Moving to California!!!

[*RayRay*]

So, My hubby and I decided to finally do what we've been wanting to do for years....Moving to LA (from Seattle)!!!! We crave the sunshine all year long.....and only get about 2-3 months of it in July/August...so...we turned in notice for our apartment, and are selling ALL of our belongings! We will be hitting the road in a few months in our little 1988 BMW with our clothes and our dog! Destination....Venice Beach, or Santa Monica, or Hollywood.....or near these areas...

So, Anyone in the LA area have any advice on neighborhoods, good HFS, or job leads...?

Almost everyone we have told so far has said things like "this is not a good time to be moving" or "the job market is bad"....so I was hoping you wonderful people on raw food talk might have a different reaction!

[rawlight]

craigslist for all your moving needs!

And congratulations for following your heart.

[Revvell]

For one, it seems you've chosen some of the most expensive areas to live yet, people do find ways to survive and thrive there.

Create your own businesses... what is it you're good at?
Craigslist also has job openings.
Might look at doing some extra work... temp work... temp work can often turn into permanent work. Maybe get started now creating something online that will bring you income.

What's a "good" hfs for you? Going to depend on where you park yourselves, no?

You've not given enough information on what you can/will do to be of much help as far as work goes.

[juliebove]

I can't believe you'd want to leave Seattle! But I guess we're all looking for something different. My husband has been transferred to Northen CA, and daughter and I have refused to go. We lived there before and I hated it! Been to L.A. too and can't say I was any too impressed. You couldn't pay me to move from here. For me the weather is perfect. Except for all the %#^$@ snow we've had for the past few years. That I could live without.

[*RayRay*]

I can't believe you'd want to leave Seattle! For me the weather is perfect. .

You like freezing cold, rainy, cloudy, gloomy weather........? My hubby calls it 'gloom doom' hehe....I guess to each his own....Northern California is totally different than Southern...IMO...



Maybe get started now creating something online that will bring you income.


I love this idea.....I'm honestly not sure what I want to do with my life at this point....I've been a house cleaner, and clothing designer and now I feel like I want to do something totally different......but not sure what I'm really good at...

I know these areas are expensive, but I've seen some apartments on craigslist that fit our price range......any suggestions on nice locations near to the beach that may be a little cheaper? I know, I know....everyone wants to live by the beach...! but, so do I....it's about 70% of the reason I'm moving there!!!

Good HFS is somewhere that has a good organic produce selection but is not quite as pricey as whole foods.....

[juliebove]

I have lived in CA, NY, MA, and PA. Although it wasn't cold in CA, I did get sick of the sameness. I lived in Northern CA and it was pretty much 70 year round. I hated the traffic and found for the most part, people were not too polite. The other places had distinct seasons and I didn't like the extreme cold or heat there. I'm also not a big fan of sunshine. So for me, the weather is perfect here, except when it snows. I don't think it is freezing here all that much. Most of the time I don't wear a coat at all. Yes, I do wear one in the dead of winter but that's about it.

[spicyfull]

Apparently you are Young, no Children, so follow your Heart. Look for an Oasis in the middle of the Desert.

I happen to think California is GOD'S Country even with its faults. There's NO other place I would live.

I don't live near the beach but its the place to be if you like the water. There are Health Food Stores all over. I find people always willing to help you. In order to Make Friends......You Must be Friendly, so I'm sure you will do fine.

My Very Best to you........

[Jenifae]

Venice Beach and Santa Monica are really kewl So. Cal. Beach towns with lots of Vegans and Raw People now. There are a few Whole Foods Markets out there. Go to their website and they have locations for ya.

It's never a good time except when your soul tells you it is! :)

Maybe we could all do a meet up somewhere.

[rawbabymama]

I agree...I loved being in San Diego...this was back in 2005, but it was sunny, gorgeous, friendly people, cheap fresh produce, great farmer's markets, decent rent (I've lived mostly in NYC though, so I am skewed), I loved it! Oh and the raw food folks out there were awesome!

