Urban Living in California (San Diego, San Francisco: condo, homes, neighborhoods)

[HBINDC]

We (young retirees in mid-50's) are thinking of relocating from DC to California.

We like urban living - being able to walk to a lot of things - and are drawn to California due to the weather. We would like to be someplace where it does not get cold (it does not have to be hot in the summer however, though that would be ok).

Are there places in California that meet our two criteria:

1. A place that one can (for the most part, though not entirely) do without a car. Where there a fair amount of pedestrians around, where everyday (grocery, drugstore, etc) shopping is near at hand.

2. A place we can afford. We would like a two bedroom condo (approximately 1,200 square feet or so), move-in ready for up to about $550,000.

The affordability factor seems to rule out San Francisco, pedestrain friendly areas of LA (e.g. Santa Monica), and San Diego.

Some other possibilities we have come up with - the downtown areas of - San Luis Obispo (#1), Sacramento, Oakland, Berkely.

Would any of the above fir our bill? Other suggestions?

[Sassberto]

For 550k you could probably find something (albeit probably somewhat modest) in the Hillcrest, Downtown, North Park, Little Italy or Banker's Hill neighborhoods of San Diego. These are older neighborhoods and are a lot more walkable than the post-war neighborhoods.

Outside of SF, Berkeley, and Oakland, most of the Bay Area is very sprawling, but LA has some walkable areas that may be more affordable to you - Koreatown, Mid-Wilshire, Downtown LA.

[Paula Lynn]

I would look into Long Beach. Major bus transportation, metro. Walking distance to everything, not to mention the ocean breeze. I don't have a vehicle, and have no intention of buying one ........

[kettlepot]

If there's something in your price range, the City of Alameda in the Bay Area would do very nicely. It's a city of 80k, mostly of 1900-1930 era homes crammed onto a little island right off the coast of Oakland. It's very walkable, and though it's near Oakland it's actually quite safe. The only problem might be that the condo's were built on some reclaimed land near the edge of the city so that you might not be within walking distance of the shopping (I'm not a resident, so I don't know all the ins and outs of that city).

[CityGirl72]

Although my heart lies in Sacramento - I don't think it's a good spot to go for you guys - especially if you want Urban. Sacto is on the slow side of Urban. Although Midtown is nice - and that area - plus East sac meet your criteria and actually there are alot of retirees (young ones) that live there. It would be best to look before committing.

Plus have you thought of Old TOwn part of Redlands (in the Inland Empire?) ALthough you'd really need a car to go anywhere else - the Old Town portion is self contained and rather nice, but allot like Sacto in many ways too

[cw68]

I also wouldn't consider Sacramento. It's not really that urban, though it is making strides in that direction.

If San Francisco does interest you, you probably could find something in your price range, though 1200 sq ft would be the biggest you could get and most of the choices would be more around 1000 sq ft. I wouldn't completely rule it out, especially if you have the time to find the right place.

[mmouwse]

SLO gets my vote, but I am biased. I live here.
Santa Barbara would be best, I think, but I'm not sure it is affordable for you? AND it is not on your list. The weather is perfect, you can walk ANYWHERE in town for whatever you need. You can walk to the beach from the Riviera in 10-15 mintures. There are more reasons but I am very tired. I am intersted in your response. I will check back here earlier tomorrow night.
Good Luck!

[ggill]

Hi,
I'm considering moving to SLO from the Bay Area. Since you live there can you tell me what you like about it?
I would imagine that the cost of living is low. What's the economy like? Are there jobs? Can you give me a sense of salary ranges?
Many Thanks.
g. gill