Moving

[Sarkhaan]

So recently, one of my best friends joined the Bostonian migration to California as one of a growing number of us suffering from Quarter Life Crisis. In talking to him his last night in New England, he said a lot of things that rang very true for me: Boston feels like it's getting smaller...we've lived here for 5, 6 years, much of it sheltered in our respective colleges, and now, the real world is catching up with us. We both lived in New England our entire lives, and while we both love it, we've never seen anything else for long periods of time. He also wants me to go out there and join him.

And for the first time, I'm considering leaving my beloved New England in favor of a new city (specifically, San Francisco).

The purpose of this thread it two-fold. First and foremost, to those of you who have made major moves...those that involve suddenly being truly away from family and friends (no longer close enough for a day trip or even a simple weekend getaway), truly leaving ones comfort zone...what made you do it? Was it worth it? What were the hardships? What were the high points? Basically, what has been your experience with a massive move?

The second purpose is directed at the Bay area NSGers...what would you say about your home, positive or negative? Is it a place that a Bostonian could come to, bright eyed, bushy-tailed, and simultaneously feel comfortable, but also like it is something new and different?

Yeah, it's kinda bloggy, sorry. But hey, many of us have moved around quite a bit, and who knows? This thread could be a good diversion from Obamacare and teh gayz.

[NERVUN]

The purpose of this thread it two-fold. First and foremost, to those of you who have made major moves...those that involve suddenly being truly away from family and friends (no longer close enough for a day trip or even a simple weekend getaway), truly leaving ones comfort zone...what made you do it? Was it worth it? What were the hardships? What were the high points? Basically, what has been your experience with a massive move?

I came to Japan because I've always wanted to. I love the culture, the history, the food, the people, and the land. It was NOT an easy thing to do because everything that I considered normal, changed. And I ended up having to learn an awful lot on the fly as it were about how things were done here. I admit though that at times it made it rather fun and interesting because I couldn't take things for granted (Less I ended up eating something I really didn't want to ). That said, sometimes it is very hard being from home, especially as right now some of my family members are not doing so well and I'm stuck realizing that should something happen, there's no way to just go home. If anything did happen, chances are that they would be gone by the time I made it back to the US. But... I accept that, because I do like being where I am.

The second purpose is directed at the Bay area NSGers...what would you say about your home, positive or negative? Is it a place that a Bostonian could come to, bright eyed, bushy-tailed, and simultaneously feel comfortable, but also like it is something new and different?

I'm a Nevadan whose extended family lives in the Bay Area and who has been there multiple times a year while growing up... all I can say is: DON'T TRY IT YOU FOOL! DON'T TRY IT!

[Tunizcha]

If he's moving to San Francisco, definitely. My older brother moved there just as bright-eyed and bushy tailed as your friend there, and he was only 18 at the time, and got right into it. He found a good apartment, made some good friends, got a lot of contacts, and pretty much became part of the crowd. That was after only a year living there. It's been nearly five years, now. Not to mention that San Francisco has really good film festivals, concerts, and clubs, if you know where to look.

[Sarkhaan]

The purpose of this thread it two-fold. First and foremost, to those of you who have made major moves...those that involve suddenly being truly away from family and friends (no longer close enough for a day trip or even a simple weekend getaway), truly leaving ones comfort zone...what made you do it? Was it worth it? What were the hardships? What were the high points? Basically, what has been your experience with a massive move?

I came to Japan because I've always wanted to. I love the culture, the history, the food, the people, and the land. It was NOT an easy thing to do because everything that I considered normal, changed. And I ended up having to learn an awful lot on the fly as it were about how things were done here. I admit though that at times it made it rather fun and interesting because I couldn't take things for granted (Less I ended up eating something I really didn't want to ). That said, sometimes it is very hard being from home, especially as right now some of my family members are not doing so well and I'm stuck realizing that should something happen, there's no way to just go home. If anything did happen, chances are that they would be gone by the time I made it back to the US. But... I accept that, because I do like being where I am.

