Any former CA natives moved to New England and loved/hated it? (Boston: health insurance, appliances)

[skytrekker]

New England is a hell of lot more diverse then 100 years ago

Yep the old Yankees are still here, and the first wave of European immigrants from Ireland, Germany and then Italy. Then came the Poles, the Jews, the Swedes and African Americans- and recently Asians, Latino and more..

New Englanders reserved? Well again that is New Englander has always been. We do have a common culture- a long history which most newcomers adapt to (thankfully) however- despite the waves of immigrants of various ethnic groups and cultures- we have maintained a very unique culture- that all the newcomers have adapted to. And the good thing is that New England remains 'New England' socially progressive- isolated geographically from the rest of the USA- but a regions that is envied and desired.

[Vera206]

There are many communities in MA that are still reasonable. of course I am comparing to California standards, not Ohio or Nebraska. To me, it has the best of everything. I know one thing, I detest Calif., especially Los Angeles. If I had not spend so much time in MA I would check out North Carolina, or maybe Maryland..........people seem much nicer. Anywhere to get away from the maddening crowd. How about Maine??????????? Taxes are quite high i Maine, surprisingly////To live or die in LA LA land, must leave or will be in a pine box.

[puffle]

"Are people in L.A. really phoney and pretentious" was a recent thread posted on the L.A. site. Nuff said.

[breezy1]

Originally Posted by nooneknowsmyname

It is interesting how different people's perceptions are. I have lived in Boston and Philadelphia, Chapel Hill, North Carolina and now the SF Bay Area. My spouse grew up in New York. If you don't like the T, you will probably hate the NY subway because it resembles the T only bigger, more crowded. One important difference, however, is the NY subway runs 24 hours a day, which is what a real public transit system is supposed to do: be available. We both hate BART. Too expensive, not convenient, not enough scheduled trips, too many different transit systems with no coordination among them. Not a real public transit system. BART is more like a commuter rail which is proably why you prefer the commuter rail (the purple line) But I guess it's all what one is used to and what one expects public transportation is supposed to be.

I would love to hear your perspective, since you have lived in the three areas I'm considering for relocation. I am from update NY (Rochester) and am considering a few relocation job options right now. One in Boston (Wlellesley), one in Raleigh-Durham area (RTP), and one in San Francisco (South SanFrancisco). I am very torn.

A little bit about myself -- Late 40s with a husband willing to go "whereever" (no kids) -- we're both native update New Yorkers and looking for a move for job and lifesyle opportunities. The cost of living factor scares me coming from Rochester, NY, but I'm ready to try something else. Ideally want a medium to large city with diversity of people, ethnic restaurants, museums, culture but still with opportunities for outdoor activities. Weather is not so much as issue as it can't get much colder and snowier that upstate. Of the 3 choices, Raleigh-Durham seems most affordable with the better weather, it's supposed to be a pretty area (i.e., Cary, NC), and always comes up on those lists of places for good quality of living, however it seems of the 3 to be better for families and perhaps a bit lacking in things to do. SanFrancisco scares me a bit because of the "off-the-charts" cost of living, and I have to admit the earthquakes -- but it is so beautiful in California (although very far away from family, which are mainly in upstate area). Boston appeals to me, but the cost of living is again a bit scary -- we just may not be able to afford a house unless we live far out, which we don't want to do -- however, I'd be willing to consider a condo, if it was really nice with some decent square footage, and didn't feel like living in an apartment.

Another thing that I've come to think about alot that I want in a community is the "culture." New Englanders are often described as a bit more reserved and not so outwardly friendly, but have more depth when you get to know them. I guess that's OK with me because, quite frankly, that is consistent with my personality -- a little slow to warm up to people, but once we are friends, I'm extremely loyal.

What is really important is to be around other people that are culturally inclined, forward thinking, and interesting -- especially since we don't have children, we are looking for other "like-minded", creative, professional persons, rather than settling into a more family-oriented community.

It would be really interested in your thoughts!!!

[Vera206]

Do you think that we could swap lives.........I had to come to Calif., escaping an abusive husband in MA. Problem: left all friends and things that were familiar to me behind. I have been psychologically sick since coming to CA........I love Massachusetts (although I cannot visualize what they have done to the city with the BIG DIG). When you are older, it is very hard to go to a strange place........I detest the southwest, I am going to try to sell two houses to move HOME........everything is relative, one persons poison is anothers "sugar", however the saying goes. People, in general suck. Maybe Maine.....

[nooneknowsmyname]

Originally Posted by breezy1

I would love to hear your perspective, since you have lived in the three areas I'm considering for relocation. I am from update NY (Rochester) and am considering a few relocation job options right now. One in Boston (Wlellesley), one in Raleigh-Durham area (RTP), and one in San Francisco (South SanFrancisco). I am very torn.

