What city is the best for a single straight male, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara or San Francisco? (San Diego: crime, buying a home)

[ms1987]

I'm planning on moving to California within the next couple years and was wondering what the dating scene is like for a heterosexual male in these 3 cities. I am a 20, and will be registered nurse making about $40,000 to $50,000 a year once I'm done will college. I am currently interested in Santa Monica, Santa Barbara and San Francisco Bay Area. If anyone has any information on the pros and cons of these cities such as cost of living, housing, crime and social life, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

[SouthCali4LifeSD]

san francisco and santa monica are gay havens. choose santa barbara!

[elston]

Originally Posted by SouthCali4LifeSD

san francisco and santa monica are gay havens. choose santa barbara!

Who knows maybe you'd find you were in demand, there are hundreds of thousands of straight women in San Francisco; if this quote is correct, you might find yourself a prized commodity.

Really I don't think there is any city where a straight or a gay guy can't have a social life! Perhaps a bit more difficult for a gay guy some places, but believe me, not impossible.

[18Montclair]

San Francisco.

There are lots of attractive straight people there-maybe too many. LOL

[krudmonk]

SF is hardly gay-only.

[troupermca]

Coming from a straight female living in San Francisco - myself and work colleagues I've chatted with agree that it's pretty difficult to build a good social life in SF. The people are nice but most have already found there cliques and aren't looking to make new friends. However, could be different for a 20 year-old; younger sometimes equals more laid back. Worthy of note: most SF women really have it together so make sure you do too to level the playing field!

[robertpolyglot]

Originally Posted by troupermca

Worthy of note: most SF women really have it together so make sure you do too to level the playing field!

What exactly does that mean...have it really together? That they are a rigid, accomplished, and tough biotch? C'mon. I think that a lot of accomplished urban women are their own worst enemies and that's why men don't gravitate toward them...arrrgh...they've lost touch with the fact that they can be an intelligent career woman and still be feminine. Le'ts not derail but I couldn't resist sniping at your arrogance.

BACK TO THE QUESTION AT HAND:

San Francisco - you have the sheer numbers there. I'm sure you would find your niche. Why not consider somewhere else in the Bay Area that isn't as congested? I think that QOL in SF isn't the best.

Santa Barbara - small and pretentious, it's a haven for the wealthy and those who cater to them, for the most part. I think the social scene would be small.

Santa Monica - it's a suburb of LA but its own jurisdiction. It has been basking in the glow of trendiness for about 10+ years, taking that distinction from Westwood Village which I have always liked more. I am an LA native. Personally, I would opt for the South Bay in LA if I were you (that is, Manhattan / Hermosa / Redondo Beach). The vibe is better. You can always go to SM for what you need. Santa Monica = gay, as one post said? I doubt it. You are probably thinking Santa Monica Boulevard as it runs through West Hollywood. Now that's a different story. Santa Monica, the city of, is "Gen X - Gen Y - post collegiate" urban professionals, for the most part.

For a nicer California existence, try the South Bay of LA, maybe Long Beach or even San Diego. I think those would be better choices for easier living for the new arrival. And welcome to Cali.

[eekwine]

Originally Posted by robertpolyglot

Santa Barbara - small and pretentious, it's a haven for the wealthy and those who cater to them, for the most part. I think the social scene would be small..

that is a stereotype & not true at all

yes there are many wealthy in santa barbara & there are many who are not

for someone who is 20, it could be a great place to live- there are many ucsb & sbcc students in santa barbara

when it comes to buying a home however, the prices may be out of reach for most people

[Capt. Dan]

$40,000-$50,000 in So Cal? Good luck! Something isnt right with that pay range. i am a retired RN who worked most of his career on the central coast of California and my last year of work I made $104,000. It takes alot of $ to live a halfway decent life in California. Dont settle for that amount. There are plenty of hospitals that will pay you more. Even just starting out. Although it may make a difference that i have an MSN. Good luck!

[cinhawaii]

If you are good looking (be honest now) and not a preppy jock kind of person Santa Monica all the way