I did not shop much at Whole Foods, though...too pricey for my brokeness. :D

[HolyGuacamole]

Apparently you are Young, no Children, so follow your Heart.


Everyone should follow their hearts no matter their age or family composition. :)


I am in the process of getting my ducks in row so that I might haul my little family back to the Pacific Northwest. I wouldn't say no to central or northern California, though, if something presented itself. :D

I think it's an awesome decision, RayRay. I have done it a couple of times (moving cross country just 'cause it seemed appealing to me, both as young and single and middle aged with kids) and it's never turned out badly when I was going somewhere I wanted to be. The economy is only as bad as you think it is. You'll be fine.

[rawlight]

I happen to think California is GOD'S Country even with its faults.

Oops, you do not want to mention 'faults' at this point in her research.... heehee :eek: But I agree, So Cal is an amazing place to live for so many reasons.

If you are set on a beach-side town and Santa Monica and Venice are too expensive for you, look further south. I love Long Beach and Huntington Beach, and have spent lots of time in San Diego. In my opinion, San Diego is a hidden treasure. Not only is some of it on the beach, lots of it is land undeveloped. So you get water and great hiking inland. Check it out!

Edited to add about San Diego: I went to the Sunday Farmer's Market in the area called Hillcrest and not only was there abundant organic produce, there was a raw food company selling pizza (it was delish) and raw desserts. I also got a 12oz green smoothie from another booth. There were many booths selling cooked food so this was a nice surprise.

[*RayRay*]

Most of the time I don't wear a coat at all. Yes, I do wear one in the dead of winter but that's about it.

really...!? I wear a coat almost year round!!! brrrr.....chilly cold....!! (Except July/August..)

I lived in San Francisco once, and it was too cold for me!!! lol


The economy is only as bad as you think it is. You'll be fine.

I agree....this has been our experience (me and my hubby...) Everyone up here in Seattle is freaking out about the economy and lack of jobs....but we are doing fine....and we will do fine wherever we go...:)


San Diego is a hidden treasure.
sounds great, I'll have to check it out....we've never been to San Diego...!



Maybe we could all do a meet up somewhere.

sounds fun! I'll let you guys know when I arrive in cali...!:cool:

[Revvell]

I love Long Beach and Huntington Beach, and have spent lots of time in San Diego. In my opinion, San Diego is a hidden treasure. Not only is some of it on the beach, lots of it is land undeveloped. So you get water and great hiking inland. Check it out!

I agree with this. When I knew Long Beach many moons ago, it was sort of dumpy. It is sooooo beautiful now! San Diego? Wonderful. If I were going to do beach, it would be one of them... Huntington, Redondo.....

[Jenifae]

I lived in Long Beach off and on my entire life. My family is from there. Long Beach is really cute now and kewl. Also, probably less expensive then Venice and Santa Monica. Huntington Beach can be pricey and San Diego too........I LOVE San Diego though. It's so Gorgeous! Seal Beach could be reasonable.

[LotsaRaw]

Raised in NoCal...transplanted to Northeast (NJ) - have NO intention of leaving!

CA is a wonderful place to visit - and I make it "home" at least once a year - but I do like my seasons & snow on my front yard. If I ever HAD to live in CA, it would be near Tahoe :)

VA is way too freakin rainy, humid and hot!

Good luck with your move! I agree - follow your heart!

[Colorawdo girl]

Wow all these posts helped me,as some of you know, I am off to Colorado in a bit here. I am touring of sorts(intending to work and paint art in places on my way out ) and then end up there for summer at least. I say that because I will be living in my rv motor home so will see whats else to do for wintertime.

I see that too about the economy. The way I figure I can work to make it here where I am very unhappy or I can work to make it there where I love.

