trying to decide which area of Cali to move to (San Diego: foreclosures, rent) - California (CA) - City-Data Forum

mwaussie · 11-11-2008, 08:27 AM

Hi All,
I'm a 37 y/o single female moving from texas. I've visited cali many times and just love it. I'd like to find a semi-rural area that is close to either L.A or San Francisco. I know they each have their perks and not so perky. My criteria is good weather, access to nature and a relatively close proximity (within 40ish miles) to either city. I don't mind the cold but can't tolerate too much heat and humidity. A few summer months to the upper 80's is ok. I'd also like a diverse community and liberal friendly area. I'd probably rent initially, then look into buying a house up to 275k. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks a bunch.

Charles · 11-11-2008, 11:12 AM

Does a place of employment enter the picture?

Also, what exactly do you mean by "diverse"? Can you provide an example of a place that you consider diverse?

While we're at it, what do you mean by liberal? What is a liberal place? Can you provide an example?

Questions of this flavor often have lead to responses such as Ojai, Topanga, Box Canyon, though $275 might not swing it.

mwaussie · 11-11-2008, 04:40 PM

I work from home, so a job is not an issue. I lived in a small town in TN for a while. It was a red town in a red state. That was the opposite of what I'm looking for. I currently live in Austin, TX. It's a great community. But it's hotter than Hades. I think of both San Francisco and LA as diverse; multicultural, alternative and artistic lifestyles, large gay communities, that sort of thing. I am flexible on my distance from town. A little further out is doable and I could probalby increase my budget by 15%. Thanks.

joe stixpuck · 11-12-2008, 01:14 AM

Just by the political atmosphere and climate you'll prefer NorCal. There are lots of smaller communities that should work for you near the Bay Area. Within 40 miles don't expect much of a house for 275K. You can likely find a condo maybe. I'd look north of San Francisco, or toward Napa. To live on your own a salary of 50K bare minimum to get by IMO.

mwaussie · 11-12-2008, 03:46 PM

How about renting? The long story is that I'll be cruising around the country in my old rv looing at california, the denver area and new england. I was hoping to get some ideas of areas to look at before I go. Thanks a bunch.

joe stixpuck · 11-12-2008, 06:53 PM

Renting is a better option anyway since you don't have a family. In the NorCal area you can expect to pay around $1-2K per month range if planning to not mess with roomies. While that may seem high (and it is), it's much less than the relative cost of homeownership out there in the current market.

humboldtrat · 11-13-2008, 11:37 AM

For the San Francisco area, check out Tracy, Manteca and Lathrop. It's less than an hour drive to San Francisco and a several hour drive to the Sierra Nevada Mtns (Reno, Lake Tahoe). Getting a house for under $300K may be possible - there are a lot of foreclosures to choose from. The weather is sometimes in the 90's during the summer, but the humidity is low. Winters are mild with daytime temps in the 50's.

mwaussie · 11-14-2008, 05:32 PM

the 90's are ok when the humidity is low. Here summer lasts 6 months and the humidity is..well it's like walking in soup. I'd need a duplex or house. Something with a yard space for my two dogs. :-)

sisters · 11-14-2008, 09:02 PM

i have emailed you several times, to see how you were and to see if you are doing well. Call back as MOM and DAD wanted you to keep in touch. They are watching you

s

ubringliten · 11-16-2008, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwaussie

Hi All,
I'm a 37 y/o single female moving from texas. I've visited cali many times and just love it. I'd like to find a semi-rural area that is close to either L.A or San Francisco. I know they each have their perks and not so perky. My criteria is good weather, access to nature and a relatively close proximity (within 40ish miles) to either city. I don't mind the cold but can't tolerate too much heat and humidity. A few summer months to the upper 80's is ok. I'd also like a diverse community and liberal friendly area. I'd probably rent initially, then look into buying a house up to 275k. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks a bunch.

Have you thought of San Diego? It is pretty liberal by this news article today. S.D. march backing gay marriage draws at least 20,000 | The San Diego Union-Tribune 20,000 people protest against prop 8 in a military town. That is music to my ear. Now I call that diversity. It was the largest prop 8 protest in the country.

There's a neighborhood for everyone. Hillcrest for LGBT, Downtown for clubbers, North County for the conservatives, East County for Latinos, Kearny Mesa for the Asians, Pacific and Ocean Beach for the young partygoers, La Jolla/Torrey Pines for the rich beach lifestyle, etc. Oh, forgot to mention Little Italy for Italians. What's cool about the city is that it is so accessible to all these places within 30 minutes. It is pretty close to nature; 3 hours from Big Bear for skiing, 0 miles to the beach, hiking and biking trails everywhere, and COL is cheaper than both LA and SF. And I think the weather is the best in the country.