ONTD

i moved from minnesota to san diego when i was 20, knew NOBODY. that was 7 years ago and i am flourishing out here. do it! (plus it's 73 degrees out today)

seriously, like i said, i've been here 7 years (moved #1 cus of the weather) but whenever it's over 60 degrees in January, i can't stop talking about it. my parents and family are back in MN and they are dying in their negative temps this week.

i did the opposite (Bay Area, CA to NYC)! i was lucky because i had a friend in the city already who let me crash with her for a couple of weeks, so it was easier on me than most.

well, it was definite culture shock. i think for the first year or so i absolutely hated new york and was completely miserable. then i became tolerant. and now, a grand total of 6 years later, i'm actually rather fond of the city.

so it's been a gradual process....

I would love to do that but I have no money. I'm sick of living at home and I would love a change.

I'm late but I moved from Boston to L.A. Any specific questions that you have?

I moved without a job and I found several very easily. I'm not sure what field you are in but I'm a sommelier (wine steward) and a freelance writer (which I can basically do from anywhere). It depends on how willing you are to work maybe at a less desirable job before moving on to something that you like more. I definitely worked at a few places just for some cash before I found somewhere that I really enjoyed.

I also had a bit of money saved up before I moved just in case I needed it or in case my car died or whatnot. So that's probably a good idea just in general.

Definitely buy a car in California! I brought my car from Massachusetts and had to register it here and it was such a huge pain in the ass. And it cost like $700!

I would say if you are not desperately attached to your current job, are interested in trying something new and are willing to work hard for a while before life straightens itself out, then go for it! I've moved all over the world and to me, there is absolutely nothing better than finding yourself in a new place that you are unfamiliar with and falling in love with it. California is beautiful (and not as expensive as people say. I found a 2 bedroom, 2 bath with 2 parking spaces one block from the beach for $1550. Which is like nothing compared to Boston.) I hope it all works out for you and if you have more questions feel free to ask!

they bay area will welcome you with open arms