Least snobby "rich" area in California (Sacramento, Redding: middle-class, fit in)

[mzmercury]

I'm looking to find a forever community. Somewhere to finally call home. For housing prices in the 2-4 million range, it gives plentiful options to choose from, HOWEVER, I worked very hard for my money, come from a working class family and am very grounded. I don't know that I would necessarily fit in with some of the areas that are well known for "rich" folk.

Can anyone recommend an area that is more laid back and less botox, two cheek kissing, have to drive/wear/eat what my neighbors are to keep up appearances-type places? No offense meant to people that live their lives that way...it's just not me and not something I aspire to. I don't have to be right on the water, but like moderate weather if that helps.

Thanks for any help!

Theresa

[humboldtrat]

Most rural areas fill the bill.

Where do you want to live? You need to be more specific. Urban, suburban, rural, in the mountains, along the coast, in the desert??

[hsw]

Doubt there's an affluent area...or trailer park/ghetto...anywhere in world w/o quite a few snobs....humans will be humans...

That said, in my experience, areas w/more self-made, smart and big money tend to be far more laid-back and refreshing...perhaps more people w/less to prove/advertise in life...everyone who matters knows they are "rich", no matter how modest their house, car, etc...IMO, Woodside/PortolaValley/LosAltosHills define this ethos best...

Most nauseating places tend to be aspirational middle-class/semi-affluent....however, the shortage of IQ and taste tends to be rather amusing to observe as a visitor (in small, occasional doses)....much of LA region, like NewportCoast/Calabasas or SF's Marin suburbs...or Orinda fit this profile best....

[truckzter]

I can say NorCal (Redding, Red Bluff, Chico?) isn't too "snobby." And Central Coast (San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, etc.) isn't snobby at all. We're all very laid back, love Trader Joe's, wear jeans/shorts/sandals year round, and going to the beaches with our dogs. =)

[bhcompy]

in So Cal:
Seal Beach, Sunset Beach, Surfside.

Where the affluent go to get away from all the hubbub and just live their lives like everyone else. You will find houses in your range and houses well below it in Seal, but Surfside and Sunset are all very expensive. Very surfer type mindset in those communities, lots of retired beachbums and such

If you're looking for new development, there is one in Seal Beach, but its away from the coast. It's call Heron Point I believe. Prices should be in the lower end of your range.

[Adriatica]

I'd say the San Luis Obispo area or maybe Pacific Grove/Monterey.

[DMenscha]

You could move to Calaveras County and be the richest girl around. We don't mind, you probably put your socks on the same way we do.

[PecanPie]

I don't know for sure the "snob" factor (I wouldn't like that either) but if I had that kind of money and was going to stay in California first place I'd check out is Cambria. Mountain atmosphere at the beach. WOW. And I'd look for other places like that -- maybe large ranches that are expensive but more spread out. I think you have less snobbery if you have less density and a more rural atmosphere.

Although I've learned that some "rural" can come with its own brand of nuts. Space between is what is called for.

ETA: Dang, Cambria is pricey for anything with land, just checking realtor.com. Yikes.

[Woof]

Santa Cruz/Capitola area, redwood mountains meets the ocean. Can't beat the recreational opportunities and the old hippy vibes.

Personally I'd love to live in Carmel-by-the-sea, but it does seem to have a snobby air at times ..... why not just ignore the snobs and make friends with the nice people? Some people are going to have a problem with you no matter where you go. The main thing is to avoid homeowner associations, those things are like a playground for snobs.

[wburg]

Sacramento is a fairly non-snobby place, but we have some wealthier neighborhoods: the "Fab Forties" in East Sac, Arden Oaks, or if you like old houses, some of the most elegant of midtown Sacramento's century-old mansions have been put up for sale recently. If you prefer something more modern, there are some quite elegant downtown condos that just finished construction, although we're still awaiting our first residential high-rise building. We're fairly close to the Bay Area and the mountains, but Sacramento itself has a lot to offer on its own these days. You can do some fine California dining at places like Ella and Crush 29, or you can hang out with the real workin folks at the Market Club or a corner taco truck.