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Old 09-10-2010, 03:27 AM
 
1 posts, read 6,795 times
Reputation: 10

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I recently accepted an offer for my dream job. It is not in my ideal location, (I will be working in Santa Maria) but, beggars cant be choosers. So, no complaints here.

OK. So, I start in 2 weeks and I don't know where to live.

My stats -

Me: attractive (yes, probably unnecessary to include this, dont make fun of me) single, 25 year old woman, born and raised in So. Cal.

Lived in O.C., L.A., S.D. With the exception of San Diego, I am not a fan of So. Cal. Spent 3 years in NYC for law school.

I will be starting at 70K, appx 80K in a year.

I don't mind commuting 30 miles.

I prefer a beach town vs. a hot inland area.

I don't want to blow more than < $1200 on rent.

No cats no dogs.

1 bedroom apt is ideal. No studios.

I have taken the 101 through Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, 5 Cities and SLO, about 4 times in the last 2 weeks.

My gist of those areas so far is this (correct me if I'm wrong but do ignore my political incorrectness):

1) I don't want to live inland, i.e., Santa Maria and nearby cities.

2) Pismo / Grover has a lot of white trash and transients.

--- are there areas in Pismo that are nicer then Shell Beach ??

3) Avila Beach seems ritzy in some places, and lacks affordable rentals that are actually close to the ocean.

4) Although SLO is a "city" it is too much of a college town with loud, drunk, obnoxious, college kids.

5) Thought Shell Beach was gorgeous. My best bet so far. Looked at a 2 bedroom for 950 near Spy Glass Park.

6) South of Santa Maria: nearest tolerable area is Isla Vista. It is ridiculously expensive, but, its a somewhat- less-obnoxious college town.

My dilemma: so, I like Shell Beach the most, yet, I am worried that it will be baron. But, at the same time, I don't want to live in SLO because its a college town.

I don't have any problems making friends, but, I would prefer that some of them be young professionals. I am sure ill meet some at work, but, I'd like to not get into a habit of just hanging out with co-workers.

Sorry for my dissertation. Any suggestions on places to live?

Thank you SO MUCH for your time!

Last edited by artemissy; 09-10-2010 at 03:35 AM..
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Old 09-10-2010, 10:24 AM
 
Location: Santa Barbara
514 posts, read 686,858 times
Reputation: 175
At attractive, 25 and 80K a year, I'd say my house, but then again am happily married

Quote:
2) Pismo / Grover has a lot of white trash and transients.

Grover is not Pismo. Pismo is fine, and expensive, Grover City is Lompoc on the beach.


--- are there areas in Pismo that are nicer then Shell Beach ??

Is there anyplace on the planet nicer than Shell Beach? Odd question. Shell Beach is a great little community with a great sense of community. Us old timers still resent Pismo annexing it. Here, this exemplifies Shell Beach. At sunset people leave their homes, walk down the street with wine glasses in their hands and watch the sunset. Sometimes dolphins or whales are dancing just off shore for you.

3) Avila Beach seems ritzy in some places, and lacks affordable rentals that are actually close to the ocean.

Not ritzy, just new, since Union Oil company tore down most of the town and replaced with Neo beach chic. There are affordable rentals close to the beach. A little quicker and you would have been able to get into a 2 bedroom apartment two blocks from the beach, but, my daughter just got her new room mate after a bit of a search and interviews. $600 is the share per month.

Keep looking, Avila and Shell Beach are as close to heaven as you will get on this planet, almost.

4) Although SLO is a "city" it is too much of a college town with loud, drunk, obnoxious, college kids.

Only in places, other areas are very nice, quiet, upscale neighborhoods with turn of the century to 1920's homes.

5) Thought Shell Beach was gorgeous. My best bet so far. Looked at a 2 bedroom for 950 near Spy Glass Park.
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Old 10-04-2010, 05:56 PM
 
4 posts, read 21,465 times
Reputation: 10
Default Commute from SLO to Santa Maria

I have also just taken a job in Santa Maria. I am strongly considering living in SLO. I am told there are young professionals who live there and there are neighborhoods away from the college kids. I am curious about the commute from SLO to Santa Maria...If its half an hour or so, I'm fine with that, but does 101 often get congested going south in the morning?
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Old 10-04-2010, 10:05 PM
 
Location: So California
8,704 posts, read 11,119,808 times
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Isla Vista is wayyyyy to far.
If you dont want to be in Santa Maria or Orcutt, then go north to 5 cities or SLO. Shell Beach is great, but there are other nice areas around the 5 cities, just look. The proximity to the beach and beach feel is great.
The biggest mistake you are making is underestimating SLO. Its a great town; perfect micro climate, great downtown, clean. Its still a long commute though.
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Old 10-05-2010, 12:20 PM
 
Location: California
2,211 posts, read 2,616,055 times
Reputation: 2136
If you want to live near the beach, you may want to try the 5 cities area like a poster wrote. You may find rent there for less then $1,200 and the commute would only be about 20 minutes or so. I would seriously consider Orcutt, it is a nice small town and would be very close to your job, and I am sure you could rent an apt. for what you are willing to spend.
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Old 10-05-2010, 12:30 PM
 
Location: California
2,211 posts, read 2,616,055 times
Reputation: 2136
Going 65 to 70 south on the 101 is no problem to SM. It does take 1/2 hour from SLO to SM.

Quote:
Originally Posted by centralcoast189 View Post
I have also just taken a job in Santa Maria. I am strongly considering living in SLO. I am told there are young professionals who live there and there are neighborhoods away from the college kids. I am curious about the commute from SLO to Santa Maria...If its half an hour or so, I'm fine with that, but does 101 often get congested going south in the morning?
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Old 10-06-2010, 12:12 AM
 
4 posts, read 21,465 times
Reputation: 10
thanks for the info
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Old 10-06-2010, 07:58 AM
 
Location: Whiteville Tennessee
8,262 posts, read 18,485,841 times
Reputation: 10150
Having graduated from UCSB [Isla Vista] and having spent my career in San Luis Obispo I can assure you that Isla Vista is just as much of a college/party town as San Luis Obispo. Maybe worse! I think you may be shortchanging yourself if you dont give some consideration to living in San Luis Obispo. It is a wonderful place and I wish I could have afforded to retire there. The commute from SLO to Santa Maria is a piece of cake.
Now, as far as you being good lookin---seeing is believing!!!!!!!
Good luck whatever you decide to do young lady!
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Old 10-06-2010, 02:00 PM
 
Location: San Diego
5,741 posts, read 4,699,967 times
Reputation: 12819
My advice is to live in SLO. It's not just college kids; as the largest city in the area, that is where you will find the most young professional singles, like yourself.

DO NOT spend any more time than absolutely necessary in santa maria.
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