Returning to the Golden State: Why Jayne Ashton Moved Back to California after Only Three Months in Arizona

California Native Jayne Ashton Leaves Arizona After Three Months, Returns Home

Jayne Ashton, a 63-year-old retired police dispatcher, made headlines when she decided to leave her home state of California and move to Arizona in 2017. Ashton, a conservative, cited political reasons as her motivation for the move, wanting to escape the liberal politics of California. However, her time in Arizona was short-lived, as she quickly realized that there’s no place like home.

Ashton’s decision to move was influenced by concerns about the direction California was heading in terms of politics and crime. She also mentioned the increase in high-density housing and traffic as factors that contributed to her decision. With a family member living in Benson, Arizona, Ashton saw an opportunity to relocate and be closer to her loved ones.

Despite initially feeling the need to join what seemed like a mass exodus from California, Ashton soon realized that Arizona was not the right fit for her. Benson, Arizona, where she moved to, was described as being in the middle of nowhere, with limited options for amenities and food choices that reflected her vegetarian lifestyle.

Politically, Ashton found some like-minded individuals in Arizona but felt that politics consumed the everyday lives of the people she encountered. She also faced negative comments and attitudes towards Californians, leading to a sense of isolation. Additionally, Ashton missed her church and felt unhappy during her brief stint in Arizona.

After only three months, Ashton made the decision to return home to California, buying a house in Riverside County. She later moved to Tehachapi, a place she had long desired to live in. Describing Tehachapi as a hidden gem and a conservative stronghold in Southern California, Ashton expressed her love for the state and its diverse topography.

Despite California’s reputation for being liberal, Ashton emphasized that there is more to the state than its big cities. She highlighted the beauty and diverse landscapes of California, along with the sense of community she found in places like Tehachapi. Ultimately, Ashton declared that she never wants to leave California again, solidifying her belief that there is no place like home.