There seems to be a lot of California bashing going on lately. People say that businesses are saddled with too many regulations, that taxes are too high, and that homelessness is out of control in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Still, no place or state is perfect. And even with the few “negatives” that people come up with to criticize the Golden State, it remains a desirable place for real estate investors. Here are four reasons why California is still a great place for those looking for investment properties.

Great Weather

This may seem small to some, but never discount the sun’s ability to draw people. Many people are simply tired of having to brave cold temperatures and dig out of snow mounds in order to go about their daily lives. Vacationers will usually choose to vacation in a spot that is warm and sun-drenched, and renters understand that great weather can mean higher rents.

It might surprise some to learn that the inland cities of California receive the most sun, but there’s still plenty to go around for those living closer to or on the coast. In fact, California has the distinction of being one of the sunniest states in the country. Many parts of the state enjoy a Mediterranean climate, meaning it’s never too hot or too cold.

California’s Enduring Luster

Despite the occasional negative press that California gets, it still has that California shine that never seems to fade away. A lot of this may have to do with Hollywood’s portrayal of the state as the playground of the rich and famous. Regardless, the images of California palm trees, beaches, and blue waters have been cemented in people’s subconscious.

California also has been able to hold on to its reputation as a place that is tolerant of all types of people and lifestyles. And this is attractive to a wide range of people for obvious reasons. People visiting and moving to California from around the world are able to feel at home in such a place. It’s no wonder that California is statistically the most diverse state in the U.S.

Variety in the Real Estate Market

Another great thing about California is the sheer diversity when it comes to the type of real estate that’s available to an investor. And maybe this shouldn’t be surprising in a state where you have mountains, snow, deserts, and palm trees within reasonable driving distance. Any type of real estate investment you’re looking for can be found in California.

And the properties available run the gamut. An investor can find everything from single-family homes to multi-family dwellings to estates for sale if they can obtain the capital needed to invest in them. Beachfront properties, mountain chalets, high-rise condos, you name it, California has it. That’s one of the advantages of buying a property in a state that’s the size of a small country.

A Strong Economy

California has the largest economy of any state in the U.S. by far. Even Texas is a distant second when it comes to comparing the size of their economies. In fact, if California were a country, its gross domestic product would be the fifth-largest in the world. The largest sectors contributing to its economic strength are the financial, insurance, and real estate industries.

A strong economy means more jobs for people to be able to support themselves and their families. More jobs mean that more people have the means to pay for necessities like food, health care, and rent. A strong economy also gives families the ability to pay for nonessential things like trips and vacation rentals.

The news of California’s death is greatly exaggerated. Indeed, it’s one of the most desirable states in the country to live in. Some reasons to invest in real estate property in California include the great weather the state enjoys, California’s reputation as a place for everyone, the variety in its real estate market, and the strength of its economy. Although it has its critics, the Golden State is still hard to beat in a lot of key areas.