Thinking about moving to California - advice please chaps.

So I’ve been considering a move out your way, and would love some advice about jobs and life in general out there, but, I thought first of all I should probably introduce myself a little. Firstly, the boring basic stuff: my name’s David, I live in a little town by the river in Oxfordshire, England, I’ve just graduated a degree in Economics, and I’ve always loved cars… well I say “always” but interestingly enough I think I can probably remember the very moment an interest in cars, became a true passion.

I was about 14 years old, and it was one of those very rare Sunday afternoons in England, it was sunny. I was stood on the pit wall at Silverstone, watching a stunning DBR1 fly by and brake down into Copse, the sight, sound, and above all the smell of that moment will live with me forever, and from that point I was truly hooked. I’d ended up at that track that afternoon, bizarrely enough, because of another sport entirely, Rugby. A few months earlier my school had banned us from playing Rugby during our break times (too many broken collar bones was the official line), and as a result I ended up passing most of my lunch hours on a Lotus forum. The chaps there were just the most wonderful bunch, and got me over to Silverstone to watch their racing series (which used to piggy-back onto Aston Martin Owners Club events) as soon as I could convince my big bro to drive me. It really was the most unbelievable afternoon, and it also showed me just how special the car community could be, which is, indirectly, what leads me here.

In my experience, and at the risk of generalising, Ferrari enthusiasts tend to be smart, successful, and often just a little off the wall, in short, exactly the type of people you’d like advice from.

So here’s where I am, as I mentioned, I’ve just finished an Economics degree, I speak French and Italian, and throughout university I’ve worked as an Estate Agent (our system works a little differently over here, but it’s not massively dissimilar). I’ve been fortunate enough to have been offered jobs both in Private Banking and Real Estate Investment here in London. But if I’m honest I’m looking for the right environment in which to really invest myself, and London, Europe I fear, is just not it.

As such, what I really wanted to ask, is first of all, how do you all feel the market is out there? I mean, I read all the journals, listen to all the reports, but sentiment is a rather tricky thing to judge. Would be interested to know if anybody works in those sorts of sectors, and how your outlook is for the future? And also, more simply, if you gentlemen had your time again, where would you see yourself relocating?

I realise perhaps I should be asking the chaps over in the New York Tri-State forum this, given my area of interest is more down the Financial/Investments route. But having visited California as a child, one of my overriding memories was just how “nice” everyone seemed, so, I just thought it might be worth asking. Plus, as far as locations go California seems a good place to be, I love nothing more than Sailing and Skiing, so give me a place with sea and mountains and I’m sold!

Anyway, apologies if this turned out to be rather long winded, but any help or advice is of course very much appreciated.

Oh, and just bringing it back to cars for a moment, believe it’s customary to post pics of your car when you’re new to a place; so here’s my little Fiat Barchetta by a lake in northern Italy, not quite a Ferrari, but a cousin at least

David
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

62 views and no input for David?

California remains desirable for its climate, as well as proximity to water and mountains and other outdoor recreation within a few hours or at most 1 day travel. It does have its fiscal problems right now with a state government deficit and recently increased taxes. But its economy, at least Norcal, has been recovering with continued strength of activity in tech companies; particularly companies like Apple, Google and Facebook.

Real estate is also recovering, with strengthening values since the great recession. Property values in metro areas are relatively high, but probably not as bad as London or NYC. You can do well here if you're a good real estate agent, but it's also very competitive. There are always lots of wannabes that get by on 1 or 2 house sales a year doing it part time, as it isn't terribly hard to get a license here. As with anything, it takes a long time to build up your reputation and referral network.

There is enough money here, that there are lots of financial industry jobs; but perhaps more retail than funds or direct management as compared to NYC. Still, there are financial management or investment banking jobs here and there, particularly in San Francisco.

 

Highly recommend southern cal. Specifically, Newport beach, Laguna beach area. Just doesn't get any better. Huntington beach if you're on the youngish side.
Good luck,
Ed

 

I'd say do a short holiday here and rent a car from hertz on a month to month. this way you can see what will work for you, I mean holiday say about 90days to see what works for you.

 

If you are not a US citizen you need to obtain work permit. Foreign skilled professional workforce often have their employer handle immigration process and work authorization - often that starts with H1B and then greencard. Though, that often requires a fairly high level of education and specialized skills, a PhD degree is a good example. There are likely other avenues...
Jes

 

My advise.

Don't do it.

 

Yeah, if you want to do it legally - the usg doesn't exactly make it easy to move. Sorry.

but if tech is not your thing - socal is your best option. that includes san diego.