I was hoping you'd be one to respond, as your move is undoubtedly much more...intense...than anything I'm considering. The risk of something truly major happening with my family is somewhat removed. I have an uncle that is sick, but the rest of the family is in good health...of course, there's always the unexpected with my family. Good times there. I'm looking for a bit of that "Wow...this is nothing like what I'm used to" but still with that "Okay, this is still home-ish"

The second purpose is directed at the Bay area NSGers...what would you say about your home, positive or negative? Is it a place that a Bostonian could come to, bright eyed, bushy-tailed, and simultaneously feel comfortable, but also like it is something new and different?

I'm a Nevadan whose extended family lives in the Bay Area and who has been there multiple times a year while growing up... all I can say is: DON'T TRY IT YOU FOOL! DON'T TRY IT!

Don't make me hit you

[Poliwanacraca]

So recently, one of my best friends joined the Bostonian migration to California as one of a growing number of us suffering from Quarter Life Crisis. In talking to him his last night in New England, he said a lot of things that rang very true for me: Boston feels like it's getting smaller...we've lived here for 5, 6 years, much of it sheltered in our respective colleges, and now, the real world is catching up with us. We both lived in New England our entire lives, and while we both love it, we've never seen anything else for long periods of time. He also wants me to go out there and join him.

And for the first time, I'm considering leaving my beloved New England in favor of a new city (specifically, San Francisco).

The purpose of this thread it two-fold. First and foremost, to those of you who have made major moves...those that involve suddenly being truly away from family and friends (no longer close enough for a day trip or even a simple weekend getaway), truly leaving ones comfort zone...what made you do it? Was it worth it? What were the hardships? What were the high points? Basically, what has been your experience with a massive move?

The second purpose is directed at the Bay area NSGers...what would you say about your home, positive or negative? Is it a place that a Bostonian could come to, bright eyed, bushy-tailed, and simultaneously feel comfortable, but also like it is something new and different?

Yeah, it's kinda bloggy, sorry. But hey, many of us have moved around quite a bit, and who knows? This thread could be a good diversion from Obamacare and teh gayz.

I've had a few big moves - I grew up in Missouri, moved to Massachusetts for college, moved to New Jersey for a relationship, came back to Missouri for a cheaper place to live, and am currently hoping to head back to Massachusetts sometime in the next several months for an assortment of reasons. Of the two big totally voluntary moves so far, I would say the move for college was decidedly worth it, and the move for the relationship was decidedly not - not only because the relationship itself turned out to be an incredible failure, but also because in the latter situation I really didn't have the same built-in mechanisms for finding new friends, and was very lonely pretty much all the time I wasn't actually with my partner. It's hard, after college, to make new friends in a new place, and you don't really realize how much you count on having someone around to hang out with until you don't have anyone anymore. I generally would not recommend moving someplace entirely new unless you (a) already know multiple people there, or (b) are going somewhere where there will definitely be other people who don't know anyone and are looking to make new friends, e.g. any college, and (c) like the place you're moving to in its own right - not even a fantastic relationship could have completely redeemed North Jersey.

[Tunizcha]

The second purpose is directed at the Bay area NSGers...what would you say about your home, positive or negative? Is it a place that a Bostonian could come to, bright eyed, bushy-tailed, and simultaneously feel comfortable, but also like it is something new and different?

I'm a Nevadan whose extended family lives in the Bay Area and who has been there multiple times a year while growing up... all I can say is: DON'T TRY IT YOU FOOL! DON'T TRY IT!

Don't make me hit you

*polishes knife, cocks head, and smiles* You don't want this in you, do you?

[Sarkhaan]

If he's moving to San Francisco, definitely. My older brother moved there just as bright-eyed and bushy tailed as your friend there, and he was only 18 at the time, and got right into it. He found a good apartment, made some good friends, got a lot of contacts, and pretty much became part of the crowd. That was after only a year living there. It's been nearly five years, now. Not to mention that San Francisco has really good film festivals, concerts, and clubs, if you know where to look.

