Should people give up on the "California Dream?" (Oakland: condo, mortgage)

[Steve97415]

Originally Posted by jc76

But I don't know, I hear so much negative these days about California. All the bad talk is making me start to think maybe the dream is dead. Maybe I should just forget it and lay that chapter of my life to rest, just stay in this miserable area.

Hmmm...the misery of overpopulated California or the misery of abysmal Indiana...what to do, what to do? Wouldn't it be great if there were about 48 other choices between those two extremes?

[CA central coast]

For what's it worth. Are you afraid of heights? If your unattached, I would go back to school. Look into becoming a lineman. There are a few schools out here. You probably could find a school in IN. Having a trade like that would definetly up your chances of living a ggod life here or anywhere. Those jobs pay very well. Law enforcment? CHP makes 80-100k a year. Just an idea. But if you are in the trades and want recession proof, stability, good pay....utliity lineman.

[Capt. Dan]

Originally Posted by coyote58

Hi there in Indiana, Just thought Id throw the ol' two cents in. Im in Humboldt county, an exceptional area, very spread out with something for everyone. HSU keeps a youthful progressive flavor to the friendly communities. Many "some huge" farmers markets, and outdoor opportunities galore..................come ckeck out our beaches. Google us, and good luck to you!!

Ever heard the expression "cold enough to put your balls in your belly?" I think that expression comes from the Humboldt beach water! COOOOOLD!

[Curmudgeon]

Another possibility. The state contracts with a security firm in Sacramento to provide unarmed coverage in all state office buildings. The average pay is about $42K a year ($3,500 a month -- about $20 an hour). Some businesses and quasi-governmental agencies such as Rapid Transit contract for the same and for armed guards and private patrols. The city of Oakland is now going to contract for armored sec urity folks to augment their understaffed and very expensive police department. Don't know if you'd consider that but it's something you might want to look into.

[Luke9686]

Sorry to hear about your mother.

You either think you can, or you think you can't. Either way you are probably right. It can be done. You'll regret it if you never do it. I lived the California dream for two years, got transfered, and am moving back home to Iowa in January. I always wanted to live the California dream for awhile, and it was an amazing time in my life. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

[Sassberto]

The California Dream is alive and well it is just different than it used to be. Just remember that a few million legal immigrants, illegal border crossers, and native laborers have the same dream you do, and everyone is struggling to get their piece. Don't kid yourself about the high cost of living, it is real.

[Jonotastic]

In any huge downturn, there are huge opportunities...that's when the smart become rich and the rich become richer.

[shiphead]

$300,000 for a basic home in California is far from affordable, this was at the peak of the economy. Now that the economy has been in a downturn i've found used homes in nice areas for $99,000 and im not talking about the bay area.

Construction jobs are fun and if you are in it long you can see the change of techniques and machines used. Being certified in any industrial field is a great thing to get and helps you achieve a job better. I would somewhat invest in yourself if you are wanting to own a home, in beautiful California.

[Axxlrod]

First things first... sorry to hear about your mother.

No, the CA dream is not dead... it just costs a lot more now than it did a few decades ago. In all honesty, I think you will struggle financially here in CA. I don't know exactly what a general laborer is, but it doesn't sound like it pays very much. And CA is the most expensive state in the union.

If good weather is what you're after, then there are many other places that have that AND a low cost of living. Parts of Florida and Texas come to mind, even some of the Carolinas.

CA isn't what it used to be, unfortunately.

Oh, and I hope you don't have a black car or a plasma tv, cause those will be illegal here in CA soon.

[City Boy]

Not the dream but the home ownership yes.