England to California (San Diego, San Francisco, Berkeley: apartments, how much, homes)

[jabbrwokky]

Hey all! I'm moving to California at the end of the year. Obviously, this will be a huge change and I'm quite excited. Could someone recommend a good place to live?
My criteria are sun, safety, suburban environment (wysteria lane like), the option to go fishing on the weekend and most importantly, happy people.

I'm 30 and a scientist.

[clongirl]

You have to narrow down a few things...it's too vague. Where will your job be? How much will you be making? California is triple the size of England just to give you some idea.

[theskillz39]

Originally Posted by clongirl

You have to narrow down a few things...it's too vague. Where will your job be? How much will you be making? California is triple the size of England just to give you some idea.

Also, what kind of fishing are you into? Freshwater, saltwater, both? Access to saltwater fishing can be found in numerous places, obviously. Near where I live (Bay Area), freshwater is pretty easy access as well, with numerous reservoirs. And if you don't mind the drive, you can always head east for lakes in the Sierra foothills.

[jabbrwokky]

Thanks clongirl and theskillz for your replies.
Well, I know it's odd but, the job comes second.
I've got two offers and feel I need to know more before I commit. They are in Berkely and San Diego.
Let's say that the salary is around 50K.
As for fishing, I'm a saltwater kinda guy.

I have a chance to work anywhere in the world and I have decided to check out California because I have some notion about experiencing the American dream. Also, laugh if you will but, Californians are the only people I have met that had a burning happiness and easy going nature. These are values I identify with and need to experience again.

[pacific2]

I've got two offers and feel I need to know more before I commit. They are in Berkely and San Diego.
Let's say that the salary is around 50K.

Berkeley is probably more expensive, so for that reason alone you might want to select San Diego.

Also, laugh if you will but, Californians are the only people I have met that had a burning happiness and easy going nature.

I won't laugh, but let's just say the stay will be educational. Where in England are you now that makes Californians seem like such a giddy bunch in comparison? Or, is it just that you are in England?

[jabbrwokky]

Originally Posted by pacific2

Or, is it just that you are in England?

It's just that I am in England. I love this place but, it can get incredibly depressing and cold.
Desperate for non cynical/sarcastic trusting people unafraid to enjoy themselves.

[clongirl]

Both are very nice but also very different!

I'll comment on Berkeley since I live nearby and I've only visited San Diego twice in my life! Berkeley is a hip, somewhat urban, walkable, and very liberal/open minded type of place. It's known of course for the University so there's also that college vibe. It doesn't feel like Wisteria Lane however...there aren't any new, sparkly, big housing estates like that here. Think old Craftsman homes, often on with a lot of character on tree lines streets with Bob Marley posters and rainbow flags and peace signs in the windows. The weather is cooler but more varied than in San Diego. Check craigslist for housing prices comparisons.

[pacific2]

Originally Posted by jabbrwokky

It's just that I am in England. I love this place but, it can get incredibly depressing and cold.
Desperate for non cynical/sarcastic trusting people unafraid to enjoy themselves.

Ah, okay. I haven’t been to Berkeley, but I think you would like San Diego. I would suggest posting on that forum for advice about where to live, best places for meeting people, nightlife, most walkable neighborhoods, etc.

I’m sure they will ask for specifics, like your monthly housing budget, job location, as well as desired proximity to the beach, among other things. You might also want to post your questions on the San Francisco Forum, since there is no separate one for Berkeley.

Good Luck!

[jabbrwokky]

aw thanks for your efforts. This was a good place to start. I'll post in the individual forums and have a look at craigslist (which i hear is huge in america)

[pacific2]

You may run into problems with scams on Craigslist, so unless you are looking for a share, I would suggest either realtor.com or apartments.com.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPmEnsU3LsY