New to U.S. (San Diego, Irvine: apartment complex, for rent, insurance)

[Flaco09]

First of all I want to say this is my first post here and like to thank all of you who can answer my questions. I'm from Bolivia, in South America and was looking for some jobs in U.S., most of all the ones who needs bilingual people (almost all of them in costumer support), I think Florida already have lots of bilingual people so I'm wondering about applying for a job in Irvine. Or countries economies have nothing in common so what I need to know is how much should I earn to have a decent life and have some savings. I'll really appreciate if you can help me with some real data of rent, transportation (public transportation for start, not planning to immediatly buy a car), food, internet, etc. Please, if you find there are other expenses to take in count don't hesitate to put them here, it's a really big step in my life and like to take as much considerations as possible. Thank you.

[RobE]

Hispanics have been in California for at least 500 years. So there are lots of bilinguals here, too, especially as regards customer support (unless you are talking about something highly technical).

To live in L.A. decently (that is, a non-gang ridden area), you probably need to make at least $75,000 a year to live on your own, especially as you will need a car and insurance (that alone is $2000 a year). Figure paying $1500-2000 a month for rent in a good apartment complex.

In any event, California's unemployment rate is high right now. The underemployed index is more than 15%. So this is not a good time for you to come. Even a lot of illegal Mexican immigrants have gone back home because there are no jobs.

[slowbill]

Also, Orange County has a poor public transportation system. Waiting for a bus and a transfer to another bus takes awhile. RobE is correct. Unless you have a job skill that is unique and in demand, the job market looks bleak. Expect to get a few roomates to live here. In my opinion, you must have a car to live in Orange County.

The state of California is bankrupt because of it's government and spending on social services to all who live here. The public jobs will soon be getting cut. Many businesses are relocating because of the poor business climate also. Good luck.

[mommyntheoc]

First, you should know that OC is the only republican coastal county and with such, they hate immigrants for the most part and view them as a nuissance. So just be aware you'll be called a Mexican many times even though you are not. It is just the style of the people here in general, not all, but in general.

If you are wise with your money and cook at home instead of eating out, you can easily live here on $15 per hour salary. The gov't takes a lot out in taxes so it would be hard to live here on less as a single person. Many people will tell you that you need more money than this, it is simply because they do not realize how much they waste on shopping to try to fulfill the empty voids in themselves and their lives...you will love the psychology fun to be had with the disorders of people living here! LOL

Public transportation here is great, there are many buses that run to anywhere you want to go...the key is to find a quick route. It takes a long time to get anywhere here by bus because there are so many stops...so look at a bus route map and look for quick routes before accepting a job and finding a place to live.

A loaf of bread is $3-5, a gallon of milk is $4-6, for an idea as to food costs. When eating out, you can expect to spend $5 per meal on fast food or $15-20 for one person eating at a restaurant.

There is free internet at grocery stores, cafes, fast food, libraries, etc. If you want to have at home internet, you can pay between $10 (dial up) - $40 (cable modem) monthly.

Utilities for a single person in a small apartment using no air conditioning per month are: $10 water/sewer, $10 trash, $30 electricity, $15 natural gas.

Hope that helps!!!! San Diego has a greater need for bilingual reps if you check there, it is also a much nicer atmosphere as far as people treating you well.

Originally Posted by Flaco09

First of all I want to say this is my first post here and like to thank all of you who can answer my questions. I'm from Bolivia, in South America and was looking for some jobs in U.S., most of all the ones who needs bilingual people (almost all of them in costumer support), I think Florida already have lots of bilingual people so I'm wondering about applying for a job in Irvine. Or countries economies have nothing in common so what I need to know is how much should I earn to have a decent life and have some savings. I'll really appreciate if you can help me with some real data of rent, transportation (public transportation for start, not planning to immediatly buy a car), food, internet, etc. Please, if you find there are other expenses to take in count don't hesitate to put them here, it's a really big step in my life and like to take as much considerations as possible. Thank you.

