Southern California resident questions..

[NickO'Time]

What entices you to live in this busy, on the go multicultural area?

No need to be personal, just why.

I just read an article about my city being the worst place to live. Modesto, California. http://www.news10.net/display_story.aspx?storyid=27552

This city allows the streets to fall apart, but wants the taxpayers to pay for the new Gallo Arts center that is near completion.(Not sure if this is a good thing for the taxpayers)
The slogan a few years back was- "Modesto, a great place to live"
I honestly have tried to look around this city for cultural events that are well done, or interesting. And really the groups have brought in washed up rock bands, actors and more.
George Lucas went to my high school and graduated in 1962. I used to sell skis to his brother in law who is a doctor. Mr.Lucas left and I don't blame him. (tangent)
The Hershey Plant in Oakdale, California is closing at the end of the year and moving its operations to Mexico. (MORE UNEMPLOYMENT)

The only reason we still live here is because of one family member that is elderly. I know that sounds off a bit, but really we are tired of this area.

y being in a larger population are jobs easier to come by or is it even harder?

I have heard about the rental prices and other financial numbers, traffic, to live in Southern Cal and just wonder. Do you most just make do and tough it out? Or is that just some sections of this part of California.
Can anyone give me a feel for what is out there?

[Mousey Girl]

Bakersfield isn't a bad place to live. You are close enough from LA to not have the traffic issues. Housing is still mostly affordable. The thing we had a problem with when we moved from Hilmar was the cost of living is higher here than up there, but still lower than LA.

We are only 2 hours away from the beach (Pismo or Morro Bay), 2 hours from DLR (unless I am the one driving), 4-5 hours from Vegas and Laughlin, 90 minutes from LA, ect...

There are good and bad things with every place, it just depends on how you want to view it.

[Ghoulish Delight]

It's hard to put my finger on why I live here. There are many many things I hate about it, the above mentioned traffic and real estate numbers being high on that list. There are certainly cities I much prefer in this world.

But then I find myself sitting in a cemetery, surrounded by the final resting places of the likes of Mel Blanc, watching the sun set behind a row of 100 foot tall palm trees, witnessing an impromptu reunion of the cast of Pee Wee's Big Adventure.

Or it's the middle of December, I've had a long day at work, and I'm relaxing with a drink outside in a hot tub.

I'm at the Derby nightclub in Hollywood, in a VIP room which was once a dressing room built specifically as Jerry Lewis's personal dressing room.

On a Sunday drive up the 405, I see dozens of beautifully restored classic cars as enthusiasts from all over are either on their way to one of many regular shows or just out for a spin.

I grew up here and have never lived anywhere else, so it's hard for me to look at it objectively. After 29 years, part of the reason I stay is inertia and the fact that the only family that I'm really close to also lives here. They're a big part of my life and it would be hard to leave them behind. But there's definitely enough reason beyond that for me to love living where I do.

[Gemini Cricket]

Although I'm still a Massachusetts resident (officially) I'd still like to respond.

Me likes the weather... Disneyland's in SoCal... A big chunk of the movie industry is here... It's a shorter trip to Hawai'i from here... LA is more liberal than say Kansas... No snow around here...
:)

[Snowflake]

Well, I seriously considered LA when I was relocating from Virginia. I chose to come back to SF Bay Area for several reasons, this is home, I grew up here, I had a job waiting and I moved back into my old apartment (which is rent controlled and a fraction of what new tennants are paying).

Now, had I not had such an easy move, I'd probably be in LA now.

Who knows, if the time comes in my 5 year plan when I can't afford a condo here, LA and environs is going to look much more appealing (not to mention the appeal of the good crowd of people already there or those who soon will be) ;)

[Isaac]

What entices you to live in this busy, on the go multicultural area?

Just off the top of my head:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v686/zapppop/remember/Img_4437.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v686/zapppop/SuperStarLosersFall2005.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v686/zapppop/swank2.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v686/zapppop/aykc9h.jpg


;)

[Ghoulish Delight]

Oh, I forgot one very important feature of SoCal...

It's not Modesto!

[blueerica]

Hmmm, interesting question, indeed.

