[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

The average price of homes in the SF Bay area is $1m?

The average home prices in the San Francisco bay area are;

for San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara (the south bay,silicon valley) 845K / San Francisco, Oakland, Fremont 777K- not 1 million- But if you want something decent- yes 1 million.

Believe me Connecticut is far cheaper- California is nearly stratospheric for home prices.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

The average home prices in the San Francisco bay area are;

for San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara (the south bay,silicon valley) 845K / San Francisco, Oakland, Fremont 777K- not 1 million- But if you want something decent- yes 1 million.

Well yes, but the same thing can be said for Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Weston, Wilton, Westport. Actually median prices for these towns are for the most part over 1 million.

I know what you're saying, that the SF Bay area is very pricey - but when compared to SW Fairfield County, the difference is not huge. Recently I nearly moved to Irvine or Montclair and I didn't have sticker shock when I looked at rents.

[skytrekker]

The differences are not huge, between several boutique towns in lower Fairfield county

however the median home price in the San Francisco bay is still nearly double of what Fairfield county is- I quoted the NAR prices before-

460K for Fairfield county--- nearly double that for that SF bay area.
I suggest you go to the NAR site- and see the differences.

Also rents are not the issue here-but home prices are.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

The differences are not huge, between several boutique towns in lower Fairfield county

however the median home price in the San Francisco bay is still nearly double of what Fairfield county is- I quoted the NAR prices before-

460K for Fairfield county--- nearly double that for that SF bay area.
I suggest you go to the NAR site- and see the differences.

Thanks, I will do that.

I am still considering a job in Orange County - in your opinion, do you think 5k higher out there is enough to cover the cost of living difference between Anaheim and Stamford/New Canaan?

[skytrekker]

New Canaan and Beverly hills home prices are nearly the same.

Orange County median home price prices are still about 150K higher then Fairfield county. Rents are a different matter- I look at median home prices- not rents.

[skytrekker]

Also I may add- I notice you enjoy wine- Connecticut's moderate climate allows several excellent wineries to thrive here- producing very high quality grapes for award winning wines.

Sharpe Hill Vineyards in Pomfret (eastern CT) is the largest- set in a rural pastoral view- with an award winning restaurant.

CONNECTICUT WINE TRAIL - WINERY TOURS - Connecticut wine tasting, vacations, CT Wine Trail

[tstetinin]

Don't be disheartened - CT is great.

[leavinglosangeles]

Hi again from leavinglosangeles -

Kidyankee764, I would strongly encourage you to really get a feel for the Southern and California housing market, as I think there is a significant difference for something that we define as "decent home" in a "decent neighborhood" with a "decent school system." Maybe the better word choice is not "decent" for California but "good," not extravagant or luxurious, not estates or mansions, simply "good." Those homes in those areas will be a minimum of $750k to $1M without question. NAR is a great resource, but I have lived here all my life, know most of the state and have a relative who is a broker in the SF Bay Area. Those prices are just the reality here, right now anyway.

From my research, homes in CT definitely get pricier towards Westport, New Canaan, etc., but are still not nearly what they are in California for the same thing. You can get a "good" home for $500k to $600k from what I have seen.

Skytrekker, thanks for the winery information...I'm a bit of a snob in this area and have been truly spoiled by California's wine region so I am anxious to do a little exploring.

On another note, any thoughts on Gales Ferry knowing some of the things I am looking for...? Proximity for commuting to NY, not necessarily on a daily basis?

Thanks -

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

You may be able to find a "dollhouse" in Westport for 600K, but in New Canaan, you'll only find a "dump" for that money.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by leavinglosangeles

From my research, homes in CT definitely get pricier towards Westport, New Canaan, etc., but are still not nearly what they are in California for the same thing. You can get a "good" home for $500k to $600k from what I have seen.

In New Canaan and Westport, you're lucky to get a starter home that needs TLC for 5-600k.

Thanks for your advice