan tax after the last year I physically lived there even though I still am registered to vote there. Michigan has physical presence/domicile tax residency rules. IRS fully accepts my address in Thailand. In fact, IRS doesn't care what address you use other than which of their regional offices they want you to file a physical tax form with and your eligibility for the foreign tax exclusion. Note: If any American has American passported children it may be beneficial to file US taxes and not use the foreign tax exclusion (if you aren't making a lot of reportable income) as you can actually get refundable tax credits for your children and have the US government send you checks.

Great info Forrest. Thanks for sharing.

Banks, Insurance and the IRS do not accept private mailboxes as legal addresses.

Yeah, I left San Diego 2021 during the end of the Pandemic, after they started burning buildings, Looting stores, burning Police Cars, and Legalizing Theft up to $950 I was out, I moved to Saipan Island, (No Federal Tax) only State Tax. (So my Tax people have told me) I am coming to Thailand next month 😁

You can also do a revocation of electrician with the IRS & pay 0 federal taxes. I left CA for Idaho. I also revoked my CA drivers license online & voter registration.

I'm in SF. It's unbelievable. I'm too g to retire in Thailand and SE Asia. Thanks for the video.

I have a similar California story, and I found the hard part was getting California to “let go” and recognize your change of (tax) status. If you have any connection or evidence of resident pattern, such as investments, professional service providers (lawyer, accountant, investment advisor) Ca. can deny your assertion. You didn’t mention this, so can you comment please?

In reality you wouldn't live in South Dakota more than 24hrs even if you come back to the States full time.. This is more about location arbitrage to get to pay the lowest income tax possible while still maintaining your American Citizenship while living abroad. The guise of putting your political spin on why you domiciled in SD is not needed as your real reason whether you think California is getting worse or not is just location arbitrage for financial gain... that's it... nothing to do with right wing or left wing politics.

Good job Forest for taking action. I always thought you were free from Commiefornia but now I know. I personally live in NV which is slowly becoming CA. I may have to do the same in the future.

1. Did your US bank have any issues with a PMB address? 2. At the DMV, did they test each eye individually or both as a whole? 3. Vagabond Awake interviewed a guy that said, after changing domicile, you should still file 3 years of non-resident tax returns in California. Do you recommend that? TIA

thank you for your thoughtful analytic perspective on my home state. i accepted a high tech job in a utility company in the san francisco bay area in in 1985. at that time, if 5 people were laid off, the story was a front page headline in the san francisco chronicle newspaper business section. in 2010 after some national mergers, management took aim at california employees and removed every job from the state and sent the work mostly to india. the san ramon corporate headquaters, a massive bldg with 4 X wings 1/4 mile long brim full of employees in its heyday is now empty. interesting while that evacuation of employment was occurring, i did not see ONE story iabout this in the newspaper. in fact, the san ramon newspaper had an achievement award for the most productive businessman. the winner was, you guessed it, an indian immigrant who was offshoring those jobs. yes, indeed. the times have changed.

My wife and I have been spending Winter is Thailand since we retired in 2008 Our virst visit to Thailand was in 1987. We totally get your frustration with the situation in America, with Calfornia being one of the worst. Luckily for us, we moved out of a fairly large West Coast city that is as ugly as they get 18 years ago, and so happy we did. We also moved to a low tax burden state, so living half and half between Thailand and the USA is working for us. My questionis how do you deal with visa's. Did you spring for an Elite Visa or are you on a Multiple entry tourist visa (you appear too young for a retirement visa) and playing the extension/border crossing/flying game? The Visa issue, from my long term perspective of someone whose first visit to Thailand was 1987, is the most difficult part of full time residency in the land of smiles. Thai requirements for their retirement visa are driving some expats out of the country. Many embasies will not provide the 'proof of income' documentation that is now required and to some it appears as though they are purposely making it difficult to stay in Thailand. We have hopes that someone will see that making it difficult to stay long term, supporting the Thai economy is not a good thing.

I 100% get you growing up in OC things have changed a lot the last time I was there.

Hello Forrest, I am currently in the process of finishing my working life here in Northern California and Thailand is seriously on my radar. Q1) Have you encountered ANY static at all from The Franchise Tax Board of California by your changing your domicile to South Dakota? Q2) Can you recommend a town for a retired expat that is looking for a "soft landing" spot to get acclimated with the new environment? I would like to add that my immediate needs would be several different types of nearby budget restaurants that offer a variety of different cusines. I want to feed my face without a lot of hassle. I also don't want to be up north where the burning season is worst. Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

I was also born ('62) and raised in CA, left in '97 - people started leaving in the '90s over taxes and regulations, it's just gotten worse since then.

I'm glad to hear you to explicitly express your view point. Fortunately US is large and there are places to escape into.

Got a family member, complains like no other about CA, but wont leave. Says, "There is nowhere to go..."

@ForrestLee - Good for you taking the action you did! Please let us all know how everything works out longer term. I know of a guy who did a similar conversion to a TX residence, and still had some issues with his investment firms due to his not having a TX based phone number or permanent address (can't remember which or perhaps it was both).

this info is so GOLDEN on the "how to do" process. I appreciate videos like this and hope you can dive in more with other expat tax stuff if we make money overseas while living in Thailand.

