A Love story Across Cities: My Relocation from Chicago to San Diego and Beyond
Moving to a new city for love is a decision many romanticize, but the reality can be far more complex. My journey from Chicago to San Diego was driven by my desire to be with my then-boyfriend, now husband, who was serving in the Navy. The transition wasn’t just about leave-taking; it was about leaving behind a life I deeply cherished. Chicago had been my home for six years, where I built a fulfilling career, nurtured meaningful friendships, and engaged with organizations close to my heart. Yet, the call of love and the promise of a life together led me to sunny San Diego. What I didn’t anticipate was how quickly the city’s charm would fade for me.
The Weather That Bored Me
When I shared my decision to move to San Diego with my Midwestern friends and colleagues, their eyes would light up with envy. To them, year-round sunny weather and beach access sounded like paradise—especially during Chicago’s frigid winters. But I, having grown up in California, had always embraced the Midwestern way of life. I loved the changing seasons, the crisp air of autumn, the magical white Christmases, and even the resilience required to navigate snowy streets. San Diego’s constant sunshine felt monotonous, and I eventually stopped checking the weather app because it rarely changed. While the sunny days were perfect for hiking and beach trips, I craved the variety and coziness that came with seasonal shifts. Missing the warmth of my nana-knit sweaters and the joy of bundling up for winter walks was a sacrifice I hadn’t anticipated.
The Struggle of a Car-Centric City
Before moving to San Diego, I knew it was a car-dependent city. However, I had no desire to own one, having relied on Chicago’s excellent public transit and walkable neighborhoods for years. I assumed cycling might be a convenient alternative, but I quickly discovered how unsupported cyclists were in the city. Bike lanes were scarce, and navigation apps often directed me onto busy highways. Walking became my go-to mode of transportation, but even that proved challenging due to missing sidewalks and unsafe roads. While I was pleasantly surprised by San Diego’s public transit system, it couldn’t compare to Chicago’s efficiency, often requiring hours of travel and multiple connections for even short distances. This experience reinforced my preference for walkable cities and highlighted the disconnect between my lifestyle and San Diego’s car-centric culture.
The Beaches That Broke My Heart
San Diego’s beaches were another source of disillusionment. While the coastline was undeniably beautiful, the lack of respect for these spaces was disheartening. I recall a particularly distressing incident after the Fourth of July in 2023, when I encountered beaches littered with abandoned pool floaties, broken camping chairs, and overflowing trash cans. The sight of seagulls scattering garbage and the stench of stale beer brought me to tears. This wasn’t an isolated incident; holiday weekends often left beaches in disarray, with locals and volunteers bearing the burden of cleaning up after careless visitors. Witnessing this disregard for the environment made me realize how much I valued the sense of community and shared responsibility I had left behind in Chicago.
The Unmet Expectations of a Sunny Paradise
Despite its reputation as a paradise, San Diego failed to capture my heart. The city’s monotony, lack of seasonal variety, and environmental indifference contrasted sharply with the vibrant, resilient Chicago I had grown to love. After nearly a year in San Diego, I was thrilled to relocate to the Washington, D.C., area, where I could once again experience the joys of walkable neighborhoods, reliable public transit, and the beauty of changing seasons. While San Diego may be ideal for many, it wasn’t the right fit for me.
Finding Happiness in a New Home
The move to Washington, D.C., has been a breath of fresh air. The city’s walkability, diverse cultural offerings, and four distinct seasons have reignited my sense of belonging. I no longer feel the restlessness I experienced in San Diego. Instead, I find joy in exploring museums, strolling through parks, and experiencing the vibrant energy of a city that aligns with my values and lifestyle. My journey from Chicago to San Diego to D.C. has taught me the importance of Compatibility when choosing a place to call home. While love brought me to San Diego, it’s the sense of community and connection that has made D.C. my new haven.
