Moving out west - advice?\n\nI'm interested in moving to SoCal, but would consider Vegas or Phoenix area because of the job market. For a single gal who would have to support herself, and looking for a good singles scene, affordable living (or livable costs at least), what city would you recommend? What's a fun place to live? Where are the happiest people in the Southwest? If you've recently made a move to this area, how do you like it? What sucks about it (other than missing home)?
202741
Phoenix would be cheaper and more fun. Southern Cali is a zoo. Traffic is largest downfall and rent/property is outrageous. We recently moved to central California and is nice yet is too getting expensive. We are back here in Arizona for a break from the rat-race of California.Have relatives we often visit in Southern Cali and are looking forward to moving up near us in the sacramento area for better traffic,cheaper homes,and less smog. Best advice is take some time to explore before settling in.
639873
As a native from LA now living in the NYC metro area also in my late 20's, I understand where you're coming from. Real estate here is on par with So Cal, but its the property taxes that really makes things so unaffordable. This is why my boyfriend and I have been looking in Albany as a potential for buying. You can pick up a house for as low as $35k (obviously not in the greatest area) and can find some nice properties for $150k with taxes that won't force you to live on ramen noodles. The downside is trying to find employment there- its primarily govn't work and seems you have to "know" people to get your foot in the door. Nightlife there is pretty good and varied from what I've seen and experienced. My boyfriend went to SUNY Albany and has had good things to say about it. So there's my two cents! All the best in finding something that suits!
567967
Ever heard of the TV show 'Emergency' from the 70's? Have her find the Rampart division.\nTommy Bugers after a night of drinking.\nIn-n-Out Bugers are a SoCal classic! The Burger school is in Baldwin park.\nQueen of the Valley or County Hospital are both strange adventures on their own.\nUnion Station- close by is Al's Bar. Scary but fun place to find that has no signs. \nFilippi's Deli- used to have really good french dips and is one of the oldest deli's in LA.\nThe original City Hall.\nHave her her find specific items in the jewelry, clothing/ fabric or flower districts.\nThe Roosevelt Hotel to count how many supposed hauntings they have in residence.\nForest Lawn to appreciate Hollywood past.\nHow to get to the beach without using the freeways. (Using old highway markers ie- Hwy 39.)\nWhere is Rancho Cucamonga? And how did I end up in Carson city? \nFastest route to Las Vegas by car.\n  Not sure why your friend is going to LA, but that should start you off with a few ideas.  Good luck!
537333
I also came from a small town, but then moved to San Francisco of all places what a contrast.  Big cities are all full of escapees from middle America.  Seems there is always an inner feeling of doing better, seeing things, getting involved with culture.  Some people have it some dont.   There are people who are content being small town.  Some are jelous of the ones who left, and yes some are ignorant only because they play on sterotypes and what they see on tv.  I was always driven to big city life as some are.  I really think its an inner voice telling you to get out of town before you die of stagnation.  But, dont put the average small town person down because they are doing what comes natural to them, maybe a fast pace and learning arent their bag, just having a job and family in a quiet place suits them.  As for ignorant people, stay away from the troublemakers, but just let the others be who they are.  Go back to the city, have your double latte and just be who you are....
183860
I had to leave my hometown because I never could have started my business and been successful there.  The market for what I wanted to do simply did not exist there.  I moved to Southern California from Ohio.  When I first moved out here, I phoned almost daily and visited several times a year.  I missed my Papa immensely and felt a huge hole in my heart without his presence in my daily life.  But, he always encouraged me, gave advice when asked and never made me regret moving so far from home.
