Would you leave Houston, Texas to move to the Bay Area or LA area? I have to decide soon, help!?

Answer 1

Yes, but i'm from CA so I dont know what it's like in Houston but from what I hear it's not that great or anything special, just average at best.

Both places are pretty expensive, but LA is cheaper. If you have the $$ then it's a great move, the quality of life is better here. There are also tons of things to see and do in Northern and Southern CA. You may have less disposable income b/c it's more expensive here, but you also have so many amentities and great locations close by so you don't have to travel far to go somewhere nice. You'll already be living in a place many people visit so you dont have to spend money to go travel. I live in San Diego and never leave during summer for a vacation b/c I feel like I am already on one every weekend when I hit up the beach, i would recommend SD more so than LA or the Bay Area ( i grew up in the Bay Area and its great but overrated; its also cold).

If you are coming from Texas and like the warmer weather then Southern CA probably a better fit for you. The Bay Area gets more rain and a lot colder in winter. Summers in the Bay Area can also be really cold near the water, especially in SF. Inland Valleys are a lot warmer though. Beaches in NorCal are too cold to swin in anytime of year while beaches in SoCal are nicer and the water is warm enough to swim in during the summer.

Answer 2

The cost of living in California is high. I'm not sure if you are interested in renting or purchasing a home, but you need to be aware of those costs as compared to what you're spending now. A basic 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom in either San Fran or LA between $800K - $1M, and of course there are much more expensive homes in both areas, but an average condo/house in an average neighborhood is quite steep.

California has strict auto emissions laws. Your car has to pass a what they call the "smog check" and if it does not pass, you must pay to repair your car and have it rechecked in a very short period of time, like 10 days I think. You must have your car "smogged" before you can sell it, register it, etc. The whole smog thing is a very pricey enterprise.

The cost to register your vehicle annually is extremely high. Auto insurance is also very costly in the Bay Area and LA, where car theft is quite prevalent.

Now for the good stuff: California is one of the most gorgeous places on Earth. From the Redwoods to the beaches to the Napa Valley and everywhere in between, it's quite stunning. San Francisco is gorgeous, hip, fun and exciting. There are lots of great places to work, live, eat, play, shop, etc.

From the Bay area you are close to the Napa Valley which is divine. It's not too far to drive from San Fran to Lake Tahoe so you can rent a cabin and play in snow or sun at the lake. There is so much to do you won't believe it.

The most important point for me: the average temperature in the Bay area is about 70 degrees. There is about zero % humidity, too! Coming from Texas you are not going to believe what cool days with relatively no humidity feel like: pure Heaven.

So if you can afford it, my vote is move to Northern California. I lived there for 10+ years.

Answer 3

It depends. I would love to live in either location, but the cost of living is very high. If money isnt a problem, then, yes, I would do it. Now, the other thing is the traffic. LA is BRUTAL! Of course traffic in Houston isnt exactly a walk in the park either. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Answer 4

I would leave Houston for anything. The traffic there sucks, it is way to hot, Cali would not be my first choice but it beats the heat and humidity in Houston. You could at least not sweat your face off there.

Answer 5

l. a. is gigantic and massive like Houston, yet with mountains and palm timber. l. a. is way better expensive than Houston, and the Bay area is way better expensive than l. a.! purely to practice you for sticker marvel.

Answer 6

Are you sick of all those blondes! Bay area's da shiznit! Rep yo city 209!!!!!