Of course, my friend was sad to go too...and he isn't actually there yet, but if he lasts to September and thinks he'll stay atleast another year, then I am definatly moving to the idea of "hey, I should move out there too". Seems like a pretty sick city, though, I've never actually been there (I should be going to check it out come January, if not sooner. What can I say? I miss the fucker.) He's also in music production, so I assume he'll be the kid to talk to about concerts and clubs.

[Tunizcha]

If he's moving to San Francisco, definitely. My older brother moved there just as bright-eyed and bushy tailed as your friend there, and he was only 18 at the time, and got right into it. He found a good apartment, made some good friends, got a lot of contacts, and pretty much became part of the crowd. That was after only a year living there. It's been nearly five years, now. Not to mention that San Francisco has really good film festivals, concerts, and clubs, if you know where to look.

Of course, my friend was sad to go too...and he isn't actually there yet, but if he lasts to September and thinks he'll stay atleast another year, then I am definatly moving to the idea of "hey, I should move out there too". Seems like a pretty sick city, though, I've never actually been there (I should be going to check it out come January, if not sooner. What can I say? I miss the fucker.) He's also in music production, so I assume he'll be the kid to talk to about concerts and clubs.

He's in music production? You did not mention that. I recommend San Francisco even more than before.

[Sarkhaan]

So recently, one of my best friends joined the Bostonian migration to California as one of a growing number of us suffering from Quarter Life Crisis. In talking to him his last night in New England, he said a lot of things that rang very true for me: Boston feels like it's getting smaller...we've lived here for 5, 6 years, much of it sheltered in our respective colleges, and now, the real world is catching up with us. We both lived in New England our entire lives, and while we both love it, we've never seen anything else for long periods of time. He also wants me to go out there and join him.

And for the first time, I'm considering leaving my beloved New England in favor of a new city (specifically, San Francisco).

The purpose of this thread it two-fold. First and foremost, to those of you who have made major moves...those that involve suddenly being truly away from family and friends (no longer close enough for a day trip or even a simple weekend getaway), truly leaving ones comfort zone...what made you do it? Was it worth it? What were the hardships? What were the high points? Basically, what has been your experience with a massive move?

The second purpose is directed at the Bay area NSGers...what would you say about your home, positive or negative? Is it a place that a Bostonian could come to, bright eyed, bushy-tailed, and simultaneously feel comfortable, but also like it is something new and different?

Yeah, it's kinda bloggy, sorry. But hey, many of us have moved around quite a bit, and who knows? This thread could be a good diversion from Obamacare and teh gayz.

I've had a few big moves - I grew up in Missouri, moved to Massachusetts for college, moved to New Jersey for a relationship, came back to Missouri for a cheaper place to live, and am currently hoping to head back to Massachusetts sometime in the next several months for an assortment of reasons. Of the two big totally voluntary moves so far, I would say the move for college was decidedly worth it, and the move for the relationship was decidedly not - not only because the relationship itself turned out to be an incredible failure, but also because in the latter situation I really didn't have the same built-in mechanisms for finding new friends, and was very lonely pretty much all the time I wasn't actually with my partner. It's hard, after college, to make new friends in a new place, and you don't really realize how much you count on having someone around to hang out with until you don't have anyone anymore. I generally would not recommend moving someplace entirely new unless you (a) already know multiple people there, or (b) are going somewhere where there will definitely be other people who don't know anyone and are looking to make new friends, e.g. any college, and (c) like the place you're moving to in its own right - not even a fantastic relationship could have completely redeemed North Jersey.

See...this is what worries me. If I do move, then a huge part of it is because of my friend...and while he is very much like a brother, there's always the risk that he'll get tired of it 3 months after I get out there (luckily, he has a year to make that call, and if he isn't 100% on saying, then I'll be more likely to pass). I know I need people around to prevent me from going entirely insane. That's actually probably my third biggest worry (after getting a job and getting an apartment). I will have my friend, and being the social butterfly that he is, I'm sure he'll know a good group of kids...but I'm slow to accept people up to the "friend" level.

