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HELP! I'm California Dreamin' and this little Brit needs advice :-)

I haven't blogged on ActiveRain for a long time, why? Because Twitter has sucked my soul and now if it's more than 140 characters my brain melts into an oozey puddle!

But I need some advice and ya know what? ActiveRain seems like the best place to ask.

Those of you who know me will know that I may be a Featured Member in Anaheim but I am actually an impostor, being in fact a British lady living in London. When I signed up for AR I couldn't put an international city so I chose Anaheim, a place I've fond holiday memories of and home of my (almost) namesake ;-)

So here's the story, in Spring 2010 I'm coming to 'live' in California for three months. You folks don't make it very easy to get a visa so three months is the most I can stay without jumping through lots of hoops/tricking someone into marrying me etc!

Now I need some advice on WHERE to lay my head during this three month period. My shortlist of places is as follows:

San Francisco (Mission District)
Laguna Beach
Santa Monica
Newport Beach

I have vacationed in all of these places so know them in a very loose sense, but I can't figure out where I should stay for the three month period. Or, if I should stay six weeks in SF and six weeks in the OC, or one month in three different locations....or what!

The biggest thing that will affect my decision is that I won't have a car, I'm too young to hire and the idea of driving in America is terrifying to me if I'm perfectly honest.

So where would you recommend I made my temporary Californian home, bearing in mind I will be car-less, looking to meet lots of new people, looking to have fun, need great bars and restaurants but want to relax too? I really adore the idea of a beach, as I live in grotty central London and want a real change of scenery. I'm very happy to take public transport, but I want to be able to walk to cafes etc. And I want to feel safe wherever I am. Cost isn't so much of an issue, I'm coming from London for goodness sake!

I'm spending Christmas and New Year in Orange County so that will help me check out my options also before coming out for the three months in March/April but any advice is greatly appreciated :-D

Thank you in advance.

Posted by Poppy Dinsey ~ London, UK on 09/09/2009 05:13 PM

Comments (55)

Moving to California in the Regional (Localism) Channel

california, orange county, san francisco, laguna beach, santa monica, newport beach

This post has been included in California Information
Post is included in group: Club Chaos
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55 Comments on HELP! I'm California Dreamin' and this little Brit needs advice :-)

SEP

Club Chaos at Active Rain

Featured @ Club Chaos

If you can afford it, go to the OC. And try to get on one of the reality shows taped in Orange County. Between that and THE OC, life there looks fabulous!

haha! Twitter sucked your soul, that's where I just saw your tweet that you posted this!! :-)

Being from the Bay Area, my first response would be SF, cause that's where I am, but the location options you mention are ALL beautiful places to temporarily or even permanentlty live. I'll put in my vote and say San Francisco. (Big Grin!) If you need any info on the area here Poppy, let me know, I'll do my best to get you whatever you need. Looking forward to hearing about your travels.... :-))

BTW - We do have an International Category on ActiveRain now. Yea!!

Hi Poppy - You wouldn't need a car in San Francisco, and if you wanted to take a trip somewhere there are usually organized ones that would include transportation. Since San Francisco is my favorite city, I vote San Fran. : )

As a former Newport Beach resident of 14 years, I'd say go for Newport. But as a resident of Sacramento now, I'd also say spend time in San Francisco. Extreme opposites but fun just the same. Laguna Beach is similar to Newport Beach but a bit more laid back. And personally, I think Santa Monica is overrated.

In fact, if you end up in San Francisco, you could always hop the B.A.R.T. to Richmond, climb aboard the Amtrak and be in Sacramento in 90 minutes.

I'm for hire as a chauffeur! No buyer prospects at the moment, and have lived in both northern & southern Cal. We need to get you on a movie set. Spielberg is finishing Tin-Tin in LA! CHEERS! Get to Moonlight Beach near San Diego!

I don't know why you even wrote this post. You know San Francisco is calling your name. I've lived in both and with no car, you wouldn't last a week in Orange County. They have public transportation but I don't know a single person who has ever used it.

In San Francisco you have BART and Muni, as well as CalTrain, to get pretty much anywhere you want to go in the Bay Area. And if you do get adventurous and want to drive on the other side of the road, you can always get a ZipCar.

Having vast knowledge of both areas, I'm just telling you what you would be in store for....and I really would love to have you hanging in my neck of the woods.

