PLEASE HELP. Best place to live in California in your opinion? (Los Angeles: 2009, find a job)

[ellet87]

Me and my boyfriend are planning on going on our OE next year and would love to live in the US for about 6months, we are looking into the California area as we want good weather.
We are both 23yr olds and are fun loving, and adventurous.
Where would be a good area to live that is warm, in close proximity to a beach, reasonable rent, and busy (with things to do)?

I have a teaching degree and my boyfriend is a qualified machining engineer, will finding jobs be difficult.

Oh yeah, we are moving from little old New Zealand, a very safe country, with a population of around 4million, so this is very daunting.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by ellet87

I have a teaching degree

Me and my boyfriend

I have a teaching degree

will finding jobs be difficult.

Oh yeah, I have a teaching degree

You will have to find a job first.

[ellet87]

You will have to find a job first.

Are you suggesting finding jobs will be difficult?

[Charles]

Originally Posted by ellet87

Are you suggesting finding jobs will be difficult?

California unemployment rises to record 11.5% in May - Los Angeles Times

[ellet87]

Thanks for that, I'm sure there are jobs to be found out there. I am not one to give up.
Do you have any suggestions of a good area to live in?

[ryanst530]

Originally Posted by Charles

California unemployment rises to record 11.5% in May - Los Angeles Times

great, more statistics...

Unemployment numbers mean nothing. The effect of unemployment is localized to certain areas, down to the town level. Many areas and sectors of california are actually thriving. The town where I live for example is seeing unemployment of 4.5%, mass hiring of engineers right now, and a cost of living below the national average.

People need to stop generalizing about unemployment numbers. Stop living by the raw numbers!

Youll be fine applying for a job. Just do some research to find out which area is well known for jobs in your industry and move. Have some money saved up for living expenses. Chances are jobs will hire you faster if you live in the area you are applying for a job in.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Most natives are finding it impossible to find a job within 6 months. How are you going to get a job faster than that from thousands of miles away and who would hire you for just 6 months?

Close to the beach, reasonable rent, and lots of things to do don't really go together. You'll need to give up on at least one of those.

[ellet87]

^ Thanks for that advice. Yeah I get sick of hearing statistics also, I am doing my OE regardless so I am looking for advice/a little optimism.... not don't come!
We don't mind working out of our areas of speciality to much so we won't be fussy job hunters.

Is there a need for teachers over there?

[ellet87]

Most natives are finding it impossible to find a job within 6 months. How are you going to get a job faster than that from thousands of miles away and who would hire you for just 6 months?

Dude no need to be snarky. As I said, I am on the other side of the world and have never travelled to the US so I don't have a clue, that is why I am asking.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by ellet87

Where would be a good area to live that is warm, in close proximity to a beach, reasonable rent, and busy (with things to do)

You need to check out China Lake or Ridgecrest.

Lots to do

Sierra, China Lake, Ridgecrest Amateur Radio Club

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