Decision of a lifetime ...

[ahr19]

I post this in our Old Folks home because I truely think that only some people of similar age (or older with more life wisdom) can relate and assist me through my thought process ... Let me break it down:

I am 32 years old, single, no kids ... with the opportunity to move to Los Angeles or Miami. I currently live in DC, and I have lived in Miami before. I love Miami, but something about the West Coast has me real curious. Been to visit a bunch of times and like it ... Near the beach and the great weather would be awesome for my mental health. Been through some tough family times the last 2.5 years and new surroundings would do me great.

My concern is just the cost of living out west. I would def want to purchase some real estate to continue growing my wealth ... I just don't know. Then other things pop up in my mind ... Some people say if I keep moving around, I will have an even more difficult time meeting someone (a girl) and settling down. Not that I am looking right now, but eventually it would be cool ... Also, I have lived in DC, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Miami for all at least a year and a half ... Chicago and Miami are my favorites ... and I wonder, what if I hate it out west??? ... it is hard to move around as much now as when I was in my 20's ... more investments, more furniture ...financially more challenging ....

So I come to my peeps at VG for some words of advice and wisdom ... I think I want to get out to the West ... just a little nervous/scared/wary ...

Help!

[Skinsman 68]

Ahr:

I lived the first 23 years of my life in DC and moved to California in 1992 so I am probably more qualified than just about anyone to help you with this question. I loved DC but I used to come to Cali very frequently cause some of my family lived out here. I always wanted to come here and then 15 years ago, after a relationship went sour very quickly, the opportunity to go to Law School out here presented itself and I took a chance. I drove across country and was depressed for the first day or so, and then something about being on the open highway driving across country was very liberating.

I live in Bakersfield, a rapidly growing city about 110 miles northeast of LA and to be truly honest with you I hate LA. The traffic situation is horrible (if you think the Beltway is bad, wait until you deal with the 405 on a daily basis), the air quality is bad (although Bakersfield's is worse), the cost of living is shocking, there's the perpetual threat of a cataclysmic earthquake destroying everything you own and possibly killing you and your family, and theres no football team.

But, if you look at the big picture, California is a great state.The joke about skiing in the morning and hitting the beach at night is no joke. It can definitely be done. With the possible exception of Hawaii, you will not find a more beautiful state anywhere in the US. Drive down Highway 1 and you will be blown away by what you see. Spend some time in Lake Tahoe (my favorite place in the world) and you will never want to leave. LA absolutely has its high points. It is the entertainment capital of the world, no offense directed to New York, and there is always something going on whether you are into music, sports, or the arts. And the other major cities, San Francisco and San Diego in particular, are awesome. Plus, you can drive to Vegas in about 3.5- 4 hours from LA and if you have never been to Vegas, thats a unique experience.

I say go for it. You will probably go through a bit of culture shock like I did when you actually live here because the people are much more laid back and relaxed than folks are on the East Coast...and no its not because they are all high...well maybe some of them are The biggest problem with LA is the transit system, or lack thereof. if you can live with that, you'll be fine. or you can do what a lot of people do and live in the outlying (and usually cheaper) communities and commute in.

Oh yeah, the women. Well, there's a reason that song says "I wish they all could be California girls." You will not find a heavier concentration of stunningly hot women per square mile of real estate anywhere on the planet and I truly believe that. I found my wife out here and I have been married for almost 6 years now and have two beautiful kids as well. The women here can be real flakes, but you will get that anywhere. But most of the women I have met are good people and as tempting as it may be to go after the younger ones, if you stay close to your own age group you will probably avoid some of the true nutcases out there.

I hope that helps. If you need specific info, just PM me brother. I would be happy to help a fellow DC spirit relocate to California. Good luck.

[ahr19]

Now that is a cool response. Good story. You gave some good info. The cost of living is VERY shocking ... but I guess I have to search for something nice ... not too crazy ... ugh ... my main fear is being broke out there. But perhaps I can find a deal ... they say the market is down out there. Once it gets real serious, I will definitely have to take a good hard look at the real estate. Perhaps I can do what I do here in DC and sell real estate part time out there. Good for meeting people and learning about the area ... plus the supplimental income is nice too ...

I think the more laid back atmosphere will do me kind of good. I am a bit burned out of the DC vibe.

Good advice though ...For sure I will PM you ... Anyone else out there???

[Skinsman 68]

A couple of years ago, the real estate market in Bakersfield was exploding. We bought our house for $130K and it now appraises at over $300K. But, the market is indeed down right now and I am not sure when it will rebound. But places like Bakersfield and the Antelope Valley (just outside of LA) are growing like wild fire and probably have some good opportunities for someone wanting to get into real estate.

[RicoVacilon]

I live in Miami. Kendall to be exact. Chose LA man! Hahaha.

[rank is dumb]

I always think about getting in my truck and driving out west or south just to live where its WARM!! I also lived in DC and I must say that is a very easy place to live..

