Anybody from Syracuse NY? (San Diego, Oceanside: school, tax, to live in)

[Ham Sandwich]

Hi San Diego-
I left 4 years ago and BOY, do I miss it! (Ok, so I don't miss the 805 traffic--the "slow and go" or the "sleep and creep") but I miss sunshine, laid back attitude and a community that is vibrant and full of arts and culture, and most of all, fresh vegetables.

I moved to Syracuse NY, and now participate on their board...and the people there seem to get REALLY upset when asked (by others from S CA) "what's it like in Syracuse?" and I mention that the people here are larger...alot larger. people go balistic!

Any trip to a crowded place (shopping, a festival of some sort) seems to reveal that the majority of the population smokes and doesn't excersize... Very few people seem happy. (I only seem 2 smiling waitresses in 4 years)

It's a tough economy. Few jobs. It's a sedentary life style (alot of snow) with stores which stock starches and snack foods galore, but have a slim selection of vegetables which are outrageously priced (a tiny bunch of Cilantro--$3. Brocolli on sale, $2.99 lb. 5 little navel oranges: $5...I kid you not.)

It's also weirdly "ist" (homophobic, racist, classist) and I think that's more so than San Diego. But, that's only one opinion...

So, has anyone from Syracuse Ny moved to San Diego...If so, what are your impressions on a comparison of 1.) Mental and Physical Well Being of the Inhabitants (in general), 2.) the Arts and Culture comparison and 3.) and the "isms"...

[Ken Fry]

I lived is Syracuse, N.Y. But left there when I was young like back in 1962. Haven't been back there since. I lived on Caten Dr. Loved that place back then. I have looked it up on map quest and it isn't the same but hell its been 45 years. We moved from Syracuse to L.A. then down to Oceanside, Now I am in Utah.

[CrissCT]

When was the last time you shopped for groceries in San Diego? Today one tiny quart of strawberries was $5.99 (and they are grown right HERE in CA!).

[Ham Sandwich]

Originally Posted by Ken Fry

I lived is Syracuse, N.Y. But left there when I was young like back in 1962. Haven't been back there since. I lived on Caten Dr. Loved that place back then. I have looked it up on map quest and it isn't the same but hell its been 45 years. We moved from Syracuse to L.A. then down to Oceanside, Now I am in Utah.

here's some weird things I've noticed about "names" for places..

People who USED to live in 'Cuse are... EX-'Cusians

In San Diego, there was "Rancho Penasquitas", which friends always refered to as "Rancho Skin-Your-P*nis"

In Syracuse 'burbs, there is "Chittenango" which is "Sh*t-and-then-Go" (syllabic emphasis on the "then")

(hope these weren't offensive... I know they are a little sophmoric...)

The place has changed a lot since that time, at least according to relatives... I went to look up my cousin's residence..and discovered it's a parking garage at Maxwell School now...

[GlobalTransplant]

Wow, those names are horrid! An overall indicator measuring well-being and happiness would be useful, although subjective. I suppose the anger/angst from losing jobs and tax dollars will make many feel sour...