I know why I have stayed here, though I'm not particularly tied to any one place. I'm here right now, simply because my family lives here. This is where I was born, though I was raised and went to school in Michigan. When I needed to do something different the choice was easy and convenient, California.

That doesn't sound very romantic, but there are things that sweep me away from time to time; things I know I'll miss when I move away. Moving away has almost always felt inevitable, I don't think I've ever enjoyed the idea of living in one place my entire life. (I'm not particularly tied to my family) I'll miss moments such as driving up PCH with the ocean to my left, gentle breezes, sunny skies and the crisp scent of the ocean. (OK, sometimes the ocean can stink. Put yourself in the good sand and surf concept ;) ) I'll miss clear days in the winter, standing on the beach gazing upon white-capped mountains. Oh, and the weather. Yeah, that's pretty nice, too.

[JWBear]

My reason is pretty much the same as GD's... Inertia. I grew up here, and most of my friends and family are here.

[NickO'Time]

It's hard to put my finger on why I live here. There are many many things I hate about it, the above mentioned traffic and real estate numbers being high on that list. There are certainly cities I much prefer in this world.

But then I find myself sitting in a cemetery, surrounded by the final resting places of the likes of Mel Blanc, watching the sun set behind a row of 100 foot tall palm trees, witnessing an impromptu reunion of the cast of Pee Wee's Big Adventure.

Or it's the middle of December, I've had a long day at work, and I'm relaxing with a drink outside in a hot tub.

I'm at the Derby nightclub in Hollywood, in a VIP room which was once a dressing room built specifically as Jerry Lewis's personal dressing room.

On a Sunday drive up the 405, I see dozens of beautifully restored classic cars as enthusiasts from all over are either on their way to one of many regular shows or just out for a spin.


Thanks for all the responses, it helps a bunch.
I find it is intriguing as to how so many interesting pop culture icons are found when visiting like the one you mentioned up here.
For me, (and this may not be a good reason to move) This is what captivates me about the area. The only time it is really cool here is the Graffiti weekend where classic cars from all over, come to visit the weekend(tradition) after High school graduation. The same town that started "cruising," banned it.
Southern Cal has always fascinated me with the rich and much more interesting history. Much more free mind in the area too.:cool: Hopefully soon.

[NickO'Time]

Just off the top of my head:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v686/zapppop/remember/Img_4437.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v686/zapppop/SuperStarLosersFall2005.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v686/zapppop/swank2.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v686/zapppop/aykc9h.jpg


;)

All of the above are definitely good reasons;) . :cool: :D

[Not Afraid]

I also grew up here. And, while there are other cities I'd be willing to move to, LA just has so much to offer that it is hard to beat. I love the ocean and, specifically the ocean air. While there are hot days, they are few in number and, most of the time, they are manageable. The traffic can be a bitch, but, if you time it right, wonders can be had within a short drive. Los Angeles is vast and filled with LOTS of thing to fill my cultural needs - food, music, art, events.

I'm just not sure I'd be as happy anywhere else.

[BarTopDancer]

I was born and raised in Huntington Beach. The furthest away that I have lived was about 30 minutes south in Rancho Santa Margarita (aka Stepford). I still work there. I live in Irvine now and spend weekends and most of my free time in Huntington. I can't wait to move back.

There are days when I would love nothing more than to pack up and head somewhere else - somewhere where I can afford to buy property. Somewhere with more seasons and less smog.

But then as I am driving through the foothills home from work I can look out and see the ocean. Or as we're driving down PCH with the windows and sunroof open you can see the waves crashing to the right and the mountains on the left.

Disneyland is about 20-30 minutes away. San Diego is about an hour south and LA is about 40 minutes north. Vegas is 3 hours. The weather is great. My friends are here, my family is here and my life is here.

[Betty]

I've lived in So. Cal. my whole life. Orange County actually until a years ago when we moved out to Corona (Inland Empire) for lower housing costs. (Which are still high - just lower then in O.C.)

Frankly, if my husband and I were certain to find similar jobs in another area, I'd consider moving. Yes - we'd be away from our families and that would definatley be a huge factor, but the smog, the traffic, the commute to work for both of us (Corona is about the half way point between Garden Grove and Perris where we work.)

