Decision time: Orange County or Las Vegas? (San Diego, Irvine: sales, rental)

[PhotogRyan]

Hello all,

New to the forums, I found it while googling "OC vs Vegas" and such. These forums have such a wealth of experience and knowledge to draw upon.. just what I was looking for! I'd like to tap everyone's brains for a moment to see what others who have been through this before think.

Although the general consensus from the few hours I've perused all seem to be anti-california, I don't mind throwing this out there for some feedback.


Here's my situation:

I've been in San Diego for a year, lived in Eastlake and currently Mission Valley to get rid of the commute. I graduated college a year ago, 24 years old, work full-time, and live with my girlfriend, 23, who also works full-time.

We moved here from Las Vegas, where I lived for the previous eight years. She used to live in Irvine, but moved in with me in Vegas while I finished my degree.

We came down to SD because I thought the opportunities and lifestyle would be better, but, factor in a couple minor mistakes (car!), and things aren't much better in terms of saving, going on vacations, etc. I just work, work, and work like no tomorrow. Granted, this could be one of those growing pains that I'm experiencing and have to get used to, but would I be making the wrong decision if I wanted to move to a more 'enjoyable' city?

I know what mistakes I've committed and am in the process of going into "save-mode" with my gf for the sake of moving out of here. We feel that it is too "slow" for our lifestyle, as I'm used to the vegas nightlife, and she's used to the OC. So.. we are now faced with our decision.

There are obviously some dramatic differences between the two areas, but what's your take on it?

Here are a few items we have formed opinions on:

Cost of Living: V
Taxes: V, both sales and lack of income tax
Nightlife: Toss-up between the two
Proximity to other areas: OC
Traffic: Unsure about this one. I can only speak for Vegas when I say the I-15 N is hell from noon to 7pm.
Possibility of buying housing: V by a long shot, after prices settle down of course.
Weather: OC
Family: I have relatives in Vegas, she has some in OC, so it's even.
Environment: OC has greenery.
Tract-housing galore: even.

Is there anything else I'm missing in considering a new place? How's Seattle looking? lol

Thanks in advance,

Ryan

[socketz]

What kind of work do you do ? The local economies in each vary drastically.

Vegas is very service oriented whereas OC is heavy tech-based employment.

If you can find decent employment in Vegas, then you may want to give it a shot because the cost of living there is much lower and the housing market has lost alot of steam....so you will find deals on nice homes.Personally, I like the people/environment/schools/Crime stats (I have little ones) better in OC. However, everyone is different and you may end up liling Vegas better.

[PhotogRyan]

I have an Bus.Admin/MIS degree, so OC would be better in that aspect. I'm still amazed at how many corporate buildings I see by just driving around. However, I do have an interview with the Clark County gov't for an IT position this month, but we all know how that goes. If this job doesn't go through, I doubt I could find a job that pays what I'm looking for (in Vegas).

My gf and I are planning to capitalize on our experience/education by venturing out and buying/owning/starting businesses once we take care of our major debts (student loans, etc), so I won't be permanently connected to the IT industry.

I agree with the people/environment/schools/crime stats being better in OC. My only frame of references are the times I visit every so often on weekends, but it's really nice. Housing would be much easier to attain Vegas, and perhaps could be used as rental property if I do go that route.

[Twinkle Toes]

Both are equally crappy. Just pick one.