Single 41 Professional Female - PNW or Santa Monica? (Los Angeles, Richmond: apartment, how much)

[Canada66]

Greetings from Portland, Oregon.

I'm in the process of looking for new position in education. I am a single professional female (early 40s) and have been invited for an interview in Santa Monica next week. I've lived most of my life in the Pacific Northwest - Portland for the past 8 years. I really like the laid back lifestyle here and am wondering what life will be like there. One of the possible perks is over a substantial increase in pay and a great job opportunity. When I think of So. California - I'd want to move to a place that I'll enjoy my work but also lifestyle that is low-key. Let me know your thoughts. I've also applied for a lower pay position in Everett, WA and Vancouver Island. Thanks in advance.

[JTGJR]

Comparing Washington or Oregon, your cost of living in Southern California could greatly outweigh the increase in salary. And low-key lifestyle in LA is also considerably different than the low-key lifestyle in the PNW. Your decision should, first and foremost, be based on how much you'll be able to afford for an acceptable 1BR apartment within a reasonable distance to your school.

[CA4Now]

Originally Posted by Canada66

I'm in the process of looking for new position in education.

Be aware of the massive budget cuts in education going on right now in the state of California. That may or may not influence your decision, depending on which area of the field you work in.

[ParkTwain]

Originally Posted by CA4Now

Be aware of the massive budget cuts in education going on right now in the state of California. That may or may not influence your decision, depending on which area of the field you work in.

Somewhat OFF-TOPIC:
Any idea how many jobs in education in the Los Angeles Unified District service the (illegal) immigrant community, with courses such as beginning English, etc.? (quite a few) As the tamping down on illegals increases, the attendance in these classes is dwindling and so the viability of those teaching jobs is increasingly in doubt. Just the decreases in this part of the District could make up a good part of the teacher layoffs.

[fairweathergolfer]

Having lived previously in both Portland and Seattle for many years prior to moving to Santa Monica/Brentwood I would say the chill factor down here is possible if you live close to where you will be working in Santa Monica. I do not have to commute on the freeways or at all here and find Santa Monica totally chill, exciting, and walkable (which is critical for that NW type chill--for me anyway.) There is also a certain amount of being hidden when one wants, which also reminds me of the PNW.

If however you find you can not afford to live within 15-20 minutes driving distance to work or have to use the west side freeways to get there, interview, and move on as it could really screw with your sanity--as laid back it is not.

Vancouver Island would be lovely! Or Seattle (my favorite) is always good and make sure to check out housing in Edmonds down by the water or maybe Richmond Beach, or even down by Carkeet Park, but not Everett. You will end up hating the place if you do live in Everett. Working is fine.

You have three great options though. Just make sure in Seattle and Santa Monica to do your research on housing first as in both situations, it has the power to really impact your overall experience. Of course the people you interview with or the human resource employees can tell you alot about local housing and pros and cons as well. So they too will be great resources. Don't let anyone con you into thinking you can and will adapt to a commute lifestyle down here, as that will be exactly what you are not looking for according to your post. Trust me on this.

Good luck to you!!!! Oh by the way both Seattle and Santa Monica have a lot to offer women in our age group :-D. I am unfamiliar with Vancouver Island's options.

Originally Posted by Canada66

Greetings from Portland, Oregon.

I'm in the process of looking for new position in education. I am a single professional female (early 40s) and have been invited for an interview in Santa Monica next week. I've lived most of my life in the Pacific Northwest - Portland for the past 8 years. I really like the laid back lifestyle here and am wondering what life will be like there. One of the possible perks is over a substantial increase in pay and a great job opportunity. When I think of So. California - I'd want to move to a place that I'll enjoy my work but also lifestyle that is low-key. Let me know your thoughts. I've also applied for a lower pay position in Everett, WA and Vancouver Island. Thanks in advance.