But it might just be a case of the grass is always greener... The thought of actual seasons changing more dramatically sounds appealing but maybe not so much in real life situations. I just don't know about having to digg out of the snow before going to work as one example.

If I could just choose anywhere, I'd like to try Northern Cali. I spent my summers there growing up and really enjoyed the scenery and the towns that weren't all built up like down here.

[alphabassettgrrl]

I'm a transplant. I chose to live here.

Why? Weather, a reasonably liberal environment, culture. There are museums here, and concerts, and history.

Yes, it's expensive, and yes, traffic can be annoying, but I've found ways to deal with those. Hubby talks about moving maybe, so he can go to grad school, which might change the picture somewhat, but for now, I like it here.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

I wash born here, an I wash raished here, and dad gum it, I am gonna die here, an no sidewindin bushwackin, hornswaglin, cracker croaker is gonna rouin me bishen cutter.

:)

[innerSpaceman]

All of the above are definitely good reasons;) . :cool: :D

Oh yeah, even that barechested last one? Hmmmm. :cool:






As an ex-NewYorker, many things appeal to me about SoCal. The civility, the relative laidbackness. The year-round summer. In "wintertime" I can swim in the sun-drenched ocean in the morning and sled down slowclad mountains in the afternoon. Yeah, I don't do that a lot, but you get my point.

I don't take much advantage of the hundreds of nightclubs and billions of restaurants anymore ... but they're here - - and they add to the cultural vitality of this place.

I watch my movie premiers inside Grauman's Chinese Theater, and do my themeparking at the Happiest Place on Earth. Celebrity sightings are so common they barely interest me any more.

Los Angeles is a world-class city that's laid out more like one big suburban neighborhood. Yeah, some people complain about the generic sprawl ... but coming from a run-down, dirty, skyscraper-laden city - - the relative flatness, newness, and open-spaceness of L.A. is very appealing to me.


Most of all, there are so many people drawn here - - it's the modern age's melting pot. And so, of those teeming masses yearning to breathe warm, I've been privileged to meet and befriend dozens of the most friendly, warmhearted, generous, quirky and interesting people in the world.



:cheers: Here's to Southern California!

[Kevy Baby]

I wash born here, an I wash raished here, and dad gum it, I am gonna die here, an no sidewindin bushwackin, hornswaglin, cracker croaker is gonna rouin me bishen cutter.

:)Reverent!



At least I think that is what they are saying - I've never been able to tell for sure.

[Prudence]

But how do those of us not privileged enough to be born in Southern California convince employers in the area to hire us? That's my #1 burning question. (we needn't discuss my #2 burning question. :eek: )

[Alex]

Meanwhile I'm trying to convince employers to let me move away from California. A decade here and it still hasn't grown on me.

Though if the choice is LA or Modesto then it seems obvious. Since pretty much the entire central valley is worse than even LA.

[blueerica]

But how do those of us not privileged enough to be born in Southern California convince employers in the area to hire us? That's my #1 burning question. (we needn't discuss my #2 burning question. :eek: )

Hey lady... as long as it isn't a burning question about a burning sensation. ;)

OK, that may have been lacking in taste. I'm going to walk away now. LOL

[Snowflake]

:) Hey lady... as long as it isn't a burning question about a burning sensation. ;)

OK, that may have been lacking in taste. I'm going to walk away now. LOL

Why? I was thinking the same thing, but you got here first.

[Ghoulish Delight]

:)

Why? I was thinking the same thing, but you got here first.Ditto (I was going to go with "They make a cream for that.")

[BarTopDancer]

But how do those of us not privileged enough to be born in Southern California convince employers in the area to hire us? That's my #1 burning question. (we needn't discuss my #2 burning question. :eek: )

Unless you have a special skill or experience that they can't get locally it is unlikely that they will want to pay for your relocation. So, I would suggest obtaining an address to use in SoCal (to prevent your resume from being excluded based upon a "local applicants" policy) and keep trying.

[Morrigoon]

This thread makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Or maybe it's the weather today :)

You'd think, having lived in several other places (NoCal, Vegas, Dallas, England), that I'd be able to come up with very specific reasons why I'm glad to live in Socal, but then you'd be disappointed. It's hard to put my finger on it, but when you're away you just miss it.