A lot of stories come my way too about moving.Not so much about economy but about going alone. Safety is key for me and I am not doing this in fear. Fear creates what you fear. So I go in abundance and safety and know it will all unfold just fine.

Best to you.The beach is great. Happy you are leaping too. weeeee isnt this fun?

[Bananna]

Wow, that's exciting RayRay!!! ....I have No input however, but way to live!

[green jeanie]

i have been in pac nw for 15 years and went to LA and San Diego a few times last year for work

it was AWESOME

if i could practice there i would be in LA or san diego in a heart beat!

you will eat soooo well! gardening year round.....sunshine......radiant healthy bodies everywhere

ENJOY!

[*RayRay*]

I've sold almost all of my furniture!! whoohoo!! Just my couch is left to go! It's just me, my hubby, my dog, and a trunk full of clothes......oh, yeah, and my JuiceMan!!! lol......I feel great having almost no belongings!!! That is natural!... too much stuff clutters up your mind as well as your house!

[katacykls]

Hello I wish you good luck on your move.


Some other areas you should/could visit are the west los angeles areas. Go on Craigslist a lot and seriously do pay 60 bucks btwn you and your hubby for Westside Rentals-they have lots of good listings. Also, do some house hunting by
driving around the streets santa monica and barrington,
santa monica and federal, sm and butler, colby.
Other areas you could consider are culver city, el segundo, marina del rey, and Miracle Mile.
I live in west la and it's awesome, we are about 4-5 miles from the beach and we pay about $1300.00 for a one bedroom with a giant kitchen, lots of windows, and a huge balcony. Keep your eyes and ears peeled..and network as soon as you get here.

Some health food stores to visit:

Farmers Markets all over the place

Erewhon market in hollywood-they have lots of raw food

The Co-op in Santa Monica-I love this place

Rainbow Acres-Venice/Culver city areas

Raw Restaurants in so-cal:

Cru-Hollywood
Leaf-culver city
Euphoria loves Rawvolution-santa monica
Au lac-Fountain Valley (near long beach-about 30mi from sm but worth it)

[Dianne K.]

So, My hubby and I decided to finally do what we've been wanting to do for years....Moving to LA (from Seattle)!!!! We crave the sunshine all year long.....and only get about 2-3 months of it in July/August...so...we turned in notice for our apartment, and are selling ALL of our belongings! We will be hitting the road in a few months in our little 1988 BMW with our clothes and our dog! Destination....Venice Beach, or Santa Monica, or Hollywood.....or near these areas...

So, Anyone in the LA area have any advice on neighborhoods, good HFS, or job leads...?

Almost everyone we have told so far has said things like "this is not a good time to be moving" or "the job market is bad"....so I was hoping you wonderful people on raw food talk might have a different reaction!

Wish it was that simple to pick up and move .You must be young.I too live here Seattle area just rain SUCKS day in and Day out.going without a job OH NO....:-)

[Colorawdo girl]

Wish it was that simple to pick up and move .You must be young.I too live here Seattle area just ran SUCKS day in and Day out.going without a job OH NO....:-)


It really is that simple. I did this too. Part with most belongings. And go.
If it is what you want, then it will all unfold for you.

Rayray....relaesing hold on possessions is such a freeing feeling. I thought iy might be hard but it was easy. And freeing.Lighter now.

Good for you.

[Revvell]

I know what ya'll mean ~ picking up and moving. Done it so many times and the less "stuff" we accumulate, the easier it is. I moved from Ct. to Ca. w/ $150 in my pocket. Best thing I ever did.

As far as work goes, as long as you've got a means to get there and no pride on what you're willing to do, there's work. Sometimes one has to step down, go sideways, make a small detour and know, it's temporary.

I've delivered pizza and gotten up at 2 a.m. to deliver newspapers when I had to. Worked temp jobs as well. Whatever it took to get me what I wanted, I did.