And yes, nothing can save North Jersey. I had a hard transition to Boston, but that was because I was very connected to Connecticut still. While my family is still in CT/Boston, my other close connections to this city have rapidly dispersed over the last year. Just seems like San Francisco could be a chill place (so long as I don't have to replace "wicked" with "hella")

[Sarkhaan]

If he's moving to San Francisco, definitely. My older brother moved there just as bright-eyed and bushy tailed as your friend there, and he was only 18 at the time, and got right into it. He found a good apartment, made some good friends, got a lot of contacts, and pretty much became part of the crowd. That was after only a year living there. It's been nearly five years, now. Not to mention that San Francisco has really good film festivals, concerts, and clubs, if you know where to look.

Of course, my friend was sad to go too...and he isn't actually there yet, but if he lasts to September and thinks he'll stay atleast another year, then I am definatly moving to the idea of "hey, I should move out there too". Seems like a pretty sick city, though, I've never actually been there (I should be going to check it out come January, if not sooner. What can I say? I miss the fucker.) He's also in music production, so I assume he'll be the kid to talk to about concerts and clubs.

He's in music production? You did not mention that. I recommend San Francisco even more than before.

Haha...yeah. He went out there because...well, let's face it, Boston isn't quite a mecca of music production jobs, and New Hampshire (his home state) isn't quite a mecca of...anything except nature. He's set that it is a permanent move, but who knows, considering he's only into Iowa as of tonight.

Any reason why you recommend San Francisco even more because of that? I'm assuming a wicked good music scene?

[Tunizcha]

If he's moving to San Francisco, definitely. My older brother moved there just as bright-eyed and bushy tailed as your friend there, and he was only 18 at the time, and got right into it. He found a good apartment, made some good friends, got a lot of contacts, and pretty much became part of the crowd. That was after only a year living there. It's been nearly five years, now. Not to mention that San Francisco has really good film festivals, concerts, and clubs, if you know where to look.

Of course, my friend was sad to go too...and he isn't actually there yet, but if he lasts to September and thinks he'll stay atleast another year, then I am definatly moving to the idea of "hey, I should move out there too". Seems like a pretty sick city, though, I've never actually been there (I should be going to check it out come January, if not sooner. What can I say? I miss the fucker.) He's also in music production, so I assume he'll be the kid to talk to about concerts and clubs.

He's in music production? You did not mention that. I recommend San Francisco even more than before.

Haha...yeah. He went out there because...well, let's face it, Boston isn't quite a mecca of music production jobs, and New Hampshire (his home state) isn't quite a mecca of...anything except nature. He's set that it is a permanent move, but who knows, considering he's only into Iowa as of tonight.

Any reason why you recommend San Francisco even more because of that? I'm assuming a wicked good music scene?

You assumed correctly. And as for your previous post, I can understand that you would want your friend to stay with you, and it conflicts with your desire for him to succeed, but you musn't worry. Things have a way of working themselves out, even if it doesn't seem like it at first.

[Sarkhaan]

If he's moving to San Francisco, definitely. My older brother moved there just as bright-eyed and bushy tailed as your friend there, and he was only 18 at the time, and got right into it. He found a good apartment, made some good friends, got a lot of contacts, and pretty much became part of the crowd. That was after only a year living there. It's been nearly five years, now. Not to mention that San Francisco has really good film festivals, concerts, and clubs, if you know where to look.

Of course, my friend was sad to go too...and he isn't actually there yet, but if he lasts to September and thinks he'll stay atleast another year, then I am definatly moving to the idea of "hey, I should move out there too". Seems like a pretty sick city, though, I've never actually been there (I should be going to check it out come January, if not sooner. What can I say? I miss the fucker.) He's also in music production, so I assume he'll be the kid to talk to about concerts and clubs.

He's in music production? You did not mention that. I recommend San Francisco even more than before.