I think you want to live some where that suits your personality.. Thats what I read into your post.. I personally liked living in Cleveland the best.. The people are always in a good mood and very nice.. I never understood that but it seems to be true.. I now live in Pittsburgh and everyone here has issues.. Conflict seems to be a daily actvity for people her.. I'm more laid back and easy going (although my post might not seem that way)

I'm thinking Arizona for me.. Seems to be a good growing area and has nice golf courses

[A Disciple]

well IMHO, you would love it out west. It's lovely. As far as meeting a woman, I believe that everything has it's reason and its timing. When it's right it's right. No matter where you are, if the timing isn't right, it won't happen.

Follow your heart. Don't get stuck in a rut so to speak. Sometimes you just gotta step out on faith. I know I'm a little bit younger than you, but my situation was similar to yours. I came out here to Vegas and it really has been good for me. Granted, I came with some help and a lady waiting on me, it was still an act of faith to make the move. Pray on it and let God help you in your decision.

[TRUEVisionDC]

What did you decide to do ahr?? Your heart tells you to go to the west coast. Do it? Due to the COL, you may have to adjust your lifestyle a bit to start but that would be anywhere you moved.

Dont do what I did? Stay b/c it was comfortable. I wanted to move away when I was single and had my own money. I didnt. Im 34 and thats the only thing I regret about my life so far. To have regrets at 34 is discouraging which is why I will never NOT do something I want to do again.

All b/c I was fearful.

[ahr19]

What did you decide to do ahr?? Your heart tells you to go to the west coast. Do it? Due to the COL, you may have to adjust your lifestyle a bit to start but that would be anywhere you moved.

Dont do what I did? Stay b/c it was comfortable. I wanted to move away when I was single and had my own money. I didnt. Im 34 and thats the only thing I regret about my life so far. To have regrets at 34 is discouraging which is why I will never NOT do something I want to do again.

All b/c I was fearful.

Well... ironic that you asked. I have been making a few trips out to LA and working on this job thing. I really hope to make a small announcement in the next week or so saying what has happened. If it all works out, I will keep a nice little online diary right here in the Old Folks home to detail my entire moving experience. But that is if I get the job and everything.

I have been looking at some homes to purchase and it will be a bit pricey. Going to have to probably do a 5/1 Interest only ARM so I can get in and afford the mortgage. Are you able to run some numbers for me True?

I have no regrets right now, but I do know that if I stayed here in DC, I would look up in 3-5 years and wish I had given the West Coast a try. That is the only area in the country I have not lived (except the Northeast) and I have no interest in living in the Northeast.

Stay tune. I hope I can make an announcement real soon!

[TRUEVisionDC]

Well... ironic that you asked. I have been making a few trips out to LA and working on this job thing. I really hope to make a small announcement in the next week or so saying what has happened. If it all works out, I will keep a nice little online diary right here in the Old Folks home to detail my entire moving experience. But that is if I get the job and everything.

I have been looking at some homes to purchase and it will be a bit pricey. Going to have to probably do a 5/1 Interest only ARM so I can get in and afford the mortgage. Are you able to run some numbers for me True?

I have no regrets right now, but I do know that if I stayed here in DC, I would look up in 3-5 years and wish I had given the West Coast a try. That is the only area in the country I have not lived (except the Northeast) and I have no interest in living in the Northeast.

Stay tune. I hope I can make an announcement real soon!

Thats exactly right.

What numbers do you need run? Mortgage payment? What the price? Interest Rate? Down payment??

[ahr19]

Thats exactly right.

What numbers do you need run? Mortgage payment? What the price? Interest Rate? Down payment??

Basically I am looking to see potential payments if I did a 5/1 INterest only ARM on $700K home, $650 K, $600K, $550 K. I could put 10 % down or maybe 20% down (would prefer not to). I have no idea about taxes ... but that should get us started. Basically, trying to figure out the lowest payment for the most house I could get.

[Nevada_Ballin]

Well... ironic that you asked. I have been making a few trips out to LA and working on this job thing. I really hope to make a small announcement in the next week or so saying what has happened. If it all works out, I will keep a nice little online diary right here in the Old Folks home to detail my entire moving experience. But that is if I get the job and everything.

I have been looking at some homes to purchase and it will be a bit pricey. Going to have to probably do a 5/1 Interest only ARM so I can get in and afford the mortgage. Are you able to run some numbers for me True?

I have no regrets right now, but I do know that if I stayed here in DC, I would look up in 3-5 years and wish I had given the West Coast a try. That is the only area in the country I have not lived (except the Northeast) and I have no interest in living in the Northeast.

Stay tune. I hope I can make an announcement real soon!

I'm really interested in following your adventure here ahr... if the timing of your move is just right, maybe AD and I can help you move in a few boxes

[BigW]

Hey Ahr19 do it!!! even if It doesn't go the way you expect it. I moved to MA 5 years ago, and though I regret It cause I hate MA, at least I did it and found out first hand that MA sucks. I managed to turn a negative Into a positive. I bought a house, sold it doubled my money and I moved back to NYC.

Also at the age of 32 for you to have that option to pick up and leave is a blessing especially If your single with no kids. Do It, take a chance you only live once. Good luck with whatever your decision Is.

[Skinsman 68]

I'm really interested in following your adventure here ahr... if the timing of your move is just right, maybe AD and I can help you move in a few boxes

Yeah, count me in on that too. I am only 1.5 hrs away from LA so by the time Nevada and AD get there, we can have the keg nice and cold