California is HUGE so where would we fit in? (San Diego: sales, apartment)

[aedubber]

So the fiance and i are planning on packing up our bags from NJ and looking to start our lives somewhere else OUT of NJ . I have lived in Tx for about 14 years and i have been in NJ for now 17 years. Went and checked out VA , nice state but its not a WOW factor for me. I have never been to California but it seems like a great state, but is it affordable ? Seems like the rent is getting crazy out there.

Me and the fiance are very outdoors kind of people , love mountain biking , hiking , fishing , camping, atv riding , hunting ,skiing, and just exploring the outdoors. Big supporters for local businesses and breweries , i HATE big corporation chains and food chain restaurants. We love food , music , and a slower pace of life . We are more on the freedom and liberty of life of things. I support the constitution , not a hard core conservative but im not a very liberal person. I love all races and religions , we could careless about churches and bible thumping people lol . Not into politics - they all suck and lie

Just looking to enjoy life , we want to work to live and not live to work. She is in the customer service dept of things , and i have or had my own business in NJ, looking to relocate and open up a pizzeria/pub shop or maybe chill out a little bit and work a normal 9-5 job for a bit.

If we do move , the plan would be to rent an apartment for at least 1 year to get everything situated and out of the way. This would give us time to explore the area a bit , see what we like and dont like , and then it would give me time to get a feel of what kind of food you guys like and hopefully open up my own shop.

I have Colorado Springs on my mind but im really tired of the cold we get in NJ and im sure its just as bad if not worse in CO. Texas is on my back burner right now as i have a business partner waiting for me if i decide to head down there. Im just fascinated with California and i havent been there.

I am looking for affordable rent in a non ghetto or beat down area. We have our own cars so getting to and from places is not an issue. I dont mind driving an hour or 2 to find some nice beaches or sick trails to hike/bike. Right now we just need a 1 bedroom 1 bath apartment and is around 800 doable or 1k ? Thanks

[Adriatica]

You would probably like the Sacramento area, particularly the areas/towns between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe.

But you need to visit first. And you should not move without having a job already lined up, unless you have a lot of money saved up.

[aedubber]

Originally Posted by Adriatica

You would probably like the Sacramento area, particularly the areas/towns between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe.

But you need to visit first. And you should not move without having a job already lined up, unless you have a lot of money saved up.

A buddy of mine packed up , moved to huntington beach , without a job and landed a sales job within 2 weeks of being there last year.

I have money to last me all year if needed.

[aedubber]

Would anything by LA or San Diego work? Don't have to be right in downtown but could rent outside of it no more then 45 minutes I guess.

[loveautumn]

California dreamin.....lots of people here leaving and moving to Texas!

[aedubber]

Originally Posted by loveautumn

California dreamin.....lots of people here leaving and moving to Texas!

Well damn thats not a good sign.

[pch1013]

Originally Posted by loveautumn

California dreamin.....lots of people here leaving and moving to Texas!

And some people are leaving Texas and moving to California. And some people are leaving Massachusetts and moving to New York. And some people are leaving Oregon and moving to Arizona. Etc.

Anyway, back ON topic: I agree with the Sacramento recommendation. It's fairly cheap and laid-back (despite the presence of the state government), and it's ideally located for someone who's into outdoor recreation. The only downside is that it gets Texas-hot in the summer there, and winters can be foggy.

[Count David]

I'll say Sacramento too.

FYI, Colorado Springs winters are not worse than NJ.

[aedubber]

Originally Posted by David Aguilar

I'll say Sacramento too.

FYI, Colorado Springs winters are not worse than NJ.

How would you rate the winters? Never been so i have no clue but it seems like you guys get a lot of snow and super cold days ? Or

[aedubber]

Originally Posted by pch1013

And some people are leaving Texas and moving to California. And some people are leaving Massachusetts and moving to New York. And some people are leaving Oregon and moving to Arizona. Etc.

Anyway, back ON topic: I agree with the Sacramento recommendation. It's fairly cheap and laid-back (despite the presence of the state government), and it's ideally located for someone who's into outdoor recreation. The only downside is that it gets Texas-hot in the summer there, and winters can be foggy.

Sounds good , i can manage the heat and deal with some of the winters, im sure its a nice winter then NJ. What do you mean by presence of the state gov ?