Where to buy? (Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Santa Clarita: real estate, to live in, shop)

[judyd]

We want to return to california to "semi-retire," after being away (in Las Vegas) for the past 10 years. We used to live in Los Angeles County (the valley and the Santa Clarita Valley). We have no interest in returning to that particular area, but would still like to be within a 2 or 3 hour drive from Greater L.A. Any suggestions on an area that's growing, but is still relatively affordable?

[joji]

Check out Apple Valley

[Blanco]

I moved to Yucca Valley in 2001. We moved from No. CA and really like it here. Real estate is reasonable here and you are only 30 minutes from Palm Springs, 3 hours from LA. The wheather is nice most of the time. Check out <citi-data.com> . I am a realtor and do not what to say to much as I am not replying to advertise myself. I just could not resist replying to your post. Check out <url removed>, it is the most up to date real estate web page. Good luck in your presuit, hope you find what you are looking for..

April Landers

[Ryan]

San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay are the places I'd retire under your criteria. Very nice, peaceful and convenient. Morro Bay has great beaches and a high retired population. Not much shopping, but the natural features more than make up for it. SLO is the best; everything you could possibly need or want packed into a chic small town. Not as tranquil as Morro Bay, but more conveniences. Folks in Morro Bay drive a short way to SLO for the shopping.

[Brisuh]

i think you should live in ventura counties or riverside counties or orange counties.

[ggriffin]

There is a very nice resort area that is popular with retirees at Silver Lakes in the High Desert. It is growing rapidly and still very affordable. It is near the Victorville area. If you do not like the desert, Paso Robles, (wine country), San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay are very nice! The San Bernardino Mountains are a great place to retire if you like that climate...Lake Arrowhead is beautiful and affordable and the area is coming back after the fires and bark beetle that has infected the forest trees. You may also want to consider Big Bear if you like the mountain communities.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Gail Griffin