is san diego in this boston resident's future? (Anaheim, Bostonia: transplants, job market)

[elasticman]

Hi there,

I'm a male in my mid twenties and I work in the computer security field, so the West coast makes sense for my career. I've never been to San Diego, but I'm considering it as my next home. For the past seven years, I lived next to Fenway park in Boston.

How does San Diego compare to Boston? Are there many young people and young professionals? Do most of the young professionals live in one part of the city or another? I lived in Anaheim for a while without a car and that was... difficult. Would I definitely need a car in SD?

In Boston, there are neighborhoods to explore and districts where people walk around to be seen. Are there similar places in SD?

Also people in Boston tended to be pretty loyal to the Northeast. Are people in SD welcoming of new folks, and are they as die hard about sports as people in Boston?

When I visit, what neighborhoods should I check out? In Boston I was in the heart of the city, which I liked. I'd like to live somewhere less overwhelmed by sports fans, but definitely near the more active parts of town.

Thanks for your help.

[cruitr]

A car is a requirement in San Diego. We are too spread out and public transportation is marginal.

Since you're in the computer security field, you'll probably work in Sorrento Valley (zip code: 92121). Most of the high tech employers are in that area. Here's a map:
92121 - Google Maps

San Diego is always looking for new residents. Check out the job market for your skills and come on out.

One last thing... our cost of living is fairly high and our salaries are fairly low. You'll probably make less money here than you make in Boston.

[kettlepot]

Originally Posted by elasticman

Hi there,

I'm a male in my mid twenties and I work in the computer security field, so the West coast makes sense for my career. I've never been to San Diego, but I'm considering it as my next home. For the past seven years, I lived next to Fenway park in Boston.

How does San Diego compare to Boston? Are there many young people and young professionals?

Lots of young people. Can't say there is an over abundance of professionals though, except around Sorrento Valley and Sorrento Mesa near UCSD. Plenty of college kids and military.

Originally Posted by elasticman

Do most of the young professionals live in one part of the city or another?

I would say that the answer is no. There are some suburban areas that are more family oriented rather than singles oriented, but there are a large number of neighborhoods where you will find more singles and fewer families. Give us more detail about what you want in an area and we will direct you to that neighborhood.

Originally Posted by elasticman

I lived in Anaheim for a while without a car and that was... difficult. Would I definitely need a car in SD?

Yes. There are a few neighborhoods where you could mostly live without a car, but you will eventually feel that you are missing out on too much. You could always get a motorcycle or scooter though.

Originally Posted by elasticman

In Boston, there are neighborhoods to explore and districts where people walk around to be seen. Are there similar places in SD?

Yes. The Gaslamp, Hillcrest, the Harbor Drive area, Little Italy, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Ocean Beach, and perhaps La Jolla.

Originally Posted by elasticman

Also people in Boston tended to be pretty loyal to the Northeast. Are people in SD welcoming of new folks, and are they as die hard about sports as people in Boston?

The bulk of your fellow San Diegans will be transplants from somewhere else. No deep generational ties here.

No, San Diegans are not die hard sports fans. Rabidity about sports would require us to become un-laid back. We are more about doing our own sports not watching other people doing theirs.

(unless they are HOT, skimpily clad, and doing it at the beach. If it involves bouncing up and down that's always a plus too! ).

Originally Posted by elasticman

When I visit, what neighborhoods should I check out? In Boston I was in the heart of the city, which I liked. I'd like to live somewhere less overwhelmed by sports fans, but definitely near the more active parts of town.

To get anything resembling the urbanness of Boston you will need to stick to the following areas:

Downtown, Little Italy, Park West/Bankers Hill, Hillcrest, Mission Hills, University Heights, North Park, South Park, Golden Hill, Normal Heights, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach. This an area roughly bounded by I-8 on the north, I-805 to the east, I-94 to the south, and the coast on the along the west - with a northerly projection for Pacific Beach and La Jolla.

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by elasticman

How does San Diego compare to Boston? Are there many young people and young professionals? Do most of the young professionals live in one part of the city or another? I lived in Anaheim for a while without a car and that was... difficult. Would I definitely need a car in SD?

Yes you need a car. Most young people in San Diego are either college-age or recently graduated. There are a few young professionals here but nothing like Boston. Many more retirees here. SF and LA are where the young professionals go.

Originally Posted by elasticman

In Boston, there are neighborhoods to explore and districts where people walk around to be seen. Are there similar places in SD?

Sort of. Culturally San Diego revolves around the beaches - so it's see and be seen in your bikini.

Originally Posted by elasticman

Also people in Boston tended to be pretty loyal to the Northeast. Are people in SD welcoming of new folks, and are they as die hard about sports as people in Boston?

There is some loyalty to Chargers and Padres but not like Boston. San Diego has a fuzzy local identity as a city - it's more of a vacation spot than anything.

Originally Posted by elasticman

When I visit, what neighborhoods should I check out? In Boston I was in the heart of the city, which I liked. I'd like to live somewhere less overwhelmed by sports fans, but definitely near the more active parts of town.

Central San Diego areas - Mission Hills, Hillcrest., North Park, the areas around Balboa Park, which is the social hub of San Diego city, vs. the beach which is the focus of the coast.

[empearls]

Would I definitely need a car in SD?

Yes. It's a 20 minute drive to anywhere.

Also people in Boston tended to be pretty loyal to the Northeast. Are people in SD welcoming of new folks, and are they as die hard about sports as people in Boston?

Nope, not too many die-hards here although a few do exist. You go to a ball game you'll see some guy wearing a Cinncinati jersey even though it's the Padres and the Giants playing.

When I visit, what neighborhoods should I check out? In Boston I was in the heart of the city, which I liked. I'd like to live somewhere less overwhelmed by sports fans, but definitely near the more active parts of town.

What's your definition of "active"? There is no place that is overwhelmed by sports fans. The beaches tend to be popular with former-Bostonian's (there are many of you here and there are even bars dedicated to your sports teams). Check out Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla. Ocean Beach is definitely a chill place but tends to be much sleepier. If you want more of an urban feel check out North Park (lots of local music).

[NG1284]

Hey

I'm a recent implant from Boston, out here for about six months. My general feelings are that San Diego is a nicer area, but Boston has a better city/downtown. The only part that really feels like Boston is the Gaslamp and certain parts of PB. San Diego is a lot more residential, and a lot cheaper too. I'd look at Hillcrest, it's kind of like Brighton in a certain way. Other than that, I haven't found anywhere around here that's really comparable to Boston... though instead you get places like PB and La Jolla which are really great.

And, as others have said, a car is a must. In San Diego driving in general is much bigger than it is in Boston.

[funproducer]

sure cmon out but don't expect much from the padres.