My son (38, has been driving since he was 21) drives a gas tanker and makes good money with the overtime (six figures) out of west Sacramento. His problem is the hour commute from Grass Valley, but he loves where he lives and doesn't mind the commute. Wages and cost of living will generally track, but there are places where certain jobs will allow a better life than other places. You already know that truck drivers can find work anywhere. We are in Fresno and crime is up along with homelessness, but we're semi isolated from a lot of it where we live. Our modest house (1,450 sq ft) on a large lot (10,500 sq ft) will be worth around $400k when I finish with the second garage (400 sq ft and 450 sq ft garages). There are still affordable places here. I have friends who have moved to Tennessee from here and love it.
Here again, as a truck driver you can go anywhere.
