I have been contemplating moving from the east coast to CA to escape this cold weather and allergies which always seem to go away in CA.
There are a few things which concern me- the major one being my family. I feel very attached to my sister and 6 month old nephew. The other concern is the cost as I don't pay rent right now and I am going back to school, ....that would mean out of state tuition, although I have a family member who is going to help out with the tuition costs.
I want a fresh start and warm weather but I am not sure if moving across the country is the right decision or not. I love California and have always dreamed of picking up and leaving. I am just not sure if this is best left a dream or to just say scr%w it and give it a go. I feel like if I am ever going to make the move- now is the time as I am single still. Any thoughts or advice from someone who has been in this situation or maybe made that move from the east coast to west?
2007-01-04 02:42:10 · 9 answers · asked by marienb 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
In specific I am thinking of moving from Northern NJ to San Diego- I think the cost of living is quite similiar. The area of NJ I live in is expensive because we have alot of NYC commuters.
2007-01-04 05:55:17 · update #1
To be more specific I am thinking of moving from Northern NJ to San Diego- I think the cost of living is quite similiar. The area of NJ I live in is expensive because we have alot of NYC commuters.
2007-01-04 05:55:41 · update #2
18 years ago my husband moved from NJ here to CA. He intended on just visiting but decided to stay (after college.) I met him 1 yr. later (I'm a CA native) & 17 yrs later we are happily married w/2 kids. He says he'll never go back, he's a surfer & loves the weather, but does miss his family. We go back about every other year to visit. Personally, I've grown up here but it is extremely crowded (everywhere, all the time) & also extremely expensive - so be prepared for that. I usually don't like to encourage people to move here, cuz of the crowds but if my husband hadn't come out.....so, go for it! You can always go back! Happy New Year!
2007-01-04 03:30:11 · answer #1 · answered by Forever 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am from CA and have done it both ways. Moved to RI six years ago from Santa Cruz and back to San Francisco from RI. We loved the East coast because of the seasons, the lack of traffic, the people, and the cost of living. However after a few years we decided we needed to be closer to our families. Upon our return I was reminded that the cost of living really is higher here and not just the cost of gas or electricity. It's every where. Groceries; a 1/2 Gal. carton of Tropicana OJ is on sale at Stop N' Shop for $1.99, regularly $2.99. Here in San Francisco it's regularly $3.99 and goes on sale for $2.99, Viva paper towels regularly cost $1.99 back East, here they're $2.99, etc., etc., etc. Now your a student so be prepared for some stiff rent, unless you live on campus in a dorm. We rented a two bedroom home on the coast in RI with around 1200-1400 square feet for $1100. Here a two bedroom apartment is a minimum of $1600, just to start.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to discourage you just relaying the reality of the cost of things out here right now. I paid $2.63 a gallon for Regular Unleaded yesterday as well. But we love being back here, I wouldn't trade it for the world. California truly is the Golden State. Good luck.
2007-01-04 11:00:37 · answer #2 · answered by Add Man 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
West coast sucks!!! Can't see the sky, never find a spot on a beach, and unless your a raving beauty, you'll feel out ot place!! It's crowded, and no easy way to get from point a to point b. How about one of the Carolinas or Fla?? Now also remember with your studies, your going to have to work full time in order to support yourself, plus, cook, clean, do laundry, drive yourself everywhere, pay utilities, car insurance,.........get the picture!?? Think long and hard a geographical cure is very seldom the answer!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-01-04 10:56:16 · answer #3 · answered by mamaexfour 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would look closely at the cost of living in California. Unless you are rich, you are not going to have the same lifestyle there as you do on the east coast. That's assuming you don't live in NYC of course, cost of living is pretty high there too.
2007-01-04 10:46:05 · answer #4 · answered by me__ME__me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know the feeling...I moved to Oregon 4 yrs. ago from Alabama,and left all my family behind. But after the first year of being out here it got ALOT better. West Coast is nice. You will enjoy it.
2007-01-04 11:17:51 · answer #5 · answered by April B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before making that "Leap Of Faith" make sure you research places where you can stay, the job market, fill out on line job applications, etc. Be prepared, California is no joke! Living here, you can be successful or may end up on skid row. Try www.caljobs.ca.gov. Good luck.
2007-01-04 11:03:19 · answer #6 · answered by Masceo 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am from the East coast, went out West in my twenties....hated it.
Our skies are clear, our water is relatively non-polluted, our people are friendly. Come on over!
You can always fly back home to visit!
2007-01-04 10:46:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll love Ca. The drugs are good and when you run low on cash you can get started in porn. Enjoy.
2007-01-04 18:48:30 · answer #8 · answered by seahorse 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I think you should go. A new experience and a new environment change will do you well.
2007-01-04 10:47:36 · answer #9 · answered by Sweetie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