A little bit about myself -- Late 40s with a husband willing to go "whereever" (no kids) -- we're both native update New Yorkers and looking for a move for job and lifesyle opportunities. The cost of living factor scares me coming from Rochester, NY, but I'm ready to try something else. Ideally want a medium to large city with diversity of people, ethnic restaurants, museums, culture but still with opportunities for outdoor activities. Weather is not so much as issue as it can't get much colder and snowier that upstate. Of the 3 choices, Raleigh-Durham seems most affordable with the better weather, it's supposed to be a pretty area (i.e., Cary, NC), and always comes up on those lists of places for good quality of living, however it seems of the 3 to be better for families and perhaps a bit lacking in things to do. SanFrancisco scares me a bit because of the "off-the-charts" cost of living, and I have to admit the earthquakes -- but it is so beautiful in California (although very far away from family, which are mainly in upstate area). Boston appeals to me, but the cost of living is again a bit scary -- we just may not be able to afford a house unless we live far out, which we don't want to do -- however, I'd be willing to consider a condo, if it was really nice with some decent square footage, and didn't feel like living in an apartment.

Another thing that I've come to think about alot that I want in a community is the "culture." New Englanders are often described as a bit more reserved and not so outwardly friendly, but have more depth when you get to know them. I guess that's OK with me because, quite frankly, that is consistent with my personality -- a little slow to warm up to people, but once we are friends, I'm extremely loyal.

What is really important is to be around other people that are culturally inclined, forward thinking, and interesting -- especially since we don't have children, we are looking for other "like-minded", creative, professional persons, rather than settling into a more family-oriented community.

It would be really interested in your thoughts!!!

As you have already alluded to in your post, each of the three areas you are considering have positive and negative aspects.

I grew up in a small town in Massachusetts attended college outside of Boston and moved to Boston after graduating from college. I lived, worked and attended graduate school in Boston over a period of twenty years. Of the 3 places, Boston has the most interesting weather insofar as changing seasons is concerned, but you have to like cold weather because Boston winters can be long and cold. Raleigh-Durham-Chapel HIll (RTP) area has milder weather than Boston, but North Carolina is the south and it is hot in the summer, which begins in early May through September. The San Francisco area has the best weather--temperatures range between 40-80 degrees with a few days of lower temperatures and a few days of higher temperatures. Of all three places, I prefer the weather in the SF Bay and the landscape in the SF Bay area is beautiful with easy access to the beach and the mountains. Although not as spectacular, New England is second. I wasn't that impressed with the scenery in RTP.

Although Boston has changed, it still exudes a Yankee sensibility. You noted that people in Boston are reserved and although I never thought about it when I lived there, moving to other cities has given me other perspectives and points of comparison. Compared to the SF Bay Area where people smile and say hello to strangers, it's not customary for people in Boston to smile and talk to everyone they see on the street. Some people think that this means that people in the SF Bay area are friendlier than those in Boston, but I disagree. Another difference is that once introduced, SF Bay area people waste no time telling you all about their personal lives which is very different from Boston people who don't feel it is appropriate to share information about themselves until they have known you for a while. Despite these early and easy revelations, SF folks don't have the depth or form the lasting friendships that Boston people do as you noted in your post. My spouse sums it up by saying that SF Bay area people will tell you all their personal business, but never invite you to their home for dinner.

When it comes to cost of living, the SF Bay Area wins the prize for being expensive. Although the prices have come down a bit from their all time high, houses are still expensive and even condos in small cities/towns that are 25 miles away from
SF cost more than 300,000.00. Not only are houses expensive, but gas is the highest in the nation, state income taxes and sales taxes are high. But because the temperatures and weather are mild, the cost of heating and air conditioning are not that high and although it can get chilly and (depending on where one lives) sometimes hot, the temperatures are not so extreme that a lot of energy is required. You can get by without turning you heat up high or crank up the air conditioning.
Although expensive, the cost of housing is not as high as it is in the SF Bay Area and there are cities/towns in the Boston area where the houses aren't as high. An added bonus is that Boston has a good public transportation system which makes it possible to live farther away from the city and still take public transportation into the city. In contrast, not only is the SF Bay areas public transit system costly, it just isn't as convenient as Boston's so SF folks have to use their automobiles to get around with the result that the traffic is horrible. Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill has buses, but the public transportation in the Research Triangle does not compare to that in Boston and SF. You probably already know that the Research Triangle Area has the lowest cost housing.

SF and Boston have the most vibrant arts, literary and cultural scenes. Not only does each area have several universities, since they are cities in their own right, SF and Boston have lot of arts, literary, cultural venues and to use your words, "creative, professional" individuals. When it comes to having a vibrant arts, cultural and literary scene, the Research Triangle Area does not compare. This is not to say that there is nothing in the way of arts and culture, but that the three cities are known more for being the NC state capitol, and university towns which means that much of what takes place revolves around state government and the university scene. Because so many people from the northeast have relocated to the Research Triangle Area has changed from a southern community to a more cosmopolitan area with more liberal views than it previously had. However, of the three the RTA is the more family oriented community compared to Boston and SF which although it does have families is more likely to attract professionals both single and married without childless. As far as earthquakes are concerned, I wouldn't worry about it although I have to admit that I used to say the same thing: that I wouldn't want to live in SF because of the earthquakes. But, after living here for 15 years, I realized a couple of things: 1) there are many small earthquakes that take place all of the time and 2) people consider earthquakes like they do death. you know its going to happen, but since you don't know when, you simply don't worry about it and go on living your life. The last thing you should know about earthquakes is that whether you feel them depends on the kind of ground upon which your house is built. There have been many earthquakes in the SF Bay area while I've been living here, but it wasn't until this fall that I actually felt one shake the house. When it happened, I wasn't sure what it was. To me, it felt like a very strong wind was shaking the house. It wasn't until I heard the news that I realized it was an earthquake.

