From central europe to san diego (Carlsbad: 2014, rental, crime rates)

[acl-at]

Hi everybody,

i just came accross this forum and read so many interesting threads that i decided to open one on my own.

Some infos about me and my family: we (my wife, my son (4) and i) currently living in austria and looking forward to move to the san diego area in 2014. I'm 31 years old and work as a self-employed software developer (15 years in business). My wife works as a social worker (master of science) in a psychiatric hospital. We wanna move to the US because we always wanted to live in a foreign country, it's a big chance to get to know a different culture, we like the kindness of the californian people, we like the country. And what makes all of this possible: we won the green card.

We already have been on holidays in california so we know the area a little but of course nothing about living in this area. Our preferred neighborhood to live is carlsbad because of the good schools (we have this information from the internet), the proximity to the pacific and of course: the price.


It would be very kind if residents of this area could give us some response:

1. What do you think about the public schools? What about crime in school?

2. I'm looking forward to get a job as a senior developer/team leader. Are there any IT companies in the carlsbad area?

3. Some recruiters told me that senior developers earn about a $ 100000 per year - can we afford the cost of living in the carlsbad area? rental in a gated community, gas/electricity/water, schools, car ...


I know ... alot of question marks - but we read a lot of different stuff from a lot of different people on the internet. We're sure that it feels a lot more comfortable to get the infos from the people who live in these areas.

Thanks to all of you for your time!

[AADAD]

Well welcome. I would say if you have not made contacts or have a job offer it may be risky. San Diego is very competitive with people from various areas wanting to live in near perfect weather year round. Schools are excellent. Find the post here from a view days ago which rates them. Crime in schools (violence) is minimal but drugs are an issue. At four years old not a worry but if you stay keep your eyes open. Your wife should not have trouble finding work but is her training equivalent and will her license in Austria translate to this country?

Again, you may want to visit prior to landing here so that you are sure you have a position if that is what you want. If you are mobile and can do your work anywhere, the internet here is good to very good.

Good luck on your choices. BRW Austria have some incredible pastries !! And coffee!

[oddstray]

Yes, there is IT industry in Carlsbad. You would need to find one that would apply for a work visa for you, and I'm not sure about a work visa for your wife.

Check out crime rates here: CrimeMapping.com - National Map

[acl-at]

Thank you both for your immediate responses.

@AADAD: it's quite risky, we give up a good life here in austria. The whole move to the US is a big challenge, but also a bigger gain on experience.

@oddstray: we have a green card, so work visa sponsorship is not necessary. But great to hear, that there's IT industry in carlsbad.

As long as i don't find a good job (what's my main goal), i'm going to work self-employed for some of my customers here in austria (and start a business in the US).