Advice for two girls in their 20's moving to California from UK? (San Diego: rentals)

[buffalo89]

Hi, we are two girls in our 20's who are looking for a fresh start. We boh currently live in manchester, uk.
We are trying to mirror our lifestyles that we have here, but instead with better weather and less single minded people.

I work as a radiographer, I qualified from university for this 3 years ago. And my friend works in the travel industry so we are looking to make the move for like to like positions. How much is the salary and job vacancies for these professions?

After spending an amazing newyears holiday in las vegas, we were instanly drawn to the US. We want to make the break whilst we are young with no responsibilities. We are looking for a city element but still with the benefits of a beach. Which is vibrant and attractive for young professionals. We enjoy clubbing and socialising which in las vegas it fitted the criteria. Being not too far (about 3/4hrs max) from LA/las vegas would be ideal so that we could have weekend breaks there.

We would only be able to afford to rent. We would like to rent a 2 bedroom flat or a houseshare with similar young professionals. What are the pricing for these? And what would you suggest as the most affordable areas with low crime.

Thanks for your help.

[Curmudgeon]

Advice? Don't! Now's not a good time with high costs, high unemployment and other ills.

I love California and understand its draw but I'd suggest putting your plans on hold and banking as much as you can for a few years.

[Lovehound]

How do you intend to get the "green card" which is required to obtain employment in the US? If you were mowing lawns or washing cars then maybe you could get by without it, but AFAIK a radiologist works at a hospital or medical lab, business that are all tied up in regulations and tied up in satisfying them. Do you expect they'll just hire you without any regard to US "right to work" laws? (These laws require US residency and/or a US visa with work permit AKA "green card.")

You should research whether you can get a job in the US before you price out rentals.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by buffalo89

we are two girls in our 20's

You can live with me for FREE

[seain dublin]

It sounds like you girls went on vacation and got starry eyed. Look I love London, but I doubt I will ever live there.

Besides needing green cards jobs are a tough find. How would you get around? You would a car, most likely two cars.

[JohnHAdams]

Originally Posted by Charles

You can live with me for FREE

.....turning in my guy card right now.

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by buffalo89

Hi, we are two girls in our 20's who are looking for a fresh start. We boh currently live in manchester, uk.
We are trying to mirror our lifestyles that we have here, but instead with better weather and less single minded people.

I work as a radiographer, I qualified from university for this 3 years ago. And my friend works in the travel industry so we are looking to make the move for like to like positions. How much is the salary and job vacancies for these professions?

After spending an amazing newyears holiday in las vegas, we were instanly drawn to the US. We want to make the break whilst we are young with no responsibilities. We are looking for a city element but still with the benefits of a beach. Which is vibrant and attractive for young professionals. We enjoy clubbing and socialising which in las vegas it fitted the criteria. Being not too far (about 3/4hrs max) from LA/las vegas would be ideal so that we could have weekend breaks there.

We would only be able to afford to rent. We would like to rent a 2 bedroom flat or a houseshare with similar young professionals. What are the pricing for these? And what would you suggest as the most affordable areas with low crime.

Thanks for your help.

You only live once, if you have some money saved up, I say go for it! Life is about experiences and memories. Salaries range, so I wouldn't take any estimates given by anyone on City-Data serious. Rent also varies.

Craigslist.com is probably the most widely used website for housing, jobs, classified ads.

Monster.com is another job website, you can find some salary comparison tools, but once again it's not very accurate.

Yelp.com is used for finding reviews for restaurants, bars, etc.

I'd look into OC area...Irvine to be exact.

[jeffredo]

Once you get the green cards/immigration issues sorted I too would suggest southern Orange County as bmw335xi mentioned or San Diego. Neither are particularly cheap, but I know rents are fairly high in many UK cities so it shouldn't be much of a shock. Good luck and don't let the naysayers spoil your adventure! California is an amazing place and much of the developed world is having economic problems. Doesn't mean a person should just give up on their dreams and sit where they are.

[RCCCB]

Originally Posted by bmw335xi

You only live once, if you have some money saved up, I say go for it! Life is about experiences and memories.

That's so true, and if it doesn't work out you can always move into your parent's garage for a decade.

If you have a degree it will be harder to get entrance into our work force.
Last I read the whole country only allows 30,000 in from all over a year to work with a college degree.
If you were ignorant with a third world second grade education, you could come in easier and we would probably find some way for you to get support and vote illegally in our elections. (sarcasm off)

If you come here and get in, don't do any of those jobs stuffing envelopes from home. IMO don't pole dance because that usually leads to drugs.
Trader Joe's might end up being your dream job once realities set in.