Haha...yeah. He went out there because...well, let's face it, Boston isn't quite a mecca of music production jobs, and New Hampshire (his home state) isn't quite a mecca of...anything except nature. He's set that it is a permanent move, but who knows, considering he's only into Iowa as of tonight.

Any reason why you recommend San Francisco even more because of that? I'm assuming a wicked good music scene?

You assumed correctly. And as for your previous post, I can understand that you would want your friend to stay with you, and it conflicts with your desire for him to succeed, but you musn't worry. Things have a way of working themselves out, even if it doesn't seem like it at first.

Oh, I have no doubt that I could do it on my own...I've become much more social since my freshman year of college (which is good, given that, as Poli said, friends are harder to come by without the benefit of something like college). But it would be that much better to be there with the kid.

[Almajoya]

The purpose of this thread it two-fold. First and foremost, to those of you who have made major moves...those that involve suddenly being truly away from family and friends (no longer close enough for a day trip or even a simple weekend getaway), truly leaving ones comfort zone...what made you do it? Was it worth it? What were the hardships? What were the high points? Basically, what has been your experience with a massive move?

I left my home of 12 or so years for college. I love my new city- it's beautiful, no matter what anyone says about it! But being on my own has been a struggle. I barely make enough to support myself and help my family. I'm totally burned out from school and work.

Was it worth it? Maybe. Like I said, I love this city, but losing my mind has been kind of a bad thing.

Advice: You'll get used to the feel of a new home. It'll be your finances that hang you in the end.

[Sarkhaan]

The purpose of this thread it two-fold. First and foremost, to those of you who have made major moves...those that involve suddenly being truly away from family and friends (no longer close enough for a day trip or even a simple weekend getaway), truly leaving ones comfort zone...what made you do it? Was it worth it? What were the hardships? What were the high points? Basically, what has been your experience with a massive move?

I left my home of 12 or so years for college. I love my new city- it's beautiful, no matter what anyone says about it! But being on my own has been a struggle. I barely make enough to support myself and help my family. I'm totally burned out from school and work.

Was it worth it? Maybe. Like I said, I love this city, but losing my mind has been kind of a bad thing.

Advice: You'll get used to the feel of a new home. It'll be your finances that hang you in the end.

haha...my goal is to have $10,000 saved up before I move. Which will be hard, to say the least. That should get me through a few months untill I can hopefully find a real job (or at least a decent bartending gig)

[The Blaatschapen]

Even though I haven't moved that far (only about 1-2 hours away from parents, done this twice, first to the east of them and then to the north of them). I think I can answer here, because we see distances in a much different view (an hour car drive is a long drive around here). And also because even though I can visit my family I hardly do it...

And it was totally worth it. The hardships is having to take care of myself, the bureaucracy, the sudden responsibilities. The cool thing was:

http://www.seriouseats.com/required_eat ... -bacon.png

[NERVUN]

The purpose of this thread it two-fold. First and foremost, to those of you who have made major moves...those that involve suddenly being truly away from family and friends (no longer close enough for a day trip or even a simple weekend getaway), truly leaving ones comfort zone...what made you do it? Was it worth it? What were the hardships? What were the high points? Basically, what has been your experience with a massive move?

I came to Japan because I've always wanted to. I love the culture, the history, the food, the people, and the land. It was NOT an easy thing to do because everything that I considered normal, changed. And I ended up having to learn an awful lot on the fly as it were about how things were done here. I admit though that at times it made it rather fun and interesting because I couldn't take things for granted (Less I ended up eating something I really didn't want to ). That said, sometimes it is very hard being from home, especially as right now some of my family members are not doing so well and I'm stuck realizing that should something happen, there's no way to just go home. If anything did happen, chances are that they would be gone by the time I made it back to the US. But... I accept that, because I do like being where I am.