[mommyntheoc]

Robe and slowbill's posts above reflect the anti-immigrant stance of people here...as you can see! They don't want you here, they will blame you for all of their shortcomings (money and welfare problems for the state). The state has had money problems for a very long time, but most of the people in OC really should be paying their taxes owed to the IRS before blaming immigrants for basic life-saving health services! See...this selfish nature is the reason I would never chose to live here with these people, most of the state of CA hates OC and hopes it falls off into the ocean so all the selfish and superficial people in the state will go away...but then again, from the ones that DO pay their taxes...the state wants their money. I really think you'd love it in San Diego, you seem like a nice person, they would eat you alive here in OC.

[Flaco09]

Thank you very much to all the people who took the time to reply, now I have a better idea and also got a little bit intimidated, nevertheless I'll consider this city.

[flo2900]

Originally Posted by mommyntheoc

Robe and slowbill's posts above reflect the anti-immigrant stance of people here...as you can see! They don't want you here, they will blame you for all of their shortcomings (money and welfare problems for the state). The state has had money problems for a very long time, but most of the people in OC really should be paying their taxes owed to the IRS before blaming immigrants for basic life-saving health services! See...this selfish nature is the reason I would never chose to live here with these people, most of the state of CA hates OC and hopes it falls off into the ocean so all the selfish and superficial people in the state will go away...but then again, from the ones that DO pay their taxes...the state wants their money. I really think you'd love it in San Diego, you seem like a nice person, they would eat you alive here in OC.

Mommy,
marrying Flaco seems like a good ideea for you. He needs a Green Card anyway!

[mommyntheoc]

I'm already married, very happily, which is more than I can say for the rest of the pitiful people on here that are sarcastic and rude to newbies, like you! Best! ;-)

Originally Posted by flo2900

Mommy,
marrying Flaco seems like a good ideea for you. He needs a Green Card anyway!

[slowbill]

From mommyntheoc---"If you are wise with your money and cook at home instead of eating out, you can easily live here on $15 per hour salary. The gov't takes a lot out in taxes so it would be hard to live here on less as a single person. Many people will tell you that you need more money than this, it is simply because they do not realize how much they waste on shopping to try to fulfill the empty voids in themselves and their lives...you will love the psychology fun to be had with the disorders of people living here! LOL"

"The gov't takes a lot out in taxes so it would be hard to live here on less as a single person" Mmommynthe oc agrees with the rest of us, but adds that we need to fulfill the empty voids in our lives with shopping. She wants to set you up to marry her sister maybe. Maybe her sister can take away the empty void in your life Flaco? Maybe mommyntheoc has a void?
This comment is even more revealing: " you will love the psychology fun to be had with the disorders of people living here " She lives here, sounds like she needs to take her own advice and move to San Diego to get away from people with disorders.

Stick to the facts. Orange County is very expensive to live in. The state of California is bankrupt because of it's poor leadership and its many social programs that support all races, all genders, and both legal and illegal residents. Living on $120 dollars an day or $600 dollars a week before taxes would be difficult without a roomate. You will have to get a work visa to work. Waiting for a bus transfer can be time consuming . Irvine is probably one of the most expensive areas to rent in.

Hey maybe mommntheoc can let you live with her and her family? She can have some " psychology fun" with you.

[RobE]

Originally Posted by mommyntheoc

Robe and slowbill's posts above reflect the anti-immigrant stance of people here...as you can see! They don't want you here, they will blame you for all of their shortcomings (money and welfare problems for the state).

Which is a ridiculous assertion. Your post is emblematic of how people get emotionally worked up about this issue and thus any rational discourse about the practical statecraft consequences of unfettered immigration becomes a tough row to hoe.

I'm not anti-immigrant, especially as I have lived overseas myself and have had hispanic and Asian friends. I just like to have some kind of vetting process in place so we know just who we are allowing to enter the U.S. and ensuring that they won't be a burden on the native population. If that strikes you as unreasonable, well, that's your problem.

Just so that you know, I voted against proposition 187 because:

1. It was just bad policy and a great organize crime syndicate recruitment tool.
2. It would get rejected by federal courts on separation of powers grounds (only the feds can make immigration policy), resulting in unnecessary expense when California tries to defend it. And I was right.