NJ to San Diego, CA

[seekay]

Hi,

There is a possible job opportunity in San Diego, CA (La Jolla area), and I'm contemplating a move from NJ later this year. Reasons are possibly the job itself and better family life due to warmer weather (i.e. if it doesn't get dark at 4pm and not 20 deg F, I might be more inclined to take the kids out to play etc)

I realize there won't be as many desis, or the local Patel store won't be as big, but wanted to know about the local IT job scene in case I decide to switch jobs in a few years. It's probably not great as Manhattan or the CA Bay area, but what are the general prospects? My current/future role is that of a Technical PM/Delivery PM with some account/client management as well.

Moving my family is going to be somewhat of a big deal (esp as I'll be selling the house at a loss given the current real estate scenario), and with my daughter starting KG in Sept, I definitely don't want to have to move every few years.

Any tips, pointers, suggestions, feedback from current or former San Diego-ans (and others) is appreciated!

Thanks!

[VS007]

Hell -> Heaven!
Congrats!

[cyberabadi]

I think homes in the good suburbs of San Diego area are not cheap either. Finding an apartment/home in good school district will be a bit expensive than the rest. San Diego is said to have both good and bad schools thanks to the inflow from south of the border. Go with the area where most Qualcomm'ers reside and things should be Ok. There is said to considerable desi population thanks to Qualcomm and other firms. Kids might like to go to Seaworld or San Diego Zoo every weekend. So budget for a annual pass. :)

PS: Am not a San Diego'er, ever. Have friends who have moved from SD and they liked it there.

[seekay]

@vs2007,

Don't have the firm offer yet, but thanks for the congrats :)
Why "Heaven" - pls elaborate.

Hell -> Heaven!
Congrats!

[seekay]

@cyberabadi,
I've heard the same about the homes, but since not as $$$$ as the bay area, hopefully still affordable.
And yes, the annual passes are already accounted for, esp with grandparents making more frequent visits due to the weather.
Naturally, all this is still up in the air, but will know more in a few weeks.
Thanks!

[talk2kiran]

I have lived in places in US including San Diego and I can defintely say that it is great place to live and enjoy. La Jolla itself is a good area and has some good schools and closer to Indian grocery and temples. There is a decent desi population in SD (thanks to SDSU, Qualcomm, UHC).
Weather is a ultimate and you can plan year round outdoor activity for kids (beaches, parks, hikings etc).

[samv]

Hmm .. Job scene in San Diego. Depends! For some niche industries/skills (biotechnology, medical, embedded S/W, wireless comm., select ASIC design etc.) it tends to pretty good. I don't know specifically about IT but it won't be as hot as Bay area. Also San Diego scene tends to be dominated by a few big employers and little startups and consulting shops tend to be very few. So unlike Bay Area, here you can't count on losing your job today and then finding the next gig tomorrow across the street!

However, all you really need is one good job! So if that happens to be located in San Diego, go for it.

Everything else mentioned here will be true. You will enjoy the city and the weather ( just make sure that your job gives you enough time to enjoy!). It will cost $$$$ (but not $$$$$) - decent starter detached houses in areas popular with desis now go for $500-650K. There is a decent density of Indians in some areas near where you will be located ( but not anywhere close to the levels in NJ or SF-BA).

P.S. - In late December the sun does set at 4.30pm and winters do get cold (but non-freezing) here. - this year's lowest was ~38, avg night ~ 55. Just wanted to make sure that you don't expect Cabo San Lucas weather! ;)