Learn me...California

This may be of interest: http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/pdf/CB14-51_countymetropopest2013tables.pdf

I've lived in the SF bay area for most of the last 25 years. Yes, traffic sucks, but if your work schedule is flexible then it's something that can be dealt with. Yes, the smog inspections are annoying, but they're only every couple years. Yes, the gun regs are restrictive, but it's not like NYC or Chicago where it's basically impossible to a firearm.

If you're a software type, there's no better place in the world to be, professionally. There are tons of opportunities to do exciting and cool stuff. The weather is great (albeit not quite as nice as San Diego), and there are three excellent race tracks within a couple hours drive.

If you're going to work for Google, you should look into their shuttle busses. From what I hear, they're a really convenient way to get to work, plus they offer wifi on the bus so you can read your email/etc while the bus is sitting in traffic.

codrus wrote: If you're going to work for Google, you should look into their shuttle busses. From what I hear, they're a really convenient way to get to work, plus they offer wifi on the bus so you can read your email/etc while the bus is sitting in traffic.

The Google one is more than likely just a pipe dream. I would love it but as others have mentioned they get flooded with applications for every job. However I figure I have to try for it anyway, you know? There are multiple other companies in that area that I am applying for as well though.

Cool about the Shuttles though. Around here the casino does that to get people over the mountain and lets people ride it for work to other places as well. Nothing like a little good will to bring in the dollars.

What are you looking to get into? You went for Archaeology right?

In reply to PHeller:

Looking to get into UX stuff. Kinda interesting to combine the Anth/Arch degree that I have with all of my computer tech background.

I live in southern California so I'm not much help with the nor cal stuff.

In reply to curtis73:

Eh to an extent, this is just my personal experience here you probably have more experience than I do. I agree the DMV is actually a pleasure to deal with compared to PA but not as good or as fast as FL.

On the other hand, I just scanned my 2011 Speed3s registration; it was 234 dollars for this year. PA cost me 30 for the plate and 15 for the inspection. Florida cost me 45 for the registration. My wife's 2006 Xterra was 127 here.

Yea its convenient not having to smog it but every two years after the initial 4 year leeway but its crazy expensive just to register. I can't speak to the PA smog because my county didn't require it.

The EO sticker for aftermarket parts is the bane of contention. The MS3 is a magnet for cops wanting to see under the hood and subject to strict scrutiny when it gets smogged. Running a CP-E downpipe or intake would be in instant failure because CP-E didn't pay the bureaucratic bribe for the sticker. Pre 75 you don't have to worry about that which is why those cars command a premium here.

Otherwise the sniffer is going away soon so it'll be only OBD and visual shortly. PA did away with the sniffer from my understanding which really pissed off the shops that bought the equipment.

That's pretty much why I'm down on CA all the time without getting into why I hate the social politics here.

Edit: you know it would be an interesting bit of research to see how much registration is in each state for the same car.

The0retical wrote: On the other hand, I just scanned my 2011 Speed3s registration; it was 234 dollars for this year. PA cost me 30 for the plate and 15 for the inspection. Florida cost me 45 for the registration. My wife's 2006 Xterra was 127 here.

Yup, car registration in California is based on the value of the vehicle -- it's a property tax. That part of it (the 'VLF') is deductible on your federal taxes for that reason.