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

[ahr19]

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

Ha!Ha! I used to live in North Miami Beach (163rd and Collins). Loved it. Worked downtown and had so much fun. I still own a place in Surfside (92nd and Collins) right on the water. It is sweet! I have this bug to try out the west coast before I get older and have more "attachments" that make it more difficult. This way I would feel I have scratched every itch (except for over

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

Well Cleveland is considered the midwest and Chicago was my favorite place of all to live in. I know you may be like, "Why??" ... the people made it such an amazing place to be. I have made some real close friends from my time in Chicago. It is cold as all get out there ... and my blood is thinner now and I just can do all that cold. Although the summers there are sweet!!!

So maybe the west coast is a little more laid back which could be cool because I am a laid back fellow ... no stress ... don't need much conflict ... just chill. And the pretty people NEVER hurt to look at!

[joetoronto]

go to LA and you'll forget about all those other towns you've lived in, ahr.

like it says in the song, "you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave."

just do it.

[hakaida]

It's not cali, but vegas and phoenix might be good alternatives. As far as real estate goes, it can be really great or really bad. I'm a broker myself and can tell you that a lot of people fail in this business. It is something that I would get into part time if I was starting out unless you have a lot of money to fall back on. It takes years to get referral leads which is what keeps your career going.

[ahr19]

It's not cali, but vegas and phoenix might be good alternatives. As far as real estate goes, it can be really great or really bad. I'm a broker myself and can tell you that a lot of people fail in this business. It is something that I would get into part time if I was starting out unless you have a lot of money to fall back on. It takes years to get referral leads which is what keeps your career going.

Phoenix is another spot I would consider. LA is my first choice because of the beaches and milder weather. In terms of real estate, my plan would be to pick up part time with a broker and just use that as supplimental income. It definitely can't hurt ... especially with the prices of homes in LA.

Perhaps soon I will have an update on my quest. My fingers are crossed!

[hakaida]

For me cali is a place to visit, not to live. Unless you are used to big city living, you might not like it. I like living in a medium size city where you can get from one end to another within an hour. Most west coast cities have lots of hot babes too.

[feardaram]

LA. hurricanes = no way.

[ahr19]

LA. hurricanes = no way.

I think you mean earthquakes and not hurricanes. But anyways, thanks for reading and writing ... Where have you been?

[feardaram]

i meant i would go with LA, because living where there are hurricanes would not be my first choice. plus, its too humid in miami.

[ahr19]

i meant i would go with LA, because living where there are hurricanes would not be my first choice. plus, its too humid in miami.

True that. Plus I have lived in Miami already. So ... Fear ... when r u gonna hop on AIM or can you email me back or return a PM. We have to catch up!