tonrob

Never found Boston that unfriendly (and I go there a fair bit). What it lacks is some of that American charm that certain Brits characterize as being somewhat plastic anyway. It feels more like a British city in that respect. I have to say that I've never noticed a pervading unfriendliness at all in the 4 years I've lived in MA.

Anyway, I'm just a stereotypical miserable British ****er so I probably fit right in!

penguinsix

In DC for example, to live in the safe area with good schools and nightlife and close in you are competing against a strong 'professional' class with two incomes. In Arlington VA for example, over 35% hold graduate degrees (not just bachelor degrees). I think some statistic showed that something like 1 out of 7 households in the DC area will be hit by Obama's tax the rich plan (with rich being > $250k).

So, yes, the salaries do compensate for some of the expenses, but not necessarily at the 'entry level' of ones career. Many folks out here did their first $35,000 a year type jobs while eating ramen noodles and sharing a house with their mates from college.

There are still cheap areas, and with the housing crash those areas are getting closer to the city, but it can be quite a daunting thing for folks moving here from other parts of the US where the cost of living is a bit more sane.

caleyjag

San Francisco is very expensive to live in. Seattle is quite expensive.

HOWEVER....

These two cities are both utterly fantastic. They offer a depth of character and cosmopolitan lifestyle that is highly unusual for American cities. Additionally, both offer outstanding outdoor lifestyles, particularly Seattle.

In fact, I think Seattle is one of the finest cities on Earth once you consider all the factors. Good career opportunities, excellent skiing and hiking, proximity to British Columbia and Vancouver (also excellent), and and astonishing array of quality boozers.

Seattle is brilliant, and it doesn't rain that much really. Especially compared to the UK.

I am leaving Seattle for good next week. I'm not happy about that

Go for Seattle!

another bloody yank

Maybe you'll like the place you're moving to.

caleyjag

Well, it's either Holland (Breda) or California (Malibu), so you might be right

Anyway, two thumbs up for SF and Seattle. I like Boston for similar reasons.

another bloody yank

It's a week away, you're still not sure whether you're going to Cali or Holland? Nothing like giving you a chance to plan ahead eh?

caleyjag

Nothing like waiting for the authorities to decide on your visa

I'm going home to Scotland to relax while they make their mind up!

Bob

In Boston? No.

Bob

Just comparing to my experiences of other parts of NE...in comparison, pretty sour bunch, not everyone, but far more than usual, and the fun ones tend to be imports

Mallory

But what about the steak and egg breakfasts that you were being provided? Won't you miss it?

Scot_in_NYC

Of course, there are another 40 football teams in Scotland's leagues so he could watch them too if he suppports them......

caleyjag

How could he do that? (Setanta only show Rangers and Celtic games).

caleyjag

Indeed. As a matter of fact I had an excellent steak and eggs at my local pub in Seattle just yesterday.

Fortunately, I think I am just about capable of cooking a steak and two eggs on my own.

I'm more concerned about missing the cream cheese hotdogs.

USAGypsies

Yes I have a niece who lives in NH and said they had a heatwave at just over 40 degrees last week. So it seems I was wrong. You can wear a bikini. Just has to be a thermal one

Boston people are 'real' rather than 'rude'... in my honest opinion. I like rude people. You know where you stand.

Boulder... isn't that the place where they filmed that film?? (helpful arn't I). Anyone know what the hell I'm talking about? The one where the guy died and his fiance lives with all his friends and finds out things she didn't know. Okay I'll shut up now.