Willow Creek (Redding, Susanville: rent, houses, job market)

[timsolady]

We left Southern California 26 years ago, been all over the U.S, raised our kids and are thinking about Northern California as our final move. We are middle aged, laid back, and gave up on the idea of getting rich.
My husband has done construction all his life, from carpentry to heavy equipment, are there those types of jobs around Willow Creek or can someone make a living doing handyman type of work around there working for himself? What are ballpark figures on rent for 1-2 bedroom houses? I have been in Corrections for the last few years and would continue if that type of work was there but I've also been in the restaurant management business prior to that and would consider that type of work also.
We have always lived places where we stuck to ourselves, don't meddle in others business and want to live someplace where others do the same.
We want to live where others are as laid back as ourselves, don't need the nightlife, just want to live somewhere that we can afford to pay the bills and not have to deal with others BS.

[eureka1]

Willow Creek has doubled its population in the past ten years (to almost 5000) mostly from retirees moving in. I think you had better come up for a few weeks to assess the situation, I don't really know what the job market is for handymen. The Willow Creek Kiwanis used to meet at Cinnabar Sam's on alternate Monday nights. Drop in and introduce yourselves- they'll be full of info. Also the fellow who runs Bigfoot Rafting - I think his name is Brian- would know a lot. HOT in the summer, pretty cold and drippy in the winter. There are only 3 or 4 eating places, probably no restaurant manager jobs,but you might try the country club. Good luck! Let us know what happens!

[Steve97415]

Originally Posted by timsolady

just want to live somewhere that we can afford to pay the bills and not have to deal with others BS.

I wouldn't put the state of California -- any part of it -- on your top 40 list of prospective states to move to, if that's your primary criterion of qualification.

[timsolady]

Well just from the research so far that we've done, Redding, Susanville, areas seem to have some pretty good job availability and affordable housing but for right now we are just trying to get some general ideas. We will make a preliminary trip to the area to make sure that it is somewhere we would want to live. I have never been to N. California, my husband hasn't been there since the 70's. On one of his trips up and down the coast, he stayed in Humboldt County for a couple of weeks and has a lot of good memories from there. Especially the beauty of the countryside and friendly people.
Steve: Sounds like you aren't happy with where you live, or do you just not like California? The hard times that California is just beginning to endure, a lot of states have been putting up with for a long time. I've got faith that California can turn it around. Especially since we've located a lot of jobs in the newspapers online and affordable housing right in the areas we are looking at. I guess it depends on how hard you are willing to work to get where you want to be. Maybe our idea of making it is different than yours, we don't need a lot to get by anymore. Like we said, we gave up on wanting to be rich, but we can make it anywhere, we've already proved that to ourselves over and over. Guess it all depends on your definition of making it. California is in a lot better shape than most of the United States, regardless of what the media is trying to say.
Appreciate the responses and would like to hear from others anywhere in Northern California with your input on the area you live in and any other helpful information or links you'd like to share.

[Den Mathias]

Originally Posted by timsolady

and not have to deal with others BS.

Then why come back to California? The way it is melting down i would look elsewhere!
Arizona seems to be up and coming! And, you can have concealed carry!
Best of Luck! And if you decide to come back to Cali we will leave the light on for you!

[timsolady]

By "others BS" I mean people who don't mind their own business and let us alone to live our lives.

[Inthesierras]

Susanville may not be what you are looking for. Its a great little town, but everyone seems to be struggling. Jobs are hard to come by right now. Very hard to come by. Those with less then 18 months at CDCR have gotten lay off notices that will be take effect in 120 days. CDCR employees have already lost 10% pay and another 5% pay cut is very likely before July 1. Businesses in Susanville are struggling. About 12 have closed since December 1. In a small town, that is ALOT. Its very noticeable when you drive down Main Street.