Setting the scene: I am currently living in (expensive) Southern California making a decent salary (~$45,000/yr) and I am 23 years old, still living with my parents saving to buy a home. My original plan was to save enough for a down payment to buy a house or condo in SoCal.

I have several friends (pretty much family) moving to Michigan in the coming years. One of them is retiring in 4 years, 2 of them already moved, and 4 more are moving in the next few years. I started researching the cost of living in Michigan and it is considerably cheaper than Southern California. I never wanted to move out of state because I didn't know anyone but this is the perfect opportunity to move out of state and try something new.

I am about 75% certain this is something that I want to try. I want give myself a 1 year trial period to live there to see all the seasons and how the winter is before I decide if I want to stay or leave. However I am hesitant to leave my permanent salaried position so that I can explore another state. I have been told the job market is very good in Michigan and that my friends know plenty of people who can help find a job.

Anyone have any similar experience or advice?

tl;dr: I live with my parents in SoCal with a stable job and I want to move to Michigan with friends. Is this a good idea.