HELP! NEED advice! Moving to Berkeley, CA!

Question

I'm planning on moving to either Berkeley or SF real soon. I'm from Chicago (mostly raised in midwest), but my immediate family recently moved to LA. Last year, I moved to Santa Barbara for school and hated it. It was then that I decided to move back to Chicago and finish school, which is where I am now. Recently, I have decided to give CA another shot, but try the northern parts instead. My issues with LA/SB were that it was difficult for me to connect with the ppl there... The ones I met in particular seemed snotty and materialistic. Being that I'm from the midwest, my attitudes, etc., are quite different. I have heard that the ppl in SF/Berkeley/Bay area are much more down to earth than the ppl in SoCal. I am worried, however, that if I take this big move again, I will be disappointed and lonely. My question basically is whether it is easy or difficult to meet people and develop friends with ppl in Berkeley/SF... And which city do u prefer for that? I am very open minded - and am aware of the political connotations with the cities, which doesn't bother me, in fact, I prefer it. I just want to belong to a place where I feel connected. I'm 23, by the way, female, and kinda shy.... ANY advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!

Answer 1

Berkeley is the best place on earth! if you're weird...but i love it.

you'll fit in if your into the whole punk scene. and SF is also pretty cool too! I prefer berkeley cause it's really chill there

Answer 2

Move to Berkeley... it's still got a small city feel to it and SF is only a 15 min drive in or you can take the rail system BART here.  Northern California or NorCal as we like to be called, is completely opposite of southern California.  We're more chill and relaxed up here.  Get ready to hear "hella" a lot!!

Answer 3

Well it is Berkeley. Expect the unexpected & strange... Not necessarily a bad thing... right? I can't imagine being shy as a factor. Sounds like for whatever reason you are ready for a move. I say, go for it!