Good luck and I hope to hang with you in person in 2010.

Derek
@doverbey

Hint, hint: San Fran! (LOL) ;-)

Poppey - Sorry, I have no opinion .... I'm in New Jersey....lol Good luck with your choice and have fun tonight CT... Gotta go now....

Hi Poppy,

Okay, I guess I'm going to be the first to say Laguna. I've lived in Newport and the OC for the last 150 years or so. And as much as I love Newport, Laguna is far easier to get around without a car. Great restaurants, great night life, art & entertainment, etc., etc.

A friend of mine, who has lived in London her entire life, did exactly what you're talking about. She came over here for about a year (3 months at a time), and lived in Laguna the entire time. And she wouldn't trade it for anything. In fact, if you want to talk to her to get her thoughts, just shoot me a private message and I'll respond with her contact info. Heck, she would come back in a heartbeat.

Can't help as to where to stay but welcome to the USA. I hope you have the best of times. Well wishes from RI.

No advice here.. came because of C's email. SOOOO Listen to those that know. I'm in the midwest in Oklahoma... hope you enjoy your stay and it's everything that you're anticipating!

So Poppy do you want the beach to be warm or chilly? That seems to me to be the difference betwween San Fran and the more southern places. Personally I think you'd have a blast in San Fran.

Glad to see you unsucking yourself from twitter and getting back in the rain where all the real fun is!

Anna Banana

I haven't lived in California since 1965 when my folks fled to unspoiled North Idaho. One question for you though, what does grotty mean?????

Back again... read your profile. Couldn't tell if you're licensed in anything real estate related ??

I'd say none of the above and go to Pismo Beach. :)

<<<----So Calie 31 years (Inland, Hermosa, Santa Monica, Palm Springs)

Poppy, I've been car-less for over 20 years but I live in NYC. I lived in LA before moving to NY and have spent time in Laguna. (love it) I have good friends in S.F. and visit often. Of all the places in CA that are non-car friendly I would have to say it's S.F. and the weather is closer to London's. (fog) lol

You will be in Southern Ca for Christmas anyway. You can always take 2 more weeks in SoCa in April. I vote for S.F.

Judi, Poppy is a Social Media Diva (LOL)who gets jiggy with social media. I adore her. She introduced me to Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook among other things. Judi, she's a property portal search engine wizther things (LOL). Snarky Gals was and still is a fave. :-)

Poppy,

You missed out on the big points during Bob's challenges! Welcome back - please find me on Twitter: RealtorLori

I have only been to California once and that was to San Fran in 2005 for my honeymoon. I would love to visit all the places from which you must choose. I suspect you will have a good time, regardless of your choice! They make great wine in California!

... I say skip all 4 of those and hook up with Sally Cheeseman in Hawaii !!!

Cheers !

Sheldon

As an OC resident, I would say if it's OC - I would definitely say Laguna Beach - no question. But if you are without transportation, San Francisco is a great city!

Poppy - Knowing what I know of you from Twitter, here's my take. Laguna Beach is gorgeous and well worth staying in. Santa Monica would be my personal choice, but that's just because I lived in L.A. You can walk, you've got the beach, you're short cab rides from everything else. You can hit the Sunset Strip at night in true London fashion-loving Poppy style. Santa Monica is a short hop to many other great beaches too. Santa Monica can be a little grotty at times (as can Venice), but right up the road you're in Malibu and Zuma Beach, both favorites. Santa Monica also has a great tea room (in case you feel home sick) and several excellent pubs (with REAL darts and chalk boards - no electronics). Certainly made my wife feel better when she was a little home sick (we used to go just to buy REAL bacon...mmmmmm).

Ahh, I'm no use here but I did want to wish you a great trip.

Poppy, I would pick Newport Beach myself but each area is a great one in California with its own unique style and flavor.

My daughter who is 20 says that Pismo Beach is where all of the hot guys are - if that is a factor - maybe you would meet Mr Right Now I will Marry You and make you a citizen and teach you how to drive to the beach.

Other than that, I would vote for San Francisco.

Poppy, I live in Utah but think you should travel about California to get a 'feel' of the areas you have mentioned before committing yourself. Have a great trip over!

No car...one choice and one choice only....SanFran!

