Please Help Me!!!!!!! (San Francisco, Redding, Chino: vacation, sick, diversity)

[theslightedge75]

I currently live in Redding. I am very sick of this hot, sunny, boring, undiverse town where I stick out like a sore thumb. I LOVE cloudy and cold weather, would like to blend in with the culture somewhere instead of being "looked at" or "checked out" all the time. The big city life is NOT for me either, I am trying to find a mix or a happy medium of the diversity and hobbies of a big city along with the laid back pace of a smaller community. I would love to be on the ocean but prices are sky high from what I hear. I have heard about Arcata, Crescent City, Fort Bragg, Eureka, etc but I dont know anyone there to get honest facts about these areas. Could somebody please help me out??

[missionhome]

What about Alaska?

[Winston Smith]

How about Morro Bay, population 10,000? It's foggy most days, with temps consistently around 60 degrees. The cool San Simeon coast is at your doorstep. If you ever need some sun, San Luis Obispo is only 15 miles distant. Ever need extreme heat, head up the hill to Atascadero. You'll likely not be bored with the rest of the central coast is right there, Oceano, Avila Beach, Pismo. One downside: Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant.

[Sorcerer68]

Originally Posted by cre8

How about Morro Bay, population 10,000? It's foggy most days, with temps consistently around 60 degrees. The cool San Simeon coast is at your doorstep. If you ever need some sun, San Luis Obispo is only 15 miles distant. Ever need extreme heat, head up the hill to Atascadero. You'll likely not be bored with the rest of the central coast is right there, Oceano, Avila Beach, Pismo. One downside: Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant.

The OP wants diverse. I used to live in this area and trust me, it isn't.

[Paula Lynn]

A good friend of mine moved to North Bend, OR. She loves it.

[Winston Smith]

Originally Posted by Sorcerer68

The OP wants diverse. I used to live in this area [Morro Bay] and trust me, it isn't.

Maybe the OP has too many requirements.

[Sorcerer68]

Originally Posted by cre8

Maybe the OP has too many requirements.

My first thought was Santa Cruz but I don't know if that's small enough. It's diverse and foggy and all that. I've always liked going here immensely for a visit. It's the only place you'll see a dirty late model Rolls Royce with a dent in it.

[robsbstmom]

Hi--I live on the Central Oregon Coast--specifically Lincoln City. There is lots to do and see and the weather would suit you fine. Nobody really stands out here. There is art,culture, big city close enough should you desire, slow pace, lot of ocean and lakes to see. It is very beautiful here. I am originally from Calfornia, spent all my vacations on the Central Cali Coast and eventually moved here. Really nice and no Sales Tax and rents are half as much...trust me my children followed right behind me. It can be it a bit boring at times but for you probably not and believe me a hop, skip and a jump you can be in Portland, Seattle, Salem or really close is the Chinook Winds Casino which has entertainment and gaming.............

[humboldtlove]

all the places you mentioned are beautiful, thelightsedge75! i currently live in fortuna, which is in humboldt. i love the coast from crescent city to san francisco. its perfect and in my oppinion, the most beautiful place on earth.

[sonarrat]

Pacifica just south of San Francisco meets all of your requirements except for affordability. Other than that, it would be a perfect fit. It's very diverse, close to the ocean, and close to all of the big city attractions without having the big city bustle.