Looking for some friendly help - moving out to California

[mashimarho]

Going for the big change.. I'm wondering if there was anyone here that would be able to guide me in the right direction and maybe even help me out.

I'm planning ahead, so bear with me. I am looking to move this summer (2013) from Michigan to the west side. My concerns are: 1. Finding the correct career. 2. Living expenses and finding the right location. 3. Finding a job for the lady.

I'm coming from the health field with a major in health communications. I've had my fair share of experience over here, but need a change in scenery. I know that HMOs are large over in this area, like Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Is anyone on here working in the health/medical field or know of anyone that would be able to assist me? I am looking for some advice on what kinds of things to look into and maybe if you could help me find a job.

My second concern is the cost of living in Cali and finding a home to live in. I know the costs are up the rear, but if we can find a job, that won't be too much of an issue. We just need an apartment with garages in the suburb.

Third, the lady will need a job too. She has a degree in advertising and PR. So, that may be easy to find, but difficult to get into.

Let me know if anyone can help express some knowledge in our direction. It would mean a lot to us.

Thanks,

Sean.

[MSPORTWORLD]

Best of luck to you!

As a native Californian I miss home very much. Can't help you out much since I haven't lived there for 6 years.

If you plan to go to Northern Cali and need a good realtor I can point you in the right direction.

[ROB_S2K]

Which part of Cali are you gonna move to?

[isugoo]

Originally Posted by ROB_S2K

Which part of Cali are you gonna move to?

+1
It's very different lifestyle and jobs between cities (ie, sf vs. la vs. oc vs. sd).

But all sucks in terms of state tax they're taking. If you're from Michigan, you'll really feel that you're getting raped in every paycheck.

[uplusd]

Don't move, its too expensive

[aus]

You at least need to say where in Cali you're thinking of moving too.

[Z K]

Originally Posted by aus

You at least need to say where in Cali you're thinking of moving too.

^ This

Every part of California is different. You have to keep in mind that California is huge with different weather, people and environments depending on where you are. It takes over 12 hours to drive from one end of California to the other!

[mashimarho]

Well, that would be the other portion of my dilemma. Being from Michigan, I didn't know it was that big of a difference. I figured it was like here in MI. So, I have concluded with one thing so far. I will definitely fly out and visit both.

[Dolittle]

Cost of living here is significant.

I definitely recommend securing a job before making the move here.
More affordable regions to live in socal will be east - Pomona/Riverside/San Bernardino.

[mashimarho]

Originally Posted by Dolittle

Cost of living here is significant.

I definitely recommend securing a job before making the move here.
More affordable regions to live in socal will be east - Pomona/Riverside/San Bernardino.

Appreciated. Definitely I can find a job by mid summer.

[Z K]

Originally Posted by mashimarho

Well, that would be the other portion of my dilemma. Being from Michigan, I didn't know it was that big of a difference. I figured it was like here in MI. So, I have concluded with one thing so far. I will definitely fly out and visit both.

If you like to be in a urban city where having a car is optional, San Francisco is like that. It is the city that is most like NYC on the west coast. If you like more suburban environments where you need to drive to get to places, Southern California is more like that.

Here's an example of San Francisco rent:

[mashimarho]

Originally Posted by Z K

If you like to be in a urban city where having a car is optional, San Francisco is like that. It is the city that is most like NYC on the west coast. If you like more suburban environments where you need to drive to get to places, Southern California is more like that.

Very helpful. I definitely want my car.
Thank you.

[M3forMe]

Find the job first. My boss moved from Detroit 2 yes ago. It took him a year to get used to the taxes, high cost of living and horrible traffic. After a year he now says you couldn't pay him enough to leave. He is in NorCal. I am in SoCal. Completely different in my mind.

Find your job and then find your town. NorCal could be even more expensive.

Good luck with your search. I am sure many on here can help answer specific questions.

[Z K]

Originally Posted by mashimarho

Very helpful. I definitely want my car.
Thank you.

The "Bay Area" around San Francisco is surburban so you need a car to get around. Temperate weather with lots of green forests, close access to outdoor activities and great driving roads.

Southern California, in general, has a lower cost of living unless you are in a high cost area. It also has warm to hot weather all year around. The trade off is that there is a ton of traffic and people everywhere.

[Chriskm3]

Originally Posted by Z K

If you like to be in a urban city where having a car is optional, San Francisco is like that. It is the city that is most like NYC on the west coast. If you like more suburban environments where you need to drive to get to places, Southern California is more like that.

Here's an example of San Francisco rent:

Sorry. Are those Monty fees or fron jan to march (3 months)

[uplusd]

Originally Posted by Chriskm3

Sorry. Are those Monty fees or fron jan to march (3 months)

Those are definitely just for one month. I used to live in SOMA.

[Chriskm3]

Rental fees reflect monthly income. Is it safe to assume that hourly wage is more then other states?

[badazzm]

Sf is awesome but just for the weekend. If you like driving your car then you can't live in Sf. Shitty ass roads and always trouble finding parking. San Jose doesn't have much to offer in terms of nightlife compared to Sf but it has nice open roads. If you decide to live in San Jose then it won't get better than where I live (SR). However, I might be moving to OC end of this year to experience L.A for couple of years. I feel like L.A is better than bay area in terms of everything but horrible traffic kills it for me. GL wherever u decide!

[badazzm]

Originally Posted by Chriskm3

Rental fees reflect monthly income. Is it safe to assume that hourly wage is more then other states?

Well CA minimum wage is $8 i think. Probably higher than other states but not too sure.

[Z K]

Originally Posted by Chriskm3

Sorry. Are those Monty fees or fron jan to march (3 months)

That's the monthly rent for an appt... does look insane but it's true.

When a 2 bedroom townhouse costs $1M and $500k gets you a 1 bedroom condo, that's why rent is expensive - it is still cheaper than buying!

The minimum wage in SF is $10.50 an hour, it is higher than the California min. wage.

[Megabeast]

I have been in Bay Area for last 7years.. the cost of living here is just ridiculous...

There was an article somewhere that compared cost of living with SD and SF and on average people living in SF needs to earn $15K-20K more to keep same level of lifestyle.
And SD is not a cheap place to live!

Anyway, the cost of living comparison would be like SF > OC > LA(depends on area) > SD

Btw, getting raped on taxes is one thing... expect to pay the highest gas price in the nation (except Hawaii and Death Valley)

[dagolfpro]

Originally Posted by uplusd

Don't move, its too expensive

Would you live anywhere else? Plus, you would have never met the people on FB.

I live in the SF Bay Area. Been out here since 1994. I lived in Scottsdale before that. People are right, Nor Cal in general is much more expensive and has cooler temperatures than So Cal. S Cal has much more traffic/people. I've been all over So Cal, San Diego, OC, LA, and Palm Springs. Great places for me to visit but would never live there myself. I just like Nor Cal too much to move down there. Both Nor/So Cal has its pros and cons, you just need to visit both and figure out what fits your lifestyle.