Poppy - I lived in Southern California, so I frequented all of those places - including the short flight to San Francisco on occasion. I'd have to recommend San Francisco. Certainly you do not need a car.. LOTS of fun people... clubs to hang out in...

If I may throw in another option... Santa Barbara. Beautiful beach, shopping, clubs, people, and a great zoo (if you like animals). Certainly a better beach stay than Newport and Santa Monica. Just a thought.

What ever you decide... have a great time!

Sorry, just a tad distracted watching the President address Congress...

Poppy, San Franciso is easy to get around, but rather chilly in those months. I say Laguna if you like the ocean. Better yet visit Sally C in Hawaii! If you ever choose to come to the Southeastern coast, check out Wilmington NC... beautiful beaches & lovely Historic downtown (with great night life) on the River. I think you'd love it here!

Ginger

I grew up in So. California. Now I live in the Great Pacific NW -- screw skip CALI -- come up to PORTLAND!! You want to SKI? We have Mt. Hood one of the ONLY mountain sky resorts that offer year-round skiing in the nation! We have public transport that is great, a vibrant downtown . . . lot of things to do, good places to hang . . .

This is a great delima.. Maybe Mickey Mouse can help solve the mystry :)

Seriously...I wish I knew the are to be of better assistance.

If you're going to be in California for three months, make sure to include a couple of long weekends in Las Vegas!

Come to Washington, DC and we'll have a party for you and try to find you a house sitting gig in some big old house!

Hi Poppy:

I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for 13 years. Since you are without a car, I would vote for San Francisco as the easiest place to get around. There is some pretty great transportation, including the cable car which is fun to hop on to get from place to place. Also BART is handy to travel in the city as well as to pop out to the Easy Bay (Berkeley, etc.).

Do keep in mind (as some people do not) that San Francisco is not a warm place. The temperature is pleasant (70 - 75) but that's about it. If you want warm or hot weather, you will need to head to the Southern area. California is a wonderful place. Don't forget to go wine tasting in Napa Valley, go to see Marin County - Sausalito across the Golden Gate. Check out Golden Gate Park and the great Italian restaurants in North Beach.

Have a wonderful time!

Poppy, I live in South Florida, so can't help you but did have to wish you a warm welcome to the US!! San Francisco for the food, though!

Definitely Newport Beach! Have great memories of Newport, Costa Mesa, Huntingdon Beach area. Close to everything!

Poppy, my girlfriend Susana said if you pick San Fran, driving to SoCal is pretty quick and you can enjoy the best of both worlds (warmer weather at the beach, minor transportation issues, great food, lots to do...)

I think you should make any Active Rainer you can find in California drive you everywhere you want to go, and give you the full tour, for your entire stay! =D They won't mind ;-)

SEP

Lisa, you are my kinda gal. Seriously. I would be very happy to drive you about NYC when you get here. :-)

WOW! So many responses :) You're all too kind!

Erica - I do like the idea of being on the TV!

Brad - ActveRain sure looks prettier! SF gets a lot of votes, know a lot of people in the area which makes it seem less scary too :)

Chris - SF does seem the easiest without a car.

Elizabeth - I think I may have to split my time...Newport certainly is lovely!

Mara - HIRED! ;-)

Derek - I know you're right, dammit.

CT - I hear what everyone's saying!

Robert - Thx anyway :D

Michael - It's great to hear Laguna is possible without a car. I think we're used to walking more in the UK anyway, I walk six miles to and from work every day here in London.

Lisa - Thanks :)

Anna - I love SF, but would love to have SoCal weather! Tricky I know!

Janna - Grotty means kinda horrible/grimey/dirty/not nice :)

Judi - I work for a real estate search engine in the UK, like a Trulia or a Zillow.I work with agents from all across the UK but don't sell houses myself.

Candice - You're not the first to say that :)

Mitchell - It's the weather that puts me off SF, but I *adore* it as a city. May have to split my time.

Lori - I was in Napa in May and the wine was out of this world!

Sheldon - Mmmmmm Hawaii :)

Linsey - Laguna is truly lovely, can't wait to be back at Xmas.

Matt - Great to hear an insightful vote for Santa Monica, thank you kindly :-D

Margaret - Thanks :)

Gary - California certainly is unique.

Virginia - Yes, yes...hot guys are a factor LOL!

