LA or San Diego? (Los Angeles, Fortuna: neighborhoods, schools, universities)

[Azure Ray]

I am looking at getting into a doctorate program either in LA or in San Diego. I am from Ohio, but am looking forward to the more "moderate" weather and sunshine in CA! What are the major differences between these two cities? I know that LA is warmer in the summer, but I am wondering what the most obvious pros and cons of each of these cities is.

Any fresh ideas are greatly appreciated!

[BRinSM]

as for weather, they are almost exactly the same. LA is larger though and has more micro climates within the city proper. as for comparing the two beyond weather, LA is also more expensive and more cosmopolitan, but also has more of the urban ills that come with a larger city (ie. pollution, crime, traffic, etc.). LA is also much more left wing than san diego. i live in LA and enjoy my frequent visits to SD though. there are just so many more job opportunities in LA that a permanent move down to SD isn't likely for me. apparently the alumni connections from the local universities here (usc and ucla) are very strong and will also help you a great deal if you choose to work here after graduating. i think the bottom line though is what type of city you want to live in. LA is a very diverse, global city with no lack of opporutities to participate in just about any activity (from outdoor activities to museums to night clubs). SD also has plenty to do, but not nearly as much. if you want to be in the big city, then LA is for you. if you prefer a slower pace and a more family friendly environment, then SD might be a better fit.

[bhcompy]

At a basic level:

San Diego is laid back/low stress, but less overall options for activities unless you prefer outdoors type activities
LA is expensive and crowded, but has the broadest range of activities if you don't mind driving around for things

[1200RT]

Do the status of the schools play into this at all?

I live in LA, and spend some time with friends in SD. Even tho SD is big, it seems much much smaller than LA.

[rkb0305]

personally I prefer SD. I've never really cared for LA. Too sprawly. SD's air isn't as bad either.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Azure Ray

I am looking at getting into a doctorate program either in LA or in San Diego. I am from Ohio, but am looking forward to the more "moderate" weather and sunshine in CA! What are the major differences between these two cities? I know that LA is warmer in the summer, but I am wondering what the most obvious pros and cons of each of these cities is.

Any fresh ideas are greatly appreciated!

Which schools in each city are you considering? The differences between the neighborhoods housing doctoral universities in each city is greater than the differences between Los Angeles and San Diego as cities.

What do you plan to earn your doctorate in?


The biggest difference is San Diego has the only original Los Angeles NFL (now) team.

[Yvetta]

San Diego is non progressive, low wages and not as culturally tolerant/diverse as Los Angeles.

We used to have a running joke when I lived in San Diego

What do people in SD do for excitement?
Answer: Go to LA

[windnsea00]

Originally Posted by BRinSM

as for weather, they are almost exactly the same. LA is larger though and has more micro climates within the city proper. as for comparing the two beyond weather, LA is also more expensive and more cosmopolitan, but also has more of the urban ills that come with a larger city (ie. pollution, crime, traffic, etc.).

Fortunately in the last decade San Diego has become (still progressing) more cosmopolitan with the expansion of downtown and younger generations taking over with more diverse interests. Now if we could get our local government (and CA's) to become more entrepreneurial, along with moving the airport to Miramar or somewhere allowing it to become the size it needs, we could expand much more so. We could have a decent size downtown with the current airport removed and all the businesses currently alloted to it.

Anyway, I would say spend time in both cities to see what you prefer also.

[Sassberto]

If your goal is career development, go to LA.
If your goal is a nice lifestyle, go to San Diego.

[MisterDuke]

Choose a doctorate according to the caliber of the program into which you can gain entry. Making a decision that will affect the rest of your professional career based on weather is short-sighted.