does anyone live on Oahu? Everyone says it's crazy expensive, but isn't that all relative? There are lots of jobs there right? What's so expensive? How bad is the rent?
128828
It is crazy expensive, and no, it's not all relative. They pay approx the same wages as everyone else, but property is really expensive because there's only a very limited amount of it AND groceries/gas is super super expensive because EVERYTHING has to be shipped in and it's no short hop to Hawaii! And a lot of jobs have to do with the tourist season.
206503
Gotta live there.  The only way.  Many places seam great when you visit but once you live there, it is a whole new reality.  Trust me I have tones of experience.
452962
I Went There with my first husband it was our Honeymoon We Stayed in San Francisco for 7 days Then We Flew To OAHU.....We Stayed At Hawaian Hilton...This Was Paradise I Have yet not come across another place so full of Passion Sunsets Romance And Beauty.....It To Me Was Like A DREAM....10days Of The Most Beautiful Part Of The World I Hope You Get There Someday...luv kara
332684
I live in Pensacola, Florida.  It is home to the BLUE ANGELS.  It is also known for its beautiful white sandy beaches, fishing (salt and fresh water), several golf courses, and much more.  Houses here are averaging around $100 per sq ft., but they're predicting a price drop.  There are many opportunities in the medical field here with the JUNIOR COLLEGE providing a highly recommended nursing program.  We are also close to Mobile Alabama, and some people commute there for work.  We have mild winters and hot summers.  Hurricanes seem to be attracted to us in the last couple of years.  The sense of community after the storms has been awesome though, and I think we have and are recovering nicely!  Pensacola Junior College has 3 campuses in the area with one campus housing University of Florida.  We're also home to University of West Florida and to Pensacola Christian College.  I've put a lot of sites in the sources section, but if you like the beach check out this site... http://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/webcam.htm\nI LOVE MY TOWN!  Need or want to know more please feel free to contact me.
331420
I grew up in HB, live in Costa Mesa and work in OC... Are you looking for a rental or purchase?\n\nDrop me an e-mail and I can refer you to a couple of good agents I have known for years, no hitch other than a thank you if it works out. \n\nKevin\nKruorock@firstratelending.com
334581
California is pretty expensive, especially near the larger cities. I'd recommend finding a roommate that way you can live someplace somewhat decent and stay in the city. Try Los Angeles, Hollywood area, or Long Beach. If you don't have much money, there's prolly no way you can afford to have a place of your own. I'm from L.A., but the rents have gone up so much since I've been gone that Bakersfield (which is almost 2 hrs north) is as close as I can get. I have a 2 bedroom here and pay $680 a month. In L.A. a 2 bedroom will prolly run ya $1,200+. Good luck.
493229
What is a PT?  California is very expensive. I am not sure $1500 a month is enough when you consider utilities for the house and food and gasoline is very expensive right now.\n\nHouses are very very expensive to rent and buy in California  and so are apartments.\n\nMaybe as your Dad to come over with your for a few weeks until you get our bearings.
610662
i believe Honolulu, Hawaii has the highest cost of living for the USA.. I believe San Francisco is second......i live in the Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX area..we have a very reasonable cost of living here as does most of TX, because we have no state income tax, and because real estate taxes are pretty low, compared to the rest of the USA.. we generally have no snow days here either--i have been here 32 yrs, and have not shoveled snow in that time ..32 yrs..WOW
586789
Yes I heard San Fran is insane. I am from Long Island, and the average house price is about the same as that. I think that upstate NY is beautiful and reasonable...Saratoga Springs is to die for and the average 4 bedroom 2.5 bath is around 200k....the town is booming! If you are looking to move to the east coast...its definately somthing to consider.
504141
nice part of town is away from downtown (orange park comes to mind)  but the good nightlife can be found along the beaches then again Ferdina Beach is very nice and peaceful as well. You already know about the Jaguars and the largest outdoor cocktail party every college season. as for affordiability it depends on your income but I can tell you this much amelia island offers homes in the 400K range and a lot of areas in the Jacksonville area are around 200k now you could go condo (about 100k) if you are into condos. Your next problem is insurance what you are paying now on your home pretty much double it when you come down here (triple if you live along the beach) . Car taxes none $35 or so for tags every year thats it. state income tax NONE. Grocery Tax NONE. Current gas prices around 2.35 (not bad) but nearby Georgia is lower. traffic NIGHTMARE especially at 5pm. two major interstates (one other is a bypass of 95) and they are jammed  with constant road construction. Just take yahoo and do a home search for teh jacksonville and good luck
123828
We have relocated many times: \n\nFirst of all..do you work for a company that can transfer  you to that area? What is the draw there? Family? Friends?\n\nI would take a vacation to the area to make sure you like it first. Research the weather and community to make sure they are amenities you would want. \n\nLook for housing to see how expensive it is...go grocery shopping...all the things you would do if you lived there. \n\nThen look for jobs and see if you are employable in that area. See what the median income range is and make sure that you would be able to afford the cost of living for that area! \n\nMake sure that any family you would be moving with you is on board with the idea! Do you need to look at school districts for your kids? Is your wife ok with the move? Will your partner need to leave their job to acoomodate this move? Will your mom stop talking to you? \n\nAFter you do your research...then..try to get a job first. \n\nAFter you have a job..you can always live in a motel for a month or so while you look for an apartment or house or you can look online especially if you did your research while you were there. \n\nmove your stuff, sell your home where ever you are now with a trusted agent...and enjoy your new life!!\n\nNow, if your company offers a transfer..that is different! The company may have a relocation service available to them and you will already have a job..but make sure that you can afford the cost of living on your salary!
