LA (Thousand Oaks) vs. Chicago (Los Angeles, Simi Valley: mortgage, home, school)

[payone24]

My work provides me fantastic opportunities to travel and I'm stuck with a predicament regarding location. I've been fortunate enough to have been offered two placements either in Semi Valley, CA, with residing in Thousand Oaks, CA or just outside of Chicago with the opportunity for a great place in the city. I'm originally from the Chicagoland area have been meaning to return since finishing school and traveling for work. I learned today that I need to decide fast on these two opportunities.

Rent/mortgage is not an issue, since work will be paying for it (I'm very lucky)... I'm a 25 year old single female who enjoys sports (triathlons, biking, etc), attending sporting events, culture, music and concerts, and partying it up like crazy in my off time. My question is - is Thousand Oaks a good place for a single 20 something who's looking to have a great time? I've been reading about how it's a wonderful place for a family....

This placement is only a year, but in my mind - it's a long time to be somewhere I will not be happy. I know I'll be happy in Chicago, but feel adventurous and don't want to regret not making this effort.

I wanted to commend all you great people on this site, too! I ALWAYS lurk on here when finding cool info for new cities

[BRinSM]

I think that you'd love Thousand Oaks for the outdoor activities that can be participated in year round. However, you'd probably be quite dissapointed in the nightlife options there and its distance from LA where there is nightlife. I guess you need to determine which is a greater priority for you.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by payone24

My question is - is Thousand Oaks a good place for a single 20 something who's looking to have a great time? ..... I know I'll be happy in Chicago...

My gut feeling is, despite Chicago's inferior weather, you'd be happier there. This assumes the place in Chicago you'd be living is favorable for single people in their 20s. TO is perfect weather, lots of hiking, cycling, and sports type things. There is a huge employer called Amgen (biotech) in which I'd bet there are lots of single people, in fact I met a lot myself when I was single. But for the most part TO (or the Conejo Valley in general) is a beautiful family oriented region. TO is not a party town.

[payone24]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

You guys are great!!! I appreciate the input soo much!!

[angelenomoreno]

I'd think you'd be happy during the daytimes (on weekends), but miserable at night. You'd have to drive an hour to find any kind of decent, youth-oriented nightlife. Most of your neighbors and workplace colleagues will probably be living the suburban dream. But the weather'd would be beautiful day in and day out, and it would be something new. If you had partying buddies in Hollywood, then you could have a lot more fun.

[MartyROtten]

You're choosing between L.A. and Chicago? Where's the dilemma. If I had a choice I"d be already packing my bags for Chicago. It has a lot more going for it than Los Angeles (but then, so does Darfur)

[GinaJ]

I am 29 so a little older but moved to Ventura about an hour or so from where you would be. I think all moves are a transition. Do you know any one in either state? I ask because it can be lonely in a new place and not to say you won't meet people but it takes time.I moved to Fl and am going back to Ventura. I really liked it there. I am not a club person but there were a lot of young people. Where do you live now? Maybe make a pro and con list. Could you visit before you go? I am really upset I moved so I understand your conflict and now moving back is expensive and stressful. Good luck

[Charles]

Originally Posted by GinaJ

I am 29 so a little older but moved to Ventura about an hour or so from where you would be. ..... I am not a club person but there were a lot of young people.

I did think of Ventura for this original poster but since she works in Simi, I didn't recommend Ventura due to the drive - she'd have to deal with the 118 or the 101, 23, 118 east bound in the morning - not fun. But, Ventura might be the best place for her if she was willing to drive. Otherwise, virtually everything around Simi within a decent commuting distance would be kind of boring.

[laviachi]

Chicago is a city vs Thousand Oaks which is an LA suburb. Kind of like the difference between Chicago & Naperville. Chicago has nightlife, a great city scene and many people your age. While it is true you could venture into LA for nightlife, etc -- it is still an hour or more away from Thousand Oaks. And LA does not have the same city vive as Chicago. While you may be adventurous, do you want to start over out here for a year in a suburban setting? It gives you an opportunity to explore the west coast at no cost to you financially. At the same time, Chicago is a great city to live in as well. What is important to you at this stage of life?

[GinaJ]

To me the drive to Simi Valley from Ventura would get old very quick. I went to an apt there once and it took a long time. I thought the area around Simi Valley was nice or I may be wrong. If you move think of it as a year since the other poster is right your work is paying. It doesn't have to be forever. My forst month in Ca I hated it and wanted to come home but then I adjusted.