Post: #1

Hey Guys, Huge fan of the forum even though I don't post very often,

I'm a 21 year old New Zealander heading over to the States in September on a J1 Work Visa (1 year, un-skilled labour). I'll be visiting my brother in San Diego for a 2 weeks and be visiting some other cities for a week at a time to try and figure out what would suit me best

I was hoping to gain some insights in to which cities would be good to live and work in based on the girls/nightlife, availability of work, convenience and weather.

My thoughts:
- Somewhere in Texas (Dallas, Austin or Houston)
- Miami
- Pittsburgh
- Boston
- A snow based city for winter, working on the mountain (Aspen, Vail or Lake Tahoe)


Any input would be most appreciated!!


- Pete

Post: #2

I'm not American, but know that a lot of people on J1 visa's work at ski resorts all over the US. The skiing/snowboarding itself is WAY better out west (Colorado, Wyoming, Utah) compared to the little resorts in NY, Vermont, NH etc. The first time I tried to ski was at a very big commercial resort near NYC and it was a disaster. Like trying to ski on ice. The snow out west is MUCH better in all respects, but especially for beginners.

Have heard good things about the resorts near Salt Lake City, though I haven't been there myself. Salt Lake City supposedly rocks. Despite it's reputation as the centre of "conservative" Mormons.

Best to look for a gig that includes accommodation since this is usually ultra expensive in/near resorts.

Post: #3

Peter,

Here's my view, considering your priorities:

1) Miami would be hands down the top choice, considering girls & nightlife. Added benefit is that you are a cheap, short flight from at least 5-7 other countries so you can do weekend trips there.
2) If you're in San Diego, you're already close enough to check out Los Angeles and the prospects there.
3) Under no circumstances should you come to the U.S. from New Zealand to spend time in Pittsburgh. I don't know how the job prospects are there, but it fails according to your 3 other criteria.
4) As Bad Hussar mentioned, I think a winter in one of the west coast ski resorts would be one of your best bets to check out.

Post: #4

Thanks Technics and Bad Hussar,

I hadn't thought of Salt Lake City before, but I definitely will look into it now. I was also thinking about other parts of Flordia. Maybe Tampa or Fort Lauderdale.

I'm actually surprised at how many ski resorts there are in california. whoa.