I was hoping you'd be one to respond, as your move is undoubtedly much more...intense...than anything I'm considering. The risk of something truly major happening with my family is somewhat removed. I have an uncle that is sick, but the rest of the family is in good health...of course, there's always the unexpected with my family. Good times there. I'm looking for a bit of that "Wow...this is nothing like what I'm used to" but still with that "Okay, this is still home-ish"

There is, as a few friends have told me, a rather large difference between the East Coast and the West (Not to mention that SF is... weird. Don't get me wrong, I love visiting the city, but any city that my sister is attracted to should come with warning signs). As for making friends, it is very hard when you make a large move because the connections are more tenuous (I.e. hard to find someone who has had the same experiences as you have had, or at least grew up in the same area and situation), but it can indeed be done.

The second purpose is directed at the Bay area NSGers...what would you say about your home, positive or negative? Is it a place that a Bostonian could come to, bright eyed, bushy-tailed, and simultaneously feel comfortable, but also like it is something new and different?

I'm a Nevadan whose extended family lives in the Bay Area and who has been there multiple times a year while growing up... all I can say is: DON'T TRY IT YOU FOOL! DON'T TRY IT!

Don't make me hit you

That'd have to be one hell of a long arm for THAT! Even from San Francisco.

[Sarkhaan]

The purpose of this thread it two-fold. First and foremost, to those of you who have made major moves...those that involve suddenly being truly away from family and friends (no longer close enough for a day trip or even a simple weekend getaway), truly leaving ones comfort zone...what made you do it? Was it worth it? What were the hardships? What were the high points? Basically, what has been your experience with a massive move?

I came to Japan because I've always wanted to. I love the culture, the history, the food, the people, and the land. It was NOT an easy thing to do because everything that I considered normal, changed. And I ended up having to learn an awful lot on the fly as it were about how things were done here. I admit though that at times it made it rather fun and interesting because I couldn't take things for granted (Less I ended up eating something I really didn't want to ). That said, sometimes it is very hard being from home, especially as right now some of my family members are not doing so well and I'm stuck realizing that should something happen, there's no way to just go home. If anything did happen, chances are that they would be gone by the time I made it back to the US. But... I accept that, because I do like being where I am.

I was hoping you'd be one to respond, as your move is undoubtedly much more...intense...than anything I'm considering. The risk of something truly major happening with my family is somewhat removed. I have an uncle that is sick, but the rest of the family is in good health...of course, there's always the unexpected with my family. Good times there. I'm looking for a bit of that "Wow...this is nothing like what I'm used to" but still with that "Okay, this is still home-ish"

There is, as a few friends have told me, a rather large difference between the East Coast and the West (Not to mention that SF is... weird. Don't get me wrong, I love visiting the city, but any city that my sister is attracted to should come with warning signs). As for making friends, it is very hard when you make a large move because the connections are more tenuous (I.e. hard to find someone who has had the same experiences as you have had, or at least grew up in the same area and situation), but it can indeed be done.

haha...my mom wants me to just move to NYC because "any big city is the same". She doesn't get the whole "NYC is too New England to be different, but not New England enough to be the same". Friends, especially close ones, will definatly be a challenge, even with the kid being there with me.

That'd have to be one hell of a long arm for THAT! Even from San Francisco.

I'll get your wife to do it for me.

[Katganistan]

So recently, one of my best friends joined the Bostonian migration to California as one of a growing number of us suffering from Quarter Life Crisis. In talking to him his last night in New England, he said a lot of things that rang very true for me: Boston feels like it's getting smaller...we've lived here for 5, 6 years, much of it sheltered in our respective colleges, and now, the real world is catching up with us. We both lived in New England our entire lives, and while we both love it, we've never seen anything else for long periods of time. He also wants me to go out there and join him.

And for the first time, I'm considering leaving my beloved New England in favor of a new city (specifically, San Francisco).

The purpose of this thread it two-fold. First and foremost, to those of you who have made major moves...those that involve suddenly being truly away from family and friends (no longer close enough for a day trip or even a simple weekend getaway), truly leaving ones comfort zone...what made you do it? Was it worth it? What were the hardships? What were the high points? Basically, what has been your experience with a massive move?

The second purpose is directed at the Bay area NSGers...what would you say about your home, positive or negative? Is it a place that a Bostonian could come to, bright eyed, bushy-tailed, and simultaneously feel comfortable, but also like it is something new and different?

