Monterey vs. Ventura/Ojai

[Nexis]

Originally Posted by visalian

I like Monterey The weather is mostly warm and sunny, sometimes foggy and sometimes rainy.

The weather in Monterey is mostly cool, cloudy, wet and depressing. There are exceptions but this is the rule for this area I'm afraid.

[Pakalolo]

Hmmm, cool and cloudy vs. warm and sunny!!! LOL! What am I to make of that?

It can't be that wet, can it? I mean, it's not like Oregon or Seattle is it?

[rubyskye]

The rains come in around the beginning of November and last through April (ish). But throughout the winter, between rains, there can be beautiful days with temps in the 60's.
A week and a half ago i was walking on the beach in my t-shirt.
No, it's not like Seattle or the coast of way northern California, Oregon, etc.
But if you want a totally non-diverse place when it comes to weather and eco-system then the central coast is not for you.
There's a reason that a place like Big Sur is so incredible. The Redwoods would not be what they are without the rain for example.
And often, at least in Santa Cruz, a rainy week can be heavy rains at night (very enjoyable) and then rain-less days. Ya never know. It's not a predictable place necessarily.

[Pakalolo]

I love diverse weather. I don't necessarily need months of cold winter like I have here in CT, but it is not nearly as bad as 3 hours north in VT where they are completely overcast for 4 months out of the year.

I am not one that lets the weather get me down unless I have to be locked up for three weeks on end. I also don't like the same weather all the time. A huge, windy rainy storm or two feet of snow are fabulous sometimes. I know I won't get the latter in Monterey, but I am definitely not looking for an LA weather pattern.

Plus, I would hate never to have to wear a sweater or other "fall" clothes. I would lose have my wardrobe!!

I'm mainly concerned about adequate housing and job, but if able to grab one of those 1200 sq/ft apts at CSUMB for $1200, utilities included, then I will be all set.

[rubyskye]

Well you'll like the central coast and like i said in a previous post, Truckee is less than 5 hours (without traffic - it's all about timing - and that's from S.C.) so if you want to get a good hit of winter it's not too far away.
You'll get to wear your "fall" clothes ... sometimes it's in the upper 40's and 50's in the winter and i've never experienced a hot night like those ones in New England when it's so hot and sticky you can't sleep. And the air is soooooooo much cleaner than New England ... another plus for choosing Monterey over So. Ca
Good luck with housing - i know it's a challenge.

[LivingLikeAGradStudent]

Weather in Ojai is much different than Ventura or Monterey. It's warmer and colder, depending on the season. Pacific Grove is one of my favorite towns in California. Beautiful scenery, restaurants, shops, golf, great bike riding (and 17-mile trail).

[happ]

Actually all the areas mentioned are quite nice. Monterey Bay/Big Sur are a world apart/almost mystical [a very special region] but expensive overall [esp Carmel Valley. Climate is mild w/ cool foggy summers & warm sunny autumns. Winter is rainy at times but followed by a week of warm sunshine [ever watch the Pebble Beach golf tournament on TV?]

Santa Barbara is a jewel w/ mountains & beaches [called the California Rivera]. Nicer climate than Monterey & far enough away from LA to feel less a city. A fun college town w/ laid back surf scene/night clubs.

Ojai is more isolated/inland & surrounded by groves of lemon & avocado trees. Pretty hot in summer but cool nights. Art town w/ horse ranches.

Ventura may actually be the least expensive but not by much. Beach city w/ open land/citrus farms close by. Close enough to LA for fun.

It is a hard choice but my first pick is Monterey since it is only 2 hrs away from San Francisco [& another hour to Napa valley.

[whoopiepie]

Ojai is a very small town. It is inland, which means it will be over 100 on the hot days and you'll have frost on your car on the cold days. If you are easily bored, or want lots of intellectual stimulation, it is not the place for you. There is no university/school of higher learning in Ojai. If you're taking the trouble to move to California, I wouldn't pick Ojai. Ventura is larger and is right on the coast and has a lot more going on than Ojai, that's for sure. Haven't been to Monterey but suspect it is much much nicer than Ventura.