Best Small Town in California (Bakersfield, Lancaster: hardwood floors, apartments, rentals)

[flpelle]

It is ok...nobody outside of California can afford to move there anyway. Elvis has left the building!

[bigtallredhead]

Originally Posted by NewToCA

In thinking about your initial request, and the type of atmosphere you are seeking, I think the Chico and Arcata areas of California may work out best. Chico has a very nice downtown and park area, and a decent sized college. Arcata has a nice bohemian small downtown, plus you are within 10-12 minutes of downtown Eureka, and has a decent college nearby too.

I agree about Chico, also quite cheap by California standards. Don't know about Arcata. I have read from crime statistics and other sources that Eureka in Humboldt county has some serious problems, though, but is also a historic community filled with lovely Victorians. Also try Orville to the south of Chico. Many old hippies there, but mixed with the locals. Interesting and historic town with many bars, close to the mountains and great outdoor recreation. That whole area is truly lovely. -Emil.

[jessemh431]

what problems does eureka have? i thought it was just a small, safe town

[calif]

Originally Posted by flpelle

I am interested in retiring to a safe, open-minded, and less costly small town in California. Coming from Tennessee where it is cheap will be a shock. Ideally, I would like to own 5 acres and be in a friendly place.
A few nice restaurants, access to decent doctors, and affordable housing is key.
Does that exist anywhere in this great state?

In Hidden Valley Lake CA there are 5 acre parcels called the Ranchos just outside a very nice gated community. It is a very small town. Great golf course, a couple nice restaurants. They just put in a great Thai place, a few good Mexican restaurants, and the brewery makes great pizza. Everyone knows everyone here. How much are you looking to spend on a home?

VisualTour

Here is a link to a virtual tour of the community, only I don't think it will show the "Ranchos".

I wish you luck in your search.

[Woof]

Flpelle, could you be a little more specific about what you're looking for in Cal that you don't have in Tenessee? And what kinds of work can you do? What kind of climate do you prefer? It's mostly sunny, dry, and very hot here in the cheap areas, or chilly and wet, or alternating between those extremes. You may be more used to hot and humid, which we don't have much of.

[tahoesash]

Fallbrook, Palmdale, Rancho Santa Margarita?

[ajcfalcon]

Placerville is absolutely one of the best options you will find in California. About 25,000 people in the area, but has a wealth of restaurants and stores. Due to frequent traffic to and from the Lake Tahoe area, there is a strong tourism industry. The old downtown is very quaint, with nice stores and buildings dating back as much as 200 years. Very Safe and secure for raising children. I grew up there and was often allowed to roam town unsupervised (even with fairly strict parents). This is the nearest to a Mayberry that I am aware of. Additionally, you are only about 30 minutes from the greater Sacramento area which eliminates the inconvenience of living in a small place.

Average Home pricing: approx 250,000 to 400,000
Average Rent: approx 800 to 2500/month

Completely worth a visit.

[TribalCat]

Originally Posted by jessemh431

what problems does eureka have? i thought it was just a small, safe town

Eureka has a big problem with drug users and drug-based crime. They also have a lot of transient people hanging around downtown. More than you'd think for a town that size.

[tinasgt2005]

Originally Posted by flpelle

I have been away from the computer for a while. Great posts..thanks to all and greetings from TN. How about Tulare?? I have not seen that mentioned does it fit the profile of a qulaity of life, small town/Mayberry with friendly people and a few things to do. It appears that it is an agricultural area, but is land available for horses?

OMG no not Tulare. I would not call that a Mayberry town. It right off of a major Hwy and has no bueaty to it. Ugg IMO

[tinasgt2005]

Originally Posted by earthwatersunwind

Bakersfield is a pit and has some of the worst air quality in the state. Plus it gets into triple digits in the summer. It's a white trash destination, if you don't mind me saying.
Can you tell me more about McKinleyville? Hospital? Population? Does it snow, or at least have 4 seasons? What is the best part about it for you? I am in San Diego, and hate the prices but more than that the unchanging, ugly weather. No seasons, and after a lifetime of living in the "paradise" of So Cal, I'd like to see some leaves in the fall and snow in the winter! Some rain!

I take offense to the White Trash part. I live in Bakersfield and you will not meet a more close nit group than the people here. It is not a beautiful city but we have hard and are very patriotic. Please don't describe this city as White Trash