30-something Single Professional with Pets: What North Cal City? (San Jose: rentals, how much)

[whereto33]

Hey there,

I'm sure you get this question all the time, but I've been reading all over the California forum and my head is spinning about where to move.

So, I currently live in Boston and I'm over it. I grew up in the LA area, but don't care to be back there, but want to be close enough to family to visit once in a while but not all the time. In general, I like the east coast for its diversity and intellectualism, but I am so tired of the winters, the cold weather and the often (not all) cold people. I also have a SAD problem, and I can't keep suffering for 4-5 months every year.

Also considerations: I have a dog and cats. I'm active, love the outdoors, but also want to be near culture and an arts community. I don't mind driving or paying a bit more to have the lifestyle I want. Oh, and I'm single and don't want to be, so it would be great to be around people my age: mid 30s.

I've been researching areas of northern Cali, Portland and Seattle, but decided that the PNW is too dark for my SAD tendencies. I read that Santa Cruz was very young and quiet. San Jose very suburban. I'm at a loss! Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

[BacktoBlue]

What about Sacramento?

I agree about the PNW as well. Too much gloom and rain up there!

[whereto33]

Never thought about Sacramento since I was so focused on being close to the ocean, but of course, that's where you get the fog! I lived in California for 18 years and never visited the capital so I have no reference. How sad is that?!

More research to do....

[Brenda-by-the-sea]

With SAD you really shouldn't live much north of the 35th parallel. That means central California, not northern. I would consider anything as far north as SLO on the coast and up to Chico inland. There is still a certain amount of winter tule fog in the valley, but the dark season is fairly short.

[whereto33]

THanks for the tip. I didn't realize the north was that wintery. I was thinking that after being in Chicago and on the east coast for 15 years, even northern California would feel like paradise! SLO is San Luis Obispo, right?

[clongirl]

Originally Posted by whereto33

Hey there,

I'm sure you get this question all the time, but I've been reading all over the California forum and my head is spinning about where to move.

So, I currently live in Boston and I'm over it. I grew up in the LA area, but don't care to be back there, but want to be close enough to family to visit once in a while but not all the time. In general, I like the east coast for its diversity and intellectualism, but I am so tired of the winters, the cold weather and the often (not all) cold people. I also have a SAD problem, and I can't keep suffering for 4-5 months every year.

Also considerations: I have a dog and cats. I'm active, love the outdoors, but also want to be near culture and an arts community. I don't mind driving or paying a bit more to have the lifestyle I want. Oh, and I'm single and don't want to be, so it would be great to be around people my age: mid 30s.

I've been researching areas of northern Cali, Portland and Seattle, but decided that the PNW is too dark for my SAD tendencies. I read that Santa Cruz was very young and quiet. San Jose very suburban. I'm at a loss! Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

Where will you be working and how much will you be making? This seems to be the obvious first step in your quest.

[whereto33]

Still job hunting, but I'm making $90k now. I've wanted to move for years, and I'm tired of waiting until "things pick up." So, I'm willing to just take a risk. I know the market is terrible, but it's has been forever and I'm not getting younger!

[TimC2462]

Off the top of my head: Monterey, Carmel, Davis, Dublin, Pleasanton.

[clongirl]

Originally Posted by whereto33

Still job hunting, but I'm making $90k now. I've wanted to move for years, and I'm tired of waiting until "things pick up." So, I'm willing to just take a risk. I know the market is terrible, but it's has been forever and I'm not getting younger!

Berkeley and Oakland (Rockridge area sounds like it would be great), Palo Alto (depending on budget), Mountain View, and Walnut Creek. San Francisco would be great- but very hard to find pet friendly rentals and the weather can be gray and foggy.

I'm not familiar with SoCal though- so can't help you there. Definitely not Pleasanton/Dublin though(as someone suggested). Really suburban,very conservative, family type place- not artsy, hip, singles or intellectual (It sucked for this San Franciscan). Davis is a nice town though- mostly college types and families though. Santa Cruz might also fit the bill.

Also, the Midtown area of Sacramento is kinda cool.

[TimC2462]

Originally Posted by clongirl

Berkeley and Oakland (Rockridge area sounds like it would be great), Palo Alto (depending on budget), Mountain View, and Walnut Creek. San Francisco would be great- but very hard to find pet friendly rentals and the weather can be gray and foggy.

I'm not familiar with SoCal though- so can't help you there. Definitely not Pleasanton/Dublin though(as someone suggested). Really suburban,very conservative, family type place- not artsy, hip, singles or intellectual (It sucked for this San Franciscan). Davis is a nice town though- mostly college types and families though. Santa Cruz might also fit the bill.

Also, the Midtown area of Sacramento is kinda cool.

Pleasanton and Dublin are actually decent towns with close proximity to Oakland/San Francisco or San Jose to Monterey. I would suggest to the OP that she at least check them out herself.