My husband, left his job of 15 years in another country, to move here. He left his family, all the benefits of a socialist country to start anew almost 6 years ago. He had some major setbacks then found his "cash machine" on Craigslist while looking for SOMEthing to bring in some $$. He started out working for someone else for an hourly wage, now, he's creating his own business where he'll create jobs and businesses for others in the near future.

Envision it, plan it, make it happen. If not now, when?

Revvell

[freshlight]

Wow, this woke up all my "I want to move!" feelings. They were SO strong 3 years ago.......and couple of days ago I noticed that they are still there, hiding :) I'd have no problem at all with letting go of things but the children love it here and have a lot of friends, that's why I decided to put my wishes aside untill they are bigger(the children, that is).
Is there a different approach to all of the above?

Anyway: *RayRay*,-I wish you a very happy time in LA!

[Revvell]

Is there a different approach to all of the above?


Yep! Travel as much as you can. Go and visit the places you THINK you'd like to live. Get a feel for them.

There are places I never thought I'd want to live yet, going there, spending time there, seeing what they have to offer... the people, their attitudes....

Read travel magazines to find out what the best and worst things are about places.

Write down everything you could possibly want in a place to live. Write it in detail. What would you feel, see, hear, taste? Be able to do?

In the meantime, enjoy life now!

Revvell

[Ilse W.]

I lived in So Cal for 7 years, San Jose for 12 years, the Northern Cal coast for 3, and have now lived here in the PNW since 2001. I LOVE it here, of course I'm in Sequim where the sun shines when it rains in Seattle. I agree with the part about the snow. I live 200 yards from the water and had a foot of snow in my yard a couple of months ago. That's just not right!
There are some really beautiful places in California, but I would only consider living in San Diego, Monterey, or Santa Cruz. That's about it. I want to be healthy, and I don't consider breathing VISIBLE air healthful. We had a beautiful house on top of a hill when we lived in So Cal, with a 300 degree view of surrounding mountains which we were able to see about twice a year when the santa ana winds came through. The rest of the time they were hidden in beige soup. Yack!
I also don't want to pay state income tax!
Change is good. I wish you the best!

[Moretta]

All the best in your travels.

[*RayRay*]

As far as work goes, as long as you've got a means to get there and no pride on what you're willing to do, there's work. Sometimes one has to step down, go sideways, make a small detour and know, it's temporary.


I'm open to something new...! In fact I am hoping for something new! I thought I wanted to be a fashion designer, but now that I have my own clothing line, I have found it sort-of un fulfilling..... :(

[debilana]

I moved across the whole country, from VA to Seattle, in 93- dragging a uhaul trailer behind my pickup truck, and a bed strapped on top of it. We spent 12 days on the road, and it was AWESOME. Even got to hear wolves howling while camping at a lake in Minn.

Best thing I ever did. SO good luck to you on your journey=)
We actually flipped a coin between Portland and Seattle. lol I love both !

I get tired of the rain sometimes, but its so green here- my heart lives in Seattle now. I enjoy my visits to CA and I can understand the appeal. Have fun!!! Live your life!:)

[*RayRay*]

katacykls , thanks for the tips! and thanks everyone for the good wishes!

[Cheremoya]

Long Beach is the best value for your $ and there are many beautiful areas. As far as crime . There is crime everywhere in LA you just have to become savvy.

[*RayRay*]

well I'm one step closer! we have sold every piece of furniture and everything else we own, moved out of our apartment, and are staying with my mom for a couple months before we go! We literally have our clothes, and basic supplies (hairbrush, toothbrush, etc...) and my husbands tools.....oh, and my juicer....but other than that....nothing! whoohoo! So, the countdown begins....we are thinking we will leave around july.....but you never know, at this point it could literally happen any day we choose!

[shine72]

well I'm one step closer! we have sold every piece of furniture and everything else we own, moved out of our apartment, and are staying with my mom for a couple months before we go! We literally have our clothes, and basic supplies (hairbrush, toothbrush, etc...) and my husbands tools.....oh, and my juicer....but other than that....nothing! whoohoo! So, the countdown begins....we are thinking we will leave around july.....but you never know, at this point it could literally happen any day we choose!