Obviously better weather is not to be found anywhere else in the world. I like that the ground is not flat - I've lived with a lack of mountains and it's just disturbing, makes the whole world seem sad and devoid of interest (is that silly?). We have everything here. Sure, we may have to drive a little to get from one point to another, but I'm within "weekending" distance of just about every kind of climate from desert to sub-alpine.

Here's one, often imitated, never duplicated: The Hollywood Bowl. If you've never done it, it would be hard to describe the experience, but there's really nothing quite as swanky as sharing a picnic basket full of gourmet goodies from Trader Joe's or Gelson's on a warm afternoon in the Hollywood Hills, the civilized outdoorsiness of sitting down in one of the world's best natural amphitheatres and experiencing some of the greatest music ever produced. The casual formality of it all, which you simply cannot find by going to the symphony or the pops (Boston's recent incident notwithstanding). The warm weather, even in the end-of-season concerts, where a mere sweatshirt will suffice to keep off the chill as you sip your wine and hear some of the nation's most legendary talents perform. In fact, an evening at the Hollywood Bowl sums up just about everything that's great about Southern California: our weather, our laid-back approach to life, the wide variety of culture available at our fingertips, the way even the poorest citizens can have access to the finer things in life, the warm breezes from the desert and fine mist off the ocean as the sun disappears behind the mountains for the evening, the sense that something amazing could happen any time. Experiencing this all with great friends who are all remarkably different from eachother, and swanky enough to appreciate the differences.

I also like being more spread out and knowing I will find a parking space for my car. I love the architecture, the way we value an attractive environment without losing variety (if one area is too Stepford for you, you drive 20 minutes and you're in Surf City, as BTD put it), the variety of distinct city cultures (not just one regional "culture" but many), the beauty everywhere (which I've already alluded to with other reasons), the wide range of activities, and, of course, Disneyland.

[blueerica]

Unless you have a special skill or experience that they can't get locally it is unlikely that they will want to pay for your relocation. So, I would suggest obtaining an address to use in SoCal (to prevent your resume from being excluded based upon a "local applicants" policy) and keep trying.

Hmmm, it seems weird that a company would have a "local applicants only" policy at all. It's not like there's a law requiring them to pay for relocation, is there?

Though I do know of companies that pay for for a new employee to move, I always thought relocation was more for when people are transferred around the country within the company. Then again, maybe a hiring company doesn't even want the question approached (whether they'd pay or not)?

[BarTopDancer]

Hmmm, it seems weird that a company would have a "local applicants only" policy at all. It's not like there's a law requiring them to pay for relocation, is there?

Though I do know of companies that pay for for a new employee to move, I always thought relocation was more for when people are transferred around the country within the company. Then again, maybe a hiring company doesn't even want the question approached (whether they'd pay or not)?

It's easier for an applicant to get hired locally - and there are a lot of positions that say you *should* be local to apply. There is no law preventing anyone from out of the area from applying for the job, but local candidates will usually be considered before candidates out of the area [unless the position is so specialized that the candidate pool is small to begin with]. I'm working in the relocation industry now and it's surprising how many companies do pay for new employees to relocate. However, these employees are usually upper management.

The company doesn't have to pay for the relocation but it is a lot easier for an employee to get started in their new position when they don't have to pack, move and find a place. It's also easier for the interview process (where you can come in with a few days notice and not have to worry about obtaining plane tickets and/or finding a place to stay).

If a person is willing to come in from out of the area for an interview and relocate themselves it is easier to obtain a position (or even an interview) with a local address. At the very least it needs to be made clear they are already moving into the area. We're dealing with this with my friend K. She lives in AZ and wants to come back to CA. She is having a heck of a time because of being out of state.

Of course, this isn't always the case but it's not the exception.

[Prudence]

Unfortunately, my school kind of gives away my location. I mean, when the name of the school is the name of the city.... And I can't exactly hide the school, since it's pretty much required for the jobs I want.

[BarTopDancer]

Unfortunately, my school kind of gives away my location. I mean, when the name of the school is the name of the city.... And I can't exactly hide the school, since it's pretty much required for the jobs I want.

Hey, I go to Penn State ;)

I'm trying to think of ways to get you out of that *not local* pool.