Monterey County? (San Francisco, Salinas, Santa Barbara: mortgage, relocate, real estate)

[backtocali]

Hi,

I am planning to relocate to Monterey County but know little about the area. I have been told that it is a beautiful place to live. I would greatly appreciate any information that anyone could provide regarding living/working in the area. The cities I am most interested in are Seaside, Sand City, Marina and Monterey.

Thanks

[kittensnaps]

The cost of housing on the Central Coast is significantly above the national average.

I can give you very specific advice about what parts of each of the four towns you mentioned are best to live in, but I'm curious to know if you will be buying or renting...let me know and I can give you some better ideas. You can also IM me on yahoo at kittensnaps if you want

Good luck!

[Steve97415]

Originally Posted by kittensnaps

The cost of housing on the Central Coast is significantly above the national average.Good luck!

This is a bit of an understatement. The whole central coast from Sonoma County in the north to Santa Barbara County in the south probably has the most expensive housing anywhere in the U.S. I know someone who was looking for a half-acre building lot in Monterey County and found the cheapest land to be well over a half-million (that's without a house or even utilities to the site).

[samarati@yahoo.com]

Hi,
I lived in Monrerey for 13 years. Left to live in Marin County, career promotion. Monterey Bay is beautiful, peaceful, a bit "small-towney". I see that you posted from New York. If you live in NYC then real estate prices will not scare the wits out of you. Do be aware that a run down 50 year old house in a not-so-good part of Seaside will cost you $750,000. Pacific Grove will cost double that. Rents pay for owners mortgages, so expect to pay a premium for an apartment. When re-locating on a budget the question to ask is: "What's the ratio between income and cost of living?". Salaries are lower in Monterey than San Francisco, but the cost of living is not - So your Cost of living index is actually higher in Monterey than SF. So you decide what's important: Nice year round weather? Check. Pretty land? Check. Mellow lifestyle? Check. Bargain prices? NOPE!

[MsMuir]

Hi....Hubby and I lived in the Monterey Bay area for over 25 years. Actually we lived in Carmel ans later moved to Prunedale, (30 miles away). At the time we were able to buy 5 acres in Prunedale,,,that's why the move. We left
about 1 1/2 years ago and now live in FL. We wouldn't be able to afford to buy our home back if we returned!

The area is BEAUTIFUL...we miss it very much. However.
it's extremely expensive. Seaside is on the ethenic side,
but since you're from NY you might not mind. It's probably the least expensive of the towns, but having said that, it's still going to cost ya!

Sand City really isn't that good of a place to live...
kind of industrial...but who knows...we've gone for a year and a half and things change pretty quick in CA.

That whole area is a great place to live, if you can afford it.
Also, it's not too far from SF and we loved going there for
some great food!

CA is like another country as far as we're concerned, and we miss the cultural aspect of it all. The east IS different!

[golompico]

I lived in Salinas from 1970-1975 and at time no one moved to Seaside or Sand City. Marina was a dinky little town at the time, but I see it has really been built up in the past few years. Most of thise places were very military, as Fort Ord was right there. They are probably the 3 cheapest places to rent or buy in, but as other posters said, Monterey Co. is expensive no matter where you choose. But, I do believe it is truly Cali's most beautiful area. All of the central coast is. I visit once a year and never get over it's breathtaking scenery. Good luck to you!

[grimstuff]

What I liked about Monterey is the history of the town. Although it is a small city and relatively isolated from any metropolitan center, it does feel like a Place of its own with ambiance and a real community feel (besides Cannery Row of course). The history is amazing, as it was the Spanish capital of Alta California and the site of the writing of the State Constitution. It is one of the oldest cities in California. There are a lot of old historic sites all over town, as well as plentiful outdoor activites especially if you like scuba diving or other water sports.

[BellaBell]

Can someone tell me why South Monterey County is so much cheaper? I understand Salinas is "bad" what about the other areas?

[SusannaK]

BellaBell, there's really not much there in south county. It's agricultural fields that have had houses built up there in recent years as Gilroy gets too expensive and people continue to move further south.

Honestly, I don't think Salinas is all that bad. I grew up there, I still visit at least once a year. It's got its problems, but I'd still be willing to live there if I could afford it.

I wouldn't live in south county, though, unless I had a vineyard or a ranch or something like that. It's just not close to any amenities and the schools aren't as good.

[investtt]

Originally Posted by samarati@yahoo.com

. Rents pay for owners mortgages, so expect to pay a premium for an apartment.

How is this any different from any other place in America?