Clueless and curious about Cali

There are three main parts of the state: Northern California, Central California, and Southern California. The cost of living and pay rates vary drastically from one city to the next.

I am a native of California who left the state in late 2005. I lived in coastal Southern California for 22 years, and Central California for 2 years. Generally, the inland areas are cheaper than the coastal areas. However, some of the inland cities and towns do not resemble the "California" that you've seen on television, magazine covers, and music videos. Some areas are even unincorporated and quite rural. Good luck with your move, but realize that this state is huge, and I cannot possibly cover all bases within 1 single post.

I'm in far Northern California and agree with Commuter. This state is so diverse.

I live in a rural area, surrounded by logging and farming.

Our cost of living is less than the big cities on the coast and our wages are lower too. But we have no traffic, no smog, no gangs. And we do actually have a few "stars" who live up here. So, a little tiny bit of Hollywood does exist.

steph

Hi- I moved here from NYC too, but before I was a nurse. I live about 2 hours south of San Fran, on the ocean. The weather is mediterranean, rarely hotter than 70, and rarely colder than 40, and the cold season doesn't last very long. Housing is your main cost of living, an average home (and I mean VERY average) is about 700,000. Rent for a decent 2 bedroom house will push 2G a month. Expect NYC housing costs, without NYC. However, we are the best paid area in the country, I'm a new grad, and including shift diff, I make about $50/hr. Our ratios are great too, no insane assignments of 8pts. As far as pay goes, SF bay area is best paid, LA/San Diego area is about 25% less, as are more rural areas.
Hope that helps.

Have you thought about becoming a travel nurse here? They do get paid less in the Bay Area but at least you can see what it is like before moving. I live in San Diego now and the wages are not that great. They used to start new grads out at $25 an hour when I checked 2 years ago. Not sure what it is now. But the cost of living is high here too. But the living is good. I used to live in the Bay Area and could not stand to go back. Way too crowded. Too many cars on the freeway at all hours of the day and night. Stop and go traffic. It would put too much stress on me to have to drive around there now. I am just saying check it out by getting a little experience out here before you move and see what you like.

Northern CA is so beautiful with lots of trees. The green is incredible. That's one thing I miss living in SD. The green trees and vegetation is an off color. Not as pretty in comparison.

Def. too much to say about CA!!! It varies too much and yes housing is where all your money goes. The market isnt do so well right now so actually Ive seen some great deals on housing, but of course that wont last long and you wont see a house under 500,000 and thats for medi oker ... (have no idea how to spell that!) I came out here orig. from Colorado ... it takes a LONGGGGG time to adjust!!! The advice so far has been great and yes I think doing a travel assignment here would be in your best interest. I think generally the key is what you like and dont like about finding a place to live .. the weather, people, diversity.. etc. For me Ive about had it with the traffic!! But I absolutely love the diversity and opportunities. We are far ahead of the game out here so to speak .. we have the best technology faster than other states, the best stores, best restaurants and def. the best views.... where can you sit in the sunshine on the beach and travel a few hours and be in the mtns in tahoe?! I def. love that .. but @ the same time I also like homey states... good luck whatever you decide ...

I am from Canada and this is how I feel about Cali! I lived both in norhern cali and southern cali. The weather is great here, no snow. It rains alot in Northern cali, the pay is higher. I was making up to $47 per-diem in Sacramento. The pay is lower here in So Cal. The county hospital will start you off with $27. It all depends on your experience. It also varies by county. I am in Riverside so the pay is low. I think OC and LA county will pay you more. The weather is very hot and dry here. The cost of living is also high near the oceans but in inland the rent is a bit cheaper. I found that the cost of gasoline in so cal is more than nothern cali. But now its expensive everywhere! Also you need to consider the trafic. The trafic is horrible here. You have to have a car to get around! Overall its not bad