Is Everybody Moving to California?

U.S.A. California

Published

Just an observation but, it seems like there's a flood of posts lately from people inquiring about moving here.

Not too long ago the local news seemed to be filled with stories about people supposedly moving away because of the high cost of living, traffic etc. I guess that in reality, it doesn't always seem to be the case ... at least with RN's.

So what's up posters? What made you decide to check out and/or move to Cali?

:typing

Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg.
I think it's just people, period. I've lived on both coasts and the south and it's pretty much all the same, really. Geography, unfortunately, doesn't change human nature.

:typing

I have to agree. I live in Louisiana and will be moving to California when I graduate in December. I spent 5 years in Huntington Beach several years ago, and I made friends easier there than I do here in Louisiana. I miss California...the scenery, the weather, and the diversity. I don't care if I have to pay $1200-$1500 in rent. It will be well worth it to me. I, too, have experienced a few earthquakes, but at least I didn't have to evacuate like I did last September when Hurricane Rita hit. Also, I know drugs are a problem everywhere, but they are rampant here in Louisiana--even among professionals. I'm so ready to leave this place. California here I come!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Yep LOTS of cali ppl come to the pac nw and idaho, etc....lots and lots and that is why in the seattle area (general) the real estate took a 16.5 percent increase last year in 2005. You think Cali living is expensive.....pac nw will be hit just the same over the next 5 years. You watch.

yes we are kind of experiencing it now. The housing market has gotten way out of hand and wages will decent are not keeping pace with the inflated cost of living. But I can't blame californians who wanted a cheaper place to be. We are toying with the idea of moving in a few years as well if things keep going up. At least we got into a house before being priced out of the market.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I cannot understand people moving from California where the weather is nice all year round.... to seattle where its cold and rains a LOT.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Surgical, Breastcare, Minor ops, OPD.

I'm moving all the way from the UK. If you know anything about the NHS & it's current state you will understand why I'm leaving UK nursing.

I also hate the weather in the UK & much prefer the CA climet.

My husband has lots of family in CA & do any of us need a better reason to move than to spend more time with the people we love :kiss

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In 1997, I lived in California for 2-3 months and I was forced to leave California entirely because I had no chance whatsoever of affording to live there in my own apartment unless I worked two jobs 70-80 hours per week. Sure, maybe I could have moved out to the middle of nowhere and afforded to live there working 55-60 hours a week, but that totally defeats the purpose of moving to California in the first place - weather is no where near as nice, no ocean, and no cultural diversity and socially active city with lots to do.

In my naive and ignorant youth, I was absolutely shocked to find that the typical blue collar job there pays not one cent more than it does where I am from in NY where the cost of living was literally 1/2 (and now less than 1/2) what it was in CA.

The disparity between rich and poor in CA is absolutely terrible. In many jobs, the increase in pay is either non existant, or not nearly commensurate with the increased cost of living, and I can already tell based on what I've read here that this is true for nursing too. The competition for jobs and housing is unimaginable. A studio in SF is 1,200 a month minimum, while one here in Tempe, AZ is 550-600 a month for a place in the best part of town. Sure, I could live in a studio in the middle of the desert in California for maybe 800-900, but what's the point?

The social problems common accross America appear to be acutely magnified and blown out of proportion in the preferred areas of California.

My brother moved to California (SF) last Novemeber, and his obsession with staying there has been a complete disaster for himself and the whole family, resulting in a huge drain of time, energy, and money on my dad and I.

I see people saying that California isn't that expensive if you go to the right places. I see people saying 1,300 dollars a month for a mortgage is not too expensive... Where I am from in NY, you can have a mortgage for a nice house for maybe 600-900 bucks, and the difference in pay from that part of NY to California is anywhere from nothing to a few bucks more, depending on the career in question. 1,300 dollars a month for a mortgage in a small town in inland California is completely outrageous. I would never live inland in California far from the ocean and the big cities and pay that kind of money.

I have a very affluent and intelligent Uncle who lives in California with his wife and two kids. He makes a ridiculous ton of money, and he says he cannot afford to retire in California at all, and that "There is no more reasonably priced land left in California"

California is still by far my preferred choice to live in the US, with out comparison. However, I am realistic, unlike my brother. I will not be moving to California.

If you're willing to live in inland California in the desert, why not come to the desert in Arizona, where the cost of living is FAR less than it is in those areas of California?

As for California bashing, I am a California lover, and a California basher.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

When you live in california your paying for the nice weather with no snow. NYC is just as expensive and usually more expensive than California so I'm not sure which part you're referring to that you live in but its probably not NYC. In new york its cheaper but you're also getting cold weather and snow.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.
In 1997, I lived in California for 2-3 months and I was forced to leave California entirely because I had no chance whatsoever of affording to live there in my own apartment unless I worked two jobs 70-80 hours per week. Sure, maybe I could have moved out to the middle of nowhere and afforded to live there working 55-60 hours a week, but that totally defeats the purpose of moving to California in the first place - weather is no where near as nice, no ocean, and no cultural diversity and socially active city with lots to do.

In my naive and ignorant youth, I was absolutely shocked to find that the typical blue collar job there pays not one cent more than it does where I am from in NY where the cost of living was literally 1/2 (and now less than 1/2) what it was in CA.

