relocating to California

[SMAD]

Thanks for the help.
SMAD

[brocksmom]

Hi there, we are planning on relocating to California. Now, we live in New England on the seacoast which is very beautiful with lots of woods and the ocean very nearby. So we would love to move to an area that offers a very green, woodsie view. No flat dessert views for us. But, we still want the mild climate. We are also looking for nice neigbhorhoods with great schools and a not to far commute to a larger city for employment. I'm nurse and my husband is a master mechanic so we can pretty much go anywhere and find a good paying job. We are looking to stay under 400,000 for a mortgage if this helps. Any Ideas? Remember we want a forest feel but to far from the real world.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by brocksmom

Hi there, we are planning on relocating to California. Now, we live in New England on the seacoast which is very beautiful with lots of woods and the ocean very nearby. So we would love to move to an area that offers a very green, woodsie view. No flat dessert views for us. But, we still want the mild climate. We are also looking for nice neigbhorhoods with great schools and a not to far commute to a larger city for employment. I'm nurse and my husband is a master mechanic so we can pretty much go anywhere and find a good paying job. We are looking to stay under 400,000 for a mortgage if this helps. Any Ideas? Remember we want a forest feel but to far from the real world.

The mortgage of $400K or the house price of $400K? If the former, what would the house price be (mortgage + down payment)?

[Boof]

Originally Posted by brocksmom

Hi there, we are planning on relocating to California. Now, we live in New England on the seacoast which is very beautiful with lots of woods and the ocean very nearby. So we would love to move to an area that offers a very green, woodsie view. No flat dessert views for us. But, we still want the mild climate. We are also looking for nice neigbhorhoods with great schools and a not to far commute to a larger city for employment. I'm nurse and my husband is a master mechanic so we can pretty much go anywhere and find a good paying job. We are looking to stay under 400,000 for a mortgage if this helps. Any Ideas? Remember we want a forest feel but to far from the real world.

Brocksmom,

The first areas that come to mind for the setting you want, are the Northern coast, or the Southern Coast between Monterey and Morro Bay. However, I'm not sure how much you'll find in your price range. It's absolutely beautiful in these areas, but they're pretty pricey. Plus, in Eureka, the job prospects may be a little iffy, and farther off from a big city than you prefer.

If you're not looking for coastal areas, the Sierras are just beautiful! However, your commute time will be considerable, as there isn't much industry up there. If you don't go up too high, like Sonora, your snow won't be too terribly heavy. But you go to Truckee, Strawberry, Mi-Wuk, and you'll get inundated.

There are also some beautiful wooded areas up by Chico, Mt. Shasta & Redding, but it can get pretty hot up there during the summer. Although being near the College, the jobs might be a little better than other areas. But still, you'd be at least 2 hours from Sacramento. Although the drive is quite pleasant.

In terms of 'Real World', if you mean alot of activities and amenities, that might be a little tough when you get into the mountainous areas. You might have an hour or more drive to get to the big city.

I'm sorry I can't be more help. I didn't live in these areas, so I know nothing about the school systems. Hopefully someone with children will lend a hand.

The good thing and the bad thing about CA, is that because it's got such a diverse terrain & climate, and it's all spread out, that it's best to try to narrow it down to a few areas, and do a search for those areas and see what comes up. If your questions aren't answered or you have more, post again, and we'll do what we can to help.

Hope this helps,
Boof