Date : 11-APR-2004
gc_san,
I have been living in BayArea (San Francisco, San Jose, Silicon Valley) for the last 7 years.
Disadvantages
-- Rents are very high. At one time I use to pay $1900.00 for 2 bed/2 bath. I know people who have paid $ 2400.00 for the same.
-- Buying houses is a luxury. House prices start around 500 + and go into millions.
-- Taxes are high.
-- Beware of Earth Quakes
-- If you are in IT work pressures and expectations are high at times.
Advantages
-- Excellent Climate. Does not snow round the year. Winter temperatures are 20-30 . Summer Temperatures are 70-90.
-- Many other attractions like Monterey Aquariam (one of the best in the world), 6 Flags-Marine world in Vallejo, Gloden Gate Bridge, Muir woods (Huge world famous redwood trees), Historic Alcatraz island, Drive on US 1 (tonnes of beaches Half moon Bay, Santa Cruz, Bug Sur, Hearst Castle etc), Calistoga Hot springs, Napa Vineries (vine tasting), Clear Lake, Big Basin, Fishermans warf, SFO dwontown, Loambard Street, crooked sreet, Coit tower (Oh god the list is so huge) etc etc are good for one day trips.
-- Weekend trips : If you like snow and would like to ski, Tahoe is just 4 hours away. Reno is another 1/2 hour from Tahoe if you are interested in casinos and Gambling. Mount Shasta (14000 + Feet - This is a really montain. A challege for professional trekkers too), Lake Shasta - Biggest Man made lake - Very good for Boating - Rent a boat a spend the weekend on the Lake , Shasta Caverns - On top of the mountain - this trip is not be missied,BURNEY FALLS - Supposed to be 8th wonder of the world, Mt.Lassen - One of the most active volcanos in the country, Yosemite - Many Waterfalls and montains, Sequoia Park - One of th largest and biggest redwood trees are here , Crater lake - a unique lake created by a crater, ofcourse Preserve LA - Universal studios, Disney world, Sandiego - Sea World , Las Vegas and Grand Canyon and Co for the Long weekends.
-- Best schools in the Country - Stanford, Berkely etc.
-- Very diverse communities, mostly I think Asians like Chinese , Japanese , Vietnamese, Indian etc. These are also many mexicans. Will find many Authentic cuisines.
-- Both wife and husband will be able to find employment within driving distances.