please suggest some small artsy towns that are somewhat affordable to live in? (San Diego: houses, living)

[ineedthesun]

my husband and i are considering relocating from the east coast to the central coast area. (i know it's cliche, but we feel the need to break out of our comfort zone). we are early thirties with a 2.5 yr old son. it recently came to our attention that we wasted our twenties trying to pursue the american dream, cookie cutter life, only to end up feeling like frauds. so, it's time for a big change. we still however would like to act responsibly considering we are parents, and would like to find a small town where we could raise our child in a friendly community. we are not city people, but would like to be nearby one. we like to be outdoors, would like to be in a rural area, but we also love the coast. We are laidback openminded people and we want to build connections. any suggestions as to where we might find our dreamtown? or does it not exist?

[Twinkle Toes]

There are a lot of artsy towns in CA, but since I am from the desert, I know that La Quinta is sort of an artsy town. They have the La Quinta Arts Festival every year.

I think Laguna Beach, Carmel and La Jolla are all artsy towns.

[Cubalibre7]

Ineedthesun -- My Husband and I are in the same position. We are from NY and long for California again. We lived there for 2+ years and should have never left.

We also have a 2.5 year old and after long discussions, we just don't have the heart here for NY any longer. We loved our life in California and the "quality" of life. We would like to move back for all the same ones you suggested. So if you find a town, please let me know also. California is such a big state and we are only familiar with SF Bay area (and Marin County, Napa Valley, etc...all out of our price range).

Well, I hope you have found some guidance on this post...I'm looking for the same guidance.

[Dancingearth]

There are a couple of threads about art towns--one is Artist Towns - Nationally and in your Neck of the Woods! Maybe that will help--lots of suggestions that sound good.

[Screenial]

How rural are we talking about? Do you work out of the home, or need a job in the area?

[Nausikaa]

Ojai, Ca is a more affordable place. Beautiful and artsy.

[morefromcali]

I Second Ojai. Ojai is beautiful, artsy and family oriented. It's one of my favorite places I think it would be a great place to raise your child.

[MichaelK23]

I'd be interested in this as well. Although, doing a quick search on realtor.com for Ojai houses that were 3bed 2bath with 2500+ sq.ft and under $700,000 only returned 2 properties...I'm not sure I would say housing is affordable

[LivingLikeAGradStudent]

Half Moon Bay might fit these parameters.

[JohnnyDrako]

Originally Posted by LivingLikeAGradStudent

Half Moon Bay might fit these parameters.

Median home price in Half Moon Bay is $813,000.

I love Encinitas. Maybe not *quite* as much artsy-ness as you would like, but it's right on the rail line so you can whoosh yourself into San Diego very easily, then take advantage of the great light rail in that town. Encinitas is quiet, on a warm beach and sunny. Expensive, of course, but they ain't makin' anymore coastline.