Palo Alto / California

Possibly pursuing a job in Palo Alto for when I graduate this year, and having never been to California and not really in the financial position to ‘trial run’ it on holiday, I’d like to canvas opinions.

Most people around me have taken gap years / travelled, and whilst ideally I’d like to do the same, the reality is I would like to start work too, so working abroad could be an ideal compromise. Looking to do something for a year or two, then move on elsewhere after gaining a bit of experience, unless I hit upon my ideal job right from the start!

So, what’s California like? People, outdoor activities, recreation, work/life balance, housing, climate, things that are great, equally things which are really annoying, anything else of note?

It’s a great area, I used to work one week a month in Redwood city nearby, great road and MTB riding in the hills between Palo Alto and the pacific. Jump in, if you don’t like it come back. Lots of work there for skilled techies

I work out in California quite a lot (just came back from spending most of December there).

Not got much experience of Palo Alto, but know the neighbouring areas quite well.

Northern Cali is significantly different from Southern Cali (e.g. San Diego).

Although the weather in Palo Alto is going to be much better than San Francisco, it’s still not going to be like the constant indian summer of San Diego etc.

In terms of location for outdoor sports – N Cali is superior IMO. If you like surfing then Southern California wins, but for everything else I prefer the North.

As for accommodation, I can’t speak for Palo Alto itself….but the San Francisco area is SUPER expensive.

Work/life balance will depend on your area of work, but for my firm the guys work longer hours and get less holidays, there is a very strong work ethic.

You’ll find it easier to fit in with San Francisco types than LA or San Diego, it’s much more “european” in terms of policitcal and social views. The first 6 months will be the hardest, although they speak (almost) the same language, the cultural differences are far greater than most people appreciate.

That said, the San Francisco area is one of my favourite places in the US, so much so that I’m currently in talks for a 1 year secondment out there.

You’ll love it, trust me. Just give yourself a bit longer than you think you’ll need to “fit in”. There are not many places I’d rather be.

Oh yeah, the one thing that sucks…….nightlife. Everything closes at 2am and the music/clubs are dire. But just have a few beers and charm the californian girls with your accent…. you won’t need to spend longer than 30 mins in a nightclub 🙂

Plus, California is actually pretty good for proper beer now, so don’t be fooled by the Coors/Bud stereotype. You’ll be spoilt for choice for good beers and even better Napa wines.

🙂

that’s brill! just the kind of info I was looking for. 🙂

It’s certainly a lovely area, I’ve been on business to Mountain View in Silicon Valley a fair few times, the train out of San Fran stops at Palo Alto. I’d move there in a shot.

> I’ve been on business to Mountain View in Silicon Valley a fair few times

Googler?

Do it. Have worked regularly in Santa Cruz, the area is really nice there. No shortage of great biking, plus surf on the coast. Climate is fantastic compared to here, but can be foggy on the coast through most of summer.

Work/life balance depends on the company – VC funded start-up? All work, no life…. Hippy founded bigger company? Great work/life balance.

Palo Alto is expensive, but there are plenty of other areas around to chose from.

Great part of the world motivforz – go for it.

Oh yeah, and you may not come back 😉

California is a lovely place. Weather leads to an outdoor lifestyle. But housing is ridiculously expensive. We almost moved there a few years ago – might still go when the kids go to University.

You’ll live in Redwood or Foster City.

Over the hill (highway 17 – a right chuckle in a 5 litre rental car) to Santa Cruz. Happy days. Half the residents still think they’re dodging the draft. I used to go there loads and I really miss it.

If you can maintain a balance then do it. Bikes, surf, mountains, city, pokey towns, national parks, skiing. You’d be mad to not at least give it a go. Yanks get a crappy holiday allowance though…

You lucky bastard!!

Palo Alto is very expensive though – Try further south for a bit cheaper, cupertino / san jose. Los Gatos has some of the nicest biking culture there just under the mountains and some good local trails to ride from the centre to. Whatever you do don’t consider commuting from Santa Cruz side – highway 9 over the mountain is a death trap!

Good luck

Googler?

Nah, Microsoft.

I worked in Socal for 2 years, been back in the UK for 5 months.

2 simple things, CA is one of the most expensive states to live in. For a single guy with no mortgage you will be at the top of the tax banding, so expect around 35 – 40% for total taxes. The cost of living is very expensive, I dont think there is a huge difference between North and South espesh in PA.

Renting is pretty high, we were paying $3000 a month for a 3 / 4 bed 2200sq ft house in a gated community with a pool. Expect circa $130+ for internet and phone, $150 plus for utils, etc. car insurance is REDICULOUS. We bought a new GMC Acadia, Range Rover size, it cost us $3000 a year to insure, they stiff you as you basically have to choose the level of risk…..on a brand new car you’re pretty risk adverse!!!

Ensure you get decent healthcare, but most of all dentistry….Now that is a license to print money, to give you an idea of what the Americans think of our dental hygene, think Austin Powers…..we spent circa $4000 basically getting fillings replaced, kids dental work…..bonkers

All that aside, I think Socal at least is one of the best places on the planet if you’re into the outdoors. Skiing, hiking is unreal. Biking is overwhelmingl!!! If you ride AM or DH, then you’re in one of the best places you can find!!!

Its a tough decision to make, i dont regret doing it, but I did go over with my company so a lot of the moving costs etc were covered…..if I had to do it on my own i’d really think hard….but then I have a wife and 2 small critters!!