From Brooklyn to San Fran or San Diego (San Francisco, Oakland: rent, job market)

[msmelissa]

Hi ,

I'm a 25 year old Brooklynite (NY of course) who is itching to move out west. I am too tired of these east coast winters. I, however, have no prospects of a job, nor do I know of any place to live. I admire those who have the get up and go mentality. I know I shouldn't just get up and appear in either cities, so i'm trying to do as much research as I can. I've done pro's and cons of both San Francisco and San Diego, but m still researchin'.

I have certain concerns : I am a young black/latina, coming from NYC diversity is huge for me. There have been many discussions on this but no clear cut answers.
Job market: What's up? I hear San Diego has more opportunities than San Francisco?
Transporation: Believe it or not, I don't have a drivers license. Living in downtown brooklyn, it wasn't really crucial to have one. I know I'll need one eventually, which is why I have a permit. I'm learning guys.... Anyway they say San Francisco has good transportation services, whereas San Diego is seriously lacking.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. If it matters I've never been out to the west coast, but have backpacked to several Latin American countries, for about a year, so I'm pretty much adaptable to most environments.

[NYSD1995]

SF Bay Area has a better job market, better public transpo, and more cultural amenities. It's also much more dense and city-like than SD. It's brutally expensive (for both rent and for-sale housing)

SD has the killer weather, is plenty diverse (almost all of CA is racially / ethnically diverse) but has a weaker job market with lower salaries. However housing costs (especially rents) are lower than SF.

[DjRey]

Consider more than just SF..Look at the whole Bay Area.It's very diverse.

[ubringliten]

Yes, you sound like you would fit better in SF/Bay Area. It's more diverse up there with tons of jobs and pretty good public transportation. Don't worry about the gloomy weather up there, if you go into East Bay (Oakland, Berkeley, etc.), you will get more sun.

I wouldn't go to SD unless I have a job lined up for me. SD is getting there, but it will take time.

[jksouthbay88]

What sassberto said.

[sdurbanite]

Ditto to what everyone has said so far.

That said, if you're looking for an easy transition, then SF is for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a change of pace, then SD is it.

Since you don't drive, I personally think you should consider SF first.