Just before Christmas we arrived in San Diego.
Had to get out of the midwest - family smothering us and the weather was hell. I have lived around the world and returned to the US 3 years ago. After 2 1/2 years in Minnesota, we bailed. We chose San Diego for the weather, the people, and the Asian culture. Keep in mind I have reached FI.
We had planned to move & did our research. So I bought a trailer and we packed it full and hit the road! Stayed in nice hotels on the way down - we have millions of hotel points.
Rented out the house.
So far so good.
1) People. The people here are great. I moved from Minnesota where people are generally very nice - pretty much the same here. Two of my neighbors came over and gave us welcoming Christmas presents. One couple bought gifts for my kids. Amazing.
2) Transport. The freeways seem so easy to drive on. Not sure what it is, but I almost fall asleep. Keep in mind I am at FI so I don't commute to a day job during rush hour.
3) Observation: The more Eastwardly you go the more motorized vehicles (working or not) per resident.
4) The weather. Nuff said.
5) Housing. I have a background in real estate (not as an agent, thank god). Inland land costs are not that high - but housing costs still high. And there are very few rebuilds. Lot's of 500K+ shacks that should be torn down. After a round of golf with a property developer my suspicions were confirmed: There is about a 200K "tax" per property for various fees and requirements by the state, county and cities. Somehow they made a 100K lot with a 200K house cost 550K - or more.
So in essence there is a 200K tax to live in SD.
Is it worth it? For me definitely. I am at FI so I don't have a day job and spend my days outdoors - golfing, hiking, etc.
OK, I have reached FI and have enough cash - so 200K isn't that painful.
6) Food. Lot's of great ethnic restaurants. More towards the ocean. In some areas hard to "eat American". After 20+ years abroad, I am into a variety. Happy. Prices low compared to previous place.
7) Zoo and SeaWorld. We bought memberships. Great value. keep in mind we have kids and we don't have day jobs so we can go often.
8) Beaches. Golden and free. Nuff said.
9) Prices. Hmm.... Housing is definitely more expensive. Gas is 10 to 20% over other states. Near my AZ house gas is $1.63 at Costco. Haven't seen any utility bills yet. Hair cuts cheaper. Food cheaper. Target really sucks here - vs just sucking in MN. My guess is that everything is 10 to 20% more.
10) Jobs. I have had one offer without soliciting for one. I am looking towards the tech / start up sector. Although I am FI, I need something to do. I spent the last 8 years having and educating my kids. I have too much free time.
11) Budget. OK, what I am about to say may not come across well with the MM crowd. Keep in mind I am at the point most of you hope to be. My monthly budget is 4K. Enough to eat out a lot - join zoo & SeaWorld.
So far, so happy.