[joost]

Hi,

I'm moving to US with my girlfriend and I would love to hear some recommendations about which city should I move in.

My background:
I've been in more than 20 countries and even though I would prefer to live in Europe, I guess US is a wise choice since I'm a US citizen (visited US like five times but as a tourist so I have no experience with jobs, credit, laws, etc). I'll start from scratch. I have some savings but probably I'll start doing some menial jobs before finding a decent one. And when I say decent, I mean above minimum wage.


I was raised in a beach-front house so I used to surf during my teen years and later I moved to a cosmopolitan city (like NYC) to study. I love being around the ocean and the cosmopolitan life I had.

The places I've been thinking about:
-California (L.A or San Diego)
-Boston (never visited but my girlfriend has relatives there)
-Texas (Austin)
-Florida (maybe Tampa?)


My preferences?

House or Apartment:
I prefer to live in an small (2 br) apartment due to low maintenance and access to a pool/sauna/amenities/etc. At the same time the chances of having a better view than a house are exponential. Big windows and bright apartment. I can't live inside a cave.

Location:
Close to everything so I don't have to drive long distances. I prefer to take the elevator and walk around the area. I like to see life; people walking in the streets, sitting in restaurants/cafes eating/drinking socializing... Some cities in US look like ghost towns. You see empty sidewalks and no people on the streets since everybody is inside their cars driving to some shopping mall.

Transportation:
During the weekends I prefer to take a cab when returning from a bar/pub/disco/restaurant.
To commute to work, A motorcycle would be ideal. No transit, you can park it anywhere, many MPG, cheap maintenance.
I know cars are damn cheap in US but Ideally I wouldn't need one. If needed I could call an Uber driver.

Social life:
I would love to live near the ocean or a lake so I could kite-surf few times a week. This is not mandatory.
I'm a gym-rat. I'm making my girlfriend hit the gym too. We go to the gym 4-5 times a week.
Do some MMA/boxing classes twice a week for cardio.
I love outdoors. Parks and open spaces to walk around. Maybe I'll get a dog before my girl starts thinking about having a kid.
Bars/Pubs/Nighclubs to drink (only) during the weekends. Usually I meet people, invite them to my place to drink before going to the nightclubs. That way I spend less on drinks, and start hitting the girl in the nightclub.

People:
-My girlfriend is well-trained and willing to do threesomes. In that case, local talent should be open minded (no religious freaks).
-The least fat chicks as possible. I know USA is the worst but must be a place with decent ratio. I've been to Kansas and boy, that was scary.
-Mostly white area. I prefer a place with the least minorities as possible.
-Young talent. I like them 25 and below. Maybe living close to some university would be ideal?

Weather:
-Not extremes. Something between 41°F min (winter) and 90°F max (summer). Ideally between 68°F to 86°F.

Cost of Living:
The one I could spend the less as possible, specially since I'm not going to have a job in a fortune-50 company.




Thanks in advance.

[Deepdiver]

The places I've been thinking about:

-California (L.A or San Diego) - Hot mercenary chix - very expensive houses and rents - super high taxes - great weather - 50% Asian and Hispanic - tend to be rich whites in hollywood and silicon valley. Huge tourism. Earthquakes.

-Boston (never visited but my girlfriend has relatives there) - Lots of universities so housing shortage - 300,000 Uni Students from around the world including Main Land China in metro Boston and many Latino immigrants doing manual labor as it is a sanctuary City/State - miserable winters. Low unemployment rate.

-Texas (Austin) Univ or Texas - lots of tech - half latino half white Country Music fans "cowgirls" not as expensive as California or the Northeast - lots of work in Texas in tech, manufacturing and energy.

-Florida (maybe Tampa?) Big tourism state - nice warm weather except for Hurricane season - many decent cities with pro sports teams - rents and cost of living cheap compared to California and the Northeast - gulf coast cities costs to buy homes low - rents reasonable - Miami very Latin and international, Orlando Disney World and Universal Studios, Tampa St. Pete Busch Garden and Strip Clubs capitol of Florida, Jacksonville Naval Base - Cape Canaveral Space Shots.

A few other university cities in Florida as well.

