Moving to California -help (San Francisco, Sacramento: rent, low crime, find a job)

[silvernpink_butterflies]

I realize there are a lot of posts out there that are very similar, but I thought I'd ask directly.

Here's my situation:
-23 year old female, graduating from a 4 year school in Washington State, majoring in human services (Basically, it's like social work, helping people in need, that sort of thing) in June 09.
-Living with my boyfriend, 32, and our dog.
-Income: $65 for him, when I get a job down there, we're guessing $20-30K more.
-Reasons for move:
1) Be close to Chico, where his job is located (he works from home) not too close; we find it boring.
and
2) be close to San Fran, as it is my favorite place (i lived there as a kid) not in S.F.; too expensive.

Criteria:
-Affordable renting (3 bedroom? Need office space) We currently pay about $1200 for our 3 bedroom. Of course, will be able to go up once I have a job, but I will be getting some money to live on from my parents for the first couple of months.
-Low crime rate
-near a city (like population, activities, places to go)
-Has to have jobs for me in the area. (non profit, preschool, etc) Want to have a reasonable commute.
-Can be in between Chico and SF, or South or S.E of S.F.


Any help is appreciated. Please respond or email me at dashieh@cc.wwu.edu

THANKS!

[silvernpink_butterflies]

Is there anyone that can help me?

[CA central coast]

I'm sorry. I can't be much help. Would you consider Sacramento? My impression from this forum is that Sac. is affordable. Maybe the City of Davis? It's supposed to be a nice place.

[Adriatica]

It's hard to be close to Chico and SF since they are 3 hours apart, so maybe you can narrow down your definition of "close" and pick which city is more important to be close to?

Also, the economy here is as slow as anywhere else and it might prove to be quite difficult for you to find a job, so I wouldn't count on your income just yet.

$65K (or even $95K, if you get a job) is not a lot of money in most metro areas (like SF) and particularly not for a 3-bedroom home. You might look into Sacramento. Or maybe the East Bay, like Walnut Creek.

[humboldtrat]

Check out Yuba City or Marysville. Probably cheaper than many larger cities. But Chico and San Francisco are 3 hours apart.

[silvernpink_butterflies]

Thanks for the responses.

In regards to Chico/San Fran...3-5 hours driving to Chico five times a year or so is much better than flying it from Washington, so "close" means drivable distance a few times a year. Similar with San Francisco. Preferably less driving time as I would probably visit more often, but as long as it's in reach.

[Adriatica]

Originally Posted by silvernpink_butterflies

Thanks for the responses.

In regards to Chico/San Fran...3-5 hours driving to Chico five times a year or so is much better than flying it from Washington, so "close" means drivable distance a few times a year. Similar with San Francisco. Preferably less driving time as I would probably visit more often, but as long as it's in reach.

Okay. Then I'd say the East Bay (Walnut Creek area) might work well. Not sure if you'll find the rent you want there, but possibly. It's not far from SF and has lots of its own stuff to do and see. Also, maybe north of San Francisco (Marin or Sonoma counties) would work, although those are pricey areas, too.