[ncalfamilyguy]

Hello,

I have been patrolling this site for some time now and let me say ALL of you are very brave, (perhaps more so than I) and are doing an invaluable service.

thank you

My wife and I are both in our mid 30's with a young daughter (6) and are seriously considering the move, fortunately we both have skills in the short and long term need. My main question and of course this would only apply to people who are / were from here (northern California), is llife that much different? Any Pro's and Con's would be greatly appreciated.

[dilanium]

Welcome to the forum- Can't answer any questions, I'm still trying to get to NZ.

how north of nocal? :) I lived in Eureka for awhile.

[ncalfamilyguy]

santa rosa.

in eureka hey. if you dont mind me asking, why the move?.

what are you hoping to gain?

what are you hoping to leave behind?

good luck!

[peebles16]

Can't help with your questions but just wanted to say welcome to the forum from us :)

Karen

[ncalfamilyguy]

thank you, karen

[JandM]

Hello.:) Hope you get the answers you're after.

[Asli&Mark]

Hello,

We have never been to California but life is great here compare to UK.
Well either case welcome to the forum :)

[dilanium]

in eureka hey. if you dont mind me asking, why the move?.

Well I used to live in Eureka, I've lived in Ohio for over two years now.


what are you hoping to gain?
Well, I'm trying to get into Vet school, and have heard great things about New Zealand. I'm hoping to have a more active lifestyle be outdoors more, and live in a much friendlier place.


what are you hoping to leave behind?
All the snow here (going to Palmerston North), the horrible attitudes, and the living in a dirty depressed city.


good luck!

Same to you!!

[dusk]

welcome :)
I don't know the answers to your questions either sorry :D

[Justine+Ben]

Hello ncalfamilyguy,

My husband and I are not from the states and are actually English, but we lived in California for two years before moving to Canada and understand where you are coming from! California is a beautiful state (all the national parks, beaches, Redwoods etc.) and I can see why you are considering seriously whether you should leave it or not :yes .

From our point of view, we can earn more money in North America or in the U.K. but we are moving to New Zealand for a better 'quality of life' rather than a better 'cost of living'. We are hoping to spend more time outdoors (hiking, camping, kayaking etc.) and to escape the rat race a bit (the US/Canadian traffic, huge freeways, long working hours, little holiday etc.). The temperate weather in the north island is also an attraction for us (as Montreal is very cold) though I know that as California has such a pleasant climate that is probably not one of your concerns. We are also keen to explore another country and learn about a new culture, plus it is also so beautiful! Also there is the fact that it is another adventure :clap

Hope this helps. What made you begin to research moving to NZ? (that might help you find out what would make you leave Cal)

Cheers,
Justine.

[ncalfamilyguy]

My wife and I started looking for a more liberal / socialist gov. Hard to believe but with the current political situation even northern California is becoming more divided economically and socialy. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. We live very comfortably financially here but are willing to sacrafice (maybe not the right word) to live in a more equal society. Am I hoping NZ is some utopia, probably, do I think it is, no, but maybe a little better. I would really like to hear from any Californians on thier interpration of here and there. just to see if it is similar to mine.

[dilanium]

Just remember the saying : The grass is always greener on the other side.

[Andy-Dee]

Arnie isn't a Governor in NZ :D

[Pebbles]

... yet :D

[theSingsons]

Hi and welcome to the forums. Well, I actually don't live in CA, but I used to live in Houston, TX. Now I'm back in my home country the Philippines. I have to agree on the rat race issue... NZ is alot more laid back, more time for raising a family. I remember the days in Houston, when all I would look forward to is a friday night beer over at the club... But in NZ, you won't make as much cash, but I would confidently say that you will be able to see you kids grow up. That's the primary reason why my family and I considered to move. We wish you all the best on your decision and who knows, we might bump into one another pretty soon

[willsken]

Welcome to the forum, good luck with it all.

[Kiwi-In-Texas]

Hello and welcome to the forum.