New city. Who this?

The cost of living in California has many people on the move to new cities and new adventures. What are some of the resources you can use to get familiar with your future home?

CHIC (Pearl)

The first thing you can do before you pack a single box is check an online travel guide like Tripadvisor, lonely planet, or TimeOut. These sites are full of tips and insights for travelers, and that’s exactly what you are! You’re just staying a little longer. Speaking of which, you can check local government websites in your new city to learn about population demographics and public services like schools, transportation, and safety. It’s also a good idea to understand the city’s governance.

GEEK (Kevin)

If you’re moving to save money, you’d be wise to crunch the numbers and make sure your new city fits your current budget! You can use websites like Numbeo or Expatistan to get an estimate of the cost of living in cities you’re considering, including the current price of goods and services. Another great resource is local news. Reading the city newspaper or browsing local news websites can help you get a sense of the big issues and challenges you might face after your move.

So you want to move to Phoenix?

Yesterday, the city of Phoenix, Arizona, experienced its 18th consecutive day with temperatures of 110°F (43.3°C) or higher. That matched a record from 1974, which is likely to fall today if the city hits the projected high of 115°F.

Meanwhile, according to the National Weather Service, the Monday morning LOW in Phoenix was 95°F, the 8th straight day with an overnight low of at least 90°F. Get more numbers from Axios.

Strength in Diversity

With more than 1.37 million people (according to the recent Census), San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and the second-largest in California. But did you know the median age in San Diego is around 35, with one quarter of the city’s population under 20 and only 12% over 64? That makes it one of the youngest big cities in the country. On top of that, nearly 41% of the people speak one of more than 100 languages at home — other than English.

On the Road: San Diego

Recently, we took a road trip to San Diego to visit some sister Compass offices and get a feel for the diverse neighborhoods that make up this exciting city. There’s no shortage of beautiful beaches, walkable villages, and vibrant nightlife. Here’s a quick look at a few of our favorites.

Del Mar

Just 20 miles up the coast from San Diego proper, Del Mar is a cute seaside village with a small-town vibe, boutique shopping, fabulous food, and inviting beaches! And for the kids, it’s also home to the San Diego County Fair! This used to be where movie stars would come to take a break from Hollywood. It could be the perfect fit for you and your family.

Mission Valley

A few minutes’ drive from Downtown, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, and SeaWorld, Mission Valley and Old Town are home to restaurants, cantinas, galleries, and theaters that showcase the rich and diverse history of the city. There are also plenty of shopping options, and the schools are among the top-rated in the nation. Enjoy a margarita while listening to street music in the summer sun.

La Jolla

La Jolla (pronounced la HOY-uh) is 20 minutes north of Downtown and an absolute jewel of the Southern California coastline. Surrounded by the ocean on three sides, with white sand beaches and cliffs, it’s easy to feel like you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean! This sophisticated enclave is only becoming more popular, so get in while you can!

Downtown

Downtown is the heart of the city, and the pulse is getting louder every day. From the historic Gaslamp Quarter to Petco Park to fine dining and walkable commutes, this is the place to be for anyone who wants an urban living experience. You are literally 20 minutes from anywhere via foot, bike, bus, or train. Cars are entirely optional, and family outings are encouraged. Want to see more?

Winter Vacation Home

This time of year, we’re dreaming of a snowy ski resort and a warm cup of cocoa by the window. Where would you invest in a winter home away from home?

CHIC (Pearl)

The beauty of living in Silicon Valley is you don’t need to go very far to find every climate and environment you could possibly imagine. So I’d keep it close to home and find something within a short 3-4 hour drive of the Bay Area. And there’s no shortage of quality ski and snowboard resorts to choose from, particularly around Lake Tahoe!

GEEK (Kevin)

I love adventure, and I don’t really feel like I’m on vacation until I’m out of California. That’s why my vote is for Yellowstone or the Grand Tetons in the Big Sky Country of Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. This breathtaking landscape gives you more than enough to explore beyond winter sports. And the tax benefits are a plus!