Is moving to San Diego REALLY a good idea? (Corona: credit, job market)

[jayclegatt]

I'm a 22 year old college student from Cleveland, Ohio, but I lived in Buffalo New York for 4 years now and it reminds me of Cleveland... The atmosphere sucks, there is completely nothing to do here, and I've been feeling miserable since I've been here... I would love to change my lifestyle and see what living near the water is like. My question is, Would going to college and resettling in San Diego be a good idea for me? Are the people nice? Is it a good place to live for a college student? (I'm an African American male if that matters). I would love to learn how to surf and I heard the food was good there and other things, but I need more feedback. Please give me your honest opinions. Thanks

[Think4Yourself]

Get a job first then move.

[Cardiff Kook]

most people are going to tell you to get a job first (which isn't bad advice) but without a local address that is easier said than done.

do you have savings or better yet, someone to stay with for a few months when you first move out?

[ShelbyGirl1]

I feel for you! Cleveland and Buffalo... I can see why you'd want the SD lifestyle! Problem being...so does everyone else. So.....have a job lined up and a place to crash before you make your final move. This place is gorgeous, but every bit as expensive as you've heard.

[matzoman]

To answer your question YES. Considering you are from the cold east, San Diego will feel like paradise. The people are kind of laid back and there is nice balmy breezes out on Coronado Island. One more thing that is a plus is that you can take day trips down to Ensenada Mexico and party. I do not think being AA maters that much because there is a sizable population of blacks in the military in San Diego. I think you will most likely have a great time. Be careful though, sometimes people will give you looks in Socal because they can tell you are an easterner. If you keep cool and smile and mind your business you will be fine. At your age you should be having as much fun as possible!

[Bransonf]

Im moving to San Diego soon as well. I cant wait. After visiting every year since I was like 3, I decided it was a good idea.

[Rmac15]

Im thinking about the same thing. Just made a post actually, when are you thinking about moving there?

[moved]

Originally Posted by Think4Yourself

Get a job first then move.

Good idea!

[earlyretirement]

Well, I think some very obvious questions would be how many credits short are you of getting your degree there in Buffalo? You mention you've been there 4 years now. I'd have to imagine you are close to finishing your degree??? What is your field of study (major)? Again, an obvious question is would you lose any time transferring to a college in San Diego?

Another question to look at is are you prepared for what it might cost to attend one of the local colleges paying out of state tuition? I guess those things would need to be determined by you first.

If you are very close to finishing your degree it doesn't make sense moving if you are going to lose time or it's going to cost an arm and a leg.

Everyone these days seems like they all want it all NOW. My advice would be to finish your degree there first if you are very close to getting your degree. Last time I checked, you can learn how to surf and eat great food after you finish your degree.

Have you even been to San Diego before?? It doesn't sound like it from your posts. You can see from the other posters that everyone and their brother/sister/aunt/uncle wants to move to San Diego. The job market here is pretty bad unless you are in one of a few specialized fields. Salaries are lower with the "sunshine tax" and the cost of living is high with rents being expensive as well as buying a place.

Before you even think about jobs, I'd think about the questions I asked above. Personally, unless you have significant savings, I wouldn't move out to San Diego without a job. If you do have significant savings, that will help you as it could take several/many months to line up a job. And even then it might be a mediocre job that pays pretty low compared to other places.

Don't get me wrong. San Diego is paradise if you can afford it. The problem is many people coming can't and have no real game plan. They will tell you how they think it's a "good idea" to move to San Diego. In many cases it doesn't turn out well for them. Not to say that you shouldn't move out. But you really have to see how the cost of living, job market and economy is here.

[lrmsd]

Originally Posted by jayclegatt

I'm a 22 year old college student from Cleveland, Ohio, but I lived in Buffalo New York for 4 years now and it reminds me of Cleveland... The atmosphere sucks, there is completely nothing to do here, and I've been feeling miserable since I've been here... I would love to change my lifestyle and see what living near the water is like. My question is, Would going to college and resettling in San Diego be a good idea for me? Are the people nice? Is it a good place to live for a college student? (I'm an African American male if that matters). I would love to learn how to surf and I heard the food was good there and other things, but I need more feedback. Please give me your honest opinions. Thanks

Practical matters not withstanding, definitely consider it! It sounds like a great match for you at this time....and def. know that there are many more options beyond cleveland and buffalo, for you!