Aussie family considering moving to California

[hillierk]

My husband, 10 month old son and I are considering moving to Livermore, California. I have been offered a permanent full-time role which includes a great salary, medical for my family, L1 Visa, 401K, all relocation costs and the company is considering employing my husband. I still have concerns about moving my family to another country because there are so many unknown factors which I'm hoping someone can help me with? It's but scary!

We will need to buy or lease a car and rent an apartment so what is the best way to obtain a credit rating? Someone has suggested we apply for an American Express credit card, would that work?

Should we wait until we get there to organise an apartment as we don't know the area? Or is there some trusted websites people use?

Childcare - my son is currently attending a childcare centre 2 days a week in Australia and he loves it, he's extremely social. As my husband and I will both be working our son will require full time care (5 days a week). What are the childcare centres like in the US? Are they expensive, hard to get into, ratio of carers to children? What is the standard of care like in the America? Or should we hire a nanny?

What other things should we be considering e.g. tax, insurance, start up cash? If this were you would you ask the company to have a clause in the contract about delocation costs if things don't work out in the first twelve months?

[sillygumbo]

First off, Livermore is gorgeous. It is filled with wineries and beautiful hills. You are only a short 45 minute drive into San Francisco. It is very multicultural in the Bay Area. There are a lot of young families here. It is in the suburbs, not like the city at all. Its great for families. If you are looking to live in the city then you wouldn't like it there. I grew up in Danville which is 10 min away from Livermore. Livermore is a very up and coming town. You might want to wait to find a place to rent until you get there. Cash is King. If you can show that you can put down a nice deposit and have references from previous landlords than you will definitely not have a problem finding a place, even though you won't have any credit.

Getting an American Express card is a great idea. Landlords will understand why you don't have any credit. An AMEX is a great way to get started.

In regards to daycare, there are many in home daycares but there are also many facilities. Both can be great. The ratio is usually no more than 5-6 per provider for the young babies. if you google preschool in Livermore you can find a ton of reviews on daycares. Yelp.com is another great site once you have found a name of a place you are interested in. I think compared to Oz you might find them expensive.

I would look around Pleasanton too. It is VERY nice. THe weather is perfect and it is safe with good families. It can be pricey in these areas so make sure you factor that into your equation.

In terms of cars, you can find a great deal anywhere if you wanted to buy. go on craigslist.com. You can also use this site for apartments but beware. There can be a lot of scamming going on. The best thing to do is use it as a guide for what you can expect.


I would definitely ask about a clause. You never know how you will adjust. Americans love Aussies so don't worry. People will be facsinated with your accent and want to know all about you. My hubby is a Kiwi and he has been here for 11 years and every day someone asks "where are you from?" We have made so many friends this way.

[Bevdeforges]

If your employer is picking up your relocation costs, make sure there is provision in there for temporary housing while you look for a more permanent place to live. Chances are, it will be in a "suites hotel" or short term apartments, which should give you a chance to check out the various neighborhoods where you might like to live. I know they used to offer up to a month or more in temporary housing, but in the current economy, even a couple of weeks should be enough to find a place to live.

And yes, having a clause that would pay for relocation back home should things not work would be a good idea. (Actually, having that clause in your contract is probably the best assurance that you wouldn't need to exercise it.)

Check with the HR department of your employer to see if they can help with house hunting and even suggestions about where to look for child care arrangements. There are often places favored by the employees of the company - due to proximity to work or special deals for employees or whatever - and having co-workers with kids in the same facility can come in handy.
Cheers,
Bev

[JohnSoCal]

I agree that Livermore is a great place to live. We lived in Livermore as well as several other cities in the San Francisco Bay area and we loved it there. As mentioned, Pleasanton, which adjoins Livermore on the west is also a great place to live.

[stormgal]

Originally Posted by hillierk

I have been offered a permanent full-time role which includes a great salary, medical for my family, L1 Visa, 401K, all relocation costs and the company is considering employing my husband.

Knowing how the unemployment situation is in California, (almost 11%) I'm very surprised that the whole family was offered that type of package. May I ask what kind of work you and your husband do? I'm just curious.

[hillierk]

I implement computer systems. I have specialized skills with a number of winery management, optimization and ERP systems.

[JohnSoCal]

Originally Posted by stormgal

Knowing how the unemployment situation is in California, (almost 11%) I'm very surprised that the whole family was offered that type of package. May I ask what kind of work you and your husband do? I'm just curious.

The high tech industry in California is doing very well with a shortage of workers, not jobs.

[DentureRepair]

Agree for this, Its a very nice place, I have been visited Once, thanks.

[isellpower]

Be very leery when someone mentions an areas "culture." Sure sign that you don't want to live there.

[sillygumbo]

Originally Posted by isellpower

Be very leery when someone mentions an areas "culture." Sure sign that you don't want to live there.

What do you mean?