On Roadtrip - San Diego to LA to SF (San Francisco: rent, job market)

[ricoitalia]

Hi all, we just arrived to san diego today from chicago. We are newly weds in mid 20s and are on a roadtrip from san diego to la to santa barbara and tosan francisco. we came on this roadtrip specifically to find a new place where to settle down and start an life. we are looking for a suburb anywhere in california, where we can live comfortable and make nice friends. both of us have college degrees and new place must have good job market and not outrageously expensive. Initially ready to pay round $900-1000 a month in rent. we would really appreciate if you can give us some suggestions of places along the the route above where we can visit and have a look. thanks alot

[EscapeCalifornia]

Well, its a huge state so truly investigating it all could take a lifetime. But in general, the areas with good job markets (LA, SF) are ridiculously expensive to live in. The areas with more reasonable costs of living tend to be a lot smaller and have less job opportunities and usually less pay. Your rent budget is very low for any of the big coastal cities.

What are your college degrees in? What's your work experience? Have you looked at what jobs in you field pay in California? SF will usually pay more, but its probably the most expensive part of the state to live so the pay raise gets canceled out. What to you honestly expect to earn? Everything else flows from that number.

[Winston Smith]

West Ventura County -- Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura -- might offer a one bedroom in your price range. Not too many jobs in the area, but it's on the coast and somewhat centrally located if you don't mind commuting up to 45 miles one way for work. In this case, you'll avail yourselves of job markets in Santa Barbara/Goleta to the north; Valencia, Simi Valley, San Fernando Valley, Warner Center to the east; Santa Monica and West LA to the south.

San Luis Obispo County, midway between LA and San Francisco on route 101, might appeal to you. It's a slower paced life but might work out if you're not too particular in the type of jobs you'll take. The area is absolutely beautiful.

All housing in the San Francisco area is ridiculously high priced.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by ricoitalia

both of us have college degrees and new place must have good job market

What did you major in? Art History? Agriculture? Finance? Physics? Where are the jobs for you? Where do you expect to work? What do you expect to do? A lot of recommendations will depend on what you do and where you are going to work.

[ricoitalia]

Hi all thanks for comments. I have a degree in psychology and have a masters in Business management. Previously had my own business which mainly involved property development and retailing. My wife is a web specialits. rico