Thanks for this Forrest!!

Hi, this is the first time I’ve seen your channel. I live in Los Angeles and plan to fly to Phoenix in a couple of days. I’m going to the Mexican consulate to try to get my temporary visa, so that I can retire to La Paz Mexico in Baja next year. I am looking into doing exactly what you did but in Nevada. My mother and daughter live there and it’s easy to get to. Any reason why you picked S. Dakota over Nevada?

Thank you bro, this is one of the most useful pieces of information you share so far.

Hey Forrest , thanks for your video about your change in state residency to South Dakota. FYI, you don’t need to use all the profanity to impress people

Great information! Thank You! I also appreciate your perspective, and your story! Cheers, from a former Bay Area resident, and prospective US expat/Thai resident. 😊🙏

Hey Forest, great presentation with the current Calif situation and exit process! I'm so glad I left SoCal yrs ago, but sad to see it being ruined and badly managed by the people in power. Even in the early 2000s it was still a beautiful sunshine state, but nowadays you dont hear people call it such anymore... Hope folks friends family are able to adapt, better yet just pack up and move to other less blue states before it gets worse.

Wow, you are spot on! I am 47 years old, Born and raised 14 miles south of SF. I cannot wait to leave Cali. I plan on retiring to Thailand in about 2 years. This video is extremely helpful to me.

I love how straight forward you are. South Dakota is a good choice for you not living in the country, but a bad choice for someone who needs work. South Dakota does not have many jobs and the pay is very low. Just go to Rapid City. You'll see the pot holes in the streets. They don't have much money.

The last minute advice is the best. I agree and do the same.

I am planning to leave this state soon. Great video.

Man you are awesome. Love your videos. Thanks for sharing this and about your family.

Great video! I hope more people take action and follow your advice!

Had friends that moved out of Florida. Florida has become very racist towards non-white people (they are half Caucasian and half Asia). Sad situation in all states lately...

Hi Forest I totally agree with you I live in the San Mateo County area..I've going to Thailand for the past 15 years..2- 3 times a year . also over the years I've traveled to Colombia Brazil..Mexico Philippines Vietnam Europe.. I Retired a few years with the Fed Gov.. and also served as a Army Airborne MP.. .... Definitely been wanting to get out of California for many years ..anybody with common sense could see this coming... not only that it's so expensive to live and retire here.. now I can stay in Thailand longer ! thank you for the current Information ! I try to stay out of Oakland and San Francisco as much as possible it literally feels like you're entering a dangerous country....Take care God Bless and I will be back soon !🙏

Fantastic Information and a really good video. This video really touched home

Well said....I left too and only miss the weather and food....

Great Video! luckly I already from a state I don't have to worry about. Good info and very informative!

Thank you for this. I am thinking of leaving Cali. Hoping to retire to Thailand and have been following you and some others. This is very useful info . Thank you much🙏🏼

Did you have to turn over your California DL card at the South Dakota DMV, or did they just hole punch the expiration date on the CA DL?

Instead of ‘moving to South Dakota’, change you DL and create an address there to proof to CA that you have left the state, can’t you use your address, bank statement and utility bills in Thailand for the proof?

Thanks! I’m not planning on moving just yet but I’ll definitely keep it in mind when the time comes.

Forrest, I’m 10 years older than you and thinking of retiring in 3 years to Thailand. Also Californian. Want to renounce CA residency (thinking Nevada). But I heard CA tax board is catching on and making it harder to do what you did. Supposedly if I still own property in CA (turn my house into a rental), have a bank account at a CA bank, it won’t be enough to do what you did. Nevada also wants proof that you’re “socially” a part of NV by proving proof of a Nevada personal doctor and joining social clubs in the state. If anyone knows, am I then forced to sell my home if I’m gonna make this work? Or are there loopholes?

Some great information, thanks Forrest!!​

I dont know why I keep coming back to this video, maybe its greif and sorrow. I have never lived in CA but have visited many many times over several decades and have made friends with lots of folks from that state. I never viewed CA as something seperate from 'America' and never thought of CA residents not part of. Coming from the east coast everybody thought CA was where the cool kids were, surfing, skating, snowboarding, and hollywood. But now my views have drasticaly changed in recent years, I know longer think CA as cool or leading edge, nor do I think the states leadership wants to be 'part of' these United States. We may not like each other or believe the same things, and yes we all believe thats ok, its America your free to choose your own adventure. When the policies start turn on the residents and overall well being the state, which is aperant, then well... I dont know what to say, because I know longer feel sorry for the residents, remember 'THEY VOTED FOR THIS' it didn't just happne to them or the state. San Fran & Bay-area one the pretiest cities in America couple with its cool counter culture vibe has unfortunately become some sort of dystopian night mare. I just cant figure the WHY, I dont understand the WHY? Where does this total disregard and hate come from?

yup i agree what you have to say

Thank you for this 💫

Hey Forrest. Just happen to see one of your videos of you going back to CA a few days ago and watched the one reuniting with your sister. Just curious of what your friends and family think because they do still live in CA.