Quote:
Originally Posted by jonny_quest
I've narrowed down where I want to move for the next year or three of my life to 2 places - Boston or Southern California, but I've reached the point that I'm stuck and simply can't decide between the two. Yes, both are expensive - but I'm a young single 20-something guy recently out of college looking for a change in life and some more excitement, and that's going to cost me wherever I go. Also, I have absolutely no desire to own a home at any point in the near future; I fully intend to be renting.
It seams like both areas would be good for someone in my situation, obviously each with their ups and downs. I really enjoyed Boston when I visited, and right now it has allot going for it, for instance sports (Pats, Sox, Boston College, Celtics, etc.), lots of nearby colleges/young people, & great nightlife. I am also a big fan of their public transportation and the fact that you could get most anywhere in the city and surrounding area without a car while still feeling relatively safe. I like the Irish background of the city, and Boston is one of the cleanest cities I've visited and maintains a smaller-city feel despite being a large city. However, the weather is pretty brutal (humidity... ugh, very hot summers, very cold winters) and nearly the same as what I'm used to being in PA. Peoples' general attitudes are also about the same. Also two big negatives: there didn't seam to be many outdoor activities like hiking or biking readily available, and job opportunities weren't that great for my field.
Although I've never visited So.Cal., I've been doing some research and it looks to me that there's many more job opportunities, much better weather, more activities readily available for an outdoor enthusiast, and a bit more outgoing attitude in general, with a decent enough nightlife. Also, judging by various companies' web pages, benefits, and awards, many of the employers appear to be a more employee focused rather than just client focused (this is a big plus and unlike many companies on the east coast). I posted this in the Orange County forum because the area has the most job prospects in my field, and it's likely where I'll end up if I decide on So.Cal. However, the area apparently does have some very large downsides as well, including particularly horrendous traffic, very little public transportation, very little walkability, close proximity to LA (yeah this could be a plus for some, but not me), illegal immigration issues, nearby gang activity, and of course a much larger moving expense.
If anyone out there could give advise on the subject, perhaps having lived in both areas or made the move from the east coast to the west, I'ld appreciate any input. California is a big draw and moving out there would be very exciting I'm sure, but also a bit frightening considering just how far it is from home and what's starting to look like a very high cost to move from coast to coast. Also - I have no desire to drive my a** out to California so I would likely be hiring someone to move my stuff and my car out while I fly - what can I expect this to cost?
Thanks in advance.
I also posted this in the California forum, so feel free to check out any input from others there Boston or Southern California?. |
it depends...how much do you dislike cold long raw winters? and hot humid summers? If it bugs you more than average...if you find yourself cursing it all winter while your friends talk about how refreshing cold dry air is then I suggest LA. I lived in LA for 18 months but came back to boston because we had many more family and friend ties here. That said I preferred living in LA partly because of the sunny warm weather.
Depends....do you have any friends in LA? Would you be going to school art-time? If you don't have ties there it can be a hard place. Takes time in all of our over-worked hectic lives to build a good base of friends. I had only a few friends out there when I first moved to LA just out of college and would have been lonely as can be if they hadn't been there. Boston can be the same way and maybe a little harder to meet friends but if your work involves a lot of socializing like mine does then you have no worries here.
LA has more to do imo because the weather allows for so much more outdoor activity. you mentioned biking and hiking and in LA you can enjoy those all year long. I took that too much for granted - it's really REALLY nice to know you can go outside for a hike almost all year. Though it can get super HOT - high 90's, sometimes tipping on 100 and then everyone stays inside their cool cars.
The people in both Boston and LA are very diverse but I loved, loved loved LA's much more laid back and anything goes attitude. OTH....I did notice the difference in education level...People in boston are very serious about education and involved in all areas of political and civic life...so I was thrown by how many in LA were a tad ...vacuous...well some. Then I would occasionally meet the most interesting person who was extremely well educated and career dedicated and interested in their society as a whole in LA...so just be prepared that if you go to LA you will encounter the stereotypical airheads...but inhabited by many well-rounded and caring, interesting people too. just not in the same percentage as Boston.
If you're not in the entertainment biz then LA can be tough. It's ALL about movies and television...more so than most can first believe...not so much OC necessarily but for Hollywood, West LA, BH, Brentwood, Pacific palisades, Santa Monica...ALL entertainment. Seriously. If you're not in the biz many people in those areas don't want much to do with you.
LA has better restaurants and abundant great fresh food. I miss those farmer's Markets and the delicious inexpensive Mexican food and small.
The two cities are night and day except in that they are both tempting as you say. Good luck with your choice. If I were you I'd give LA a try for a couple years and then regroup at that time and come back east if LA is not for you.
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01-24-2008, 12:39 PM
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