Where in Cali would you live if money were not an issue? (San Diego: live in, prices)

[so-cal]

Downtown SanFrancisco, or anywhere in Northern Cal around the water, Carmel, Santa Barbara (Montesito), Lake Tahoe, La Jolla, Laguana Beach,
San Luis Obispo. So anywhere but L.A. Sounds like we should all play the lottery together.

[fbcobrn]

Originally Posted by mulder

Like the title says, what city would you live in if housing and all other city-related expenses were not an issue.

Without a doubt my overwhelming dream is to live out the rest of my days along the No. California Mendocino Coast, with all of it's fog, rain, mist, mild summers. howling winters , ahhhhhhhhhh- serenity! cozy fires! no hussle-bustle! SOLITUDE. one with nature. With a cabin in South Lake Tahoe....to feed my gambling fever.

[Boca to Santa Barbara]

Santa Barbara (not the west side)!, Oh yeah I live there, lol...

[John23]

I haven't been to Carmel in a long time, but it was just a dream up there.

La Jolla might be #2 or 3.

[socketz]

Corona Del Mar. I feel inspired driving throught that place.

That's the American Dream all wrapped up with a bow on top.

[Ronzou]

Oh I just wish I lived there... But San Diego!

[old_RROCR]

California is not like other states. As you can tell by the responses, there are dozens of terrific places... but they have their own characteristics. I have lived in several places in Northern California over the past three decades, but I have lived in several parts of the world too. I prefer the SF Bay Area because the weather is mild (but tends to be on the cool side) never gets cold (not like Chicago cold), and the people are intelligent, educated, friendly and hard working. (Not taking anything away from other areas so please do not take umbridge.)

I prefer Marin County because I like the views, the hills, Mt. Tam, the Bay, and of course the people. Great place to raise kids and buy real estate (if you can afford $1MM+). I could go on but more to the point, I like the following cities:
Novato, Mill Valley - great for families, soccer, dogs, community...
Ross, Tiburon/Belvedere, Sausalito - if money is no problem, this is where you want to be.
Fairfax - for free spirits
You virtually have to pick the lifestyle that is closest to your own.
Other places:
San Francisco - Young and Single or new couple - what a nightlife!
Carmel - Money, art, golf, kick-ass views
Mendicino - same as Carmel 80 years ago
So Cal - San Diego, Santa Monica - WOW! The southern California dream.
Tahoe - anywhere
I am sure there are dozens more but will leave it up to others who know more.

[ssmith68]

Big Sur, the Carmel Highlands, or La Jolla.

[newportbeachsmostwanted]

Here's the results thus far:

1. Carmel-(9 votes)
2. Tahoe-8
3. San Diego-6
3. Santa Barbara-6
3. Marin County-6
4. La Jolla-5
4. Malibu/Topanga-5
5. Monticito-4
6. Big Sur-3
7. San Luis Obispo-2
7. Mendocino-2
7. Laguna Beach-2
7. Corona Del Mar-2
7. Rancho Santa Fe-2
(Cities not listed above have less than two votes)

[mulder]

Originally Posted by newportbeachsmostwanted

Here's the results thus far:

1. Carmel-(9 votes)
2. Tahoe-8
3. San Diego-6
3. Santa Barbara-6
3. Marin County-6
4. La Jolla-5
4. Malibu/Topanga-5
5. Monticito-4

(Cities not listed above have less than two votes)

If you consider Santa Barbara/Montecito area as a whole than you have a new #1