Florida, California and Texas among 3 largest states with warm weather - Texas and Florida very tropical hot and humid 100F+ in summer - whereas Boston, Massachusetts is a tiny New England Ocean Bay State with frigid cold ocean-front winters yet pleasant Spring, Summer and Fall seasons.

[Moma]

If your girl is hot, bring her to Tampa so I could get a go at that, bro! Playas are supposed to share with the community!

Seriously thought, what kind of skills do you bring to the market place? How do you plan to make money when your savings run out?

I'm thinking Texas might work for you overall since you are interested in only/mostly whites around you. Austin might be a good bet. Not certain about the cost of living there but I know Texas is cheaper in general. Hit up guys like Cattle Rustler for better details on ideal locations to stay. You want to balance what you think you can afford to proximity to locations that you would like to visit. The closer you are, the more you will pay in rent however this may pay for itself in the fact that you don't have to drive (or cab it) far to get to action regarding nightlife or opportunities.

I do think that getting a car would be a good idea, it's pretty much essential in the US to be in the swing of things. Not having a car while living in the warmer regions is akin to not being able to read, you are practically illiterate. You don't need a high end vehicle, 3-5K is enough to get a reliable machine that can carry you. Car insurance and petrol in the US is quite reasonable so you should be good on costs.

But I reckon you can survive with Uber, I guess, others can chime in on this.

[Brodiaga]

Are you going to the US for work or business? In other words, are you planning to make money in the US? If the answer is no, then there are other places in the world you might want to consider. The US may be the best place to make money, but it's not the best place to spend it.

[joost]

Thanks for the replies.

So California has the best weather year round.
Boston comes second when you don't count the winter. Do people stay at home during the winter?

For me, threesome involves two chicks and me

I'm going to make money. My savings I'll use as an emergency cushion. I checked numbeo to have an idea but that's an average. I don't even know which neighborhood I should look for.





Seems like Austin has lower costs and higher salaries compared to the other cities.

I guess I'll buy a car. I just prefer not to use it.

I think I'm leaning to Austin.

[Merenguero]

(10-18-2015 06:52 PM)joost Wrote:  

So California has the best weather year round.

What are you talking about? It gets really cold in California during the winter. It's just more mild than the northeast and the midwest. South Florida probably has the best weather, but it rains quite a bit, especially in the summer.

[The Black Knight]

You sound like you want it all (walkable, perfect weather, ocean, upscale 2 bedroom with solid logistics, tons of under 25 white fit sluts) but all you say is that you have "some savings" and are willing to work shit jobs for a while?

No disrespect dude: that really isn't going to cut in the US for very long for what you want unless you have some serious savings. How much are we talking here? 10K? 50K? 100K? It does make a difference. Until we know how much bankroll you got, its difficult to say where you should go.

Another factor is what are your career goals? Different cities have different professional opportunities. What are you career goals? Life is shit anywhere when you are broke.

Miami Beach or Tampa near the water could work for some things. Miami isn't exactly known for being white girl central though.

Downtown Austin could maybe work if you are willing to forego the ocean and pay the high rents downtown. A place on or near 6th street if you are willing to pay for it would get you pretty close to what you want minus the ocean and hot ass summers. You could get a place with a rooftop pool that will likely be a HUGE pull for UT Austin sluts and your threesome goals. Get a bartending gig on 6th street and it's a wrap.

Forget Boston. Makes no sense for what you are describing. None.

California coastal towns could work but cost of living (housing, taxes, goods) is high. Housing will be in the ballpark of a 6th street Austin place (downtown Austin is expensive but 15-30 minute out is VERY cheap) but you will have high taxes on income/goods. Also, if having a baller upscale place is important: $2500/3000 is going to go a lot further in Austin vs California.

Charleston, South Carolina could be a contender as well. You get ocean and a college with more women then men but will get some religious elements in there. Not super cheap either.

I would need to know more about what are your top priorities, career goals, and current bankroll to give ya better advice.

If you are willing to forego ocean and perfect year round weather, I'd say Austin. If money gets tight, you can live in the suburbs super cheap (like 500-600/month for a 1BD cheap). Want to be a baller and can afford it? Go live on 6th street in an luxury high-rise. Tons of fit friendly (which is rare in most of the US... believe fuckin me. Friendly white chicks are a dying breed) white sluts from UT Austin. If you live on 6th street in a luxury place, your logistics will be incredible and you probably won't need a car. Liberal town (by Texas standards) so finding 3-some chicks shouldn't be too difficult. No state income tax too; a big deal when you are just scraping by.

