Where do I begin? (apartment, rent, house)

[ShannonA89]

Hey there!
I'm really considering moving to California when I finish school. I am currently working towards a Bachelors in Fine Arts and will probably try to find a job in illustration or really anything else that isn't teaching or graphic design. I still have about 3 or 4 years before this move would be applicable and I was just wondering where to begin.

What would be the most affordable city to live in that I would be able to find work?
What kind of work could I hope to get?
Would it be best to try to find an apartment, rent a house, or buy a house?

Basically any answers someone from Michigan would need to know.

[Lovehound]

Originally Posted by ShannonA89

What would be the most affordable city to live in that I would be able to find work?

The most affordable cities will be the ones least likely to offer you work, and vice versa.

Originally Posted by ShannonA89

Would it be best to try to find an apartment, rent a house, or buy a house?

Rent an apartment. At worst you give up and go back home, and nothing lost but wear and tear.

[uptown_urbanist]

Why California? I don't mean that to discourage you - it would just be useful to know exactly what it is about this huge (and extremely diverse in all senses of the word) state that appeals. Presumably there are some specific reasons, and if you can expand a little besides affordable people can give you better lead to a city or region that fits your needs. Although, like Lovehound points out, the most affordable cities are going to be tough from a jobs-standpoint. CA is a great state, but if you're really worried about affordability you might want to expand your search to other states, too. I agree with the concept of renting; first, you don't know the area and won't want to make a costly mistake by buying in the wrong place, and second, it's very tough for many people to afford to buy a home in many parts of the state, anyway, especially if you're fresh out of school. It doesn't matter if you rent a house or an apartment; you can decide that once you figure out where you're living, where you're working, what you can afford, what's available, and which you personally prefer.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by ShannonA89

Hey there!
I'm really considering moving to California when I finish school. I am currently working towards a Bachelors in Fine Arts and will probably try to find a job in illustration or really anything else that isn't teaching or graphic design. I still have about 3 or 4 years before this move would be applicable and I was just wondering where to begin.

What would be the most affordable city to live in that I would be able to find work?
What kind of work could I hope to get?
Would it be best to try to find an apartment, rent a house, or buy a house?

Basically any answers someone from Michigan would need to know.

My advise, wait until you are much closer to making the move before you even start thinking about where to locate. The areas where you will find the best jobs will also be the most expensive areas for living.

Nita

[Charles]

Originally Posted by ShannonA89

I'm really considering moving to California when I finish school.

I am currently working towards a Bachelors in Fine Arts and will probably try to find a job in illustration or really anything else that isn't teaching or graphic design.

What do you expect your salary to be when you move to California and for the subsequent five years?