Sights, sounds and tastes i miss about the Bay Area (San Diego: fit in, mortgage)

[hallstarr]

First off I relocated to my parents birthplace in Michigan about 18 years ago. I met and married dh in Michigan and lost him in 2012. I am now in a small town in Michigan and just recently visited the Bay Area a week ago. Its been 18 years since I was last there. I graduated high school from Independence High. I also lived 4 years in Southern Cal Inland Empire.

What I miss most is the healthy vibe of the area. Most people are hip to health and the restaurants reflect that with the juice bars and variety of healthy restaurants. I miss the sprout sandwiches with avocado and juicy authentic burritos. I also miss the authentic Japanese tempura, barbecue and steamed rice.
Last I also miss the local It's It's Ice Cream that is only native to Northern Cal. I miss University avenue which has changed so much since I worked at Union Bank and First Interstate. I miss the sticky chewy chocolate cones and downtown flower shop.

Third, miss the variety of cultures. I Michigan the majority is just AA and Caucasian which is fine but a variety of cultures bring a variety of values and experiences to explore.

However, I don't miss the wall to wall traffic and parking , water shortage and astronomical rents and mortgage which is why I am still in Michigan.

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by hallstarr

First off I relocated to my parents birthplace in Michigan about 18 years ago. I met and married dh in Michigan and lost him in 2012. I am now in a small town in Michigan and just recently visited the Bay Area a week ago. Its been 18 years since I was last there. I graduated high school from Independence High. I also lived 4 years in Southern Cal Inland Empire.

What I miss most is the healthy vibe of the area. Most people are hip to health and the restaurants reflect that with the juice bars and variety of healthy restaurants. I miss the sprout sandwiches with avocado and juicy authentic burritos. I also miss the authentic Japanese tempura, barbecue and steamed rice.
Last I also miss the local It's It's Ice Cream that is only native to Northern Cal. I miss University avenue which has changed so much since I worked at Union Bank and First Interstate. I miss the sticky chewy chocolate cones and downtown flower shop.

Third, miss the variety of cultures. I Michigan the majority is just AA and Caucasian which is fine but a variety of cultures bring a variety of values and experiences to explore.

However, I don't miss the wall to wall traffic and parking , water shortage and astronomical rents and mortgage which is why I am still in Michigan.

We hear similar stories all the time. If the cost of living here were equal to or only a little more than what you have in Michigan, you'd probably be back in a heartbeat. But the COL makes life very difficult for many who live here. Even those who solidly fit into the upper middle class income group feel the stress created by the high rents and home prices.

[vadaseri]

Originally Posted by hallstarr

Third, miss the variety of cultures. I Michigan the majority is just AA and Caucasian which is fine but a variety of cultures bring a variety of values and experiences to explore.

In the bay area AA and Caucasian are minority.

[phantompilot]

Originally Posted by hallstarr

First off I relocated to my parents birthplace in Michigan about 18 years ago. I met and married dh in Michigan and lost him in 2012. I am now in a small town in Michigan and just recently visited the Bay Area a week ago. Its been 18 years since I was last there. I graduated high school from Independence High. I also lived 4 years in Southern Cal Inland Empire.

What I miss most is the healthy vibe of the area. Most people are hip to health and the restaurants reflect that with the juice bars and variety of healthy restaurants. I miss the sprout sandwiches with avocado and juicy authentic burritos. I also miss the authentic Japanese tempura, barbecue and steamed rice.
Last I also miss the local It's It's Ice Cream that is only native to Northern Cal. I miss University avenue which has changed so much since I worked at Union Bank and First Interstate. I miss the sticky chewy chocolate cones and downtown flower shop.

Third, miss the variety of cultures. I Michigan the majority is just AA and Caucasian which is fine but a variety of cultures bring a variety of values and experiences to explore.

However, I don't miss the wall to wall traffic and parking , water shortage and astronomical rents and mortgage which is why I am still in Michigan.

What about San Diego? Very cosmopolitan, health conscious, great weather.

Or someplace like San Luis Obispo which is a college town, but kind of combines the small town feel you're acclimated to, and the variety and liveliness you are nostalgic for.