moving from the east coast to west coast (San Diego: how much, income) - California (CA) - City-Data Forum

samanthaab21 · 04-21-2013, 08:11 PM

I have lived in ny on long island my whole life and i am so ready for a change. I have nothing holding me back right now, job wise, relationship, really nothing is in the way. I know within the next year is a great time for me to make a move. I have always seen myself moving to california and raising children there some day but sometimes i am not sure if it is really for me. As much as i hate the winters here, i love them at the same time because during the holidays its so cozy and very festive with the snow falling down and fire place going. And my favorite time of year is the fall and i know california doesnt really get a fall, so that is one thing i know i would miss.

Has anyone on here moved from the east coast to west coast and really regretted it?! I need like advice from someone who has actually done it. Some days i know i want to live in california because there is so much to offer job wise and with raising kids their is so much to do. Long island has pretty much nothing for kids to do.

If i do stay on the east coast, i would move to either ct, ma or ri.

moved · 04-21-2013, 08:24 PM

I moved and never regretted it.

Fran66 · 04-21-2013, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moved

I moved and never regretted it.

I moved from The West Coast to The East Coast. Lived in Alexandria, VA, for 12 months. I loved the change of seasons. Still do (I'm in NM -- going back to San Diego within the next 8-12 mos). The ONLY thing I really detest about Southern CA is there is no real change of seasons. It gets real boring after a while. On the other hand, I can't stand being indoors all winter. I couldn't live on The East Coast again.

But Southern CA is going to be an adjustment. And don't think it's heaven 'cause it's not. I'm going back only because it's my home. And, well, the Pacific Ocean. And the Pacific Ocean. And did I mention the Pacific Ocean?

ShelbyGirl1 · 04-21-2013, 08:47 PM

Born and raised Jersey girl here. Of course, it has been sometime since actually living there, but still, don't miss it n the least. The good news, here in SD, should you crave the cold and snow, you can just travel an hr or so and you are there. The same goes for the color changes of Autumn.

Fran66 · 04-21-2013, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShelbyGirl1

Born and raised Jersey girl here. Of course, it has been sometime since actually living there, but still, don't miss it n the least. The good news, here in SD, should you crave the cold and snow, you can just travel an hr or so and you are there. The same goes for the color changes of Autumn.

Yes, I agree to a certain extent. BUT -- it's not the same as living in snow day after day. I will really miss NM's relatively mild winters (compared to the not-so-mild East Coast winters) after I'm gone. However, I won't miss them enough to stay. :-)

oddstray · 04-22-2013, 09:36 AM

Moving to California isn't going to magically get you increased job opportunities and more stuff for kids to do (as I'm sure you know). There are plenty of places scattered everywhere that offer these benefits.

In fact, the primary benefit of California that I can think of is the weather, and that applies mainly to southern California. And that's the one thing you're hesitating over. So ... think about lots of places in addition to California.

Fran66 · 04-22-2013, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oddstray

Moving to California isn't going to magically get you increased job opportunities and more stuff for kids to do (as I'm sure you know). There are plenty of places scattered everywhere that offer these benefits.

In fact, the primary benefit of California that I can think of is the weather, and that applies mainly to southern California. And that's the one thing you're hesitating over. So ... think about lots of places in addition to California.

I think you are right about not magically increased job opportunities, but I KNOW there is more things to do with children. I was raised there, and I raised my kids there. I've lived all over The US and in Germany, and I KNOW PERSONALLY that there are LOTS of things to do with children in CA compared to most other places. I never realized how much of a playground Southern CA is/was until I moved away. With SO many things to do -- with and without the children -- and with the ideal weather, well, it's not heaven -- but close to it. LOL

Pedro2000 · 04-22-2013, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fran66

I think you are right about not magically increased job opportunities, but I KNOW there is more things to do with children. I was raised there, and I raised my kids there. I've lived all over The US and in Germany, and I KNOW PERSONALLY that there are LOTS of things to do with children in CA compared to most other places. I never realized how much of a playground Southern CA is/was until I moved away. With SO many things to do -- with and without the children -- and with the ideal weather, well, it's not heaven -- but close to it. LOL

There are activities all over the US for children. It's not just a southern California thing. Maybe the weather is nicer, but every place has it's cool things to do and bad things to avoid.

For the OP, I assume you plan on having children one day. And since you don't seen to know much about California or seem to have even been here, you probably don't have family out here. So take it from somebody who moved out west from NY/NJ, it can take its toll. Having family, grandparents, old friends, etc around is a godsend. Not having them means worrying about babysitters, worrying about everything really.

Holidays are different. Unless you come from a family with unlimited income, holidays start to become more lonely. It's expensive to travel across the country. And it's long. And kids on a plane aren't the best of times. This can be the case no matter where you moved though. But when it's all the way across the country, holidays and just family in general become more skype conversations and once or twice a year visits. Or you visit, but they are working most of the time or they visit and you're working most of the time. And considering you said something about winters and liking the closeness feel of it, you will not only lose that kind of atmosphere, but you'll probably lose that kind of family time together.

Scottay · 04-22-2013, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fran66

And did I mention the Pacific Ocean?

Agreed. The Pacific and the mountains are the main draw for the West in general. If you dont care about being able to enjoy nature 365 days a year then there's no point in moving to San Diego. If you're into indoor activities like gaming, painting or music then might as well save yourself a ton of dough and stay where you are.

Pedro2000 · 04-22-2013, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottay

Agreed. The Pacific and the mountains are the main draw for the West in general. If you dont care about being able to enjoy nature 365 days a year then there's no point in moving to San Diego. If you're into indoor activities like gaming, painting or music then might as well save yourself a ton of dough and stay where you are.

I agree. If you aren't into the beach, hiking, outdoor activities, etc I'm not sure why you would spend more money to live in a place like San Diego.