Basically, here's the jist: contingent on a job I'm currently pursuing, there is a distinct possibility that I might be relocating in the next few months. And relocating to the other side of the country. One, it's a really good job and two, if I'm ever going to do it now would be the time as I'm relatively unattached to Florida save for my job- I'm M2M on my lease at the moment so it wouldn't require that much notice.
The only problem is this: everyone I know personally who lives in Cali lives in L.A. and I know absolutely nothing about San Diego other than a bunch of stats, some basic info and a map of rental quotes that don't mean anything to me if I can't figure out where to move and where not to; I basically need to know the neighborhoods where to go apartment-hunting at about what's midrange for the rental market, the things to look for (and look out for), quality haunts, et cetera. I know that in particular that the Zims know the city, but I'm really curious to hear from anyone about how liveable or unliveable it is before I make a long-term decision.
(edited by JoshMann on 3.10.07 0316) 2006 Time Man Of The Year
I haven't lived there for two years - so I can't really tell you where to go or what to do. I would recommend that you look at Craigslist and see where the crazy people are renting out rooms. Then look for a neighborhood near there.
The housing market has really been shaken up down there - it might almost be affordable now You can be very picky if you are looking to purchase.
Hey, there may be some property available up on Soledad Mountain Road at quite a bargain. Could be the time to act!
Why would you *not* want to live in San Diego?? The $$$ for housing is a big consideration, & the rush hour commute can be pretty awful -- although that depends entirely on where you are relative to your work. (Whereabouts in SD is the job?) Other than that (& the occasional landslide), San Diego is a wonderful place.
You have friends in Los Angeles? That's a whopping 2 hours' drive, outside of rush hour. You go up there, they come down, you meet halfway -- easy!
I say: Take the job. Set yourself up in something like an Oakwood Corporate Apartment near work for the first month. Use that month to scope out the areas, what you can afford, where you want to be, how's the commute, etc. That way you don't get rushed into a year's lease on something that doesn't really suit your needs. (I've used this strategy in the past & been much happier than if I'd had to rush into something.)
When you're negotiating with the company on compensation, they may be willing to offer "relocation assistance" -- see if you can get them to pay for your "transition accomodations". That's what HR departments are for!
(BTW, I happen to be in San Diego right now. I'll say hi to the Pacific Ocean for you when i'm at the beach tomorrow.)
Originally posted by CerebusSan Diego... at least it ain't Cleveland!
Aw, go to hell.
I have a colleague at work here who grew up in Cleveland, then spent several years out in San Diego. He's currently trying to get a position out there again (with our company) 'cause he misses the weather so much. That's the only reason he wants to go back.
"As you may have read in Robert Parker's Wine Newsletter, 'Donaghy Estates tastes like the urine of Satan, after a hefty portion of asparagus.'" Jack Donaghy, 30 Rock
I'm from SD but live farther north now. my family's down there so I'm there all the time. If i was making money (at least $15-20 an hour) i would consider living down there again.
SD Pros: the weather is usually nice, it's by the ocean, there is always alot to do if you have the money to spend on it, it's next to Mexico, top notch public transportation system, lot's of parks and open space,the zoo and wild animal park, golf courses galore,mission bay, SD bay, a few actually decent radio stations, people of just about every culture and lifestyle are there so you'll fit in somewhere, it's a hub for access to the rest of SoCal/The Southwest.
Cons: Traffic, polution, crime (know what neighborhoods to stay out of),urban sprawl and congestion, if you are into guns say goodbye to the rights you have in Fla, california's an expensive place to live.