Where should i live?
 

I need a change and could use some suggestions on where to live.

I'm 30, single and, while not a huge party girl, I do like to go out on occasion.

Grew up in Orange County, but have lived away since college and have an image of OC as a place for families only. I like visiting Los Angeles, but don't think i want to live there.

I was in Palm Springs recently and loved the vibe, but am concerned about the 100+ weather and if there are enough young people.

I'm not sure i can afford San Francisco on the salary i'll be making (i have about 5 years experience in public relations), but i'm tempted by the idea of northern california.

I know i'm picky, but i've spent a few years living in a region that i don't care for and I really want to live somewhere that i love.

Thanks for any help!

I think you should definitely explore becoming more of a party girl (and then move to DFW) :D

San Francisco.

I was born there, but have not lived there for many years. I live in San Diego, and have lived in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Orange County.

I was in San Francisco last weekend, and fell in love with The City all over again.

If you have options, move there. No question.

Welcome to FT, inso!

You bet SF is great but if I wanted a nice place, with good weather, that had some nice areas and was cheaper than SF, I would have suggested looking in the area where the last poster lives: San Diego. Living close to a beach it doesn't get too hot (living inland it can).

In the SF bay area, SF is where the action is but the nice parts are expensive. Palo Alto might work but I doubt that rentals here are that much cheaper than SF, and the nightlife has considerably fewer choices, especially when Stanford is out of session, but there is some.

Give us more info, can you find a job EVERYWHERE in the State or in certain areas? Then we can compare them. Or PM with specific questions.

San Diego. Great weather, lot's to do. Good restaurants. New ballpark downtown. Nice beaches. Excellent Museums. And one of the best public parks in the country, Balboa Park.

I'd say SF as choice #1 (of course, if it's affordable) and San Diego as #1.5. I'm 28 and really enjoy SD, and the weather is >>>>>>> that of San Fran.

A lot of my OC friends have moved to Vegas as well. Personally, I wouldn't like it...but prices are lower and there's plenty of activity.

Also, don't discount L.A. Depending on the area, there are some great places to live. Even downtown is going through a nice "update" -- lots of converted lofts, etc.

in pulic relations you can probably be in any city mentioned, but think of where you'd hae options if job 1 goes away. having several employment choices makes life nicer so you can leave a job and not have to leave a city

also, what do you like to do on weekends, what climate do you like, and how much of a commute are you willing to tollerate for work and for fun.

btw, the pay will adjust to your location. companies in SF generally pay more and frankly, you could live in a subarb and commute into the city

live near mission beach in san diego...end of story!

SF or SD???
 

Why not live right in between. On the Central Coast (Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande) has a northern CA feel. Very reasonable real estate when compared to SF, SD or Santa Barbara. Weather is awesome year around. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is close by with lots of night life when you're feeling like a party girl. Our vineyards are gaining in popularity and have been given international recognition if you are into the wine scene. So if you're having a difficult time deciding between SF or SD consider splitting the difference and check out the Central Coast.

If you have never lived there, San Diego is about as great as it gets. There are a number of great neighborhoods to choose from, many of which are loaded with young professionals like yourself.

It's funny how everyone is touting the place where THEY live (except hiyo). Pretty much all of the California coast is beautiful and it really depends on what weather you like and what your budget is.

Nowhere on the California Coast is cheap, but some are less expensive than others. Inland is by and large desert and less expensive, but there are good reasons for that.

The central coast is beautiful, but the problem with the Pismo area is that, while it is true that it is halfway between SF and SD, where would the OP work? She would be 3 hours from any large city.

OP, perhaps if you gave more information about likes and dislikes, particularly as it applies to weather, recreation, culture and politics, we could supply you with less biased viewpoints.

It is not about touting where we live. Those of us who have made suggestions are familiar with those areas. I have lived in San Diego for most of my life, particularly at the stage where the OP is. I like it. It was a recommendation based on what she said about not being particularly thrilled with LA. Yes, there are great places up and down California's, let alone the entire Pacific, but I would still choose San Diego for the reasons I mentioned. Plus, the weather's not half bad.

I absolutely loved living in San Diego when I was there (around the same age as the OP). I lived in different parts of the city but my favorite was the Banker's Hill area. In between downtown and Hillcrest, and you can walk or bike to Balboa Park/Hillcrest.

Ok, I live in Fresno, and I recommend San Diego.

Where to live
 

I used to live in Bakersfield.

Bakersfield, to me, offers the quintessential third world experience.