Reasonable housing? (San Diego, Orange, Norwalk: apartment, for rent, condos)

[jeremeyk482]

Hey, I'm a 23 year old recent grad from Fairfield Univ in Connecticut. I grew up in New Canaan, outside of NYC but in CT that has a similar cost of living to the west coast. My family just moved out to Cali in the San Fran area, but it's too expensive for me to afford my own place. Is there anywhere up and down the coastline that is affordable and desirable? Thanks for any help

Jeremey

[Starrynight227]

What do you consider affordable?

[EscapeCalifornia]

And what do you consider desirable?

Any place that most people consider desirable isn't going to be affordable unless you're very well off.

[jeremeyk482]

Sorry, I should have been more specific.

Is there anywhere that I can get a 1br for around $1,000? Or a studio for $700? Coming from Fairfield County CT where studios start around $900-$1100, I'm used to high prices. I was just wondering if there's a place in Cali that I can find a bargain.

As for a desirable area, I mean a high quality of life. Affordable housing (affordable being what I mentioned above), either convenient mass transit or little traffic, culture and restaurants and a low unemployment rate. I know it's a lot to ask and there probably isn't a place out there with every preference I mentioned, but do you guys have any suggestions as to where I can start to look?

Thanks

[jeremeyk482]

Anyone????

[Humanoid]

You're not going to find a 1-bedroom for $1000 in somewhere that is "desirable". You may be able to find an older place 10-20 away from some where "desirable" though.

But seriously, if affordability was important to you why did you move to SF? Its known to be one of the most expesnive places in the country.

[CityGirl72]

You can afford the bay area - just don't live by yourself - you can easily find a house that has a room for rent - or share an apartment with people your age.

Do you have to be utterly alone? Maybe they can show you around the city - get the locals opinions - find out where to party!

[jeremeyk482]

Originally Posted by Humanoid

You're not going to find a 1-bedroom for $1000 in somewhere that is "desirable". You may be able to find an older place 10-20 away from some where "desirable" though.

But seriously, if affordability was important to you why did you move to SF? Its known to be one of the most expesnive places in the country.

My immediate family is moving out there for work...they can afford it. I can't

I live at home and am trying to move out. I'd like to be close to my family (within 5 hours or so) but can't live at home for a few reasons. I have no family in CT and all of my friends now live in Orange County, Solvang, San Diego and Palm Beach, FL. I'm most definitely not interested in FL.

Fairfield County is also known to be among the most expensive areas in the country (Greenwich, Westport, Weston, Darien, New Canaan areas), and it's hard for me to get a place out here too (I had rented a studio in Norwalk CT for $1100 and it really took a toll on my finances). But I don't see why I should stay in CT for a few reasons: 1. People are very snobby 2. Snow and 3. Taxes are high (which I know that I won't be getting relief from out west).

I was just posting to see if California had different areas that are affordable. Sounds like they don't exist!

[skitow]

Hi. Sounds like you're having a tough time. CA is very expensive for sure. I live in Moutain View CA. I live in a large condo community, 302 units. You could rent a single bed for 1200 to 1300, maybe. All condos are owned but some people rent out. Not many. I don't know your background. This is silicone valley here,and there are high paying jobs if you're trained for hi tech. If you landed a job in this area, your income would take care of money worries. Keep in mind that this area is CROWDED. If you want to live near or on the beach, this is not the place. Seems everyone that moves to CA has sticker shock! Hope you can find what you're looking for. Stay safe,skitow.

[Humanoid]

California had different areas that are affordable

There are areas in Calfornia that are affordable, but you want to live somewhere that is desirable and near SF.