Congatulations! :D If hubby stays as agreeable to everything as he's been lately, I should be doing the same thing in a few years, but to Costa Rica! :D (Of course, Cali isn't totally out of the question either, depending on a couple of things.) ;)

[RawHeaven]

well I'm one step closer! we have sold every piece of furniture and everything else we own, moved out of our apartment, and are staying with my mom for a couple months before we go! We literally have our clothes, and basic supplies (hairbrush, toothbrush, etc...) and my husbands tools.....oh, and my juicer....but other than that....nothing! whoohoo! So, the countdown begins....we are thinking we will leave around july.....but you never know, at this point it could literally happen any day we choose!

Congratulations! I know the feeling in being a nomad. It's very liberating especially when you release a lot of your "material stuff". I think I got it from my parents who did the same thing and we Uhauled it 3000 miles across the country to Cali when I was a kid. I still have my journal from that trip and it was pretty cool seeing the country like that. Have fun!

[Revvell]

Make it June and you could hit the Raw Spirit Festival in Santa Barbara. Camping! Volunteering!

[Springtime]

I just read the title of your topic, and instantly i heard "Going To California" by Led Zeppelin playing in my head.

And i love that song, so it's a really good thing! Best of luck to you and your partner! If you're looking for temporary places to stay i recommend couchsurfing.com, where people let you sleep on their couch for free for a few nights.

again, best of luck on Going To California!

[RawHeaven]

If you're looking for temporary places to stay i recommend couchsurfing.com, where people let you sleep on their couch for free for a few nights.

Great suggestion.

If you use couchsurfing be sure to register while you have an address because I think they physically mail something to you to verify it and your identity. They will also ask to verify your identity (in other ways as well) before you can use the services & let people know you need a couch. http://www.couchsurfing.com/

[*RayRay*]

Make it June and you could hit the Raw Spirit Festival in Santa Barbara. Camping! Volunteering!

ooh! sounds fun! we'll see.....


Congatulations! If hubby stays as agreeable to everything as he's been lately, I should be doing the same thing in a few years, but to Costa Rica! (Of course, Cali isn't totally out of the question either, depending on a couple of things.)

Wow, costa rica! sounds so exciting! good luck on your adventure!



I will check out couchsurfing....sounds interesting!

[cherrypie]

if you are an outdoor person southern california is amazing , if LA is too pricy look south into, Long Beach, Tustin or Santa Ana which have become a lot more affordable now. it is so much easier here to be raw and vegan.

[SmilingRawDancer]

I couldn't read ALL the previous posts, but if you want good and inexpensive markets, try 99 Ranch markets (asian owned, but they ALWAYS have young coconuts for very little $$), and Henry's Farmer's Market stores. I LOVE Henry's. I just shop on double ad wednesdays and my mom and I can get enough for food a week for about 20 bucks.

[michigan roman]

So, My hubby and I decided to finally do what we've been wanting to do for years....Moving to LA (from Seattle)!!!! We crave the sunshine all year long.....and only get about 2-3 months of it in July/August...so...we turned in notice for our apartment, and are selling ALL of our belongings! We will be hitting the road in a few months in our little 1988 BMW with our clothes and our dog! Destination....Venice Beach, or Santa Monica, or Hollywood.....or near these areas...

So, Anyone in the LA area have any advice on neighborhoods, good HFS, or job leads...?

Almost everyone we have told so far has said things like "this is not a good time to be moving" or "the job market is bad"....so I was hoping you wonderful people on raw food talk might have a different reaction!


i knew you looked familiar to me rayray , your awesomo from southpark
arent ya :D


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f36/michelle_danae/6d538b2f.jpg

[Colorawdo girl]

Hahahahahahahahaha dont know who that is but sure looks like Rayray to me.
Good one Mich

[shine72]

Wow, costa rica! sounds so exciting! good luck on your adventure!