Yeah, it's kinda bloggy, sorry. But hey, many of us have moved around quite a bit, and who knows? This thread could be a good diversion from Obamacare and teh gayz.

I loved San Francisco when I visited in July 2001. The weirdest thing for me as as New Yorker was how friendly everyone was. I mean, people walked up to me on the street to start a conversation about my Looney Tunes denim jacket.

Do some checking on the cost of living -- it may be a bit higher than you're expecting.

[Sarkhaan]

So recently, one of my best friends joined the Bostonian migration to California as one of a growing number of us suffering from Quarter Life Crisis. In talking to him his last night in New England, he said a lot of things that rang very true for me: Boston feels like it's getting smaller...we've lived here for 5, 6 years, much of it sheltered in our respective colleges, and now, the real world is catching up with us. We both lived in New England our entire lives, and while we both love it, we've never seen anything else for long periods of time. He also wants me to go out there and join him.

And for the first time, I'm considering leaving my beloved New England in favor of a new city (specifically, San Francisco).

The purpose of this thread it two-fold. First and foremost, to those of you who have made major moves...those that involve suddenly being truly away from family and friends (no longer close enough for a day trip or even a simple weekend getaway), truly leaving ones comfort zone...what made you do it? Was it worth it? What were the hardships? What were the high points? Basically, what has been your experience with a massive move?

The second purpose is directed at the Bay area NSGers...what would you say about your home, positive or negative? Is it a place that a Bostonian could come to, bright eyed, bushy-tailed, and simultaneously feel comfortable, but also like it is something new and different?

Yeah, it's kinda bloggy, sorry. But hey, many of us have moved around quite a bit, and who knows? This thread could be a good diversion from Obamacare and teh gayz.

I loved San Francisco when I visited in July 2001. The weirdest thing for me as as New Yorker was how friendly everyone was. I mean, people walked up to me on the street to start a conversation about my Looney Tunes denim jacket.

Do some checking on the cost of living -- it may be a bit higher than you're expecting.

I've looked into it a bit...looks like rent would be nearly double what I pay around here, with the rest of the living expenses being a bit more in line (though, all of them still slightly higher). Definatly a concern, and a big one at that...teachers still don't make alot, but servers and bartenders make an actual wage plus tips as compared to my current "we pretend to pay our employees"

I could take a bit of that friendliness. While Boston is a special kind of polite (very similar to NYC in my experience), you get very weird looks just for smiling at someone you don't know.

[Ryadn]

As a lifelong East Bay-er and a fan of Boston since way back, I can say that I think you'd find the City very different in some ways, but not unfamiliar. It has some of the same feeling of---what? presence? height?---as Boston, but it's more... relaxed. And while San Francisco is the part everyone fusses about, what I love is the diversity of cities in the Bay---Berkeley, Oakland, Albany, South City, Hayward, all the way down through Silicon Valley and San Jose, and then it's just a short hop to Santa Cruz. There's a place for every mood and state of mind, and it's beautiful. Boston was really the only other place I could see myself living, outside of the Bay.

[Ryadn]

I'm a Nevadan whose extended family lives in the Bay Area and who has been there multiple times a year while growing up... all I can say is: DON'T TRY IT YOU FOOL! DON'T TRY IT!

Oh, shut it! Don't hate just 'cause we're the favorite state.

[Ryadn]

If he's moving to San Francisco, definitely. My older brother moved there just as bright-eyed and bushy tailed as your friend there, and he was only 18 at the time, and got right into it. He found a good apartment, made some good friends, got a lot of contacts, and pretty much became part of the crowd. That was after only a year living there. It's been nearly five years, now. Not to mention that San Francisco has really good film festivals, concerts, and clubs, if you know where to look.

Of course, my friend was sad to go too...and he isn't actually there yet, but if he lasts to September and thinks he'll stay atleast another year, then I am definatly moving to the idea of "hey, I should move out there too". Seems like a pretty sick city, though, I've never actually been there (I should be going to check it out come January, if not sooner. What can I say? I miss the fucker.) He's also in music production, so I assume he'll be the kid to talk to about concerts and clubs.

