Looking to move to California paradise (San Jose, Pasadena: house, purchase, theatre)

[dawneel]

Marin County! Try San Anselmo or Fairfax -- not quite as pricey as other parts of Marin (e.g. Mill Valley, Sausalito) but still very quaint, small town feeling. Very progressive, granola, left-leaning... lots of BMWs everywhere though (they call them Basic Marin Wheels in these parts...) still a great place to live and raise a family. Beautiful nature too...

[norcalmom101]

But make sure you don't move to a closed toxic dump! People Investigating Toxic Sites

[norcalmom101]

I agree with Dawneel, San Anselmo rocks!

[Zapparulez]

Originally Posted by norcalmom101

But make sure you don't move to a closed toxic dump! People Investigating Toxic Sites

I noticed that dozens of brand new homes were actually built across the street from the Anderson/Cottonwood dump in Northern California. What idiots would buy and live next to that disgusting smell???? The housing bubble was the epitome of absurdity.

[CA central coast]

Originally Posted by mmouwse

I love SLO but... this area is not liberal or highly cultural... it is hicksville and light years in difference when compared to Chicago. Santa Barbara certainly is more cosmopolitan and cultured...larger city... great climate... certainly upper middle to upper to high incomes... liberal??? hmmm not sure but certainly more than SLO. Good schools... I think so... within your price range to buy?? yes, maybe, on the low side.
South Bay area is a good bet for a fit and feel similar to Chicago. Even East bay and silicon valley areas...

After reading the original post again, I'd say Bay Area or just north would be closer to what they are looking for. Sorry, no disrespect but SLO not liberal? SLO County as a whole, not liberal. But the City of SLO itself? Yes liberal. I have to say, Santa Barbara is a heck of a lot closer to SLO, than it is to Chicago. I'm puzzled by that comparison. SB is a bigger, richer SLO. But compared to Chicago, is as far away from Chicago as SLO would be.

[Sorcerer68]

South Pasadena. Great schools, close to downtown, gorgeous neighborhoods, no crime to speak of and PLENTY to do within a 5 mile radius. You can buy a nice house for that. Summers are hot, I like it and some people don't. Winters are sunny and glorious. SP looks like it did in the 50's with gorgeous Craftsman Bungalows and a quaint downtown. Downtown L.A. is very close and can be reached by freeway or by train.

[fairweathergolfer]

Not with the pricing she listed. No way. That area is for the above million only crowd and that is just entry.

Originally Posted by RandalR

Look into La Jolla, Del Mar, and Solana Beach.

[ValleyBoy85]

I would recommend you look into Calabasas, Agoura Hills, and T.O area. 30-45 minutes to liberal and cultural Hollywood and West LA area. Calabasas might be the most expensive of the three. They all have excellent public school districts though.

[the city]

Personally I like San Luis Obispo and San Diego. But where I would chose to live would be in El Centro or Santa Maria. They're cities that can be fixed and made better.

If you want never changing cities with cold weathet then Monterey or Eureka.

[bigdave01]

I haven't read this thread, but from your original post it really sounds like Davis would be a perfect fit for you.