321120
calgary is a great place to live! Jobs are every where! less than a 1% unemployemnet rate however homes are expensive and hard to come by so be cautious!
210878
I'm from Vegas.... and most of the things you said are key reasons for living there.  Nothing closes, you can work whatever schedule fits your sleeping patterns, the clubs are incredible..... and if you're female and reasonably attractive, coctail waitresses are paid incredibly well.\n\nApartment rates are pretty high though.
79978
let me tell you my fellow laid back friend. there is a place for everyone. but the one place that will always be home for me is southern california. there is no more laid back and accepting place in the world. this is especially great if you like to be outdoors or are the sporty type. as you well know the weather is just about always perfect, and you are only an hour and a half away from snow, dessert, mountains, and of course the beautiful beaches. as you also well know the place is heavily populated, i know you dont like crowds, but if you want to find someone with similar intrests, i promis there are thousands there whatever your into. AND you get to learn the value of a dollar. dosnt sound like much, but you have to work hard and not live in excess if you want to get by comfortably. of course you could hate it there, but this is just my opinion. its a wonderful place, but if you dont want to pay that much the pacific nothwest has the same feel without the beautiful weather. ie portland or seatle. very cool places, just not if you like to get out much. good luck man, i hope you find a place you really love.
182630
It makes sense to at least research the possibility of relocating to higher ground.  Like the middle of the continent!  I can definitely see the advantage, if you do get any kind of settlement on the value of your home and its contents.  But do think about where you want to go.\n\nWhat sort of job would you be looking for?  Are there things you could research on line about the job market in various locations that look good to you?  What are the major economic indicators -- cost of living, density of population, major industries -- that matter most to you?  And what are the quality of life aspects that matter most to you?\n\nFor example, I live in Santa Cruz County, California.  It is a lovely county, and you might be very tempted.  But do, please, have a look at everything you can about it before you are lured here (or any other example).  Because while it is undeniably one of the nicest places in the world to live, it is equally undeniable that it is one of the most expensive, as well.  Yes, Hawaii is even more expensive; but in the 48 contiguous states, central California is about as close to heaven as you can get; and I'm high up in the Santa Cruz Mountains, closer yet to heaven.  And the people around me who drive those lovely new BMWs and Porsches start out driving over the hill to Silicon Valley long about 4:00 a.m.\n\nNice, but you hardly ever get to see the place in daylight when you're working over the hill.  And that's where the money is.  Silicon Valley.  We have a little mini-Silicon Valley on this side of the hill, though.  It's called Scotts Valley.  If you are interested in high tech, look up what you can about that up-and-at-em little high tech haven in the Santa Cruz Mountains.\n\nSee, it all depends on what's important to you.  And that's why we have an Internet where we can research before we leap!  Indeed, you can also go a long way in job search before you leap.
96011
I can't think of any different, but been living here all my life in the bay area in Silicon Valley, Tri-Valley and the  Central Valley.  I like the Central Valley the best, because you don't really feel the Earthquake here.  What really puzzle me the most is high cost housing is in the wrong area because they are on the Earthquake foundations and all other areas in the east of the Bay Area is lower and little effects on Earthquakes.  My point is the Eastern side should cost more than the Western side of California because more safer from Earthquakes.  Any lands that is far side safer from earthquake shall be consider the highest in the house Market!  Funny the House Market should go back to school!
138494
I successfully ran a theatre company for four years and let me give you a bit of advice. First there is training. There has to be some local theatre schools with a good reputation. Please, before investing a single cent, look into the reputation. As I am Canadian, I am not sure if Hawaii's local college has a theatre program or not, but that might be a good place to start. As well, there are a number of television and movie programs usually filmed in Hawaii. I know that getting in touch with someone on the set is usually impossible, but you can try. Believe it or not, advice is free and professionals are always willing to hand it out to someone who's eager and willing to listen. Also, scan your local papers. Every newspaper you can get your hands on. Free or otherwise. Search for new shows filming or staging in your area (Hawaii is pretty small, so I don't know if travel is a problem or not). Some pretty big companies will advertise for extras in a local newspaper byline (that's the story on the shoot) or in the classifieds. You can also go online and e-mail some professionals and ask for advice. Also, don't be afraid of hitting the local theatre companies. Ask what they want for auditions. Let me tell you, you'll make or break yourself at an audition. You may be perfect for a part, but an inappropriate piece will see you to the door. Keep trying and don't take no for an answer. If you think you can do it, you can.