If you could live anywhere in CA, where would it be? (Sacramento: rentals, school)

[OC Investor2]

Originally Posted by stonepra

Make a very long story a short one..

I'm originally from the mid west and lived in different places in the states, I recently moved from living in HI for 3 years and it was a great time in my life.. but now I'm ready for something different, a bit faster yet still not fast lane, know what I mean?

I am currently in limbo on the mainland, simply trying to figure out where I want to live for awhile in CA. Why? well I like the west coast and Arizona is nice but just not my thing, I need to be by the coast/ocean. Everyone is running from CA but I'm ready to give it a shot.

I work from home, I can live anywhere I want.. at least in the states for now. Monthly rent isn't a huge concern, generally $1500-$2000 a month is what I like to budget.

The reason for this post to try to get some good ideas of a spot to start off. The type of life I'm looking for? not too stressful, lower traffic, yet still some things to do. I'm more interested in non-mainstream arts/music, a nice cultural center would be nice to enjoy.

I really want nothing to do with the LA or surrounding areas, unless they are on the edge. I'm really up to any part of CA, I'd prefer a nicer climate of San Diego(I would not want to live IN the city, but surrounding area), but I still think the climate in areas like Santa Barbara & up alittle would be nice.

I do have a bad habit, and that I like nice things. While I like a slower pace of life, I like to be surrounded around expensive things..and generally want to be surrounded by people who want be VERY successful in life financially but yet still grounded/down to earth. I guess that would be my paradise on paper.. maybe it yours too?

so think for a moment that you have no clutter, un-needed processions, or mortgage. Where would would you pick, and maybe a short reason why

Many Thanks

Maybe Santa Barbara?

Nice area, lots of wealth ("nice things") and seemingly thriving arts community. Faster pace, but not as go-go as LA or OC. I've heard various things about the snob factor there, but on the surface it may be worth looking into for you.

Good Luck

[Tenzo]

Originally Posted by coyoteskye

A "good" Buddhist can live anywhere.

I currently live in Columbus Ohio and didn't know the bible belt came this high when I moved here.

They ran the Buddhist church out of town. Last time I saw the place it had broken windows and 'Jesus is the answer' in red paint written on the side. We now meet in the basement of an understanding church; the time and location is passed secretly.

I doubt a bunch of snobs can be worse.


At work I get invited to bible studies and have had a pamphlet or two dropped on my desk.

Tough being a 'good' Buddhist here.

[coyoteskye]

Originally Posted by Tenzo

I currently live in Columbus Ohio and didn't know the bible belt came this high when I moved here.

They ran the Buddhist church out of town. Last time I saw the place it had broken windows and 'Jesus is the answer' in red paint written on the side. We now meet in the basement of an understanding church; the time and location is passed secretly.

I doubt a bunch of snobs can be worse.


At work I get invited to bible studies and have had a pamphlet or two dropped on my desk.

Tough being a 'good' Buddhist here.

Really?
Wow ... that saddens me.
I haven't lived in areas like that so although i know that intolerance of so-called Christians is wide-spread, it's shocking for me to hear that the kind of vandalism you speak of happens ... and to Buddhists of all people!
C'mon out to Santa Cruz county.
There are a number of Buddhist centers in the county (5 off the top of my head) and no-one looks twice at a monk or nun in robes ... no-one looks twice at anyone.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by coyoteskye

... no-one looks twice at anyone.

See! I knew y'all tofu eatin', drum beatin', Birkenstock wearin', north Monterey Bay folk were really just a buncha hallograms!

By the way, my wife's an original 60s bra-burnin' feminist, 70s hippie midwife (hundreds of at-home births) AND a Buddhist!

[Sambazon]

Having been born, raised and living in the suburbs of northern San Diego County my entire life, I actually wouldn't mind living in the Los Angeles area, which is a huge possibility for me anyway because of my career aspirations as a film student. Sure, it's the epicenter of debauchery, plastic faces, Oompa Loompa skin and fake everything, but I feel like there's so much more to see and do. I strive for a more fast-paced city life, which is why I'd also consider living in or around San Francisco. The cooler weather up there would be something I'd welcome with open arms since I sweat in San Diego's constant 75+ and sunny.

[Snort]

There's this friggin' huge behemoth of a sailing catamaran in the Santa Barbara harbor.
I've figured it out now. That's my ideal place.

[AliveandWell]

I'd move to San Francisco if I had the chance to for sure. I live outside L.A. now though. SF has the country's best weather and climate, good Chinese food and there's just a beauty that I can't really describe now. There's a certain way I feel about the place and I've visited twice.

[NSX]

Been all around California, and I'd have to choose the Eureka/Crescent City area. Not too crowded and beautiful rocky beaches.

[RARAM2]

Born and raised in Chicago, i've lived in several areas throughout the country. Lived in Santa Rosa and Sacramento for 3 month each in 2008 for work assignments, back in Chicago area for now, but planning on permanent relocation BACK to CA mid 2010. Plan is to find a place in Northern CA, close to the ocean and near San Francisco, though probably NOT in the city proper. Love the climate, breathtaking landscape and natural wonders. My girlfriend and I are looking forward to this move with great anticipation.

[Clarks]

There's this friggin' huge behemoth of a sailing catamaran in the Santa Barbara harbor.
I've figured it out now. That's my ideal place.

Is it so big it doesn't appear very sea worthy, that is probably one of Larry Ellison's many boats, he uses that one for parties. Here is another one, he doesn't like this one, says it lacks "intimate spaces" One can only imagine.