Sustainable communities in CA (Los Angeles, San Jose: find a job, construction, school)

[veloman777]

I'm considering moving from CT to CA, and I strongly want to live in a community that has a sustainable design / culture (well, as much as that is possible in the US).

Money is a bit of an issue, though I've learned to live very frugal and don't mind sharing an apt.

Please list some recommended areas for me, based on the above and these few facts about me.

- 25 yr old single straight guy
- unemployed college grad (BS in finance) I'm much more interested in getting into the environmental industry than typical finance / corporate life. I think this may mean going back to school though?
- cycling is very important to me (commuting, road, mtn biking)
- CLEAN AIR. I will not live in a heavily polluted area. I've done research on air pollution in CA, so I have an idea where it's bad and good).


I've lived in Austin TX recently and the main reason I am not there anymore is that it is too car-centric. Other than that, I enjoyed it there.

The same reason applies to why I do not like suburban CT - it's even more car-centric. (This is where I've grown up). I also much prefer hot weather over cold.

I'll leave it at that, so please gives suggestions for places I should consider. (Perhaps outside of CA as well). Thank you.

[Charles]

Step 1. Find a job.
Step 2. Move to the job.

There is no Step 3.

[native56]

Sustainable? You mean where no people live - only nature?

[veloman777]

"most sustainable"

Might include, alternative transportation options, renewable energy, organic local food markets, LEED construction buildings, to name a few.


I get the feeling I can't ask this question on this website. I seem to get the same sort of responses that suggest if you can't be 100% clean/sustainable, then there's no point in aiming for 70%.


If you can't answer the topic, then don't bother posting on this thread and debating the issue of sustainability.

[MattClyde]

I think you will like Portland, Or better but if you must live in California than I would suggest Northern California.
Possibly the North West coast(above SF bay), lot of "sustainable" people. If you need a job in green technology though, I would suggest San Jose.

I don't think you will like SoCal, given your requirements.

[native56]

Portland would be perfect.

[UB50]

My guess would be Northern California, north of San Francisco.

If you are only looking for "alternative transportation options, renewable energy, organic local food markets, LEED construction buildings" that could include areas like Los Angeles. It's also car-centric but there are a significant number of people who get along without a car. (I lost my bookmarks on my old computer but I had a great one of a girl who lived in Silverlake who walked/took public transportation almost everywhere and so did her friends.)

[1200RT]

Originally Posted by veloman777

Money is a bit of an issue

This will be your big issue.

California is not a place to move if you've got money issues.

[Brenda-by-the-sea]

1. Portland, OR
2. San Francisco, CA
3. Davis, CA
4. Chico, CA
5. Corvallis, OR
6. Boulder, CO

[clongirl]

Originally Posted by veloman777

"most sustainable"

Might include, alternative transportation options, renewable energy, organic local food markets, LEED construction buildings, to name a few.


I get the feeling I can't ask this question on this website. I seem to get the same sort of responses that suggest if you can't be 100% clean/sustainable, then there's no point in aiming for 70%.


If you can't answer the topic, then don't bother posting on this thread and debating the issue of sustainability.

I know what you mean! I used to live nearish the kind of place you're describing-- http://www.thevillage.ie/

Doesn't it look cool! It wasn't in the US however.

I think it's a brilliant idea and only wish that there were something similar here in California. I don't think there is, however. You would definitely find this kind of mindful attitude in places like Berkeley, Grass Valley, Davis,cities in Marin County, etc. But it's not likely you'll find the entire communities built or planned this way.