UK to California? (San Francisco, Orange, London: apartment, to rent, credit report)

[Mag3.14]

I'm 31 and currently live in the UK. My wife (from the US) wants to leave the UK and head back to the States. I would like to try California but I'm concerned about the job opportunities.

I currently work in retail as a management trainer and have about 7 years experience in management and training and a bachelors degree in economics. My work have granted me a 12 month unpaid career break in July so I could try California and if it doesn't work I can come back again. I already have a green card and social security number.

I have been to San Francisco (love it), Orange County (love it), and so am torn between trying Northern or Southern California. If you were in my position, where would you recommend? I need:

* Job opportunities
* Outdoor activities (hiking, biking, beach, etc)
* I know California is expensive and I'm prepared for that (the UK is expensive too) but somewhere where middle class families aren't on the breadline
* Good restaurants, things to do

I know its all a little vague but I have to start somewhere!!!

[Mag3.14]

Nothing?

[clongirl]

Depends....what kind of $$ do you have saved up? Since you don't already have a job lined up, you might want to bring enough cash to get you through for a year because gaining employment right now is a crap shoot particularly if you aren't already "in the know" in your particular field here.

Outdoor activities and good restaurants can be found on both ends of the state.

What kind of career does your wife have? Does she know where she wants to move? Family here? This might help us narrow down between Norcal and Socal.

[Mag3.14]

About $30k. My wife works in financial services but we would both probably be looking at entry level stuff. No family on California, they are all in Chicago.
I know things are bad economically, but they are THAT bad huh?

Thanks

[clongirl]

Originally Posted by ian6479

About $30k. My wife works in financial services but we would both probably be looking at entry level stuff. No family on California, they are all in Chicago.
I know things are bad economically, but they are THAT bad huh?

Thanks

It would be pretty impossible for me to say whether/when/what kind of job you can get here because there are a lot of long term unemployed folks that are also trying to get jobs-very high competition right now...I'm not saying you won't or can't. You'll just need to be very aware and prepared for the possibility. It just might take longer than expected.

30k will probably be fine for the two of you for about 6+ months living very cheaply in a small 1bd apartment- nothing fancy and probably not in the most desirable cities in California. As a tip, if your come over, make sure that you are able to prove to a potential landlord how much money you have in the bank and bring your wife's credit report, referrals etc (if she has one from the US). w/o a current job here, they might be reluctant to rent to you so be prepared to bring this kind of info with you.

The job centers up here in Norcal tend to have the highest rents, but also the most promising employment opportunities. Anywhere near San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and East Bay regions are where you'd probably have the most luck finding work. I'm not familiar with SoCal so I couldn't tell you what's going on there or where you'd most likely find something.

I think California is one of the most desirable places, but also one of the most expensive states to live. Indeed, similar to London's cost of living!

[BRinSM]

it sounds like both of you are educated and have work experience so that will certainly help in finding a job. things are bleak, but not so bad for younger types with bachelor's degrees. if you really want to come out here then be prepared to go through your entire savings. if that's something you can live with then maybe it's worth the risk. who knows, you may find a job in a week, but i wouldn't count on it. good luck.

[Mag3.14]

Originally Posted by clongirl

It would be pretty impossible for me to say whether/when/what kind of job you can get here because there are a lot of long term unemployed folks that are also trying to get jobs-very high competition right now...I'm not saying you won't or can't. You'll just need to be very aware and prepared for the possibility. It just might take longer than expected.

30k will probably be fine for the two of you for about 6+ months living very cheaply in a small 1bd apartment- nothing fancy and probably not in the most desirable cities in California. As a tip, if your come over, make sure that you are able to prove to a potential landlord how much money you have in the bank and bring your wife's credit report, referrals etc (if she has one from the US). w/o a current job here, they might be reluctant to rent to you so be prepared to bring this kind of info with you.

The job centers up here in Norcal tend to have the highest rents, but also the most promising employment opportunities. Anywhere near San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and East Bay regions are where you'd probably have the most luck finding work. I'm not familiar with SoCal so I couldn't tell you what's going on there or where you'd most likely find something.

I think California is one of the most desirable places, but also one of the most expensive states to live. Indeed, similar to London's cost of living!

Originally Posted by BRinSM

it sounds like both of you are educated and have work experience so that will certainly help in finding a job. things are bleak, but not so bad for younger types with bachelor's degrees. if you really want to come out here then be prepared to go through your entire savings. if that's something you can live with then maybe it's worth the risk. who knows, you may find a job in a week, but i wouldn't count on it. good luck.

Thank you both for taking the time to respond. I thought about San Fran - even though it is very expensive, its probably almost the most likely to find a job, and lets be honest.. its expensive for a reason.