Moving from Maryland to California,anyone else? (Bethesda, Riverside: foreclosure, house)

[Ivorian]

I'm moving to cali this summer 09 and looking to chat with others from maryland who are moving to cali as well.
Is LA the only place you're considering?Since LA is a bit on the expensive side i am considering riverside county.

[BikesareBetter]

Why R U Moving? LQQK for a place where you will be working? Family? ....What else can you tell us

[Ivorian]

been in Md since 1996. I need a change. plus i love LA and i've got nothing holding me back.

[mom21son]

I'm originally from San Diego but know little about LA. Just be prepared for the cost of living difference. Although with the state of the housing market there (everywhere really) you may be able to find something affordable. The other thing to keep in mind also is their current budget crisis, that may have some impact on your ability to find employment.

If the cost of living weren't so high I'd probably move to Irvine or Glendale I miss CA beaches.

[mx3fam]

We just moved from CA (Riverside) to MD. I lived in CA my entire life (37 years). We relocated to North East, MD for my husband's job. I'd love to chat with you. I can share about CA with you and hope you can tell me about MD.

[DSteele]

i really want to move to LA i currently live in Bethesda Maryland. Unfortunately i am still in college and from the looks of prices i am not sure it is economical for me to move with my fiance just yet. School can not end faster!!!! i am tired of the darn freezing cold and crappy summers!

[itlchick]

Hey, I made this move. It's a *culture* shock for sure!

Negatives:
-The economy is WAY WAY better in MD. The DC area is one of the most recession-proof areas in the nation. We may be getting IOUs for our tax returns here. State workers got a 9.2% pay decrease (furloughs). In suburban LA, the foreclosure rate is one of the highest in the country, around 10%. It is hard to find work.
-in south CA, there is a focus on *ahem* appearances. It is a superficial place. I've never heard so many thin people talk about their "fat." I mean size 2 thin. People in MD are way more real (for better or worse).
-hard to buy a house here even with prices going down
-okay, this is kinda mean, but people in MD/DC are more "educated" shall we say. People discuss politics, read books, etc., back home. Here? Well....sometimes lol. Of course, that is a broad generalization.
-I don't like the blond-marry-rich-thin-vapid thing. Ick.

Positives
-California is just beautiful
-the weather is great
-it's a huge state, it's like another country, tons of new adventures. There ARE lots of niches here, and once you find one, it's more comfortable.
-people are very focused on health, the food and lifestyle are better for you.
-the in state tuition is out. of. this. world.
-California is, well, pretty fun! Much more of a focus on a "balanced" life.

All in all, I'd rather be back in MD but CA is okay for now. I do have a good job. Without that, I'd be running back.

[Ivorian]

Originally Posted by itlchick

Hey, I made this move. It's a *culture* shock for sure!

Negatives:
-The economy is WAY WAY better in MD. The DC area is one of the most recession-proof areas in the nation. We may be getting IOUs for our tax returns here. State workers got a 9.2% pay decrease (furloughs). In suburban LA, the foreclosure rate is one of the highest in the country, around 10%. It is hard to find work.
-in south CA, there is a focus on *ahem* appearances. It is a superficial place. I've never heard so many thin people talk about their "fat." I mean size 2 thin. People in MD are way more real (for better or worse).
-hard to buy a house here even with prices going down
-okay, this is kinda mean, but people in MD/DC are more "educated" shall we say. People discuss politics, read books, etc., back home. Here? Well....sometimes lol. Of course, that is a broad generalization.
-I don't like the blond-marry-rich-thin-vapid thing. Ick.

Positives
-California is just beautiful
-the weather is great
-it's a huge state, it's like another country, tons of new adventures. There ARE lots of niches here, and once you find one, it's more comfortable.
-people are very focused on health, the food and lifestyle are better for you.
-the in state tuition is out. of. this. world.
-California is, well, pretty fun! Much more of a focus on a "balanced" life.

All in all, I'd rather be back in MD but CA is okay for now. I do have a good job. Without that, I'd be running back.

that's funny..lol
your pros and cons are true in some way. i am aware of what's going on. you pretty much laid everything outthere. I am ready for the adventure. where in California are you?

[Marylandsailor]

I lived in California for 15 years then moved to Maryland and stayed for 17 years. Now I'm moving to South Carolina to retire, LOL. What I really liked about California were the great scenery (I lived in Northern Cal) and the endless places to hike, ski, raft, ride bikes, motorcycles, etc. Lots of outdoor stuff to do and great climate to go along with it. What I didn't like and the main reason for my leaving, was the state is just too crowded. I suppose it's just horrible now with the crashed economy out there and even more people tied up in traffic. The political leaders are really out in left field and haven't got a clue how to fix things. Really, I can't really see it getting any better, at least in the cities. If I were going to move there again, I would find a smaller town at least 2 hours away from the 3 major metro areas (LA, SF and Sacto). 3 hours away from LA. JMHO