The disparity between rich and poor in CA is absolutely terrible. In many jobs, the increase in pay is either non existant, or not nearly commensurate with the increased cost of living, and I can already tell based on what I've read here that this is true for nursing too. The competition for jobs and housing is unimaginable. A studio in SF is 1,200 a month minimum, while one here in Tempe, AZ is 550-600 a month for a place in the best part of town. Sure, I could live in a studio in the middle of the desert in California for maybe 800-900, but what's the point?

The social problems common accross America appear to be acutely magnified and blown out of proportion in the preferred areas of California.

My brother moved to California (SF) last Novemeber, and his obsession with staying there has been a complete disaster for himself and the whole family, resulting in a huge drain of time, energy, and money on my dad and I.

I see people saying that California isn't that expensive if you go to the right places. I see people saying 1,300 dollars a month for a mortgage is not too expensive... Where I am from in NY, you can have a mortgage for a nice house for maybe 600-900 bucks, and the difference in pay from that part of NY to California is anywhere from nothing to a few bucks more, depending on the career in question. 1,300 dollars a month for a mortgage in a small town in inland California is completely outrageous. I would never live inland in California far from the ocean and the big cities and pay that kind of money.

I have a very affluent and intelligent Uncle who lives in California with his wife and two kids. He makes a ridiculous ton of money, and he says he cannot afford to retire in California at all, and that "There is no more reasonably priced land left in California"

California is still by far my preferred choice to live in the US, with out comparison. However, I am realistic, unlike my brother. I will not be moving to California.

If you're willing to live in inland California in the desert, why not come to the desert in Arizona, where the cost of living is FAR less than it is in those areas of California?

As for California bashing, I am a California lover, and a California basher.

Jeff, I'm sorry that you lived in Cali for a whole 2-3 months, and found the desert in the middle of Cali. I live in an agricultural area in the Central Valley. It's hot in summer, but right now, it's a gorgeous day, going to be about 80F. The temp was down to 50 last night.

We live next to some of the most beautiful mountains in the US. The ocean is about 3 hours away to the west. LA and SF are 3-4 hours away. We don't have any earthquake faults near us. Mojave is 2 1/2 hours away (that's the desert).

I get a good paycheck. Even new grads start at $31/hr. I've been off work on FMLA with my husband who had surgery. Paid FMLA. We also have paid California Disability if you have a baby or have surgery. We thought of moving out of California when I was job hunting years ago. I found that some hospitals don't pay into SS, and in other states you have to pay for your own short term disability, or do without a paycheck if you have no sick/vacation time. So, you don't get sick?

Although I like to visit, I have no desire to live in a major metropolitan area. It's good to drive to work in 5 minutes. We don't have hurricanes, tornadoes, huge snowstorms, major floods or freezing cold. We actually had some rain a few days ago, the first time since maybe May. I like the rain, as long as it's not all the time. I'm from Engand and then the Pacific Northwest, so I know about that.

Welcome to California!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
If you're willing to live in inland California in the desert, why not come to the desert in Arizona, where the cost of living is FAR less than it is in those areas of California?

Two reasons:

1) No ratio law in Arizona. Sorry but too many travelers have told me how bad the patient loads are there.

2) Low pay ... Arizona RN's make a lot less than California RN's ... about $15K less, on average.

As always, it depends on which desert you're talking about. Tucson wasn't that cheap, actually, the last time I visited there ... it was pretty pricey. Some areas have gotten expensive over in Arizona also.

All I can say is that my mortgage is less than $1,200 a month, I've got two thirds of an acre with a built in pool and decent sized house. I'll be making $98K a year with full benefits when I graduate so ... California desert is just fine by me.

:typing

Up Vote Up Vote ×
In new york its cheaper but you're also getting cold weather and snow.

I've lived in the north east and ... no one could pay me enough to go back to snow.

Unless it was something like $1 million.

Ok ... maybe half a million. ;)

:typing

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I've lived in the north east and ... no one could pay me enough to go back to snow.

Unless it was something like $1 million.

Ok ... maybe half a million. ;)

:typing

Haha! I can't wait to leave the snow and experience life without it!:monkeydance: :monkeydance:

I was born to live on the beach (or close driving distance) , not to be stuck in a snowstorm!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical care, Pediatris & Geriatrics.
i've lived in the north east and ... no one could pay me enough to go back to snow.

unless it was something like $1 million.

ok ... maybe half a million. ;)

:typing

haaa lizz...no kidding. i love california!!:nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
When you live in california your paying for the nice weather with no snow. NYC is just as expensive and usually more expensive than California so I'm not sure which part you're referring to that you live in but its probably not NYC. In new york its cheaper but you're also getting cold weather and snow.

NYC and easily commutable areas are extrememly expensive however upstate NY is extremely cheap. I know a nurse who commutes 2 hours each way into NYC for the hige wages and bought a very nice 2500 sf home with 4 beds/2 baths for under 150k in a nice town. The wages if she were to work in her town are lower, but still high enough that you come out ahead because the cost of living is so low. She just doesn't mind the commute to NYC because she only works 3 days per week and is building a very impressive nest egg with the high salary coupled with the low cost of living. The down side is that upstate NY has very cold snowy winters from what I have heard, beautiful, but cold. NY state also has high property taxes etc... and certain upstate areas are economically depressed. (not necessarilly the health industry though, and not all areas). It is on our list (towards the bottom though) to check out if we decide to move. I mean come on! Getting to go into NYC for date night! :monkeydance:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment