Advice needed: Should I stay in San Diego or move to the LA area? (Los Angeles: apartment) - California (CA) - City-Data Forum

YoungSanDiegoDude · 04-26-2009, 08:54 PM

When I separate from the Navy next July, I plan to go to school full-time (I don't know exactly where, yet). My best friend who will be going to grad school in Long Beach next year wants me to move up there with him and some of his friends. I really like San Diego, but I still don't know enough people out here to where I would actually have a place to stay, unless I moved in with complete strangers. Anyway, it seems like the LA/Long Beach/OC area would have an even better single's scene than San Diego's. A' m I right? Also, would I have a better chance of finding a decent paying job in the LA area than in SD? From what I have heard, the job market there is very diverse and not centered around tourism as much as San Diego's job market. I have never lived up in the LA area. I have been there a few times, but not long enough to actually get an idea of what it is like to live there. I still have a desire to stay in SD since I know this city really well (like the back of my hand) and I like the laid-back, generally friendly atmosphere here (although there are SOME people here that are not as nice, just like anywhere else). I know that if I stay here in SD, I would likely attend SDSU. Ultimately, though, I have a really strong desire to go to USC (as a transfer student, of course). So which place would really be better for a single, young working college student?

Lovehound · 04-26-2009, 09:16 PM

I don't think so. My cousin lives in SD (Pacific Beach) and I've been visiting her for over 30 years there. I think if I could live in SD (maybe PB, definitely La Jolla) I wouldn't be thinking of leaving CA. I wish I could give it a try, but SD has become so expensive that I can't afford property there, even rolling over my Northridge house.

I'm not your age but I'd give SD a serious think. OC might be an alternative if you can afford it, plenty of very nice communities there too.

graciously · 04-26-2009, 09:33 PM

think you said it right better for single person in la than sd mostly. LA probably better for single and young but working college student not so sure. If what you have said really matters and really want to be in pretty different environment then moving here be good choice.

JohnG72 · 04-26-2009, 10:59 PM

I think your decision needs to be more based on what your school needs are, where you can get accepted into etc. Even if you work, you will likely be taking some financial aid(prolly student loans) because both cities are so expensive to live in.

I love San Diego also, but other than UC San Diego and CS San Diego, is there other colleges you would attend?

OTOH, Los Angeles area has some very good state colleges starting with CS Long Beach where your friend is. Also Cal Poly Pomona and CS Fullerton.

So I'd say the school you get accepted to should be the primary factor. I don't think its too realistic to assume you will find a full time job that pays the bills and be able to attend college. So part time job + school+ student loans is a pretty good idea.

Yes, Long Beach/OC/South Bay will have a better young singles scene than San Diego, but attending college, it may not matter.

graciously · 04-27-2009, 12:22 AM

both cities guess can be expensive but san diego is more affordable then here.

helloheather28 · 04-27-2009, 12:22 PM

i think san diego is beautiful...but u probably have a better chance finding a job out here and meeting people

YoungSanDiegoDude · 05-03-2009, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helloheather28

i think san diego is beautiful...but u probably have a better chance finding a job out here and meeting people

How much more money could I potentially make by living in the LA area instead of San Diego? Also, how is the cost of living to income ratio in LA compared to San Diego? I know that very few people in SD (only 10 percent, I believe) can actually afford to buy their own home. Is it much better up in LA? I have always heard that jobs in LA pay more, but that it is more expensive than SD.

JohnG72 · 05-03-2009, 08:36 PM

I'm not sure why you are looking to buy a home, have a high paying job, and go to college all at once. Go to school, take out student loans to supplement your income from a part time job, graduate, go find a good paying job.

YoungSanDiegoDude · 05-03-2009, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnG72

I'm not sure why you are looking to buy a home, have a high paying job, and go to college all at once. Go to school, take out student loans to supplement your income from a part time job, graduate, go find a good paying job.

No No, I' am not looking to buy a home or get a high-paying job right away. I know that that will only come after I get my undergrad/graduate degree's. I will be living in an apartment with some friends when I move to the LA area next year. I know that I will probably only have a part-time job when I' am going to school. What I really wanted to know was how good the single's scene in LA was and if after college, would LA be a good place to get a high-paying job.