Thinking about moving to California - advice please chaps.

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

 

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...

 

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

 

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.