Question on moving to Texas from CA to save money until I transfer to USD...? (Houston: apartment)

[ChelseaRave]

So I live in San Diego, and absolutely love it. BUT, I can barely pay rent on my tiny studio because of the economy and cut back hours, and it's been impossible for me to find a job (I'm in the restaurant industry, I'm a host right now but have had a lot of serving experience). My idea is that I should move to Dallas, Austin, or Houston for one year until I transfer to University of San Diego...so that I can get a studio there and save money for that year until I move back to California. This is solely based on the idea that it's a lot cheaper to live in Texas-and I know that wages are much less but being a waitress I hope I'd be able to make much more and save up money for when I move back to CA. Is this idea feasible? My mom lived in San Antonio and loved it, she says Texans are the nicest people, and I would love to make a change before I commit myself to staying in San Diego for USD.

[Kibby]

I guess my main concern would be the money you would spend to move to Texas and then back to CA in a year.

It costs a lot to relocate - I would think that you might be better off to stay closer to CA if you are planning to go back so quickly. Have you looked in to the college situation in Texas? IF you are moving here due to the current economy, you need to really think hard about what you will do in a year IF it does not improve. I tend to think it won't improve much and that should factor in to your decision.

K

[loves2read]

actually if you move to Tx for a year--won't you have to re-establish residency in California to get your state tuition which means you will have to live there BEFORE you can get into college...at least at reduced tuition...best bet--find apt/roommate to split the rent --

[ChelseaRave]

Originally Posted by Kibby

I guess my main concern would be the money you would spend to move to Texas and then back to CA in a year.

It costs a lot to relocate - I would think that you might be better off to stay closer to CA if you are planning to go back so quickly. Have you looked in to the college situation in Texas? IF you are moving here due to the current economy, you need to really think hard about what you will do in a year IF it does not improve. I tend to think it won't improve much and that should factor in to your decision.

K

That is very true, but the thing is that I have very minimal items to move (a futon-looking around my tiny studio-surfboard-which I wouldn't need in Texas!- and pretty much a few boxes). I see what you mean though, if the economy doesn't improve I might be doing it for nothing.

[teatime]

Um, you underestimate the cost of moving. You've got apartment security deposits, utility deposits, changing your driver's license and car registration, plus other contracts for services such as cable, telephone, and Internet. Why on Earth would anyone consider doing all of that for just a year? And, what, you're really going to sit and eat on the floor for a year? You'd need furniture.