Job prospect in Simi Valley...where to live? (Los Angeles, San Diego: foreclosures, rent)

[CalTam]

We are in the process of returning to San Diego (after a 3 year absence). There is a company in Simi Valley that appears to be very interested in my husband.

Question: we are both 43, no kids and will have annual income in the $160K+ range.

We both like good restaurants (preferable non-chain places), enjoy cultural activities (but are not necessarily 'culture vultures') and are hoping to buy a house.

Would we be bored in Simi? If so, what would be an alternative? We were hoping to buy a house in the $600K range. Although with the way the market is shaking out we may rent for a year or so.....

Thoughts?

[Winston Smith]

Yes, you might be bored in family-oriented, suburban Simi Valley, but you could get an ok house for $600k. Trouble is, I can't think of anywhere reasonably close that might be better for you without getting you into a massive commute. My 2¢ for you: find a nice place to live in Simi, where you work, and travel to the occasional cultural event. Simi is nice in terms of hiking, biking and scenery. Maybe those things would grow on you if you're open.

Incidentally, Simi Valley is the number two city for the most foreclosures in Ventura County, these days. I smell a deal for you.

[ImRandy]

If by cultural activities you include theater, it's not Broadway, maybe not even off Broadway, but there are some places to see plays without too much driving. The Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks would be the biggest but then there are small companies like the Conejo Players and High Street Theater Foundation (Moorpark Melodrama) which have entertaining productions. In Simi Valley itself there's the Cultural Arts Center. It's a small place, ~200 person seating, with weekend productions. For large productions you'd be driving into the Los Angeles area. Personally, I'd rather drive to Los Angeles to do something rather than live there and drive to work every day.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by ImRandy

If by cultural activities you include theater, it's not Broadway, maybe not even off Broadway, but there are some places to see plays without too much driving. The Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks would be the biggest but then there are small companies like the Conejo Players and High Street Theater Foundation (Moorpark Melodrama) which have entertaining productions. In Simi Valley itself there's the Cultural Arts Center. It's a small place, ~200 person seating, with weekend productions. For large productions you'd be driving into the Los Angeles area. Personally, I'd rather drive to Los Angeles to do something rather than live there and drive to work every day.

This is good advice - especially about living near where you work. I've been to performances at all of these places. Of course only the CAP in TO will have top line stuff but the other venues (and Moorpark College) are a lot less expensive ("cheaper" in my normal lingo) and a lot more convenient. I saw Beauty and the Beast at the Simi Cultural Arts thing a couple years ago - excellent with a live orchestra too. Also, Simi to Pasadena (and even downtown) is not normally a horrid drive on weekends. Simi through the 405 to the westside is pretty bad even on weekends. Other reasonable weekend drives for cultural activities: Ojai, Ventura, and Santa Barbara.