California Dreaming - Can You Afford the Move?

California lifestyle is appealing to many. However, depending on the area in CA and your expected earnings, it can also be an expensive place to call home.

Miles of beach, towering palm trees, sun drenched days and all the beautiful people you can handle! The lifestyle in California is laid back, breezy and warm. No shoveling snow, no freezing cold winters or cars that won't start due to frigid morning temperatures. The lifestyle is ideal if you can afford it.

Let's say you are a professional from Portland, Oregon who currently earns $71,000 a year working as a computer systems analyst. If the move is lateral in terms of career positions, and you are not moving for a promotion, you would need to find a Computer Analyst position in San Diego, California that pays $100,000 a year to be able to maintain your current housing and lifestyle.

You certainly need to consider may factors if you are thinking about a move to California. City or suburb location is another big factor. Do you really want to live in Los Angeles? Heavy smog, millions of people and constant traffic are a few of the things you would need to contend with each and every day. However, if you move to the suburbs, housing prices go up drastically. If you have children, then safe neighborhoods and education are important considerations.

$145k a year may seem like a super deal and a huge increase in salary over your current $75,000 a year in Kansas; but if a decent family home cost $450,000 in California and your current home cost $175,000, consider seriously how much you are really gaining.

The employment opportunities in California are enormous - a plethora of profitable high tech companies, a booming entertainment industry, and an abundance of healthcare jobs. Just be sure you complete the proper due diligence before you pack your bags and head to the west coast. Let's talk about it in the discussion area