California?
Ever since my first trip out to California back 2-3 years ago, I’ve really enjoy it there. Not saying there is anything wrong with Tampa Bay, this is where I grew up and I know it quite well. I’m just at a place where I am not really tied down to much, and maybe a change would be good.
If I total my monthly living expenses let’s see what I can come up with minimum cost to live:
Car: $210
Insurance: $150
T-Mobile & Internet: $80
Total: $440 + Food and Gas
That isn’t that tough to make happen. As I’ve mention before I’m blogging for Boy Genius Report, and that would cover all of my basic expenses. Moving out to Cali would take around $267 one way according to Trip Gas Calc.
When I’m out there, I could get a part time job for extra income for food and other expenses (aka tech gadgets). It just would be able to feel my “freedom,” but with a full time job already it’s tough to feel like I’m free.
I’ve been thinking of the different areas of California to move to. There’s LA, SF, San Diego, Sacramento, etc. I know people in most of the major cities out there, but the majority of the tech community is in the SF area. It would be cool to be able to hit up the impromptu meetups and geek dinners out there.
Just sort of rambling out my thoughts. Any suggestions?
Technorati Tags: california, homeless, move, Thoughts, Trips
Victor said
am May 2 2007 @ 1:42 pm
San Diego area is also nice. Your insurance cost could go up as much as 4X’s. food up about $100 bucks, internet could and cell could be as much as
$200 a month. It’s not cheap out here, even if you live in your car like you do now. Also you may get a bit more flack for that by the authorities out here. Good luck.
Joe said
am May 2 2007 @ 1:43 pm
As prolly the only former St Pete-an that has moved to the ‘Other Bay Area’ and follows you on twitter/blog etc. I’d say DON’T DO IT MAN!
There is no humidity, the weather is beautiful (as are the women), hiking, skiing, the ocean (although you’ll never go into the icy waters here compared to FL). We have tons of microbreweries, wineries. And then there is the tech. Enough to make someone go crazy.
The cost of living isn’t something to trivialize though. Expect to may at least $1800/mo for a decent apt. Gas is closing in on $4/gal, and there are those pesky ground shakers.
Can’t wait to see you here!
Joe
Daniel Womack (CZzyzx41) said
am May 2 2007 @ 1:45 pm
OK I twittered but thought I’d add my thoughts here as well. There are plenty of tech companies throughout CA. San Diego and LA don’t have as much as San Francisco but still are worthy options.
I don’t know if you’re looking to move into a place or are still wanting to stick to your freedoms. If it’s career you’re looking at and specifically tech stuff, San Francisco may be your option. If you just love to be in a beautiful area, you could go SF or SD and be very safe. Los Angeles has some great spots and if you’re looking to settle down in a place, might offer you your best rates for rent/mortgage.
It’d be cool if you lived in San Diego and I want to push you in that direction but I also know a little about you based on your blog and the DnD forums and I think you’d have a blast in San Francisco.
Let us know when you’re closer to a decision. Will you be making it out to the Expo in September?
Cath said
am May 2 2007 @ 2:48 pm
The Santa Rosa area in Sonoma County is about an hour away from San Francisco, an hour away from Berkeley, and twenty minutes to the nearest casino. It’s nice to be able to drive to those places, but not have to be right in the middle. Come be my neighbor, Nick Starr. There’s even one of those little Apple stores in the mall.
And I know of a software company looking for some tech support people if you want to find a day job.
Matt said
am May 2 2007 @ 8:31 pm
What about laundry cost, Gym membership (for showers) and entertainment. You don’t want just work and then sit around all the time.
Shawno said
am May 3 2007 @ 1:58 am
I moved from the Chicago area to San Luis Obispo, CA almost two years ago. Like anywhere in the world, it has its advantages and disadvantages. And like everyone else has pointed out, it is more expensive to live here. Not just housing. Food, groceries… everything. Of course, if the blogging gig could cover your basics, and you’re still planning on living in your car, you might be able to get by with a part-time job. Another thing to keep in mind is the difference in weather. Most of California isn’t humid like the midwest/east coast. 40 degrees can be downright cold at night when there’s no humid air retaining the day’s heat. Anyway, good luck with whatever you choose.
Nathaniel Perales said
am May 3 2007 @ 3:47 am
I’m living the Los Angeles County right now. I’m planning on moving to San Francisco within the next year or 2. I would love to see you up there and be able to meet you. Either way, I’m sure some how some way, when you come to California we will meet, because I love get togethers, I love photography, and I love the internet. I’m waiting until I move to San Francisco to really get involved with the community, because there is soooo much happening up there. I want to keep my eye on the prize and not get too settled down in Southern California..
faith said
am June 2 2007 @ 2:09 pm
i have an idea…..you could get A NORMAL 9 – 5 JOB AND BUY A HOUSE???????? (i would bold buy a house but i cant cause this website doesnt allow those facilities)