Not sure where to live in SoCal (Oxnard, Camarillo: renting, how much)

[yoyoma02]

Hi everyone -
I have made the decision to move from the frozen tundra of Minneapolis and try somewhere new. I've always wanted to move to Southern Cali, because the warm climate, ocean, and mountains. I'm looking to move in the next year.

There are two problems:

First, I'm a little hesitant to move out there because of cost of living. I am currently only making $30,000 a year in a entry level marketing position. To make things worse, I just started my first "professional" job 6 months ago, so I am doubting my income will go up significantly in the next year. Is the cost of living out there, really that bad? Can anyone point me to a resource where I could see how much an assistant makes out in LA?

Second, what city would you all recommend for me? Again, I'm looking for low cost of living, but somewhere warm. I don't care if I'm near the mountains or not. I'd rather be closer to the water, but a little drive doesn't bother me either.

Thanks for your help!

[timelesschild]

Yes, the cost of living is really as high as they say. The job market is tough right now, too. Please do yourself a favor and get the job before making the move. As for where exactly you would want to live... A lot depends on where you find work. You will not want to live far from your job at all. But a general rule of thumb is that living is more expensive towards the water. An exception to this rule might be over in Ventura County, near Oxnard or Camarillo. So maybe you could start your job search in Ventura County and see how things go. Good luck!

[KnoxTown]

This is a very broad question you are asking...

[cabolissa]

Texas, New Mexico, (tucson) Arizona.

Honestly, I don't know why anyone would move to CA sight unseen with all it's economic problems right now. I guess people base their opinions on TV shows.

[KnoxTown]

Originally Posted by cabolissa

Texas, New Mexico, (tucson) Arizona.

Honestly, I don't know why anyone would move to CA sight unseen with all it's economic problems right now. I guess people base their opinions on TV shows.

Every state is having economic problems. Not just California.

[cabolissa]

Originally Posted by KnoxTown

Every state is having economic problems. Not just California.

Absolutely true, but our unemployment average is 3 points higher than the national average and our cost of living index is greater also. Sounds like a recipe for disaster to me.

[Radical Raul]

You can always find work in California as long as you don't mind renting a room or living in a converted garage.

Contrary to popular belief most people rely on shared housing to make ends meet in Southern California, especially the working class.