What is the nicest place for the least cost? (San Francisco: crime, how much)

[Abbeys]

We are finishing raising our family (two years 'til the twins are out of HS) and are looking for a place to live until we retire. We still won't be able to buy for a couple of years, since I lost my job to disability. For medical reasons, I need a cooler climate than Arizona (where hubby wants to go). Any suggestions for a 1 income family, formerly of Newport Beach & San Francisco Bay Area, CA ?

[Charles]

Reseda and Malibu have the same (nice place/cost) ratio. Malibu is three times as nice but it costs three times as much to live there.

Help us out a little:

How much to you expect to spend on a home?
What will your income be until you retire?
How much will you put down?
Where will the breadwinner work until you retire?
What are the results of your research so far?
What have you gleaned from searching through the forums for answers to essentially the same questions you are asking?

[PugLuv1]

I'm looking for the same exact thing, except i have a 13yrs old, so i need a good school. I need a cooler climate also but now where it snows like back home in Chicago.

Originally Posted by Abbeys

We are finishing raising our family (two years 'til the twins are out of HS) and are looking for a place to live until we retire. We still won't be able to buy for a couple of years, since I lost my job to disability. For medical reasons, I need a cooler climate than Arizona (where hubby wants to go). Any suggestions for a 1 income family, formerly of Newport Beach & San Francisco Bay Area, CA ?

[Cattknap]

We live in East Long Beach - 5th District - mostly modest and safe neighborhoods - close enough to the ocean to have wonderful weather - it is 76 degrees here this afternoon...we are a hop away to Orange County and the beach - right down the street from Cal State Long Beach (sports and culture), close to many, many services. Lots of walking and bike trails (we bike to the beach all the time).

However, it is fairly crowded here and for a 1000 square foot house built in the early 1950's that has been modestly updated, you will pay around $550,000 (cheaper than Orange County).

[Abbeys]

Turns out we're moving into the Phoenix area because my DH has a job transfer. This will be challenging for me because I need to stay cool for medical reasons. Two HS aged teens, also. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[Cattknap]

Abbey - our son lives in Phoenix with his family - the only thing I can say is don't go there - the air is horrible, it gets to be 117 or more during the summer - even the nights are miserable - can get quite cold during the winter and they have big dust storms - terrible for anyone with allergies - I think it is just one big ugly, hot place. The crime is very high, housing prices in decent areas are expensive - the town is spread out and you end up driving all over the place and the traffic is bad. Can you tell I don't like Phoenix?

[PugLuv1]

I agree with you so much and i live in Phoenix, and i don't like it at all. I've been here about 10 months now and i'm ready to move. I want to came to Calif but not in LA, and some where that the prices are a little lower...but nice area.

Originally Posted by Cattknap

Abbey - our son lives in Phoenix with his family - the only thing I can say is don't go there - the air is horrible, it gets to be 117 or more during the summer - even the nights are miserable - can get quite cold during the winter and they have big dust storms - terrible for anyone with allergies - I think it is just one big ugly, hot place. The crime is very high, housing prices in decent areas are expensive - the town is spread out and you end up driving all over the place and the traffic is bad. Can you tell I don't like Phoenix?

[Cattknap]

Pugluv - I'm so sorry - I hope you get the means to get out of there. I don't know why so many people live there - I've never understood....crossing my fingers that you can make the move soon.

[Abbeys]

I finally made it to The Place I have wanted to live. Santa Cruz. Just got here six months ago. Now my fiancee` wants to move and buy a house in Phoenix or thereabouts. He's committed to a job. I'll have my place here but it will be rented by his DD. If I don't go, it will disrupt her upcoming quarter (and scholarship) in the JC. PROBLEM I have MS and can NOT take heat. He says, cooling vest, air conditioning, stay inside... I really Don't want to go (though it would be a very little bit easier financially). Should I "Just say no"?

think I'll ask in Phoenix posts too..