How is San Diego as an east coaster?
I’m trying to decide where to move in the fall. I’m from the northeast, with some time in Atlanta too. I lived in Santa Monica for 5 years (2018-2023) and have been in NYC since. I’m torn between moving to San Diego, back to LA, Boston, or Brooklyn (all very different choices). I’m single, f, 33. Have my own business. Went to school in Vermont.
I really miss having a car. Would rather drive to do an errand than walk or take subway. I also really miss the culture of having your friends over to your apartment. And hugely miss the abundance of outdoor activities. I want to do more than just meet a friend for dinner. I also have a dog now, which I didn’t before in LA.
My LA friends found me too New York, but I’m not cut throat enough for my NYC friends. Some people did say they see me in a coastal town and I grew up going to the cape a lot. But I’m someone that likes to be out and about daily and would struggle living in a place where nobody wants to do things.
Ideally I want to live somewhere where I can go on hikes, beach picnics, go to tons of concerts and live music, have my friends over for a dinner party, play tennis, go to the driving range to hit golf balls (did this in la with friends often as a wine night haha). I want to meet a guy who wants to settle down, have kids, but still wants to have fun after too. If I could go to the beach every day and a concert every night and call that life, I would.
Tbh part of the San Diego appeal is the only guys I’ve ever loved have either been 1) military or 2) kiteboarders. I love water sports and the only shows I enjoy are military ones so San Diego has naturally always been in the back of my mind.
The arguments for Brooklyn and Boston are basically staying closer to family and my niece and nephew. Brooklyn has a Vermont feel and it’s a great live music scene, more spacious apt and seems people actually have their friends over for cookouts etc. Boston everyone always thought I’d move to but I’ve always rebelled against? I like the people but I don’t know what I would do there for fun.
Thanks for your feedback! And I already know the, “don’t move here, it sucks” advice 😂