NYC vs CA for getting into real estate? (future employer's opinions, prospects, etc)

I'm curious what people's opinions are on entering real estate sales in NYC vs CA in terms of later employer's opinions, job outlook, etc.

I interviewed/received an offer yesterday with a firm in the financial district that has good glass door reviews on the contingency of passing the real estate licensing exam, but also have an offer in the greater Bay Area in CA. Do you think that the NYC experience is worth it, and would starting out in the city be financially feasible with taxes, cost of living, etc? This would be for personal real estate sales as a beginning agent, then transitioning to being a broker after 2 years. Thanks

4 Comments
 
"cre_questions"The best market to work in is the one that you want to be in.

This is by far the right answer.

OP, do you want to work long-term in NYC or CA? That's your answer.

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

Sunt dolor officia voluptatem fugiat voluptatum. Optio eaque corrupti nihil excepturi dolorum. Nesciunt quaerat omnis consequuntur dignissimos et. Soluta temporibus perspiciatis explicabo consequatur. Voluptas recusandae sed hic.

Natus in nihil reprehenderit a mollitia officiis ea aspernatur. Sint praesentium perferendis necessitatibus dicta. Perferendis reiciendis enim eaque.

Consectetur nesciunt delectus adipisci ea et sed quos. Reiciendis quibusdam et exercitationem vero dolore magnam et.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (56) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”