[QUOTE=BOOOST4]agreed.

If you're coming from Manhatten, then anywhere other than SF will seem like the boondocks.

Even within SF, there's a bunch of districts: sunset, downtown, Richmond, Marina, TL, Hayes Valey, Castro, Panhandle, North Beach, china town, Russion Hill, Nob Hill, etcs. Each has unique qualities.

My dream location in the Bay is the Oakland Hills. The view of the Bay is mind blowing...imagine a sunset with a view of the bay, three bridges (including golden gate, and teh City skyline...also being above the fog layer, there will be days when all you'll see are the tips of the bridges and building amidst a sea of white stuff.[/QUOTE]

Yup, beautiful location. And easy access to SF. Not sure if that's the right place for the OP though.

My girlfriend and I just moved here from DC and NYC was one of our options for moving... cost of living varies but on average, Manhattan is a lot more expensive than pretty much anything around here. I'm in IT also and finding a new job was pretty easy. Apartment price isn't bad but then again I live in San Ramon 40 miles from work, BART ftw!

NorCal >>> Maryland

Gin - You can make it anywhere if you can make it in NYC. Just expect to compromise on certain things.

Why not get a job offer and ask about an attractive relocation package?

If you do, it will more than help offset the initial costs of moving.

There's always something you can do.