does my ideal cali city exist?

[johnny12]

Thanks for the info notmeofficer. I was looking away from the larger areas, so I guess I'll keep up the research. I've got 2 more years in CT anyway, who knows, plans change

[phree_spirit]

Johnny- yes we have made a decision. We're going to wait. Everything is just too expensive right now. We could get a 2500 sf home on 6 acres in my town (Pomfret, CT) for about 500,000....or a condo in CA. We've decided to give it another 1 or 2 years, maybe then... I don't know. I'm very dissapointed, but at this juncture it just doesn't seem sensible.

As far as CT culture, West Hartford and Meriden are fairly suburban, relative to Pomfret which has beautiful rolling farmland, forests, and that "quaint" feel. One thing I don't like about this town is that many people seem so hoity toity! Probably the same is W. Hartford. Anyway, Johnny- if you aren't leaving CT until 2008, perhaps our families could share a residence, I'm certain I'd be able to afford that! Hopefully the market will cool slightly over the next 1-2 years. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Thanks to everyone for all the illuminating advice. Best wishes and good luck!

[phree_spirit]

Almost forgot...
If (and when) we finally make the move, we were looking into the Felton, Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek areas, essentially just outside of Santa Cruz in the hills somewhere. The commute into the San Jose area seems like it would be an enjoyable one; driving through the mountains and redwood forests. And there would certainly be plenty of jobs (I just need to pass the CA bar). San Luis Obispo had the perfect weather that we were looking for, but the job market just didn't seem to fit with my better half (she needs to be near a hospital).

Keep the dream alive!

[notmeofficer]

santa cruz is expensive.. the commutes can be murder thru the mountains.. the word "enjoyable" probably would never cross the lips of the residents in the area you are considering....everyone else wants what you want.. but they already live here...

bottom line.. if it pleasant and nice place to live in most places in california its already been discovered and over utilized or becomes so expensive it doesnt allow most people access.. the best way is to begin visiting.. get a feel for the towns and areas you want in California...

When I grew up on Avon Mountain in West Hartford it was still fairly rural 45 years ago... now like many places in the world.. its all been /being developed

[patrz]

lived there, loved it. raised the girls there. they loved it. you have the best of both worlds, the redwoods and the beaches. also very good colleges. they have everything. includeing the boardwalk. BUT it is not cheep. good luck

[Capt. Dan]

Originally Posted by phree_spirit

Almost forgot...
If (and when) we finally make the move, we were looking into the Felton, Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek areas, essentially just outside of Santa Cruz in the hills somewhere. The commute into the San Jose area seems like it would be an enjoyable one; driving through the mountains and redwood forests. And there would certainly be plenty of jobs (I just need to pass the CA bar). San Luis Obispo had the perfect weather that we were looking for, but the job market just didn't seem to fit with my better half (she needs to be near a hospital).

Keep the dream alive!

San luis Obispo would be an ideal choice for you. near a hospital? 2 Great hospitals in SLO. Sierra Vista, where I was a nurse for 25+ years is a fantastic place to work. And French Hospital concentrates cardiac care of any kind.20 minutes from the beach and 3 hours from the Sierras. PERFECT climate! Good luck whatever you decide.