nepmance, first of all ask yourself a question that why do you want to move to California from the place where you're living at the moment. May be for better opportunity? It's true that we all are always looking for better opportunity to move on but don't jump into something without thinking twice. You're a permanent resident which is a great benefit for you. If you are to look for a cashier or an hourly job than you've a plus point comparing to most us who are in a F1 status. You can easily go to any walmart or starbucks and fill out the job application which F1 status student cannot. If you were to do an hourly paying job anyways why would like to go to California comparing to other 49 states in the U.S. You can choose any other state which is not as expensive as Cali, NY or D.C. Not that I am an expert in giving suggestions but I have lived in Cali for few months and it's hard to survive there just by working 40 hours a week with 8 or 9 dollars an hour. But with the same pay and same working hour one can easily survive in a state like Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and list goes on and on. my two cents, hope this helps.

Karnali Blues · Feb 3, 2014 6:35 PM

Karnali Blues, thank you so much for your input. I am currently in Minnesota. I lived here for a reasonable number of years. Now, I wanted to try something new in life. California came in my mind because of it's wonderful climate. But I heard its super expensive. So, I am looking for advice from our Sajha expertise. And, I also feel like to make more new Nepalese friends and meet new people from different places. I will really appreciate you guys if you can give me some ideas where I can move. A milder climate, a Nepalese community, job opportunities, and a reasonable price of living is what I am looking for. I will appreciate your advice.

nepmanche · Feb 3, 2014 7:00 PM

nepmanche, our fellow sajhaities can give you number of places to move in the U.S. depending upon their experience but what's good for them might not be good for you. If you ask my personal opinion than I would say a cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio is a great place to live even though technically I haven't lived there for long. I think there's a good nepalese community as well as a good job opportunities as well. But that doesn't mean that it can be a good place for everyone. Like I said it's just my personal opinion. What I suggest you is that if you want to start from a very beginning than stay away from East (NY, NJ, VA, D.C) and West (CA, LA) .

Karnali Blues · Feb 3, 2014 7:51 PM

Karnali Blues, thank you so much for your valuable information. I will consider Texas too. I am in a point of life where I need change. My heart is saying that I need a change. So, I must follow my heart.

nepmanche · Feb 3, 2014 8:55 PM

san antonio: never been there but i know its a heaven on earth, mid sized city, beautiful place, affordable, plenty of jobs.

mancini · Feb 3, 2014 9:00 PM

Last edited: 03-Feb-14 09:17 PM

riddle · Feb 3, 2014 9:14 PM

Care to disclose your educational qualifications and motives behind the move (enjoyment or $$$)?

riddle · Feb 3, 2014 9:16 PM

Riddle, the real motive is a desire to experience something new, make new friends, join school. I am not much into $$. I have some college level credits which I want to transfer and possibly finish my degree as well. Can you suggest some places for me? It's not a new start for me, I am just in need of a change.

nepmanche · Feb 3, 2014 9:59 PM

Bachelors degree holder, PhD holder, Nobel peace prize holder ... And now DV holder? It's an achievement too..

itroll · Feb 3, 2014 10:07 PM

Well, if money isn't really your priority then I'd highly recommend CA. It's not like you'd really save any decent amount by working menial jobs no matter where you live. CA is amazing. Diverse. Thriving. Vibrant. I've never been to So Cal but from what I hear, San Diego is mighty amazing. For Nor Cal, I'd highly recommend Berkeley. Full of young intellectuals (and hipsters) and well-rounded, educated folks all around. There are a ton of things to do. Hike up Tilden Park on weekends, take a drive down to Santa Cruz (70 miles) to enjoy the beach, hop on a BART and you'll be in San Francisco within 20 mins. On a lazy afternoon, you can always go on a bike ride. Don't have a bike? Change into shorts and t-shirts and go for a walk or a jog. If you're into sports, soccer to be precise, then you could literally end up playing every day until your legs give up. People play it everyday, in various corners of the area - 5 v 5, 11 v 11, co-ed, Mens League, scrimmages. The weather is impeccable - 70 degree weather on most summer days w/ cool breezes along with cooler, wet winter that lasts 2-3 months. It's almost like a heaven on earth. Further, you wouldn't really be needing a car if you lived in Berkeley. Commuting to nearby places is quite easy. You'll also be close to many amazing places, landmarks et al. Napa (1 hr), Marin County (Marin Headlands, Stinson Beach, Muir Woods), Santa Rosa (1 hr), Lake Tahoe (3 hrs), Yosemite National Park (3-4 hrs) are some that I can think off the top of my head. You could try joining Berkeley City college and then look into transferring to UC Berkeley. Else, you could always transfer to other 'easier' options - San Fran State, UofSF, Golden Gate Uni etc. Also, I'd highly recommend against moving to the city of San Francisco. It is damn expensive unless you're okay with sharing a room with at least 2 other people. A decent studio will cost you $1,400 at the very least. Since you're moving from MN, I highly doubt you'd be okay with it. I'd also suggest you to live with Americans. It'll cost you a few extra $$ but you'll have a much better time. There's a presence of a horde of Nepalese in the area, understandably. I bet you already know at least 10 Nepalese living in the area. If not, you'll run into 10 Nepalese in every corner. The last thing you'd want is running into 4-5 of them in your apartment itself. You're in your mid 20s. You have all the rights in the world to set off and discover. You won't regret your move to CA, guaranteed. Just have a broader mindset. You'll run into a 70 year old hipster wearing Converse sneakers on a cycle, smoking pot and kissing another dude. That's how they roll. Don't be surprised/panicked. In summary, you'd be on course to enjoy an enthralling life if you moved to Berkeley, IMO. Good luck!

