An Expat Talks about Living in San Diego, California

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

San Diego

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

Due to the warm climate, the beaches, and the availability of space, sports are popular and probably the best source to meet people. Clubs and organizations related to sports, in the San Diego area, can easily be found on the Internet (i.e. Active.com), and The Reader magazine. There are a number of colleges in the area, which may be another source to meet people.

Traveling Mailbox
Connect

Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Traveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

Not much of an influence from any specific religion exists. There is a large Latin population in the area, sizeable Asian population, and small Afro-American population. There is very little evidence of any racial tension. The various wealthy and poorer communities confirm the economic diversity in the city.

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

San Diego is home to some of the country’s largest military population. The military influence has influenced the area’s growth of the high tech sector and has become a main industry in San Diego County. San Diego’s high tech sector is second to only Silicon Valley in size. The biotech industry is also large. With popular destinations such as the beaches, SeaWorld, The San Diego Zoo and Legoland, tourism is also a major industry. Due to the recent growth in the area, real estate related jobs are also widespread.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

Although people take their careers seriously, people’s lives tend to revolve around spending time with their families and participating in their favorite athletics. It is uncommon for people in most industries to work more than a normal workweek. Additionally, the nightlife in San Diego is minimal compared to most urban areas as people’s days revolve around the daytime.

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

Southern California is very different from the rest of the country. If you are prepared to experience different people within a different style of life, your experience will be a good one.