 

There are some very good tech options in SoCal - some will say, some of the best. Though, OP appears more into the financial sector.
Jes

 

Indeed, but thanks for the advice though chaps, have sent some emails and made some phone calls since posting this, and I’ve got to say, there are some interesting looking opportunities out there.

Unfortunately for me, it's my brother that's tech genius, will see if I can persuade him to make the move too!

David

 

Just thought I’d drop by for an update… have made an awful lot of phone calls and spoken with some really interesting people in lots of different places.

On the whole though, people tend to think I’m a little nuts, and that I couldn’t have picked a worse time, but, everyone seems to love where they live (which is encouraging!) especially, it seems, those I've spoken with in San Fransisco.

Bit of a long shot, but, don’t suppose anyone knows of someone in Real Estate or Asset/Wealth Management I can speak to? I’m far from run out of people to try and call, but would be nice to phone someone I’m perhaps a little connected to, so maybe they think I’m less nuts! haha

David

 

Dan (financial man on this forum) would be a good contact with financial questions. He, like myself, lives in Northern California. As an aside, I have lived in California my entire life. I never thought I would live anywhere else but California is getting so business and tax unfriendly that it is getting harder and harder to be a California resident. Given the current tax burden in California combined with the high cost of real estate or rent I personally think that someone would be crazy to move to California.

 

It's always crazy. It has always been crazy. It will always be crazy. It's about you.

Never a better time to move.

Do something awesome!

Don't be boring.

SV

 

I've lived all over the world (carry a UK passport, too) and moved to the SFBay area almost 10 years ago - greatest place to live, in my opinion. Best place to drive a car, for sure! (OK, maybe the South of France is better....)

PM sent to you to give you some contacts - the financial services guy is a car guy, too!

 

please bring money, we need it.

Geno

 

Silicon Valley is on the cutting edge, and with Apple getting ready to build their new Headquarters (Spaceship) in Cupertino which will employ 14,000 workers, prospects loom large in this area....Mark
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

David,

I can only add my opinion here as it pertains to cars.

Northern California is a great place to watch, follow, and drive sports cars. I spent the last 2 years researching and writing a book on Northern California and all it's wonderful car related stuff and it was a surprise to even me.

Originally my book was going to be a mini guide of 150 pages and is now around 300. I had to cut it off at that - as there is even more I left out.

Taxes, economics aside, if you want car stuff, you are wanting to go to a great spot. S. Cal might be better, but it all has trade offs.

Here are some examples of car stuff in N. California.

Museums - Blackhawk, Cal Auto.
Race Tracks - Laguna Seca, Infineon, Thunderhill, Hays
Driving schools - Audi & Jim Russell,
Major Races - NASCAR and bikes at Laguna.
Wineries (YES Wineries) - Andretti & a dozen more.
Hot Rods - Dozens of shops, collections, private museums, garages, displays.. (so much so when I covered this I JUST covered Sacramento with 6 stops)
Drives - hundreds
...and then there is Monterey...

 

Just had a chat with "doltond", a lovely chap and a true gent for those of you who've not met him... and I must say, a move out your way seems more tempting than ever!

Think I'll try and get a copy of that if I'm over there before too long! sounds excellent!

If fact, I think the whole region sounds excellent if you're into your cars... now, if only I can find away to get my lil Fiat past your emissions regs...

David

 

Can't believe you didn't mention the Ferrari Challenge Series at BOTH Laguna Seca & Infineon....With ALL the GREAT wineries in Napa Valley!!!....you mention "Andretti"?!....Pleasse!!!!...what's next...2 Buck Chuck??!!...Mark

 

What year is your Fiat?...cars built prior to 1973 are smog exempt....Mark

 

1996 ...though I expect I'd leave her tucked up with my auntie in Italy... a reason to come visit the family I guess

David

 

Is there a Ferrari Challenge at Laguna this year? If yes, when? Could not find it on Laguna's web site or on the Ferrari Challenge web site.

 

As long as you don't earn any substantial income, you'll love it.

I will move back some day when I am broke. You can bet on it!

 

i could not find one for Sonoma or Laguna....

 

Now why would I give away all the fun stuff inside my book?????! Then there would be no reason for anyone to ever buy it!

Here is the Ferrari Challenge at Infineon (and yes, I DO mention it in my book. Thank you) -
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

No! No Laguna, and, no Clienti program at Sonoma, either -- seems to be getting increasingly anemic each year.