| Finding a job in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego |
Southern California, or as the oh-so-chic call it So Cal, is a warm, balmy region encompassing such cities as Los Angeles, San Diego, and the famous Orange County. To the west lies the Pacific Ocean with its foamy waters and surf-friendly waves, to the south, the international border with Mexico. In short, it’s an idealistic setting catering to the affluent. However, there’s more to So Cal than movie stars and surfer dudes; read on to get a brief overview of all this region has to offer.
Los Angeles
Hollywood didn’t choose LA for want of better options. Its Mediterranean climate and coastal slot made it a sublime pick. The city has since slithered and snaked outward, making it the largest city in California and the second largest city in the country. It is an international trade and technology Mecca—in addition to being home of the entertainment industry (television, movies, recorded music). As a bustling, economically rich city, LA (like so much of California) hosts an extremely diverse population from all over the world. This diversity is evident in the various ethnic nooks of the city. Indeed LA has all sorts of neighborhoods including the more affluent sections of town like Bel Air and Hollywood Hills. And nothing screams affluent like the Sunset Strip, a famous stretch that features trendy boutiques, restaurants, and night clubs. There are also several prestigious universities in the area including UCLA. With a touch of movie magic, academia, and ocean breezes, it’s no surprise that some 3.8 million people choose to make LA home.
San Diego
San Diego is the second largest city in California (the 8th largest in the US) and holds its own when compared to the “City of Angels.” It’s just north of the Mexico border, making it the southwest corner of the country. (Mmmm, On The Border anyone?) Miles of sandy beaches stretch along the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, and 16 military facilities in affiliation with United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard and the United States Marine Corps call the city home. Furthermore, The University of California San Diego (abbreviated UCSD) and the affiliated UCSD Medical Center, supplemented with nearby research institutes in La Jolla, makes the region extremely influential in biotechnology research. And if you are looking to unwind after a long week of research, consider visiting one of the many nearby museums such as the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum, or the San Diego Museum of Man. So, if you’re content in a sunny city with beaches, research opportunities, and plenty of cultural pizzazz, consider this southwest city.
Orange County
Unlike most clusters of people, citizens of Orange County (OC) like to be associated with their county instead of their particular city. And what a county. This popular tourist locale has inspired television shows and caters to some of the wealthiest people in the world. According to The Wall Street Journal, it boasts the second most expensive housing market in the country; the median price for a home is $650,000. It’s no wonder really, as it is home to such attractions as Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm in addition to pristine beaches for swimming or surfing. If you like the ocean but aren’t ready to brave the sharks via surfboard, OC hosts several yacht harbors for sailing and pleasure boating, in addition to large open areas devoted to parks, golf, tennis, hiking, kayaking, cycling, and skateboarding. The county also maintains the reputation as a politically powerful region and is the hub of Southern California's Tech Coast. So if you are ready for family weekends on the yacht and trips to Disneyland, then join the OC elite.
As you can see, Southern California’s impressive reputation is both deserved and reflective of the locale. Many physicians call the area home—and usually end up practicing in the sunny setting for life.