Safest/economical place to live in CA?

fergus51 · Apr 13, 2005

I foud http://cgi.money.cnn.com/tools/costofliving/costofliving.html was helpful. Can I suggest you first narrow the field a little by deciding if you want to live in a bigger or smaller city, in a coastal or inland area, etc.? Then it would be easier to compare. I may be biased, but I think there are some great places in southern California (I live in S.Cal).

suzanne4, RN · Apr 13, 2005

I am currently in Central California and just love it...............

shodobe · Apr 13, 2005

I have lived in NorCal for the past 8 years after 35 years in SoCal. Once you get past Bakersfield it is like night and day. I live about an hour or so east of Stockton and Sac in the Sierras and wouldn't trade it for anything. Quiet, peaceful, virtually crime free and so relaxing! I still though, work in SoCal and commute there every 4 days for my 9 day stay. It is well worth it. There are lots of nice places to live and still somewhat affordable through the central valley, Modesto, Merced, Madera and others. Mike

X-treme · Apr 13, 2005

Thanks for the replies.

I'd be more incline to live in a smaller city initially because I'd assume the cost of living (housing) would be less expensive than larger areas. As for north or south, it doesn't really matter.

I'm talking to a few agencies that recruit Canadian nurses. They asked me where I'd like to work, and in the mean time, I'm trying to find an area where it would be ideal (by asking all of you)

It's hard to find websites to get an idea what the cities are like in comparison to one another... the search continues...

Thanks for all your help thus far.

youknowho · Apr 14, 2005

I LOVE where I live. San Jose...1 hour away from San Francisco or drive the other way and end up at the beaches of Santa Cruz. Have an international airport so dont have to drive far to catch a plane. Lots to do BUT its crazy expensive. Luckily we bought our house 5 years ago cause we sure would not be able to afford one now.

Did I mention how expensive it is?? If you are looking for small I would suggest Clearlake and surrounding areas. I think they have a couple hospitals and house prices are too bad (this will be where we buy our vacation home) Good luck!!

fergus51 · Apr 14, 2005

I've heard good things about Salinas and Redding. A friend of mine lives in Salinas and it reminds me of my hometown in Canada.

Mimi2RN, ASN, RN · Apr 15, 2005

My son lives in Redding. It's a growing area, two hospitals plus a hospital that only does surgeries. Expensive housing, but salaries aren't bad and they do give sign on bonuses (at least, they used to). Look on Google for Mercy Hospital, or Redding Record Searchlight, their local paper.

It's not far to Lake Shasta, or Whiskeytown Lake (if you like to waterski, or fish). Mount Shasta is an hour up the road. Snow in winter, lots of rain, hot summers. Very hot summers.

Nancy2 · May 21, 2005

I've been trying to locate websites that would help me decide where to move to California upon graduation and I've had nothing but bad luck. I've only found one website that stated southern california is not the best location.
Could anyone provide me with any information/websites that may help me locate a city that would be worth looking into in the future?
Thanks!

If you are looking for a community hospital and a small town within driving distance (2 hours) to San Francisco, I'd look at Sutter Lakeside Hospital in Lakeport Ca, and Redbud Hospital in Clearlake Ca. The area is beautiful and is extremely affordable and the wages are competitive with Bay Area wages. It doesn't get any better than that in California. You may even consider narrowing you options down to 3-4 areas and take a road trip to see for yourself, set up some interviews along the way and then you can right off the trip on your taxes.

Good Luck!

tanaynicole · May 24, 2005

Being raised in the Bay Area, I'm likley to favor San Jose, I love it, Lots to do , close to everything and extremly diverse. But I too feel it's too expensive.

Sacramento, Folsom, Davis areas are really nice, Growing lots to do, more affordable then San Jose, still close to San Fransisco, and other areas. I hear UC Davis hospital is a great place to work.

hope this helps

TanayNicole :rolleyes:

JustMe · Jun 1, 2005

Thanks for the replies.
I'd be more incline to live in a smaller city initially because I'd assume the cost of living (housing) would be less expensive than larger areas. As for north or south, it doesn't really matter.
I'm talking to a few agencies that recruit Canadian nurses. They asked me where I'd like to work, and in the mean time, I'm trying to find an area where it would be ideal (by asking all of you)
It's hard to find websites to get an idea what the cities are like in comparison to one another... the search continues...
Thanks for all your help thus far.

I live near shodobe (see posting) in the Central Valley, but housing is becoming unaffordable to middle income families. Nice thing about California, our salaries usually mirror the cost of living. Some desirable areas are not as affordable based on salary (like Santa Cruz, San Diego, etc.) but it can be done. I lived in LA as a kid and would NEVER live there again unless under duress. :chuckle