moving from Ohio to California.. (Sacramento, Santa Barbara: rental, find a job, neighborhood)

[mzradie]

Hey all,
I am seriously thinking of moving from Columbus, Ohio to California. I've always contemplated the move, and now it looks like I'll have the means to do it. I'm selling two rental properties. I'll have a nice bit of cash to work with as a cushion until I can find a job. I've always been a county government worker in social services..so I don't anticipate a huge problem with finding a job.

Anway, my daughter has a chronic illness and she can't tolerate extreme heat or cold. I'm a single mom, with a three year old and a seventeen year old. My seventeen year old will be off to college in a bit..any suggestions on location? My top priorities are climate, safety, cost of living, and nearby colleges. And, I need to add that I would love to be near a beach, within an hours drive. I'm thinking 1500.00 per month for rent, give or take a couple hundred bucks.

Any thoughts?

[Charles]

Where are the most likely places (cities, communities, freeway intersections if possible) that you will be working? A lot of the thoughts we can provide you will be dependent on where your job is.
I think there is a minimum amount of time required to be a resident to qualify for resident tuition at colleges in California, look it up.
What are your expectations for housing? Two bedrooms for $1500?

[mzradie]

So far I've applied for jobs in Sacremento and LA County...I was expecting rent to be anywhere from 1500-2000 for a place in a safe, clean neighborhood.

[CaliTerp07]

Just an FYI, I believe in order for your son to qualify for in state tuition, you need to have lived (and paid taxes) in the state for 2 years...otherwise you'll be out of state until then.

[NewToCA]

Originally Posted by mzradie

So far I've applied for jobs in Sacremento and LA County...I was expecting rent to be anywhere from 1500-2000 for a place in a safe, clean neighborhood.

I made the move to Sacramento from Columbus a few years ago. If you want to be within an hour of a useful beach, and want to avoid extreme heat, this likely won't be a good fit for you.

Sacramento is 2.5 hours from a decent "sunning" beach, Santa Cruz, and summer frequently has temps in the high 90's and low 100's in the summer.

[CA4Now]

Originally Posted by mzradie

I've always been a county government worker in social services..so I don't anticipate a huge problem with finding a job.

It's not a good idea to come here without a job. CA is trying to balance a $19 billion deficit and social services jobs are among those being cut from the budget.

[mzradie]

[quote=CA4Now;14662041]It's not a good idea to come here without a job. CA is trying to balance a $19 billion deficit and social services jobs are among those being cut from the budget.[/QUOTE
Still have two properties to sell.. not moving anytime soon

[mzradie]

Originally Posted by NewToCA

I made the move to Sacramento from Columbus a few years ago. If you want to be within an hour of a useful beach, and want to avoid extreme heat, this likely won't be a good fit for you.

Sacramento is 2.5 hours from a decent "sunning" beach, Santa Cruz, and summer frequently has temps in the high 90's and low 100's in the summer.

Any suggestions for cooler climates?

[NewToCA]

Originally Posted by mzradie

Any suggestions for cooler climates?

Closer to the coastline, I'd stay within 30-35 miles of the coast if this is an important item for you to consider. Once you get past that point, it heats up quickly in the summer afternoons, along the entire length of the state.

[Mountainsofmisery]

I live in Granville, 30 miles east of you. Can I come too? OK, seriously, good luck. Getting away from these winters has become a priority for me. The central valley area around Buellton/Santa Maria/San Luis Obispo will meet your climate consistency requirements. College in Santa Barbara 45 minutes away. I go out there a couple of time a year. Great area.