NYC or San Diego? (San Francisco: apartment, job market, neighborhood)

[Optimistic3]

Hi,

Looking for ideas! I have been mulling over options of where to live, and I just dont know enough to make a decision without advice. Any help is welcomed...

I am a teacher (3 years experience) although I am looking to turn my hobbies into work if possible (floristry/jewellery). I would do some teaching/tutoring work if need be to get by, but I am really looking to persue other options eventually.

I am really lucky to have a sister who lives in NYC and a best friend who lives just outside San Diego, this is why these two cities are my options as I can stay with them while looking for work/apartment.

I love, love, love warm weather, a major pull to SD, but equally love cultural activities, museums etc. I really like the idea of a community 'village' feel, where you can have your 'area' in the big city, and you do get to know people. Does anyone know if this is the case in SD and NYC? Im not sure if I can cope with the constant hustle and bustle, rush, rush, rush of NYC, but can you 'opt out' or is this level of work/stress an atmosphere rather than a personal state of mind? NYC seems so amazing.

I have heard (please dont take offense anyone!) that people in SD can be a bit flaky, but how are New Yorkers? My sister adores NYC, and my friend outside of SD said she would never move anywhere else. I think they both sound great places, but could anyone shed some light on less obvious differences I may need to consider?

Thanks!!

P.S. I know both are expensive to live, especially as I would look in Manhattan/Pacific Beach in an ideal world. These places are where my sister/friend lives near, and I would like to be part of the action (but with a place to live on a quiet street to lay my head)!

[BRinSM]

SD has action, its just a different kind. I've spend a decent amount of time in both and SD is much, much less expensive. NYC is amazing though and I might even spend an extended amount of time there some day. However, the weather here in CA can't be beat, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities. If I were forced to move to either of those places, I would gladly go along. However, I would need a serious boost to my income if I moved to NYC.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Don't move here, we are flaky

[sav858]

You just gotta ask yourself which do you want more: the hustle and bustle and cosmopolitan atmosphere of America's largest city or the laid back, warm sunny beach atmosphere of San Diego??
Do you live to work (NYC) or work to live (SD)??

San Diego has often big called a big city with a small town atmosphere and it's true to a certain extend. SD has lots of little, individual "village" type communities with their own scene, character, vibe, and atmosphere.

We do have culture and museums, of course not on the level on NYC but it is there. Also LA is only 2-2.5 hours away if you need some big city culture and amenities that you might find lacking in SD.

Anyways good luck on your decision, I'm trying to decide between NYC and Miami for grad school. I love the beach but love the city too so I know how it can be a hard decision.

[ArizonaBear]

I agree with the other posters.

Myself: I am definitely West Coast; culturally speaking (hate 4 season weather, hustle and bustle, etc) but many folks do like the Big Apple.

[Alexva]

Wow, NYC and SD are opposite extremes—geographically and otherwise. Maybe you should ask yourself:

changing seasons or sunshine?
The Met or the SD Zoo?
bookstores or boutiques?
football or beach volleyball?
pizza or tacos?
neckties or open collars?
knit sweaters or spandex
finance or high tech?
boardwalk or beach?
ice skating or roller blading?
culture or suntan?

[Optimistic3]

Thank you so much for all the replies, it is so helpful to get others input. I am finding this so hard, as they are so different. (Perhaps the spandex leans me away from CA!!)
Jokes aside, thanks for the advice, I am really intrigued by the idea of 'village' communities in SD, and I should say more about me: I am single and 31 (eek!) and looking for a good social life also, although a college party atmosphere 24/7 is not my idea of fun. I want to be actively involved in the area I am in (volunteering etc) and it is really important to me that I know people in my neighborhood, and people are not just faces (obviously this is up to the individual - and not a 'city' generalisation) but perhaps someone has thoughts on any of this?
Thinking about culture and LA being close to SD, perhaps LA is a good option?

[BRinSM]

LA is kind of a mix between NY and SD. LA has similar geography and urban layout to SD, but also has more of the cosmopolitand and international vibe that NY offers. Just like any big city, LA also has its unique set of problems. LA is more expensive than SD, but still not nearly as expensive as NY. LA also has a better job market, especially if you're interested in working in the entertainment industry.

[Optimistic3]

Ive been hearing good things about San Francisco being the NYC of the west coast. Is this the case? This may be the best of both worlds?

[sav858]

Originally Posted by Optimistic3

Ive been hearing good things about San Francisco being the NYC of the west coast. Is this the case? This may be the best of both worlds?

In a sense it is, both are urban, dense, and cosmopolitan. But you won't get the warm weather if you live in the city of SF, it tends to be fairly windy, cool, and foggy year round. But surrounding areas have warmer and sunnier weather. Sf is more rat race, hustle and bustle too but not as much as NY. It could be a good compromise between the 2 if you don't mind the cooler weather. You can still do things outdoors b/c it doesn't snow or get that cold, but doesn't get warm either.