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Old 04-16-2008, 08:50 PM
 
3 posts, read 8,957 times
Reputation: 10

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Hi, all!

East Coast native here, currently living in the Main Line area. Spent a year in LA, visited SD several times. I love how there are plenty of open country-side areas and nice suburbs that are within reasonable commuting distance (regional rail) to Philly, unlike NYC, where 70-80 minutes seems to be the norm.

To get right to the point, I need to decide between two offers...160k in San Diego or 145k in Philly.

In either city, I would be commuting from a suburban area. For Philly, that would most likely be the Main Line area. For SD, not too sure...perhaps La Jolla or Mission Valley.

Can anyone give me any input regarding SD vs. Philly? I like being outdoors and living in a suburban environment in a non-crowded area. Single, no kids.

Thanks!
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Old 04-17-2008, 06:56 AM
 
8,983 posts, read 21,156,915 times
Reputation: 3807
I don't know many specifics about San Diego... but I do know that for a $15K difference between offers, you'd definitely get way more bang for your buck in the Philly metro than in the San Diego area. Having spent some time in LA, you already know how expensive Southern California is in general.

I also happen to know that transit options are relatively limited in San Diego. I'm aware that they have the "Coaster" commuter train but I don't think its reach is as extensive as the Regional Rail service here.

You probably have done research if not experienced first-hand the difference between attitudes and politics in the two metros. The Philly metro as a whole is more progressive/liberal although suburbs like the Main Line area are relatively conservative.

I have the impression that San Diego suburban sprawl stretches out pretty much to the desert. It's not so bad here; you probably noticed even on the Main Line that life can be pretty peaceful once you step off Route 30 (Lancaster Avenue). And of course, if you like all four seasons, they're spread out pretty evenly here.

I'm certainly not going to knock San Diego. Heck, considering that I'm "allergic" to winter, I wouldn't mind 365 days of spring myself. But there are advantages to living in Philly, with the relatively generous cost of living again being one of them.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Time Is Running Out View Post
Hi, all!

East Coast native here, currently living in the Main Line area. Spent a year in LA, visited SD several times. I love how there are plenty of open country-side areas and nice suburbs that are within reasonable commuting distance (regional rail) to Philly, unlike NYC, where 70-80 minutes seems to be the norm.

To get right to the point, I need to decide between two offers...160k in San Diego or 145k in Philly.

In either city, I would be commuting from a suburban area. For Philly, that would most likely be the Main Line area. For SD, not too sure...perhaps La Jolla or Mission Valley.

Can anyone give me any input regarding SD vs. Philly? I like being outdoors and living in a suburban environment in a non-crowded area. Single, no kids.

Thanks!

Last edited by FindingZen; 04-17-2008 at 07:52 AM..
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Old 04-17-2008, 08:17 AM
 
11 posts, read 32,939 times
Reputation: 20
I was born and raised in Philly. I joined the Navy and spent most of my hitch in San Diego. I liked so much that when I got out of the Navy, I stayed in SD. they are both VERY different places. Philly is tight and all jammed together (as are most Eastern cities), where SD is incredibly spread out with lots of wide open spaces (as are most Western cities). SD has very laid back Calif. beach town lifestyle, Philly is East coast frantic and congested. SD can be congested too, but you can have a wide view of the ocean while you're crawling along. SD is MUCH more expensive in all respects, Philly being downright cheap in comparison. You really have to decide for yourself what you would like to live in. for me, I love the ocean and the desert, and wouldn't think of going back to Philly. If you can find a good job and afford to live here, it can't be beat!
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Old 04-17-2008, 08:20 AM
 
Location: a swanky suburb in my fancy pants
3,391 posts, read 8,775,958 times
Reputation: 1624
Quote:
Originally Posted by Time Is Running Out View Post
Can anyone give me any input regarding SD vs. Philly? I like being outdoors and living in a suburban environment in a non-crowded area. Single, no kids.

Thanks!
Sounds like SD would better fit your wish list. Other than SD being more "laid back" the big difference is the weather .....obviously.
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Old 04-17-2008, 04:23 PM
 
Location: Philadelphia,New Jersey, NYC!
6,963 posts, read 20,528,381 times
Reputation: 2737
i'd go with SD. beautiful landscape, nice city and GREAT beaches!

and the weather!!
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