riddle · Feb 3, 2014 10:27 PM

Riddle, thank you so much for your valuable information. But, will I be able to afford rent and utilities by working a Cashier job in CA? I heard CA is expensive.

nepmanche · Feb 3, 2014 10:39 PM

I don't understand why you're insisting on working as a cashier. You'll find plenty of opportunities in various fields. I don't mean to sound harsh but if your sole plan of moving there is to work in an Indian-owned Liquor store, you're better off living in Dallas?

riddle · Feb 3, 2014 11:33 PM

A typical 2-bedroom in the neighborhood costs abt $1,300-1700. You could live as a paying guest (look 'em up on CL) for about $500-$1000 inclusive of utilities and, in some cases, meals.

riddle · Feb 4, 2014 12:03 AM

Riddle, thanks for your input. I will surely consider CA. It's a job oriented society, so until I have a degree, chances of getting better job is not so high. So, I have to start with some hourly position. It's not that I want to be a Cashier all my life. It's just easy to find this kind of job with the qualification I have.

nepmanche · Feb 4, 2014 9:44 AM

Better life or changes in life comes with some preparation. You can't just move anywhere you like and hope for changed life. I assume changes are always towards betterment. So if you think you need change, then spend sometime completing your study. You don't need to be lawyer, doctor, or in IT. You can do history, but just complete your bachelor at least with whatever interests you. Then hunt for the job anywhere in US on the field you are interested. Once you are on track like you have decent earnings (in the sense much more than what you are earning now), you can move anywhere. Be it CA or Alaska, it would be easy to move with a kind of mindset you have.

Khairey · Feb 4, 2014 11:22 AM

I don't like Northern California, especially the east bay area because it's always cold and windy here. The cold wind from the bay makes you wear jacket all the time. No snow ever but still cold as hell. I moved to southern Cali for good. If you consider coming to southern Cali, mid-size city like Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Northridge have very nice opportunities and only half an hour away from LA. Cost of living also not so high.

furke · Feb 4, 2014 2:01 PM

If anyone is looking for a job near Simi Valley, contact me. pay is 9/ hr plus commissions.

furke · Feb 4, 2014 2:03 PM

Nepmanche, jobs are aplenty in various sectors in a metropolitan. You could work at a Starbucks in San Francisco (aka the city) and make 11 bucks an hr (min wage in the city is $10.24. There are tons of jobs that don't require a college degree. I'd urge you to shoot for a decent job instead of aiming for an Indian liquor store. Furke, I think you mistook San Francisco for the east bay. Yes, it's always windy and cold in the city but East Bay probably has the best weather in the bay area. South Bay gets really hot during the summer while San Francisco is generally foggy and damp! It's true that the mornings are generally cooler but the weather is quite pleasant during the afternoons and the evenings. That said, I'd definitely prefer So Cal weather over Nor Cal albeit I'm not a beach person. There can't be anything wrong with 70-degree winters.

riddle · Feb 4, 2014 7:32 PM

SF ko motel ma kaam khojera garehuncha sathi, basna ni pauna gare.. paisa ni thikai huncha, city ni herna paincha...

goatmeat · Feb 4, 2014 7:36 PM

Thank you all for your valuable information. I am more confused now.

nepmanche · Feb 5, 2014 10:51 AM