649664
Tempe and Scottsdale are not that far apart from each other, so there should not be any real difference except that Tempe is probably a little less expensive.  Chandler is off in the other direction going south and seems to be away from the action in my opinion.  If you're looking for a place that is unique but still affordable and the cost of living is a little bit less, try Arrowhead Ranch in the Glendale area.  More specifically, look into Arrowhead Lakes where I have my home.  It is one of the few areas in Maricopa County where you can have your own boat on your own private lake with fishing (catch and release), hiking trails nearby, the Loop 101 at your back door and have the prestige of living in a well kept community (Homeowners Association) without the hassles of a gated community.  It is quiet since it's tucked away from the main roads but still close to everything you'd want as far as shopping, malls, businesses, etc.  It's located north of the Loop 101 and is bordered on the west by 59th Ave. and on the east by 51st Ave (which more or less dead-ends into the mountain).  Anyway, that's my input! :)
281242
Vegas is popular because the license office is open until midnight 7 days a week and 24 hours on holidays. There are some beautiful places to get married there, that aren't in a casino. You can get married in the Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead, there are a bunch of places that aren't tacky.  Of course there are also some really tacky places to get married and that could be fun too.  Also, most of the casino's have beautiful wedding chapels and their wedding ocordinator can help you.  You can have almost any wedding you want in Las Vegas, it's kind of cool.  I would definitely hire someone to help you with the planning since you are so far away.  You might also want to consider something closer to home, like Gretna Green or a castle wedding.  Although, friends of ours got married in Red Rock Canyon a few years ago; it's still one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever been to. There were 8 of us in this awesome canyon and it was so beautiful.  Good Luck and have fun.
111405
I lived half my life in Portland, Oregon. It is so beautiful and the people are so nice. Seattle I've lived, but hated the rudeness. The only thing I dislike about Oregon is they are so Liberal. They have horrible sex laws and will never vote to keep perverts in jail. I live in Alaska now and people here are great. I rent a studio Apt. for 495.00 mo. free utilities. I do miss the giant fir trees though. Portland has lots of jobs and low rents. Good Luck!
16355
I have some high chool friends that moved out there after they got married. they love it. good place to raise a family.
506469
I have lived in so cal all of my life. Sitting Pretty must be well insulated form the problem or just doesn't open her eyes. I used to live in Santa Ana Ca. I had my house broken into and robbed on 5 different occasions. The last time was in plain view of two of my neighbors as this illegal kicked out my front window to carry out my TV. Yes I know he was illegal because he left fingerprints.\nI had to keep the battery to my pick up in the garage to keep it from being stolen (learned that one the hard way too) This was well over 20 years ago before the first amnesty. I finally had to move. Last time I visited that neighborhood everyone had steel bars on their windows and doors.\nWhere I live now the illegals have taken over a city block. So bad is the problem the Police had to put in a sub-station just to try and keep a lid on things. Cops walk a beat in that neighborhood to try to foster good community relations so that at least some of the residents will report crimes to them. Gangs from LA have been seen there trying to recruit the young kids. I see them everywhere now..especially the moms with their little anchor babies. Katsulove is absolutely correct on the costs. Remember Cali tried to pass prop 187 in 1994 because of the huge drain on our economy.\nI know many Americans with hispanic last names and I count them as close personal friends. Actually I married one and you should hear her talk. They don't like what they see any better than I do.
576262
I live in Springfield and I love it here. I have lived here in the area my whole life and wouldn't trade it for the world. I have traveled all over the country and visited other cities of similar size and I think Springfield is the best. The streets are easy to understand and get around on, the traffic is never that bad. The shopping is pretty decent here and if you want more then Branson is only half an hour away. Or drive to KC, it's only about 2.5 hours away. I don't know if you are familiar with the area but the weather is variable. One day its cold the next its super hot. But its kinda nice that way. We have 4 beautiful seasons and lots of outdoor activities here.  We have several colleges but the population is diverse, its not all kids. Restaurants here are good, lots of choices. Springfield is the birthplace of Cashew Chicken and I think we have like a couple hundred Chinese restaurants. There is one on about every corner.  =)  Springfield is also the home of Brad Pitt and his family if that interests you at all. Though he doesn't visit as much as he used to now that he is with Angelina. =)  If you have any more specific questions or are interested in a certain neighborhood I would be happy to give you my opinion if you send me a message. Hope you get to make the move here to Springfield I think you will like it!
