Will 35K do it in the Central Valley? (Fresno, Merced: real estate, apartment)

[phloxy]

I've posted a few places elsewhere but decided to start a new thread to find out some specifics about living in the central valley. I'm looking at Merced, Madera, possibly Fresno. I'm also open to living in smaller rural communities to the east of the 99 toward the foothills (I love them), although that might make for a bit of a drive to any city where I might be able to get a job.

Is it possible to live in this area of CA on 35K gross? I'm changing careers into human services (so I am entry-level at this point) and may go to grad school for further education. But currently I'm following some job leads. These jobs don't always pay well, but my decision to enter this field has little to do with the pay. I'm just looking for the lowest number (ballpark) that would keep life manageable.

I've been getting the Merced newspaper to look at rentals and get a sense of the community. I'd be hoping to rent a 1-bedroom apartment or a tiny house. The neighborhood doesn't have to be fantastic. I'm not overly concerned about school districts since my tubes are tied. I just want to live somewhere that would be safe for a single mid-30s female. I've lived in rough neighborhoods before, and I dealt with problems there like a peeping tom, shots fired on my street corner, and an attempted break-in, but it wasn't anything like the home invasion stuff I'm reading in the newspaper from time to time.

I know 35K isn't a lot of money, but I'm a really simple person with a voluntarily simplistic lifestyle. I don't get cable TV or buy a lot of new things at all. I love secondhand clothes and other goods, and I'd be willing to sacrifice a lot just to begin a new life and new career path in CA should the opportunity present itself.

I make ~41K where I am now, which is a two-college town where rent and food tend to be on the expensive side. I have a car, but I am able to use public transportation here and walk to most of the places I need to go (which is mainly the grocery store since I do very little retail shopping). My standard-of-living comparisons, however, show that Merced is a slightly more expensive city than where I now live (103 versus 100 on that standard of living index that is used).

If I land a job, I like to think I can accept it and come on out. By then I will have about $12,000 saved to move and get settled on. I'm in a relationship, so I'm not totally on my own, but I do not expect (and would be loathe to accept) financial assistance from him.

[grimstuff]

Well, if you can live anywhere in CA on 35k, it'd be the Central Valley....

[Adriatica]

That's cutting it close, in my opinion. It would be easiest to do in Madera, less easy in Merced, and more difficult in Fresno. You could certainly do it at 35K, especially since you said you don't buy a lot of extras. But I wouldn't go much lower, if that makes sense.

You'll get what you pay for in terms of neighborhood safety and amenities.

[misplaced1]

Are you sure you want to live on that in Ca? Is it possible to find a state with a lower cost of living to move to? Honestly it's difficult to get ahead when the money coming in is enough to live paycheck to paycheck and emergencies do happen and can dwindle anything you have saved. Then you run the risk of just feeling stuck. Sometimes it's hard to get back out of here because you have to figure out how to save to leave. IMHO the bills in Ca. are too darn high. After we pay rent, garbage, water, elect, insurance, internet, phone, TV, and buy food and necessary things there isn't a lot left. I live in N Cal. closer to the Nev border and we are leaving Ca. within a year. I sit here and spin my wheels and know that I can't touch the real estate I would like, know that with the economy I face the possibility of even more fees and taxes I cannot afford to pay. Maybe get an estimate of the costs of bills in the areas you are looking first and look around to be sure you want to be here.

[phloxy]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I definitely don't want to buy real estate. Not in CA, not any any state. I've been a homeowner twice and hated it both times. I'm willing to go without Internet, and I don't even own a television (nor will I be purchasing one ever again). Other expenses, yes, I will need to estimate and itemize before making my decision.

I know it's really risky, especially right now. But my current job is just sucking the life out of me, and it's a dead end. I can continue working for a paycheck for a little while longer (well, I'll have to be until I find employment elsewhere), or I could look to change careers elsewhere. But as things have worked out, my heart is in CA now, and I think a move anywhere else would be an equal exercise in frustration.

My dad died before he reached 60, and the thought that the same could happen to me makes me feel as though letting money hold me back is as bad a call as being overly cautious and letting fear control my life. There are ways to live on less. It's keeping a safe roof over my head that I'm most concerned about, I think.

[joe stixpuck]

You can get by on that in the Central Valley, especially if the bf is moving out with ya and contributing toward rent. If he's able to secure employment and provide for his share then you should have no problem, especially with your frugal lifestyle.

Lately it seems I've advised alot of folks against moving to CA, but then again they usually don't seem to have a job lined up or a decent amount of savings. You'll be coming out with enough, especially if your job is secured beforehand. And you seem pretty determined also, which will serve you well also. Best wishes if you decide to take the jump!

[phloxy]

The bf has secure employment and lives in CA already. It's a bit too soon for us to move in together, and it would be complicated to do so logistically even if we wanted to, but if I somehow because destitute or i end up in over my head, I think we'd figure something out together. That would be a last resort, though, and I wouldn't want him to think at all that I'm relying on his help to put this plan together.

[joe stixpuck]

At least you will have someone out there as part of a potential support network. That helps no matter where one lives!

I know people who get by fine on $50K in the Bay Area (very expensive place!), and they do so while also living a much less frugal lifestyle, so I still think you'll be okay on $35K with your spending (or lack of) habits. Where you're looking to live the rents will be much cheaper.

[phloxy]

Thanks for your replies, Joe!

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by phloxy

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I definitely don't want to buy real estate. Not in CA, not any any state. I've been a homeowner twice and hated it both times. I'm willing to go without Internet, and I don't even own a television (nor will I be purchasing one ever again). Other expenses, yes, I will need to estimate and itemize before making my decision.

I know it's really risky, especially right now. But my current job is just sucking the life out of me, and it's a dead end. I can continue working for a paycheck for a little while longer (well, I'll have to be until I find employment elsewhere), or I could look to change careers elsewhere. But as things have worked out, my heart is in CA now, and I think a move anywhere else would be an equal exercise in frustration.

My dad died before he reached 60, and the thought that the same could happen to me makes me feel as though letting money hold me back is as bad a call as being overly cautious and letting fear control my life. There are ways to live on less. It's keeping a safe roof over my head that I'm most concerned about, I think.

you sound like you make to take hold of your life and stop worrying so much.. I am not saying this to be unkind, but first you ask a question, then many give you an answer, then you say you can live without this, that and the other thing, but these are things that are difficult to live without.

You say your job is sucking the life out of you and it is a dead-end. I am not sure you know what you really want from life.

You seem to be bound and determined to make the move. If that is the case go for it but remember Ca is very expensive. Good luck.

Nita