Wanda - You're right, that's what I can hopefully do over Xmas.

Sarah - That's what many seem to be saying, they must be right!

John - Thanks, I'll check ut Santa Barbara.

Ginger - See, I'm worried about being chilly...that's why I'm leaving London after all! And another vote for Hawaii, hehe!

Carla - LOL, I'm terrified to ski! :-s

Roland - I wish Mickey would!

John - I'm definitely heading to Vegas :-D

Patricia - House sitting? Perfect :-D

Claudette - San Fran does seem to be getting a lot of votes! I <3 Napa, Sonoma and surrounding areas. Lovely.

Kathy - Thanks :)

Scott - I love Huntington, Newport does seem the perfect base...it's just the problem of no car :(

Lisa - I like you're thinking!!!

Looks like you got many good tips and advice. It would be hard for me to choose because you have great options!!! But my heart is really in Santa Monica. It is a lot of fun and I enjoy the 'colorful' characters there. You are going to love it so much you will never want to leave, promise!

Poppy,

I currently live in on the west coast of Sunny Florida but am originally from New York. I have visited CA only once, and have relatives that live in San Francisco and they LOVE it there. So I would have to encourage you to choose San Francisco!

Poppy...

After reading all the comments all I can offer you is a song :)

TLW...ROAR!

Mama, loved the song (LOL) ;-)

My hubby and I spent our anniversary in San Francisco and all I could think of was going back. If I was looking to hang somewhere for 3 months that would be my choice! Where ever you go, you will let us all know, right?

Sheldon may have the best advice ... and who says we in the states can drive?

SEP

LOL @ Steve. You do realize she will have to get used to driving on the "wrong side of the road" to be on the right side of the road over here, right? Just sayin... ;-)

BTW, Poppy, you are going to have to give me great hotel advice before you go, just in case I'm over there while you're over here (LMAO). Never saw that one coming, eh? Rats. That's what I get for having such a crazy schedule (LOL). I have to check in with my NY Soho gallery and see what's cooking about those dates. Maybe I should just ship the paintings and hang out at home with the wee people. I'm a bit nervous about driving in your neck of the woods as well. Rumor has it I'll be starting off on the passenger side of the seat... which side is that anyway? (LOL) ;-)

I think somewhere like Santa Barbara is the ideal place, but I'm from up north (Marin County / SF). SB is sunny, lively, beach-y, awesome-y.

SEP

Hi Poppy. If you are going to be without a car, southern CA. would be a no-no. San Francisco has great public transportation, is a great walking city, and is easily navigable. In So-Cal, everything is is spread out and if you can't drive on the freeway, you aren't going to get to do much. Hope you have a great time wherever you end up.

Brian, I was wondering about that because my friends were saying Poppy is definitely going to have to learn how to drive if she does do SoCal. Thank you. :-)

SEP

Melody - I know you're right...I'll never want to leave!

Kari - Thanks :) I've started thinking about FL too but that will have to be another trip!

TLW - Love it!!!

Teresa - I certainly will!

Steve - It's the whole 'other side of the road' thing. And I don't think I could drive an automatic, it's all manual here!

Ian - I like awesome-y :)

Brian - That seems to be the running theme from what I'm hearing, I think SF will have to be the main base with a trip or two South thrown in....with someone to drive me ;-)

CT - I can drive, I just think you have to be 25 to hire a car on an international license :(

SEP

Poppy,

I am originally from the OC but now reside in Missouri. (Boy goes to college, meets girl, gets married, etc.) Anyway, I go home often and find that nowhere I go in CA is a refreshing and great as the OC. It is a world of its own and just seems to inspire me. That is my suggestion but CA is just the greatest state in my opinion so you are good in the north or south.

OCT

Hey Poppy,

It's been both a long time since you posted and that I have been on AR (for any amount of time).

So you final made a part time move to the USA. When are you going to come full time? Is it still on the cards as far as "if the opportunity arose".

I think you would enjoy San Fransisco, it seam to me to reflect your personality (in a which city am I?) I would put you as San Fransisco.

I liked Laguna Beach but there was not much there reaaly apart from traveling to LA.

As far as hire cars go. You can't hire one. But with the three months of hire costs you could buy one possibly and sell it again or come to some agreement with a garage.

Anyway have fun, I'm sure you will.

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