Where in Cali (or the US) should I land? (Los Angeles: for rent, new home)

[slolo]

Single, female, upper 20s professional look for a new home, but am confused as to where to go. Any help is appreciated!

1. Good for singles.
2. Great artistic scene (sing classically professionally, trying to pursue this more and need good training, also love live indie concerts and theater).
3. Lots of outdoorsy opportunities—anything, this critical for me. I do triathlons, running, snowshoeing, skiing, etc., and love beaches and mountains.
4. Democratic (Obama!).
5. Not sure about weather—like seasons but Seattle’s rain may be too much, could do super sunny and some cold okay too.
6. Excellent for dogs! Consequently I really do not want to live in a super urban area, like to have more green space and less noisy for pets, but want access to a urban city aspects.
7. Diverse, interesting, intelligent people, not overtly snobby and materialistic, but with some class!
8. Good job market (finishing grad degree now).
9. Modern, progressive city with distinct identity, worldly.
10. Lots to do, see, learn, etc!!!


Have thought most about San Fran’s outlying cities (any suggestions?), but also San Diego and LA areas (but don’t know where). Know nothing about Sacramento and Santa Barbara, etc. Also, other locations in the country would be helpful to if they are applicable.

I realize that no place is perfect, but not sure quite where fits me best.

Thank you greatly!

[NewToCA]

Liking a beach environment would tend to point you towards the metro Los Angeles area. San Diego and Orange County would be good too, but if liberal political sentiments are important to you, they would be a mixed bag.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by slolo

am confused as to where to go.

Why California?

Where are you going to work?
What is your budget for rent or price range for purchase?

[The Floridian]

Why not travel outside the US? Try living in Brazil? Learn a new language?