Gotta look at the long term. 25,000 signing bonus isn't alot if you think of it and it' only cost about 2,500 to 3,000 to move. And remember thats the initial move.. what if you go into an apt at first then try to buy a house if you couldn't find one you can aford and fast, you'll end up paying for that one you're self. I personally think you'd be better off in San An. with no earthquaks. Being military we've moved 5 times in less than 3 years... I'm staying put. I'll be here when he returns.

Just a few sayings that always ring true when I was confronted with the same type of option:

1. There's no place like home.
2. Money isn't everything.
3. The happiest people aren't necessarily the wealthiest people.
4. Ford is the best in Texas.

Sorry, that commercial has been stuck in my head all day!

Try doing a search for real estate in San Diego....that might make the difference. Isn't San Diego one of the most expensive cities to live in? Also check the gas prices in San D., I've heard tons of complaints about that one alone.

This relocation allowance is not a lot if you were to know that you are going to spend 10 times more over a couple of years. I had moved 4 times and there are hidden costs which will not be visiable in the first couple of month....plus going into a place where you know nobody...forget it and what's wrong with San Antonio, it is much fun than San Diego and the people are down to earth in San Antonio. Please stay closer...the ghosts can't afford to travel all that distance.

go where there is family to babysit. or just family period. unless they are really difficult people, then go far away.

Spicy - I've moved tons too. Even after my dad retired, I kept moving around cause I like to see and experience new places. But no worries - I think we decided against it!

Vety - LOL at the Ford is the best in Texas!! I think we decided it's a no go!!

Dari - That's right! I forgot about my ghosts!

Adeline - I think we're going to move to San Antonio and my parents will move to San Antonio too!

San Diego is a beautiful city, one of the prettiest in the U.S., the ocean is beautiful, but it's VERY busy, lots of traffic, VERY expensive and they do have earthquakes. Nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there!

Sandra

Yep, what Sandra said. Plus San Diego is not in the direct line between Arizona and Ohio for stopping by to visit like San Antonio is. 'nuff said.

Being a native Californian (who's now transplanted elsewhere) I'd skip the living in San Diego idea, Norman. As Sandra said, it's a beautiful place, but living there can be really costly. And I agree with the others that a small signing bonus isn't going to make up the cost differential.

I think what it really boils down to is the job being offered. If your husband thinks this new offer is more up his alley career wise, then entertain it. If not, then stick with the original plan.

I agree with shakennotstirred - it boils down to the job. Is it going to majorly enhance your hubbie's career over the long-run? What if the job ends after a year? I throw my vote in for San Antonio as well. But either way, I'm ridiculously self-centred so just as long as you keep blogging from wherever you end up, I'll be happy.

Husband and I picked up and moved from CO to TX. Now, mind you, we didn't have Little Man at the time but it was the best thing we have ever done. I made the best friends of my life because we had only 2 or 3 family members close by.

This is what my dad told me when we made the decision......there is no such thing as a wrong decision. It may not have been the best one you ever made but it isn't wrong. It was the best you could do at the time with the information you had.

I lived in Florida for three years and was miserable. The only saving grace was I could visit my parents, as they were only 2 hours away when I was there.

If you don't think you're ready for Cali, don't go. You'll be better in the long run.

It sounds like you guys have made a decision at this point. I'm a little late to the ballgame, LOL.
Anyway, it sounds to me like you really don't want to go to California. Unless the pay is significantly more than San Antonio, I would say go with where you are more comfortable. I mean, costs of living have to be way higher in Cali, right?
Is it the same job in each place? Is there more room for growth at one or the other?
I agree that monetary considerations are not the only thing to consider. Mental well-being is something huge to consider.
(((hugs))) It will all work out, girl!

You aren't seriously considering leaving Texas, are you?

Hm...I say go for it!! A new adventure in a new place, how great is that?

We did that same thing....Moved 17 hours from where we were from, with no family and knowing NO ONE! Oh, and we moved with $200.00 to our name and two used cars, lol! 11 years later, life is GREAT!