From SF to Southern CA - but where? Ojai, SLO? (Lancaster: for rent, condos)

[movingfromsf]

Well, I am in SF and I am sick of working for rent money. Even with a decent job, it is just not possible to buy anything worth while here. I have been thinking about southern CA. I love Santa Barbara but it is expensive. I was also looking at Ojai, but that seemed a little pricey (although much closer to affordable).

Anywhere in southern ca where you can purchase a home in a decent area for less than $350,000?

Here is my ideal place: Looking for more of an old-town feel. Do not want to live in a development or condo. Looking for a decent stand alone house with a yard (2 bedrooms/1bath type deal). Not so into pre-fab. Let's assume that together we make 60 - 65k. No kids yet, but maybe within 2-3 years or so. Some sort of downtown and not centered around big box stores. Am I just dreaming...maybe I should just pick up and move to Savannah, but I love CA...

Any input would be greatly appreciated!!!

[newportbeachsmostwanted]

Originally Posted by movingfromsf

Well, I am in SF and I am sick of working for rent money. Even with a decent job, it is just not possible to buy anything worth while here. I have been thinking about southern CA. I love Santa Barbara but it is expensive. I was also looking at Ojai, but that seemed a little pricey (although much closer to affordable).

Anywhere in southern ca where you can purchase a home in a decent area for less than $350,000?

Here is my ideal place: Looking for more of an old-town feel. Do not want to live in a development or condo. Looking for a decent stand alone house with a yard (2 bedrooms/1bath type deal). Not so into pre-fab. Let's assume that together we make 60 - 65k. No kids yet, but maybe within 2-3 years or so. Some sort of downtown and not centered around big box stores. Am I just dreaming...maybe I should just pick up and move to Savannah, but I love CA...

Any input would be greatly appreciated!!!

movingfromsf-

Just like NorCal, the deals are found inland.

For you, it would be like looking at houses in Brentwood, or Discovery Bay and saying, "Wow! Why isn't this deal in SF?"

I hate to be your dreambreaker, but your expectations for Southern California are nearly impossible. It's just as expensive here as in NorCal. The only places left that sell for less than 350k are in terrible, crime-ridden areas. The Compton median home price is 400k. -Does that give you a better idea? Palmdale/Lancaster remains a moderately cheap area. It is not quaint, nor does it have a "small-town feel." It infact is centered on big-box stores.

If you like the "old-town feel," I think that San Dimas could be perfect for you. It has a old west country feel. It has some older homes, and you may be able to find a small home there.

Other than that- Redlands has many older homes, and it quite safe. The only negative is that it is quite distant from civilization.

[jayson]

SLO is way out of your price range.. and trust me, you will still be working for rent any which way you slice it, so long as you are, well, renting in California.

[Winston Smith]

Originally Posted by movingfromsf

Anywhere in southern ca where you can purchase a home in a decent area for less than $350,000? Looking for more of an old-town feel. Do not want to live in a development or condo. Looking for a decent stand alone house with a yard (2 bedrooms/1bath type deal). Not so into pre-fab.

Don't know if I can help with "old-town feel," but for your other desires, you'll have to cough-up around $500,000 minimum. You're still in the condo range at $350k anywhere between SF and LA in the coastal counties.

One question I'd explore if I were you is WHY you want to live in CA. List your reasons. If they're important you might find that compromising for a condo or pre-fab could satisfy if your other wants are met. There are nice condos and pre-fabs around.

The reverse, I suppose, is that if your desire to own a stand-alone house is so overwhelming that everything else matters far less, why stay in CA? A bit more self-exploration could be key here. Just a thought.

[movingfromsf]

Thanks for the thoughts everyone. Yep, I kind of figured I was asking for the impossible, but it is good to get everyone's input.