[The Beast1]

Do not even bother with Boston! It's a cold desolate place from November to March (sub zero), the city is run by incompetent idiots, you'll be surrounded by college students and retirees, and the summers are scorching hot.

I've ranted many of time about the city in Assachusets. Save yourself the frustration and go elsewhere.

I'd suggest Texas, Corpus Christi if you want beaches and warm weather.

[joost]

(10-18-2015 10:10 PM)The Black Knight Wrote:  

You sound like you want it all (walkable, perfect weather, ocean, upscale 2 bedroom with solid logistics, tons of under 25 white fit sluts) but all you say is that you have "some savings" and are willing to work shit jobs for a while?

Those are my preferences. Doesn't have to be all perfect for me (I'm flexible). Some people don't like the ocean, prefer a house (+space) in the suburbs (+calm). It doesn't have to be upscale apartment (expensive).

Quote:

No disrespect dude: that really isn't going to cut in the US for very long for what you want unless you have some serious savings. How much are we talking here? 10K? 50K? 100K? It does make a difference. Until we know how much bankroll you got, its difficult to say where you should go.

Not taken. Actually I appreciate you took the time to reply.
As I said, I have some savings but I'll use it only for emergencies. I have 40k usd. It yields 2500 usd/year. Not much but it's growing.

Quote:

Downtown Austin could maybe work if you are willing to forego the ocean and pay the high rents downtown. A place on or near 6th street if you are willing to pay for it would get you pretty close to what you want minus the ocean and hot ass summers. You could get a place with a rooftop pool that will likely be a HUGE pull for UT Austin sluts and your threesome goals. Get a bartending gig on 6th street and it's a wrap.

Interesting. That could be a goal.

Quote:

Forget Boston. Makes no sense for what you are describing. None.

It was an option only because my girl has relatives there. Shit weather is a big turn off.

Quote:

California coastal towns could work but cost of living (housing, taxes, goods) is high. Housing will be in the ballpark of a 6th street Austin place (downtown Austin is expensive but 15-30 minute out is VERY cheap) but you will have high taxes on income/goods. Also, if having a baller upscale place is important: $2500/3000 is going to go a lot further in Austin vs California.

Cheap, 15-min from downtown Austin sounds like a good place to start.

Quote:

Charleston, South Carolina could be a contender as well. You get ocean and a college with more women then men but will get some religious elements in there. Not super cheap either.

Just checked in Google Maps and it looks like Stockholm (full of rivers/canals) near the ocean. Must be a beautiful place. According to Numbeo, prices are similar to Austin with rents being 10% lower (in Charleston). But 25% African American population is too much for me. Murder rate is more than double the national average. All other crimes are above national average too.

Quote:

I would need to know more about what are your top priorities, career goals, and current bankroll to give ya better advice.

For now my top priority is to find a cheap place to live a normal life, nothing fancy. Just a small place to stay with my girlfriend and being able to go out to have some drinks. If possible a lake with some wind for kite surfing. In the future I'll use my entrepreneur skills to do something but I need to establish myself first.

Quote:

If you are willing to forego ocean and perfect year round weather, I'd say Austin. If money gets tight, you can live in the suburbs super cheap (like 500-600/month for a 1BD cheap). Want to be a baller and can afford it? Go live on 6th street in an luxury high-rise. Tons of fit friendly (which is rare in most of the US... believe fuckin me. Friendly white chicks are a dying breed) white sluts from UT Austin. If you live on 6th street in a luxury place, your logistics will be incredible and you probably won't need a car. Liberal town (by Texas standards) so finding 3-some chicks shouldn't be too difficult. No state income tax too; a big deal when you are just scraping by.

I guess I'll buy a car (they're so cheap in US) and live in the suburbs of Austin before I can afford something better.

I'll be narrowing my search in Austin.

[The Black Knight]

(10-19-2015 06:24 AM)joost Wrote:  

(10-18-2015 10:10 PM)The Black Knight Wrote:  

You sound like you want it all (walkable, perfect weather, ocean, upscale 2 bedroom with solid logistics, tons of under 25 white fit sluts) but all you say is that you have "some savings" and are willing to work shit jobs for a while?

