I have lived in La Jolla for the past 5 years (and worked near UCSD). My husband and I left northern Michigan because there just wasn't any work there and the winters were the worst.
My husband was (he's passed away) a math teacher and we did the math before moving. We figured in the cost of keeping up our home. The heating bills were $400/month. Snow removal, $100/month. Lousy food, shopping, any kind of life, priceless. Wear and tear on vehicles, horrendously expensive. Winter clothing, the same. Travel. It costs more to fly into that little town than it does to fly to Paris, France. In the end, it was apples to apples.
Yeah, I miss the few nice winter and fall foliage moments, but I can get those with one drive to Julian, CA. Not only that, but the people here are always smiling and friendly. I have met a few snobs, but they aren't the norm. That's just not true. It's how you present yourself that makes the difference.
I also got sick of living in a small town and everyone knowing everyone's business all the time. When my husband passed away here I was treated with such kindness you wouldn't believe it. Surfers put his ashes in the ocean, I had casseroles appear out of nowhere. It was wonderfully helpful. When I went back to Michigan to have his service, not ONE person offered to help me. The end.
Mary |
La Jolla, CA |
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