Those of you who have lived in both San Diego and Los Angeles - which do you like better and why? (real estate, crime)

[GoldenKiwi]

About a year ago I decided to move to SD over LA, mainly because of less traffic/pollution/crime and to be closer to the beach. I love SD but I've never lost my curiosity as to what it would be like to live in LA. I'm a real estate agent so the thought of being stuck in constant traffic for showings on a regular basis was the biggest factor in my decision.

Almost everyone who I've spoken with who has lived in both prefers SD, but I am curious to hear the opinions of those in this forum.

What do you like/dislike about each city? Which do you prefer?

[LuvSouthOC]

There are many threads on this topic. This topic has been hashed out over and over. I vote OC so you can get to SD and LA.

[hitman619]

I'm seeing a huge amount of people fleeing LA for San Diego.
The reason I keep getting is LA is getting to crowed

[Think4Yourself]

San Diego by a mile. Less smog, less traffic, less crime, high quality people (depending on the exact neighborhoods being compared) and yet it still has all the benefits of a big city. If you really can't find it in San Diego then on that rare occasion you can take a day trip up to greater LA. The quality of life is just a heck of a lot better.

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

I lived in both. San Diego was just so much more beautiful.

[skelaki]

I was born in Los Angeles and have lived in both. Actually, I don't like either one but of the two San Diego would be my choice due to less traffic, less smog, etc.

[shmoov_groovzsd]

Couldnt tell you about living in LA but I dont think people move to SD because its a career alternative to LA.
Choosing to live in either offers different value props.

Even visitng and working. there, the lifestyles are vastly different IMHO. We have several friends up in LA and its where their career is in music production and film. They really like coming down here to visit but their bread and butter is up there. When that is fsctored in with the negative things its a fair trade off for them.
Cant discount livelihood in this discussion because on paper if it were not, SD might win on paper everytime.

[Pedro2000]

I think the biggest difference is a lot of people try and make it in LA. There are a lot of startups and techies these days, Hollywood is still big, you have finance, and there are a ton of blue collar jobs, shipping/dock jobs, etc. Not everybody likes living in LA, but it's where they work and make the most money.

When you speak to many people in SD, there are far more people who force themselves to stay here because they love it here, not because it's the place where they make the most money or have better career prospects.

[ltrrtl218]

This is a debate that will never ever end. Both cities have their pros and cons. Keep in mind that despite their proximity, they are vastly different cities in terms of attitude. The LA scene is much different than SD and attracts a different type of person. The job opportunities are greater in LA but if you are in the right field you can make just as good of a living in SD.

I prefer SD over LA just because it's not as crowded and more laid-back yet still has all the amenities that LA offers. Having lived in SD and spent ample time in LA I know I would be happy in either but would ultimately make my way back to SD.

[Jenkay]

Apples and oranges. Are we really going to go through tis again?