The post I didn't want to make
Well, I haven't wanted to post about this for a few reasons, and the rather depressing nature of the subject will keep this post short:
J's job...well, it's not going so well. He's been looking for another one, though nothing has come up so far in the S.F. area. That, and the fact that we're feeling a little let down by this locale, means there is a strong possibility we could move again. We're trying to keep it somewhat local--we do NOT want to make another cross-country move. We're most interested in Portland, with Seattle a close second.
What do I mean by "let down by this locale?" Well, San Francisco itself is a really great city, but J and I are not city dwellers by nature. In Massachusetts we grew attached to the somewhat rural suburbs--Sudbury, Acton, etc. I'm finding there's a distinct lack of charm in the suburbs here that we can actually afford to live in. And, we didn't realize how much we'd miss owning our own home. Here, it would be a long climb upward to own a home (and frankly I don't want to pay $600,000 for a 1500-sq.-ft. ranch). I could go on, but won't. I'll just say that several small things added up to the realization that, while this area has its good points (such as mostly fabulous weather), it just isn't for us.
I wouldn't call our move out here a mistake, but it's certainly been an expensive lesson.
posted by SMB @ 10:54 PM
8 Comments:
Ouch! Hopefully your next location will be a better fit. It is not uncommon to find out only after you have moved that you really don't like the new city/town as much as you had hoped you would.
I have known a few people who moved for job reasons and then spent years working hard to get out of that new location. If you don't like the new job, the new house, the new neighborhood, the new traffic patterns, etc. etc. it is best to figure that out sooner rather than later and start working on a new plan.
Good Luck!
what a tough situation to face and I give you credit for sharing it with the world! Good luck!
Email me. I still have lots of friends and family in the Bay Area who do technical work. The market is improving out there so it's possible to pimp him out for something better.
I love San Francisco, but it's a very urban place. There are nice communities outside of the city which you might like, but they'll never be as green as the east coast. That's often the thing you'll miss most in the first year. The leaves don't really change colors.
I wish you a lot of luck and encouragement. My first 6 months in SF were lousy, but I perservered and I was with family so it was easier to stick it out.
Seriously, email me and let's talk about how to network out there and find your hubby a new job.
I'm in the same boat - I'm renting in the suburbs because I find SF itself way too urban. Have you looked at the communities out on the fringes, either in Marin or the East Bay like those between SF and Pleasanton? There's a lot more land out there than there is on the peninsula, although you'll find that home prices are high everywhere. There are also pockets right along the water in San Mateo/Foster City that can give you easy access to nature. My first place in the bay area was a rented townhouse right on the water, and it was pretty reasonable as these things go.
My fiance and I just completed the move from Metro West MA to San Francisco a couple of weeks ago. We did it largely for her promotion, but as a software engineer, I just assumed there would be work waiting for me. That hasn't exactly been the case, but it's not terrible either.
I am starting to miss home a bit (it's the longest I've been away from MA), but the nice weather in San Mateo/Foster City is helping. I'm liking the idea of taking a brake from owning for a bit. It's nice to not have to pick a weekend fix-up project. In return, I get a fitness center, pool, and spa. Financially, it's not as nice as owning, but I'm expecting the salaries to help that.
I'm sorry to hear that, there are some very nice neighborhood pockets around the city that are pretty great. I'd have to ask my friends who live up there about what areas might be more rural than regular suburban ... if you'd like, let me know and I'll shoot off an email!
Thanks for the comments, folks. J and I are in the process of discussing our options. I appreciate your input!
Wow, what a bummer, SMB.
It's funny. Part of what I miss about that area is easy access to nature. (I grew up in Marin.) Out here in the east, I feel like it's just one big strip mall.
I guess it just depends on what you're used to, and also the little micro-area you're in. If I lived up in Massachusetts maybe I wouldn't feel so surrounded by urban sprawl.
I hope you find what you want with the next move. Sounds like a scary time but also a good opportunity.
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