What kind of music does he produce? There's all kinds of connections in the Town.

EDIT: If you need any run downs on cost of living, job opportunities, etc., I can give you some ballpark estimates.

You'll learn to love "hella".

[Tunizcha]

If he's moving to San Francisco, definitely. My older brother moved there just as bright-eyed and bushy tailed as your friend there, and he was only 18 at the time, and got right into it. He found a good apartment, made some good friends, got a lot of contacts, and pretty much became part of the crowd. That was after only a year living there. It's been nearly five years, now. Not to mention that San Francisco has really good film festivals, concerts, and clubs, if you know where to look.

Of course, my friend was sad to go too...and he isn't actually there yet, but if he lasts to September and thinks he'll stay atleast another year, then I am definatly moving to the idea of "hey, I should move out there too". Seems like a pretty sick city, though, I've never actually been there (I should be going to check it out come January, if not sooner. What can I say? I miss the fucker.) He's also in music production, so I assume he'll be the kid to talk to about concerts and clubs.

What kind of music does he produce? There's all kinds of connections in the Town.

EDIT: If you need any run downs on cost of living, job opportunities, etc., I can give you some ballpark estimates.

You'll learn to love "hella".

My brother uses both "wicked" and "hella".

[Sarkhaan]

If he's moving to San Francisco, definitely. My older brother moved there just as bright-eyed and bushy tailed as your friend there, and he was only 18 at the time, and got right into it. He found a good apartment, made some good friends, got a lot of contacts, and pretty much became part of the crowd. That was after only a year living there. It's been nearly five years, now. Not to mention that San Francisco has really good film festivals, concerts, and clubs, if you know where to look.

Of course, my friend was sad to go too...and he isn't actually there yet, but if he lasts to September and thinks he'll stay atleast another year, then I am definatly moving to the idea of "hey, I should move out there too". Seems like a pretty sick city, though, I've never actually been there (I should be going to check it out come January, if not sooner. What can I say? I miss the fucker.) He's also in music production, so I assume he'll be the kid to talk to about concerts and clubs.

What kind of music does he produce? There's all kinds of connections in the Town.

I'm not entirely sure what he is looking to go into...he graduated last year, and I know he chose San Francisco specifically because it has the scene he is looking for. I know his taste in music is nothing short of eclectic, with lots of rock and rap and old school stuff...Pink Floyd, Incubus, and Tribe Called Quest would be some of his favorites.

As a lifelong East Bay-er and a fan of Boston since way back, I can say that I think you'd find the City very different in some ways, but not unfamiliar. It has some of the same feeling of---what? presence? height?---as Boston, but it's more... relaxed. And while San Francisco is the part everyone fusses about, what I love is the diversity of cities in the Bay---Berkeley, Oakland, Albany, South City, Hayward, all the way down through Silicon Valley and San Jose, and then it's just a short hop to Santa Cruz. There's a place for every mood and state of mind, and it's beautiful. Boston was really the only other place I could see myself living, outside of the Bay.

This is definatly good to hear. I think it's that all of the mystery is gone from Boston, combined with the aforementioned quarter life crisis of "I know exactly where we are....where the fuck are we" thing. Having San Jose close is a huge plus (I would get my hockey fix, even if it wasn't the Bruins. Yes, I am pathetic enough to rule out cities that don't have hockey anywhere nearby). I know I need change...now it's all about figuring out what the hell that change should be...haha

It's great to hear from both you and Kat that it is more relaxed and friendly. A hardcore Yankee could use that every now and again.

[Barzan]

If I had to live in the States, I'd choose Boston, Portland or San Francisco.

I moved to be as far away from where I grew-up as possible. Just me by myself. I had no family, no friends, no connections, etc. I had to do everything myself. Now I can't see myself going back to where I grew-up for fear of losing everything I gained only to start from square one.