593464
You ask a good question at the end. "Is there anywhere people are still nice?" That's an important factor when deciding what's cool.\n\nI share your pain. I've lived in Tucson for almost two years and find the people very narrow-minded, aggressive and yes, lacking somewhat in, shall we say, self-care. I'm looking for my way back to California, which is home, but it's a very expensive home now. That's very uncool.\n\nSouthern people have incredible manners, but many southern states are still not very color blind.\n\nI'll list my favorite cities: San Francisco--crowded, sometimes smelly and full of homeless people, but oh, the things to do there, the food, the weather and the culture. Love it.\n\nThere are some small beach towns in Cali that are spoiling quickly because of the ruined real estate market there, but they're still wonderful. Big Sur is an amazing place for a quieter life and so, so beautiful (if you love the mountains and the sea.)\n\nThe Oregon coastline is full of small towns that are wonderful to visit; the trick is finding a way to make a living.\n\nWant a big house for little money in a large town? Move to Dallas. But again, the heat...\n\nI'm very fond of Portland, Oregon for its modern urban vibe and clean green streets.\n\nWhy not make a list of what things are most important to you. Weather? Music? Culture? Lots of young people? University town? Crowded with lots of energy? Quiet and relaxing? Good schools (definitely not AZ!) It's probably your best start. Do your research, then take a 3 or 4-day trip, check it out for yourself. Good luck, hope you get out of here soon!
241039
100%... wait!!  I just sold my home in Nor Cal.  I'm moving to AZ.  Both have been hot markets, and prices are declining.  I'm going to rent for 6-12 months, and hopefully save 50-100K.\n\nSo if you have no need to buy yet... hold on as long as you can.  Real Estate Cycles are sometimes 15 years, so the decline that is just starting might go for 3-4 years.\n\nPlus, interest rates have already bumped up 16 times.  At most, we might see 3-4 more bumps.  Hopefully only 1 or 2 more.\n\nWait, and save your money!
26116
What and where is KANSAS ??\n\nARIZONA seems to be one of the fastest-growing places anymore.  Cost of living is less, although not a whole lot less (I'm told) than CALIFORNIA.  Nice weather and LOTS OF JOBS, I think.\n\nIf your family's there, I would go home and take a breather.\nAlso, if your parents are getting older, it would a VERY GOOD IDEA TO SPEND TIME WITH THEM BEFORE THEY GET MUCH OLDER -- you won't EVER REGRET THAT DECISION !!
307491
Heres the deal: I've lived in Nashville, and visited Louisville. I'm currently living in SW Missouri (right near NW Arkansas!! \n\n--Nashville and about a one hour radius is VERY expensive to live!! Lots of fun cool stuff to do, and plenty of jobs, but can you afford to live?? Only if you find a really well-paying job. \n\n--Louisville has a lot of fun things to do, and a nice tourism business, less of a "Southern" atmosphere, but that's all I can say, because I've never lived there, or tried to find work there. \n\n--NW Arkansas: NOT MUCH TO DO!! VERY AFFORDABLE HOUSING!! You have to weigh out the options!! I just moved here. (SW missouri) and the landscape is ugly, and you have to go to Springfield MO or Branson MO, or Eureka Springs AR (VERY cool town) in order to find some fun stuff to do, but IF you are OK with that, there are jobs to be had, and VERY cheap cost of living. The PEOPLE here are also VERY NICE!! I just got a 2100 sq. Ft. Hous with 4 br and 3 bath, for UNDER 80k!!! So you gotta look at the pros and cons. Also, in this area, there's not too much diversity, we NEED some Black people to move in!! I miss my peeps.....
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
587230
My husband and I lived in Mesa, Az. which is a working class suburb outside of phoenix.  We had one child at the time and we really loved it.  Good schools, yes.  But, I would go to Portland.  I think it will be nice to have abetter experience of the seasons with children. In AZ you need a car and HAVE to drive everywhere- no good mass transit.  In Portland it is much easier to get around.  The air is much better in portland (in my opinoin anyway) and there is alot of racism in Arizona.  That was our experience.  But both good places.  Good Luck!