Reasons not to move to San Diego/Southern CA (find a job, neighborhood)

[vnaya]

We have been visiting San Diego the past 3 months. We are originally from Hawaii. We have been in Las Vegas for over 13 years, 13 years too long. I'd give up the heat and the hustle and bustle of this place. When you grow up in a place like Hawaii, you can't be too far from the ocean too long. For some reason I feel it makes me sick, had a recent stroke and yah your blood pressure is up, but when you have an outlet a means to let go all your worries everyday, just to see the ocean, sit by the ocean, serenity. Though reading all of this really give me anxiety, I know San Diego is expensive, but then again so was Hawaii. We were thinking of giving it a try and making it work to have that quality of life, talk about traffic?? Visit Hawaii rush hour, and the cost of living, last time I checked milk in up country Maui was $10.19. I think this may be an alternative for us. For our children to have a childhood, where Vegas DOES NOT offer any. Thanks for the comments!! Its greatly appreciated.

Originally Posted by tonyinsd

You're kidding, right?

Traffic will rule your life? Let's go to the actual numbers. According to Texas A&M's study, people in San Diego waste 38 hours a year in traffic. Over the course of a 200 day work year, that's around 11 minutes per day. I find it difficult to believe that 11 minutes per day is that much of an issue for anyone.

On the other hand, in the DC area, you waste 74 hours a year in traffic. That's an issue, because that's 22 minutes a day.

If you live in a very large metro area, defined as a place with a population of over three million, then San Diego is middle of the pack when it comes to traffic.

As for your complaint about not being able to get away from people, I'm curious how you expected to be able to do this in ANY large metropolitan area.

Ski areas are crowded during the winter? What a shocker. Yup, if you go skiing during the weekend, people might have the same idea as you. And there might not be a lot of convenient parking there. But then, that's the way it is at Breck, Keystone, and Copper. I haven't been skiing here, so I don't know how that is.

The pollution is bad here. But again, that's the way it is in any large city. When I visited New Zealand for two weeks, I flew into LA. I could smell the pollution there. I didn't even notice it before I left for New Zealand.

Earthquakes are a trivial issue. Even if there's a big one, simulations show that we'll get a little shaking, but nothing too serious. And not having the four seasons? I'll happily give up winter and summer, especially the east coast version.

Finally, I can't speak about the humidity because I've never noticed it. Again, having dealt with the triple h on a daily basis on the east coast, where it was hazy, hot, and humid, it doesn't even register.

As for keeping up with the Jones', if you don't give a flying fig about it, then it doesn't matter. I don't give a damn if the neighbors get a new car. I'm happy to drive my 13 year old car until it falls apart, and if the neighbors think less of me because of this, screw 'em.

All in all, for me this is a great place to live. When your blood pressure drops 15 points in a year, your body is telling you something.

[Fran66]

SD County is not nearly as expensive as Hawaii. If you can afford to live in Hawaii, you can afford to live in SD.

[Kevroqs]

The only and major problem is that it's very expensive. But if money is no object, you'll do well.

[socketz]

I really hate that you need to water the grass so much in the summer to keep it alive; this cost a fortune.

Otherwise, you let it die, which looks disparaging.

When I lived back east, the grass grew so fast you prayed it would stop growing so you could take a break from mowing.

[oddstray]

Originally Posted by socketz

I really hate that you need to water the grass so much in the summer to keep it alive; this cost a fortune.

Otherwise, you let it die, which looks disparaging.

When I lived back east, the grass grew so fast you prayed it would stop growing so you could take a break from mowing.

Otherwise you xeriscape so you don't need to water much *and* you don't need to see brown, scruffy grass.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Originally Posted by oddstray

Otherwise you xeriscape so you don't need to water much *and* you don't need to see brown, scruffy grass.

Yep. I'm surprised more don't go that route. I see dirt lots with patches of crab grass.

[Cardiff Kook]

Originally Posted by oddstray

Otherwise you xeriscape so you don't need to water much *and* you don't need to see brown, scruffy grass.

Xeriscape FTW! My house needed a total landscaping makeover and I've made it one large cactus/succulent garden with boulders. Looks awesome and I have to water them like once a month in summer and practically never in the winter.

[socketz]

Originally Posted by oddstray

Otherwise you xeriscape so you don't need to water much *and* you don't need to see brown, scruffy grass.

Ok, call me closed minded, but I hate "xeriscape"!!!

[Cardiff Kook]

Originally Posted by socketz

Ok, call me closed minded, but I hate "xeriscape"!!!

Then the alternative is to suck it up and eat that water bill. (or just have your yard look brown)

[goolsbyjazz]

Originally Posted by socketz

I really hate that you need to water the grass so much in the summer to keep it alive; this cost a fortune.

Otherwise, you let it die, which looks disparaging.

When I lived back east, the grass grew so fast you prayed it would stop growing so you could take a break from mowing.

Hahaha! So true!