Is this a good idea or not? (San Diego, San Francisco: appointed, apartment)

[OfficerC93]

Hi everyone, i'm 17 and currently live in Philadelphia. I've been looking to moving to CA after high school(I plan on going to college there, taking crim justice, then becoming an officer there), and San Francisco has certainly caught my eye and I absolutely love the climate and what I'm hearing about it. However, I don't want to go there, become an officer, and not be able to afford housing, food, etc. Is this a good idea? Will I be okay?

[OfficerC93]

Bump.

[OfficerC93]

Bump. I would like input before I jump the gun next year.

[Fontucky]

Originally Posted by OfficerC93

However, I don't want to go there, become an officer, and not be able to afford housing, food, etc. Is this a good idea? Will I be okay?

I'm pretty sure you're not getting any responses for the following reasons:

√ Your first question can be answered with a little research effort on your part.

√ Your second question can only be answered by you.

√ You're using "officer" in your screen name and you're not one.

[blauskies]

Must be a Dirty Harry or Bullitt fan?

[clongirl]

Originally Posted by OfficerC93

Hi everyone, i'm 17 and currently live in Philadelphia. I've been looking to moving to CA after high school(I plan on going to college there, taking crim justice, then becoming an officer there), and San Francisco has certainly caught my eye and I absolutely love the climate and what I'm hearing about it. However, I don't want to go there, become an officer, and not be able to afford housing, food, etc. Is this a good idea? Will I be okay?

You'll be okay...you'll just need to share a rental with several other people for the next 15yrs and work a job while you're in school. It's one of the most expensive cities to live.

Do your research on San Francisco's climate though- it's not normally warm and sunny like you see in the movies and you might be disappointed (often cold, windy and foggy).

[michaeldee]

Housing is the big budget buster in SF. Find a couple of trustworthy roommates. The food a pretty good bargain in SF with lots of affordable restuarants. Are you planning on establishing residency in California before you enroll in college? Out of state tuition would kill you. I'm an adventuresome person so I say go for it! I hope you have at least a few thousand dollars with you upon arrival.

[Joe_Ryder]

I'm not a cop nor do I play one on TV. My best friend, my brother, and half of my riding buddies are cops so I'm not entirely out of the loop.

The Bay Area has very high cop wages compared to most of the country but the Area is also the most expensive to live. The Bay Area has many wonderful things to offer and it may or may not be the ideal place for you. Only you can decide that. When it comes to dollars and sense, you will likely have a higher standard of living in most other areas of the country. But again, it all depends on how you define standard of living. If you like the giant house with a football field back yard, your salary just won't cut it. If you like the amazingly diverse access to just about any indoor or outdoor activity you can dream up and are willing to live in a smaller place without the hassle of mowing some ginormous lawn, this is the place.

If you study criminal justice here, you'll still be able to work somewhere else if it turns out the area isn't for you. You're only 17 and your studies will take enough time for you to figure it out.

One thing that concerns me is your love of the climate. The Bay Area has micro-climates so which climate are you talking about? Also, many people look at stats and come to the conclusion that this part of the state is a slightly cooler version of LA. Nope. Though your state is actually colder to a thermometer, like many surprised newcomers you will discover that fog chills the bones quite effectively. I'm not trying to dissuade you but the tone of your post indicates that you may not have an accurate impression of the area. A long visit would be advised.

[OfficerC93]

Thankyou for your inputs. I've been doing lots of research on SF and I love the weather there, and do understand how chilly it can get. It's like spring all year long. I will make 75 grand a year as an entry level officer, so hopefully that's enough for basic/decent housing down there in SF as well. However, yes. I do want to try to get a job while at school as well to live in an apartment or something or if possible, I could live at school. My secondary options would be Redwood City, LA, and San Diego. I just want to make sure that when I get there I can actually afford to eat, sleep. Etc while at school, before I become an SFPD officer. More inputs would be terrific. I don't really like Houston and that surrounding area due to hurricanes, and I can deal with Earthquakes and such in Northern Cal.. Southern FL is rediculous in the summer, so California is my ideal state, but the question is.. Can I make a living.

[Faville]

I suggest you look at the rentals section on craigslist. That will give you a good idea of housing costs.
Only you can answer the rest.