A SENIOR (not too) LOOKING FOR CA COAST PLACE (Long Beach: lower-class, section 8)

[Ang43]

I’m a senior, but don’t act like one… yet. I live in Missouri; used to live in Burbank-Glendale area of California for 18 years. I am trying to get back to California only because the only family member I speak to is in Glendale and I’d like to be closer to her, yet I do NOT want to live in the San Fernando Valley again!
My problems in finding a place are these: I have a housing choice voucher (Section 8) and that narrows the options a bit, although not everyone with a housing voucher is a lower-class citizen. I worked 50 long and hard years in this country, so I’m certainly not “free-loading.”
I am looking for a place that is not an institution for old folks… I’m more independent and don’t need care, meds, etc.
There are many forums here that tell about California, but not specifically for seniors, so I hope you don’t mind me starting one.
I don’t have to worry about a commute to work (anymore) and I like quiet places for seniors, but not too far from stores like Walmart (rather than ritzy stores for wealthy people).
I would like to live not too far from the coast where it isn’t too hot in summer (had more than enough of that here in MO!)
I’d like to find a place where I don’t have to feel inferior to fancy-dressing, wealthy people and I like to ride a bike and/or a moped.
Again, not too terribly far from my niece in Glendale. I know what I ask for seems impossible, but let’s give it a try… can you help an ol’ gal out?

[SmoothBBQ]

Seal Beach

[Ceece]

I was going to say Long Beach. Check Padmapper, most rentals will say "section 8 ok" if that's the case.

[katnip kid]

Why don't you want to live in the valley again?

[5thgenSF]

i'd vote for pasadena!! haven't lived there since the 70's though.

[Ang43]

In the Valley Caucasians are in the minority and people are not to my liking.

[Shawn_Estrada]

Originally Posted by Ang43

In the Valley Caucasians are in the minority and people are not to my liking.

Would you like your hood with this move? Come on now, its the 21st century. California is quite the melting pot. No matter where you go in any urban area in this state you are going to run into the "colored" folks. Not to mention your post says you will use a section 8 housing voucher. Well guess what groups tend to have those? Minorities. Unless you are willing to live in a senior mobile home park or senior housing authority housing, I would strongly encourage that you accept the fact that the minorities will live among you.

[Captain Obvious]

Originally Posted by Ang43

I’m a senior, but don’t act like one… yet.

Originally Posted by Ang43

In the Valley Caucasians are in the minority and people are not to my liking.

[mayorhaggar]

Look for 55+ apartment buildings, they aren't nursing homes but are for people who are 55 and older and should have cheaper rent. There's a few I've seen here in Long Beach. Around LA, Long Beach is pretty much the main area I can think of that is fairly affordable, near the coast (which means it's cooler than areas inland) and doesn't have a ton of crime, though there are definitely a lot of grubby people here. But Long Beach is fairly dense and is pretty easy to get around by walking or biking in a lot of areas, and a moped or scooter would work well.

[.highnlite]

I suggest Oceano, it has all the accoutrement that you desire, especially the part where you want to avoid over dressed "fancy" people.