Those are my preferences. Doesn't have to be all perfect for me (I'm flexible). Some people don't like the ocean, prefer a house (+space) in the suburbs (+calm). It doesn't have to be upscale apartment (expensive).

Quote:

No disrespect dude: that really isn't going to cut in the US for very long for what you want unless you have some serious savings. How much are we talking here? 10K? 50K? 100K? It does make a difference. Until we know how much bankroll you got, its difficult to say where you should go.

Not taken. Actually I appreciate you took the time to reply.
As I said, I have some savings but I'll use it only for emergencies. I have 40k usd. It yields 2500 usd/year. Not much but it's growing.

Quote:

Downtown Austin could maybe work if you are willing to forego the ocean and pay the high rents downtown. A place on or near 6th street if you are willing to pay for it would get you pretty close to what you want minus the ocean and hot ass summers. You could get a place with a rooftop pool that will likely be a HUGE pull for UT Austin sluts and your threesome goals. Get a bartending gig on 6th street and it's a wrap.

Interesting. That could be a goal.

Quote:

Forget Boston. Makes no sense for what you are describing. None.

It was an option only because my girl has relatives there. Shit weather is a big turn off.

Quote:

California coastal towns could work but cost of living (housing, taxes, goods) is high. Housing will be in the ballpark of a 6th street Austin place (downtown Austin is expensive but 15-30 minute out is VERY cheap) but you will have high taxes on income/goods. Also, if having a baller upscale place is important: $2500/3000 is going to go a lot further in Austin vs California.

Cheap, 15-min from downtown Austin sounds like a good place to start.

Quote:

Charleston, South Carolina could be a contender as well. You get ocean and a college with more women then men but will get some religious elements in there. Not super cheap either.

Just checked in Google Maps and it looks like Stockholm (full of rivers/canals) near the ocean. Must be a beautiful place. According to Numbeo, prices are similar to Austin with rents being 10% lower (in Charleston). But 25% African American population is too much for me. Murder rate is more than double the national average. All other crimes are above national average too.

Quote:

I would need to know more about what are your top priorities, career goals, and current bankroll to give ya better advice.

For now my top priority is to find a cheap place to live a normal life, nothing fancy. Just a small place to stay with my girlfriend and being able to go out to have some drinks. If possible a lake with some wind for kite surfing. In the future I'll use my entrepreneur skills to do something but I need to establish myself first.

Quote:

If you are willing to forego ocean and perfect year round weather, I'd say Austin. If money gets tight, you can live in the suburbs super cheap (like 500-600/month for a 1BD cheap). Want to be a baller and can afford it? Go live on 6th street in an luxury high-rise. Tons of fit friendly (which is rare in most of the US... believe fuckin me. Friendly white chicks are a dying breed) white sluts from UT Austin. If you live on 6th street in a luxury place, your logistics will be incredible and you probably won't need a car. Liberal town (by Texas standards) so finding 3-some chicks shouldn't be too difficult. No state income tax too; a big deal when you are just scraping by.

I guess I'll buy a car (they're so cheap in US) and live in the suburbs of Austin before I can afford something better.

I'll be narrowing my search in Austin.

If you see yourself as a future entrepreneur, Austin isn't a bad place to be. It has a start-up culture and environment. Texas is one of the best states to have and do business in; there is a reason a ton of companies are moving to the state. Friendly business laws, cheap labor, cheap land, etc.

http://capitalfactory.com/

Look into that. It's an Austin start-up incubator. Might be a solid spot to start with making contacts and getting plugged in.

If you are going to live in the suburbs, be VERY mindful of traffic patterns from where you live to where you work and time of the day. Austin has horrible traffic due to a insufficient road system. You want to live close to wherever you work if on a normal 9-5 schedule. It will be worth it to spend extra money to live closer to work.

With 40K, you should be fine. You will need to tap into it a bit for a car and some basics I imagine. Probably 10K if you don't have a job immediately lined up. The Austin job market is a bit tough since you will be competing with a ton of transplants and university students for shit jobs. Even in professional jobs, Austin wages are known to be relatively low compared to other Texas cities and nationwide. Austin is considered a hot city (its on a ton of best place to move to lists) so be aware of that prior to committing.