Can I be a California girl?

Mods, feel free to move this or delete it if it doesn't fit with this forum because it is about moving to the US.

With my dad being ill, dh's office seems to be trying to move heaven and earth to get us to the US for a few years.  They have an office just north of San Diego and while they seemed interested in us going out there before, this time they have got their immigration lawyers involved so it seems like it might be real.  They've also been looking for someone for this position for about 9 months now, and I think desparation is setting in.  The only problem is, we still do not have the details of the salary and the health insurance and then we will really need to think about it.  

While this is all good, and very nice I find myself thinking, 'But I never cared about California'.  Many kids in my high school had big plans to move to either California or New York when they left, but I wasn't inspired by either of them.  I know the weather is supposed to be amazing and I'm sure California has loads of positives, but I don't know what they are.  I think there are a few Californians on here, so I'm turning to you.  Help me get inspired and give California fair consideration, especially Southern Californians since that's where we might be sent.  Neither of us has ever been there, so we don't know anything about the place!  Help us learn!  Tell me about California, specifically Southern California near San Diego.  Please?

The weather is nice.  You're near Tijuana.  You can both work on your tans.  Warm beaches.  The largest base of the US Navy is at San Diego.

Traffic isn't always so nice.

Just some random thoughts....

It's hot, dry and sunny the majority of the time.  

People drive everywhere and traffic can be a nightmare. That part of socal is fairly Republican if I recall correctly. The houses tend to be pretty cookie cutter. Did I mention the sun shines all the time?  

Mexican food is everywhere and it's really good. The beaches are close and are really good. Lot's of sunshine.

Socal is very multicultural and there are loads of things to do. Almost everyone is from somewhere else.

Great radio stations! If you like burgers, In-n-out is pretty fabulous.

When I lived in socal my shoe collection consisted of flipflops in every colour and not much else.

If nothing else, it will be an adventure. You don't have to love it, but you can certainly enjoy it whilst you're there!

x post with Mrs R

x post with Mrs R

yeah, but you had more stuff to say!  I've only ever visited, not lived there.  

A friend I went to high school with (one of my FB friends) lives there & has for years - a Kansas girl.  

Did I mention the sun shines all the time?  

Mexican food is everywhere and it's really good. The beaches are close and are really good. Lot's of sunshine.

When I lived in socal my shoe collection consisted of flipflops in every colour and not much else.

Pretty much my dream, except I like humidity too! 

Ah, southern California.  Sunshine.  Beaches.  Mexican food (the best anywhere).   Also traffic, high house prices, and plastic surgery.

I loved living there, personally.  San Diego is a fantastic city.  However, I don't think I'd go back without a tasty financial package, because it's not the easiest place to live on a low income.  If you've got the money, though, why not?

Just think - huge a** American everything:  car, washer, dryer, fridge, freezer, microwave, dishwasher, window screens, mixer taps, air con... 

San Diego Co. is lovely by the coast, nice weather and warm, but mild weather. But, the traffic is crap, especially in the summer during the Del Mar Fair and then the horse racing season. Be prepared to drive. Unless you live/work near the coaster (commuter train) and/or trolley lines the public transport is lacking.

If you live inland it can get really hot and in the winter really cold (well for Californians!) The traffic tends to be a bit better on inland freeways, but not much and it may have gotten worse since I last lived there.

Lots of houses and apartments don't have air con, especially if they're pre-80s. Lots of bungalows and condos, but also a mix of larger homes and apartment complexes. It really depends on what area you would be living in.

It's nice because it is close to everything: the ocean, deserts, mountains, Mexico. You could enjoy the beach and the snow in one day if you wanted to!

Renting is expensive, it might have changed with the housing bust, but I'm not sure. Do some web searches and you'll probably get a good idea, the further inland you go the cheaper it tends to be (but not always).

If you have any more questions ask away!

San Diego is really beautiful. But if you have children and are looking for good schools you should live more inland. It is quite expensive. A house to rent will be around $2500 at least. You will need 2 cars. And definelly a good health insurance plan. I would definelly go for it if you get paid well.

My brother, who travels all over the world, has said his favourite city is San Diego.  He loves going there--the food, the atmosphere, the people (he's more into tattoos than plastic surgery), and the weather.

I also have family that live in CA and they love it; however, I too would not go until I was assured I had a decent pay/health care offer--CA is known to be expensive all over.

I hope it works out for you.
 

Only been to San Diego on vacation but enjoyed it.  Good Mexican food, things to see/do.  Found the roads poorly signposted but may have changed since 2001.

I grew up a northern California girl. I've always thought the San Diego area is the pearl of southern California. I just visited a friend who just moved there with her family from Michigan. They are absolutely loving it and happy they took the chance. Weekends they are taking trips around the area and enjoying the local neighbourhood, farmer's market, beach, food. Of course the sunshine!

I'm with Olive here. Grew up in Nor Cali (wayy Nor Cali) and we're heading back there. SoCal is always somewhere where I'd visit but never want to live. But I have friends & family that live down there and you do need to have the $$'s to live the 'lifestyle' of SoCal. Which makes me thankful to live 'oopf norf' where the cost of living is less and life just moves a bit slower.

You know I wish you all the best of everything - yes, please make sure you're good with the pay package, health insurance package, relocation package & also what if/when you want to move back to the UK - what happens then?  (I reckon Bambi will take to lovin' the USA & his even bigger American BBQ so much - well, will you ever come back here?)

Also is it quicker/cheaper/easier to fly from San Diego to Des Moines, as opposed to from here to Des Moines?

 

They only want to sponsor us out there for about 2 years or at least that is what they are talking about for the visa.  Chris has made it clear that he only wants to be out there for a short amount of time if we go and frankly, this is just to prop up the company in North America and help it really get off the ground until it builds a name in North America.  If worse comes to worse, we are both citizens here.  Yes, it would suck to have to come back with no jobs, but it is possible. 

And £650 to Des Moines versus $240.  That's a huge difference in price. 

Southern California is not our choice it's just where dh's company has an office.  I'm just thankful if we move, one of us would actually have a job.  That's the only way we would qualify for any US visa as my parents might have to pay for some of my father's cancer treatments and are not in a position to help co-sponsor dh with me. 

Definitely a big difference in price on the airfare, so it's a good opportunity if the other financials fall into place too.

Why you need to go - perfectly understandable, of course.  

Will send you a PM on FB.