Who as moved from east to west (not for college)?

Do you have a career plan, or are you just hoping for something to fall into your lap while you're out surfing and drinking at the beach? I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say it's not going to work out if you don't have a plan and are just going to bum it and hope you find a good job.

I have a degree that lets me work in a lot of different settings, but I'm mostly looking to take some time off from seriousness. I am not trying to start my 401k tomorrow, more like I would be down with getting a part time job and skiing nearly everyday. I'm going to Big Bear if people have an experience with that area. And really I'm not necessarily looking to live in california for my life. The time span of this adventure is nov-april. Just want to ski bum for a winter.

As far as what I have looked into Salt Lake is the easiest on you as far as money goes. Cali is almost out of reach as far as buming it up. Also if shit hits the fan and you blow your acl you can find some sort of office job in salt lake.

Plan on moving from maine to salt lake this fall.

You are such a dweeb, it's unreal. Aren't you a child living at home with mom? Cool, then maybe don't offer life advice to someone who's leaps and bounds ahead of you both in maturity and tangible life accomplishments.

I moved from NY to WA about two months ago and it's the best thing I've ever done. I secured a job and house before I got here and that helped a bunch, but I still feel like I'd be OK if I ended up coming out here on a complete whim. As for getting out west, if you drive, see if you can get a family member/friend to help with driving and then fly back. It's a long, exhausting drive and having someone else to help will make a huge difference. Lastly, if you are considering living alone vs. getting a roommate or living with a friend, definitely live with someone. It will help so much if you are new to the area in regards to meeting new people and doing fun shit.

Do you know where you want to live, like Downtown LA, near the beach, close to Bear, etc? SoCal is pretty fucking expensive depending where you choose to live. I honestly would say do not ski everyday unless you want to live close. Traffic here is probably worse than anything you've ever seen. Bear has a sick park, but the mountain is pretty small and usually has minimal snow as you would expect for being in Southern California.

Sorry, but why would someone right out of college move to SLC for a western experience? You really can't beat CA. Sure it's expensive and he may hate it, but goddammit will it be more of an experience than a suburb in the Utah desert.

OP, just be prepared to pay a lot, expect culture shock, people in So Cal can be very self-centered/materialistic. But, you'll be amazed at how sunny it is all the time, how close skiing is to surfing, and how you can sit on the lodge deck sipping a brew in a t shirt. There's also no shortage of nightlife in LA. Hopefully you enjoy your time in CA, there's no other place in North America that comes close.

I moved east to west after college, but for a job/career.

I've been looking online at condos/houses for rent right in bear, within walking distance to the mountain is the goal actually. The prices haven't seemed too daunting, I'm used to ~600 a month in Burlington VT and what I've seen in bear can be between 300 and 500 if you have a few roommates. Honestly, I'm down to be a park rat for another season so thats one of the reasons for choosing Bear.

Fragglemuffin-

How did you secure a job(what job?) from accross the country? Did you have a connection out there before moving?
I will be driving and if none of my friends end up being able to move as well then my brother would certainly be willing to help with the drive with me. Thanks for that piece of advice.
For housing did you find people on craigslist that needed another roommate? How did you go about getting that locked in?

Salt lake has some of the best skiing in the world and is quickly becoming an economic powerhouse in America.

Thanks for the encouragement. That's really what I want out of this adventure: To experience something new, unlike what I have lived so far. Going from rural NY, to VT wasn't too much or a change for me other than allowing me to get more involved in skiing. I think the trip out to CA will be a world of difference and whether or not I want to stay after the winter I'll certainly be glad I did it. Everyone always says to travel while you're young, and as long as I can make a payment on my student loans then I'm gonna heed that advice.

Hahahahaha what?

I did but I'm now back for school.

can anyone here in slc vouch for good jobs?

Sounds perfect for you then. I'm not too familiar with the bear area, but if it's that cheap and you're cool with park only I'd say go for it.

Not sure about the Cali scene.  But I did move from NJ to NM about 3 years ago and like others have said, it was the best decision I ever made.  Get a resort job that offers you a pass.  If you plan on skiing everyday than this is definitely the way to go.  Most ski towns are pretty friendly so if you are a socially competent individual you should have no problem making friends quickly.  One heads up though, you may have to take a leap of faith and just go, without housing or a job lined up.  Places get tons of inquiries from people who claim they are moving across the country, but never end up taking the plunge.  Try to go someplace where you already know a few people (maybe some peeps through NS).  They'll help you integrate.  Be prepared to camp, couch surf, whatever for the first few weeks you show up someplace new.  Also, be cool and keep your eyes and ears open...if you do it right shit will just fall into your lap.  I'm way happier now than I ever was on the east coast...I make more money (minimum wage goes a long way in the right places), I ski 100+ days a year, and I slay the punany. 

Last words of wisdom.....you already know if you are capable of pulling this off.  It takes the right personality.  Some people are definitely not cut out for the lifestyle.  I've met a lot of people along my journey who struggle because they are awkward and have trouble meeting people and making new friends.  If you are more the "life of the party" type, people will gravitate to you and you'll have it made in the shade.   

Good luck bro

i finished school and drove to slc. i pay 400 for rent in a nice house. i work for backcountry.com ive lived here for 2 years. it was worth it

I too am planning on moving out to Socal after I graduate from pharmacy school. I LOVE Socal, I usually make it a plan to head out there two or three times a year. Certain parts are very self-centered and materialistic as already mentioned like around Newport or Laguna but overall I really like the vibe out there. Its so much more chill than it is here in Ohio. I could do without all the traffic though.