Best cost of living in Cali?

[Fontucky]

Originally Posted by blakesq

2 hours from LA

If you're lucky...

[CarawayDJ]

Originally Posted by Fontucky

If you're lucky...

That's the usual time it takes me to get to LAX.....rush hour excluded. If I were an IP attorney like the OP it wouldn't matter to me where the technical border of LA proper is. The metro area (lumping in OC) can be reached in a little over an hour. His Potential clients around LA will often involve a drive of less than 2 hours, and occasionally more.

[Think4Yourself]

Originally Posted by blakesq

HI All,

I am an attorney licensed in California and in Connecticut, but currently living in Connecticut. Family and I have been thinking about moving somewhere with a lower cost of living. We have been thinking mostly of the Coastal South, like Wilmington, NC, Charleston, SC, Sarasota, FL.

However, just want to make sure I am not overlooking any hidden gems in California. Are there any areas in California, within 1/2 hour of the coast with a relatively low cost of living? We have a small 1300 sq ft house here in CT that we bought near the height of the market in 2006. Looks like we can get a house 10 years old or newer over 2000 sqft for around $250K in those southern cities I mentioned. Are there any places in California (within 1/2 hour from coast) with real estate prices around the same, or am I just dreaming? And, even if housing is more expensive, what are the best cost of living places in Cali within 1/2 hour of the coast?


Thanks!

Blakesq

In addition to Temecula you may want to look at the Mira Mesa area of San Diego as the west side of Mira Mesa (close to the I5 and I805 freeways) is only 3-5 miles from the ocean but post bubble real estate prices have really come down. They're not going to be as cheap as North Carolina but it's close and San Diego beats NC any day in my book especially the weather, culture, food, and yes even job opportunities if you're a self starter. Check out this 4 bd, 3bth, with ~1700 sq ft built in 1984 for $319,000:

10818 Canyon Hill Lane, San Diego CA - Trulia

Most of the prices are higher but if you have a good agent and really look there are some real bargains to be had right now due to all the foreclosures. Other areas to look near San Diego which would be cheaper (but ~20 miles from the ocean instead of 3-5) would be Santee (due east of La Jolla off the 52 freeway) where you should be able to find a nice 2000+ sq ft house $300,000-$350,000 or the Fletcher Hills (near Santee) where my parents bought a huge 3000 sq ft house on a 3/4 acre lot (that's huge in San Diego metro unless you're in the boonies) for just $375,000 last year. Their house was built in 1988.

Temecula is nice and does offer bang for the buck but I'd rather be closer to the coast and the price difference isn't that large. What Temecula does have going for it is that just about everything is 10 years old or less so decide what you really want. Good luck with your search.