How to live here and NOT struggle?? (San Diego, San Francisco: real estate, apartments)

[tobyandcasey]

My husband and I have recently moved back home (San Diego) after being stationed in Pearl Harbor, HI for the last 4 1/2 years. He is now out of the military and we have a 9 month old baby. We are currently living with family until we get back on our feet, but it really seems impossible! My husbands military job didnt transfer into a civillian job, so he is starting over in a completely different career track, making less than $25,00/year. I have been working part time and trying to get more on an education, but I am un able to work full time because of our daughter.

So my question is, where in California can we live that we wouldnt have to struggle??

I dont care where we live, as long as we arent struggling, but my husband would prefer to stay in california. But I dont believe we will ever be able to make it in San Diego, or any where in Southern Cali for that matter. So I was hoping to travel further north (preferably away from LA) into a smaller town with a better life style and lower cost of living. Any suggestions??

I did a search, and it came up with Amador County, Drytown, Suttercreek, Colusa County, and Tehema County. Does anyone have any reviews on those? Thank you so much for your help!

[VeronikaW]

You might look into Central CA, like Fresno or Visalia. I know Central inland CA is still relatively cheap.

V. =)

[Woof]

The counties you listed would be mostly under the heading "Gold Country" in craigslist, if you are looking for rental apartments.

Tell us how big a city you are looking for in approximate population, or is it villages you're interested in? Do you prefer hot and dry weather or cool and wet (most places in Northern Cal seem to be one or the other).

I recently ran a thread on the cheapest area that I've found so far in terms of rent (aside from unbearably hot desert communties). That's the Susanville/Quincy area, but these might be a little too small and isolated for you if you're used to big city life.

Mt Shasta/Weed is similar, but less isolated as they are along I5.

Redding, Yreka, and Chico are more affordable than San Diego, but the climate is hotter.

Eureka/Arcata/McKinleyville are out by the northern coast, they're cool and damp but also fairly affordable.

Crescent City is even farther north on the coast, and is a good place for people who enjoy incessant rain and tsunamis.

[OutOfSoCal]

if you have to stay in Cali head north to Central or north above the bay area. Going to be hard to get anything like San Diego , it one of the nicest climates anywhere, IMO.

[DMenscha]

I can continue to bang the Calaveras county drum!

What career is your husband following?

[harteis]

Try Lake County. Good real estate bargains, only 2 hours or so from Sacramento or San Francisco. Mediterranean climate, beautiful views, good rental. Slow and quiet and clean fresh air. Worth a look

[CampShapeUp]

Hi there,

I love Amador County though it can be a struggle to support yourself. The first year I lived part time in Ione, working in El Dorado County and the other half of the week continued my business in Santa Cruz. It was difficult. Now I work part time in El Dorado County and part time in Pine Grove. I live in lower Pioneer/Pine Grove area where houses are cheaper. Sutter Creek is a beautiful upscale town not too far from here.

My belief is you do what is needed to make your dream come true. Mine was to buy a house in the Gold Country. I am still 5 years later, putting alot of energy into making this work! It was hard to leave my established businesses in Santa Cruz, though I love it here and owning my own home is great too! No regrets on making the move and leap of faith!

[Snort]

I'm seeing some pretty good real estate deals in Riverside in places such as Temecula and Murrieta. Actually, even Fallbrook (San Diego County) has some good buys too!

[Dean Trails]

Originally Posted by tobyandcasey

My husband and I have recently moved back home (San Diego) after being stationed in Pearl Harbor, HI for the last 4 1/2 years. He is now out of the military and we have a 9 month old baby. We are currently living with family until we get back on our feet, but it really seems impossible! My husbands military job didnt transfer into a civillian job, so he is starting over in a completely different career track, making less than $25,00/year. I have been working part time and trying to get more on an education, but I am un able to work full time because of our daughter.

So my question is, where in California can we live that we wouldnt have to struggle??

I dont care where we live, as long as we arent struggling, but my husband would prefer to stay in california. But I dont believe we will ever be able to make it in San Diego, or any where in Southern Cali for that matter. So I was hoping to travel further north (preferably away from LA) into a smaller town with a better life style and lower cost of living. Any suggestions??

I did a search, and it came up with Amador County, Drytown, Suttercreek, Colusa County, and Tehema County. Does anyone have any reviews on those? Thank you so much for your help!

Unfortunately, my nephew lived in Hemet after retiring from the Marines. He did his duty on so many tours of the Mideast that I couldn't keep track.

Anyway, he felt Hemet would work for him but as you say he struggled mightily. The job market wasn't exactly the best ( and still isn't) and they were priced out of the housing market. So, they bit the bullet and he accepted a military civilian job in South Dakota. Now everything is working for them due to the lower cost of living and housing. In fact, they are able to buy a home with his military benefit.

It is my personal opinion that we as a country need to do more for our veterans. They a have a tough job and deserve more than they get. I hope the best for you in your search!!

[Ultrarunner]

The OP hasn't posted since August 2007... I guess things worked out