Thanks! :D Obviously, nothing is in stone yet (although I have convinced him to take a vacation there within the next year or so). ;)

[*RayRay*]

I couldn't read ALL the previous posts, but if you want good and inexpensive markets, try 99 Ranch markets (asian owned, but they ALWAYS have young coconuts for very little $$), and Henry's Farmer's Market stores. I LOVE Henry's. I just shop on double ad wednesdays and my mom and I can get enough for food a week for about 20 bucks.

wow, thanks, I will definitely check these places out! $20 for a weeks worth of food sound good to me!:D

[*RayRay*]

[QUOTE=michigan roman;523107]i knew you looked familiar to me rayray , your awesomo from southpark
arent ya :D

hehe, must be my long lost twin!;)

oh, one more step closer.....I closed my business (clothing line)....I'm not sure I want to continue with what I was doing....so If I decide I do, I can always go back to it later....but for now....fresh start... I want to try something new....just don't know what yet... I'm setting my intention for the right job to pop up for me when I get to LA.....until then I won't worry about it.....just get my resume ready!
My hubby wants to be a garbage man! sounds like a pretty good job to me! someone up here in seattle (who by the way is trying to discourage us to move) said "oh, you don't want to be a garbage man in Cali....they don't use dumpsters there!" lol, I'm assuming this is not true.....all the times I've visited, I'm pretty sure there were dumpsters, trash cans, etc....hehe

[Revvell]

[quote]
hehe, must be my long lost twin!;)

... said "oh, you don't want to be a garbage man in Cali....they don't use dumpsters there!" lol, I'm assuming this is not true.....all the times I've visited, I'm pretty sure there were dumpsters, trash cans, etc....hehe

Ummm, well, no. We compost our stuffs in Ca. What's a dumpster? ;)

[rawlight]

[QUOTE] lol, I'm assuming this is not true.....all the times I've visited, I'm pretty sure there were dumpsters, trash cans, etc....hehe

hahah! Of course we do and every time the come to dump our trash I am grateful.

Seriously speaking, if he wants any kind of an outdoor job, checking into the coastal cities is your best bet. While the air pollution has so much improved since I was a kid, inland cities still have problems with it.

[Portia2012]

First, welcome to sunny Cali :)


I live in Los Angeles, and there are days that I love it, and other days I think about running for the hills. However, it is a great place to be a raw foodist, and to also be spiritual. Especially if you live around the oceans.


~Portia~

[*RayRay*]

Well....monday's the day! We decided to head down to San Diego first, and check it out....see if we like it.......who knows, we might end up staying there....! My hubby quit his job today!!! woohooooo!!!! He's been there 9 years (and he's only 24 yrs old!) so it's a big deal for him to quit! We're super excited! any advice on San Diego!?

[savvvy]

if you ever make it up to NorCali let me know. I think you are so brave and its wonderful to shed yourself from attachments. The freedom and prosperity that can be attained is so amazing. You are following your dreams and not looking back. Just like being a raw foo dist it take great strength and bravery to understand yourself. Many blessings to you on your journey. :D

[*RayRay*]

Thanks savvvy :)
We're here! Staying in Venice but we found an apartment in west hollywood and we get the keys on monday!!! woohoo!!! It's not by the beach, but it's cheap and really cute!! and I met a few of my neighbors while we were there looking at the place, they were all really nice!!
I can't believe how warm and welcoming all the people of LA have been!!! We're having so much fun here! I love it! Now we just need jobs.....lol....

[spicyfull]

Welcome to california

[margoss]

I think it's great you're doing this!!! I would love to have the courage to take my 7yo out there & live, she would looovvve it. Maybe one day. Can't imagine selling all my things..too much of pack rat:(, dd is worse.
Enjoy this great experience, keep us posted!!!