Observations from our first week in SD (Poway: sale, insurance)

[PharmboyinNC]

We just moved from the RTP to SD and have lists some differences;

Many services in restaurants and stores take longer. This is not because of the increased # of people, but more laid back environment. At first, my wife and I were a little irritated when our glasses were not refilled until we asked, but later enjoyed the meals, in a more relaxed environment.

Every frigging service or purchase has some sort of additional fee. I purchased a TV from CostCo and got hit with a $25 waste fee! The SDGE issued a $50 initiation fee to replace the working meter with a new one. The furniture I purchase also had an additional fee that is not part of the sale price. I got nickel-and dimed on all our big purchases to settle in.

Produce and food is very fresh. We are enjoying the new tastes too. Lots of foreign cuisine at an affordable cost compared to LA and NYC prices.

People are very friendly, in a differnet maner. I come from an area known for Southern hospitality, towards people you know and strangers. In SD, people are more bubbly after you meet them for the first time, but ignore strangers. I am assuming this is due to the higher population, but at least SD does not have the big city attitude to everyone.

Most people can drive well here, as in using turn signals and efficiently merging into traffic. BUT, I did notice a substantual # of people who honestly shouldn't be driving a vehicle. People need to stop texting or hold a phone while driving in traffic. Invest in a bluetooth device!

We were worried about traffic, but it wasn't bad since we were told how/when/where to avoid it on city data and friends. In fact, commuting is fast if it is not bumper-to-bumper.

People are more blingy, as in showing off money. Everyone loves brand names here. More BMWs than Hondas.

Weather gets significantly hotter between Sorrento Valley and Poway.

[mysticaltyger]

What is RTP????

[sav858]

Pretty good observations there overall, kind of how see some things. I know restaurants are encouraged to not serve water unless the customers request it as a way to help conserve water so that may have been the reason although I've been in plenty of restaurants here where they constantly fill it up for you.

Yeah and those fees really **** me off too, I did not know about that stupid e-waste fee until I bought a laptop a few months ago. So ridiculous, a waste fee that is wasted! Welcome to Ca! The land of fees that do nothing.

[NYSD1995]

Originally Posted by mysticaltyger

What is RTP????

Research Triangle Park, Raleigh NC, the largest high-tech manufacturing hub of the east coast.

[PharmboyinNC]

Conserving water makes sense, no that you brought it up.We are still looking for internet and cable TV service. So far we are leaning toward Dish Network TV bronze package for $20/mo plus another $5/mo for 2+2 TV's, free install and no initiation fee.We are still looking for this elusive $20/mo Time Warner Road Runner ~3mps service with free initiation and install, but only finding $35/mo for ~7mps RR.Next on the agenda is whether we can keep NC plates (and insurance) for a little longer.

[moved]

It can be done. I did it when I moved here from Tucson, and from VA to Tucson. Just keep it all the same until you get ready to change it all over.

[bouncethelight]

Originally Posted by PharmboyinNC

Next on the agenda is whether we can keep NC plates (and insurance) for a little longer.

If you live here now, you have 20 days to make the switch, or there are penalties...
California DMV HTVR9 - How To Register A Out-of-State Vehicle (Nonresident Vehicle)

[sdurbanite]

Thanks for sharing. It's always interesting to hear transplant experiences, whether good or bad.

[njkate]

Regarding fees....last month on vacation we got gas at a Thrifty in Pacific Beach...did not take credit cards but would take debit cards and charged us 45 cents for using the card.....no big deal for a one time purchase but as a person who rarely carries cash I'd be annoyed if every time I filled up I had to pay 45 cents to use my debit card

[mongoosedn]

One of the driving-related things I have noticed is that many people drive just at or below the speed limit on highways, which is nice or annoying depending on what driving mood you are in. What really annoys me though is that there seems to be many drivers who like to sit in the left lane, blocking many a driver who wish to drive fast. Heck in Kentucky, people may not be sophisticated, but they will stay right or get out the left lane for you!