Young Professional looking for the right West Coast City (San Diego: houses, neighborhood)

[kroegera1]

Like many others who I've seen writing inquiries on these forums, I'm a young, single guy from a small East coast town and I'm looking to head west. I'm not so much looking for a beach bum lifestyle, but more to start a career and have a hell of a good time in the process. I'll be graduating with an MBA over the summer and looking to make a move next fall. I'm currently an HR consultant making 45k in PA.

I'm looking for a relatively affordable area as close to the beach as possible on a decent salary between 45-55k. I dig nightlife and love the city, but I also love the outdoors and would prefer to live in a suburb type neighborhood, which would be an easy commute to business centers etc.. I know it kinda sounds like a tall order, but I'd appreciate a local's perspective on up and coming areas in Cali. Thanks a million

[rgb123]

Im not an expert (you have probably seen my post) but I'd look into the suburbs of sacramento...especially the foothills. More affordable, close to the city, and better yet, you are equidistant to the mountains and the beach. Not a bad drive to either (in my opinion, people who hate to drive might not prefer that arrangement). But it is a lot more affordable than the bigger cities, and a lot nicer I think than the other "affordable" places.

[sonarrat]

I would be looking at the Richmond district of San Francisco, because I think an HR guy with an MBA could make enough money to live there and have a blast. It has a suburban feel, but the antique rowhouses never let you forget where you are.

[MtnSurfer]

Yes, I think the Sacramento Foothills or Bay Area/San Jose burbs would be the best fit.

Living inland from the coast has its upside - you are closer to Tahoe and the High Sierras (Yosemite and Tahoe). And you can be at the coast within a few hours.

The Bay area is really a cool place and also *Very* expensive. But if I was young again and starting a career it may be my first choice. Just look for the right opportunity in those areas and see what comes up. And when young and single you can always find a smaller apt. in a really nice $$ area or find roommates. Once you plan to settle down and have a family you can always look for something more affordable.

I lived in S. Cal. for for over 40 years and as a native I recommend staying to the North if at all possible. LA, OC and SD are just too crowded now and over rated. Plus the best parts of our state for outdoor activities are up North (eg - Big Sur, Yosemite, Mammoth, Tahoe, etc...).

My 2c,

- Derek

[NorthernCalifornia]

i think north county San Diego is your spot.

[rubyskye]

I love the Santa Cruz area. You're less than two hours from S.F. and Monterey and Big Sur (a truly magical place) are "just down the road".
Santa Cruz is the best of both worlds with great people, music, art, "nightlife", spirituality in all of its many expressions and with the ocean and redwoods and mountains right there.
You can live in rural areas or more suburban areas, the bus system is one of the best in the country and the whole area is bike friendly.
It's not a cheap place to live but if you're lucky you can find the right place as long as you can adjust to a different kind of housing scene than you're used to in the east.
To me the best of California is either on the coast or in the mountains. In between is not my scene but that's just me.
If you want an urban place (but not a big city) and a vital place with lots of diversity, tolerance and fun and you love the ocean and land, check out Santa Cruz county, ie; Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Soquel.