Santa Cruz vs San Jose (San Diego, Berkeley: Valentine's day, school, dangerous)

[Luke9686]

Just like Krud said, there are plenty of walkable areas in S.J. Like the ones I posted in an earlier post.

[sissy910]

Originally Posted by NYCexpat

I have to agree with you JakeDog.

Although many folks on hear do not want to hear this, but San Jose is Crap, and Santa Cruz Rules. I could go into greater detail but I'd rather just leave you all with this imperically true statement.

That is a matter of opinion! San Jose has it's good and bad points like MOST places!

We are looking to move out primarily because of the cost of living and because we have no relatives in California, not because it is a bad place to live. There are MANY opportunities, lots of things to do, very nice weather, beautiful scenery, close to mountain activities, close to ocean, etc.

[rubyskye]

yeah, 17 has an average of 370 something accidents a year. Someone told me that it had more accidents a year than any other roadway in California. I'm not sure either of these are truths but it is a crazy road and you just need to stay really present and alert. It's also a blast to drive up, up, up and then descend down into S.C.
If you can afford it and don't mind the commute, I strongly recommend Santa Cruz county meaning you don't have to live in S.C. proper. Soquel and Aptos are both great towns with easy access to UCSC. The bus system in the entire county is superb. And I think someone else said that you're daughter will probably prefer it and I can pretty much guarantee that. If you can afford to live near the ocean and don't mind commuting to your job, why live in San Jose? The summers are hot, hot, hot and the air is polluted and visually it's not so great (I'm being kind) while over the hill the air is clean, the fog is refreshing and the pacific ocean is heaven, the redwoods and s.c. mountains beautiful. With an income like yours you should be able to find a good rental. There are good house rentals in both Aptos and Soquel and if your daughter is starting school in September start looking before the school season begins. Both Soquel and Aptos are very family friendly. Nice little neighborhoods and less hectic than Santa Cruz and Capitola.

[krudmonk]

If you want Santa Cruz's weather, just move to San Francisco. It has more to offer with its summerless fogfests. The snobs actually have more of a right to be snobby, too.

[MissingCali]

I 'm originally from California and have family that is still there. Santa Cruz actually. The cost of living is so high there that you can work at McDonald's and make $11.00. For San Jose, I would pick the South Side or the Very East Side. Surrounding cities might be nicer, like Los Gatos, Saratoga, Campbell or Santa Clara or Mt.View. My mom has lived By Scotts Valley since 1988 and it has grown alot!! Nice little town. I would definitley check it out. Back to the question at hand. San Jose has more to offer to keep you busy and entertained and Santa Cruz is more laid back. I would look into the cities I named off. You would probably be happy there. Sorry my reply is all over the place. I would like to get back myself.

[BENZBOY15]

Look, I live and go to school in San Jose (Santa Clara University) and visit my friend in Capitola (Santa Cruz area) and THERE IS NO COMPARISON!

San Jose is the most boring, bland place I've ever been. It's flat, smoggy, filled with strip malls and the only fun thing I do in San Jose is when I'm at the airport catching a flight to San Diego, which I've spent a lot of my money on. I feel like I'm going insane living here. I CAN'T STAND IT.

As a matter of fact, it's so bad that I'm moving back to San Diego.

Santa Cruz is so beautiful and amazing. Don't take my word for it, see the two for yourself and come tell me that I'm wrong.

[BENZBOY15]

Originally Posted by sissy910

That is a matter of opinion! San Jose has it's good and bad points like MOST places!

We are looking to move out primarily because of the cost of living and because we have no relatives in California, not because it is a bad place to live. There are MANY opportunities, lots of things to do, very nice weather, beautiful scenery, close to mountain activities, close to ocean, etc.

The one thing San Jose has going for it is the ethnic diversity with good food.

It's like asking whether it's better to live Fresno or San Diego. It's that bad.

[krudmonk]

You're welcome to go back to your Republican fireball in the desert. Here's a list of things San Diego has over San Jose: a beach.

P.S. Santa Clara is not in San Jose. I must question how you got into a college.

[outdoorgirlplus2]

I just wanted to post and let everyone know that I am reading all replies and appreciate everyone helping out. Keep the posts coming, I'm paying attention. I will start seriously thinking about the Santa Cruz area. I keep hearing the road into SJ is very dangerous. If anything, I'd rather make that commute than have my daughter do it.

Agenias, thanks for the tip on Good Samaritan Hospital. It's always helpful to get the inside scoop from a fellow nurse when it comes to area hospitals. I will keep them in mind.

Rubyskye, thanks for the tip on the buses in the area. Was not aware that was an option.

Thanks to everyone and keep them coming, I appreciate them all. Your all helping really narrow things down.

[BENZBOY15]

Originally Posted by krudmonk

You're welcome to go back to your Republican fireball in the desert. Here's a list of things San Diego has over San Jose: a beach.

P.S. Santa Clara is not in San Jose. I must question how you got into a college.

I'll take this any day over San Jose/Santa Clara/same thing since it's all so flat:




All I'm saying is: Visit the two yourself! Stay for maybe 3 or 4 days in each and then see which one fits you best. I doubt you would find San Jose more appealing.

It also gets very hot in the summer and very smoggy.