Boston or Southern California? (Orange: transplants, travel, job)

[LeavingMA]

You have to remember Boston was never really a planned city. It is an old city and cars were not around back when Boston came to prominence. That is why the older cities are so much different than say Atlanta or other southern cities which have just started to explode in the last 15-75 years. Many older cities had factories and the workers lived right next to the factories. People mostly walked to work. People in "newer" cities bought out in the suburbs and commuted to the city by car because it was easy and that is why many "newer" cities are spread out. The newer subdivisions with HOA are there to protect values in that subdivision. I think some of the rules are ridiculous, but they are there so people don't have broken down cars on their front lawns and such. No way is better than another way, they are just different based on the generation in which they were created. Many people prefer both ways, because they certaintly live in each type of living arrangement.

Johnny_Quest...I just thought I'd throw other areas out there because your two choices are very different in many aspects. Best of luck whatever you choose.

[jonjj]

Well, I lived in Boston and although I never lived in southern California, I traveled there quite a bit and usually dreaded that experience. With that being said, if I had to make this decision, I would choose Boston. Both are expensive, but you can save some bucks by not having a car in Boston so that would be a plus for me. Just my two cents...

[dwb07]

If making new friends is important to you, move to Southern California. Most people out there are originally from somewhere else. People love to mingle. You will never be totally wecomed in Boston since you are not a native. Unfortunatly, that's just the way it is.

[puffle]

Originally Posted by dwb07

If making new friends is important to you, move to Southern California. Most people out there are originally from somewhere else. People love to mingle. You will never be totally wecomed in Boston since you are not a native. Unfortunatly, that's just the way it is.

With all due respect, I totally disagree. I am a California native and have never met a more welcoming group of people since living in Ma. Unless you have kept your friends from school or mommy and me groups, making long lasting friendships as a new person is very difficult in L.A. People can be very flighty in Ca. They say they will call, but don't and god forbid you are geographically undesirable!! People in Ma. may not reach out right away, but when they do, they will always be there for you. Being genuine is the most important quality to have here...hard to find your way through the **** in L.A. to find a genuine, caring person that will always be there. Just my opinion and experience.

[slang75]

Originally Posted by puffle

With all due respect, I totally disagree. I am a California native and have never met a more welcoming group of people since living in Ma. Unless you have kept your friends from school or mommy and me groups, making long lasting friendships as a new person is very difficult in L.A. People can be very flighty in Ca. They say they will call, but don't and god forbid you are geographically undesirable!! People in Ma. may not reach out right away, but when they do, they will always be there for you. Being genuine is the most important quality to have here...hard to find your way through the **** in L.A. to find a genuine, caring person that will always be there. Just my opinion and experience.

I agree 100%. We are in OC now and people are nice, but it's not like people are reaching out to be friends. People here can create their own little world. My experience is they wake up, go to the garage, get in car, leave house, drive alone, work, leave work, drive home, open garage and insert car.

I met many people from all over the country that were living in the Boston area. I was from MA and 1/2 my friends and co-workers were originally from other places. I even married one of them.

[sfosyd]

I tend to agree that Southern California is a real drag if you are forced to live in suburban type areas such as Orange County, north county San Diego or god forbid the inland empire.

However, if you are young and single, you should consider a beach or urban area. Unbelievable strides in urban planning are happening in places like downtown San Diego, downtown Long Beach and even downtown LA. These places offer many walkable amenities and the opportunity for a car free lifestyle. I recently picked up a 1 bedroom condo in downtown San Diego in a beautiful building for under 250k. In downtown Boston, this place (with the same amenities) would have cost twice that. I can walk to grocery stores, every type of restaurant and bar, a farmers market, great runs and dog walks and hardly ever use my car. Everything seems so easy here because the weather is nice.

[puffle]

Used to vacation with the fam in S.D. when I was little. Is downtown S.D. the same as the Gaslamp District? Also, how is the illegal immigrant situation in S.D. being so close to the border?

[slang75]

SD and LA are much better than OC for young people. The OP mentioned Irvine and Fountain Valley, which are very boring.

If there were more jobs in SD it would be great. There are some amazingly walkable hoods (Downtown, Park West and Hillcrest come to mind) and the people are more laid back and friendly (maybe it's the lack of jobs?) than OC. The lack of public transit does makes these neighborhoods secluded, tho.

I still think the addition of good public transportation and the wide variety of neighborhoods makes Boston an ideal place for a young person. Just think of all the cities and towns connected by the MBTA. Between transportation, culture, jobs and people...it's really no contest that Boston is a better destination. Even if it's just for a few years to have the experience.

[puffle]

I think major cities like Boston can also be intimidating to a few and perhaps the West Coast seems less so with it's "laid back" reputation which is unfounded from my experience. People are people not regions. Job,money and friends...that's what makes people "laid back," not being near a beach. It you are a Type A personality, living on the West Coast will not change that. If you are lazy, living in Boston might have an impact as you might need to shovel snow or sidewalks and the cold brisk winters will wake you right up!!

[sfosyd]

Many of the jobs in Boston (especially tech) are scattered in the hinterlands as well, notably along route 128 which means you have to drive.

Puffle, there are other areas of downtown San Diego besides the gaslamp, I live on Cortez Hill which is very nice and quiet. There are other areas that are up and coming such as the east village and there are also older sections like Hillcrest, Bankers Hill etc. I agree San Diego is a nice laid back place and much better when you don't have to drive everywhere. It is a nice mixture of liberal and conservative, not too much of one like OC or LA.

Also, it is by far the cheapest California coastal area which makes up for less career opportunities than LA, OC or SF.