If I had to choose, I would rule out the RTP and concentrate on either Boston or SF, both of which I think have more to offer
creative, professional people. Hope these comments are useful. If you have other questions, feel free to send me a personal message.

[breezy1]

nooneknowsmyname: Thank you so much for your comments. It gives my a lot to consider. As I mentioned, I am in the very early stages, and will have to see how things go a "feel" at the interviews. But if all things were equal job-wise, Boston really appeals to me. Unfortunately, the cost-of-living factor is very real coming from Rochester. We are just simply not sitting on a bunch of real estate equity. So even if the salary was fantastic, we simply don't have the big chunk of money to put towards a down payment. I have a feeling that this may come down to deciding between the Boston opportunity and and Raleigh one -- the one in S.F. is a bit of a "stretch" professionally and the most difficult move personally and financially. I am afraid that we'll end up spending so much of our income on housing that there won't be much left to enjoy all the amenities of the Boston area. We will see how things go -- Thanks for your input.

[kritterz78]

I relocated to MA form Southern CA about 5 years ago and I am FINALLY moving out of here in 2 weeks. MA is like another world...definately not in a good way!!! It is filthy, rude, expensive, smoggy, over rated, poor medical care, high insurance and taxes. The road conditions are very poor, it is littered and filthy here. The people are very rude and closed minded. They all think MA is the best when it is the worst place I have ever been! Road rage is out of control, even the police and state troopers are rude and unhelpful. I can't wait to get out of here!!!

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by kritterz78

I relocated to MA form Southern CA about 5 years ago and I am FINALLY moving out of here in 2 weeks. MA is like another world...definately not in a good way!!! It is filthy, rude, expensive, smoggy, over rated, poor medical care, high insurance and taxes. The road conditions are very poor, it is littered and filthy here. The people are very rude and closed minded. They all think MA is the best when it is the worst place I have ever been! Road rage is out of control, even the police and state troopers are rude and unhelpful. I can't wait to get out of here!!!

I thought you where describing California for a moment.

I never knew Boston to have a 'smog' problem- the climate and geographic location are not conducive to it.
According to the American Lung Association the worse cities for air pollution are; Boston is not in this group- or any other City in New England. oh well

1 LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH-RIVERSIDE, CA
2 FRESNO-MADERA, CA
3 BAKERSFIELD, CA
4 PITTSBURGH-NEW CASTLE, PA
5 EUGENE-SPRINGFIELD, OR
6 BIRMINGHAM-HOOVER-CULLMAN, AL
6 SALT LAKE CITY-OGDEN-CLEARFIELD, UT
8 SACRAMENTO-ARDEN-ARCADE-TRUCKEE, CA-NV
9 VISALIA-PORTERVILLE, CA
10 CLEVELAND-AKRON-ELYRIA, OH
11 MODESTO, CA
12 HANFORD-CORCORAN, CA
12 CHICAGO-NAPERVILLE-MICHIGAN CITY, IL-IN-WI
12 DETROIT-WARREN-FLINT, MI
15 SAN JOSE-SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND, CA
16 SAN DIEGO-CARLSBAD-SAN MARCOS, CA
17 CINCINNATI-MIDDLETOWN-WILMINGTON, OH-KY-IN
18 WASHINGTON-BALTIMORE-NORTHERN VIRGINIA, DC-MD-VA-WV
18 PROVO-OREM, UT
20 LOUISVILLE-ELIZABETHTOWN-SCOTTSBURG, KY-IN
21 WEIRTON-STEUBENVILLE, WV-OH
22 SEATTLE-TACOMA-OLYMPIA, WA
23 MERCED, CA
23 MEDFORD, OR
23 HARRISBURG-CARLISLE-LEBANON, PA

[2KidsforMe]

kritterz-I'm sorry you were so unhappy here. Are you going back to CA? I'm an Orange County native who moved here 7 years ago, and what you are describing sounds like how I feel whenever I travel back to CA. Have you ventured out further into New England? There is so much natural beauty and charm here, really. And smog? Well, I have to disagree with that one. I was an asthmatic my entire life until I moved here. Yes, generally speaking, the people are different from what you wll find in CA, and it does take some getting used to. Personally, I am gratefull to live with such socially progressive, genuine, educated and tolerant people. I don't miss the traffic, and the just the sheer crush of people that you encounter in CA. I do miss the beach, my friends and family, great restraunts, and that glorious January weather.