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Where should I live in California??

Where is the best place in California to live for a mid-twenties gal who doesn't want to own a car?

  • Hi Guys and Gals! :o) I'm a twenty-five year old girl thinking about moving to California. I am from Upstate New York and while I love the great outdoors and all that the Catskill Mountains have to offer, I have a hard time finding people my own age to relate to and make friends with. A little bit about myself in terms of what I like/need: 1) I have a work from home job in copy writing. I love to write and would like to stick with this career path, so a place where SEO content writing, article writing, etc. is a big industry would be great. 2) I would like to live someplace where there is a great public library, some healthy grocery stores, independent coffee shops and retailers, etc. 3) I got rid of my car about 6 months ago and don't really want to get another one, for both financial and environmental reasons. I would need a place where I could get around without a car--public transit including buses, trains, bike, walking, etc would be great. 4) Living someplace where there are people my own age would be ideal--I would like to make friends and hopefully find a nice guy to date at some point. ;o) 5) Weather--I'm not too picky about this, just want to live someplace where the winters aren't as cold and long as Upstate NY. If you guys could help me narrow it down to a few places/areas, it would be so hopeful to me. I'd like to stay under $800 per month for an apartment, but of course I would be willing to live with roommates and share a place. :o) Thanks so much, everyone!

  • Answer:

    You basically just described San Francisco, but there's no way you can get an apartment for less than $800 a month, so you should start by looking in the East Bay- probably Oakland. I'd look in the Lake Merced and Temescal neighborhoods for the best apartments at that price. However, you should consider whether your budget might be slightly higher making Bay Area wages, especially minus car expenses. Maybe you can afford more, in which case I'd say live in the City. Don't move to Sonoma County if you plan on ditching your car, there is very little public transportation there and no cabs, you'd definitely have problems getting around. As someone who's lived in all three areas, I'd say start in the East Bay and move to San Francisco if you decide you can afford it.

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It sounds like you'd like San Francisco, but you should definitely visit it before you move. The public transport is amazing so you wouldn't need a car. It's the happening place for people in their twenties. Rent is super high but you could probably rent a room in a house for $800 or a bit more. There's definitely cool bookstores, coffee shops, health food stores. It's very alternative. I've found it's hard to make friends in California though- people don't really stick to their commitments if you're supposed to meet up with them.

beach2cb

carmel and san Fransisco

Becca

Well def SF, San Diego, parts of Los Angeles... the smaller little towns within.

Jamie L

I have been to upstate NY and it is green and beautiful. It is not like that in California because there is not enough rain, except this year. Most of California is conservative except for parts of the Bay Area and parts of Los Angeles.The only problem you have is the rent you can pay. With only $800 you have to share a small 1-bdrm in the Bay Area, or live 50 miles east of San Francisco, where there isnt much of the type of culture you describe, but being from upstate, you arent looking for Manhattan environment, so it might work. I would suggest Sonoma county since I am familiar with it, you can find a 1-bd for $800 in small towns near Santa Rosa like Sebastopol, Cotati, Occidental that have what you need. Santa Rosa is a county seat so government services are there.

Flower

San Francisco is probably the only place in California where you can comfortably live without a car. Parts of Los Angeles and San Diego are transit-friendly as well, but not as much as SF or NYC. Also, if you are into libraries, health food, and independent stores, San Francisco is the place to be.

gomanyes

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