What is attracting California and west coast folks to DFW? (San Antonio: rental, HOA fees)

[lh_newbie]

Originally Posted by CalGal953

I wish I had lived in CA for many more years than the measly 11 I had.

What's stopping you from moving back?

[CalGal953]

Originally Posted by lh_newbie

What's stopping you from moving back?

Jobs and money, or lack thereof.

[socketz]

Originally Posted by sheri257

People can debate all of the other stuff but, this is the bottom line. Let's face it ...

If California housing was affordable ... you probably wouldn't even be seeing these kinds of threads ... at all. The question would be a moot point because most people wouldn't be interested moving to Texas.

But, of course, California housing probably won't ever be affordable ... at least by Texas standards. For one thing ... on the Central Coast for example ...they won't let any developer throw up a housing development like they do in Texas.

They're very picky ... which is why the area continues to be the gorgeous and desirable place that it is. Of course, that drives up prices but, paradise doesn't come cheap ... nor should it.

I couldn't of said this better myself.

I go away for a week and come back and there continues to be bickering about the obvious. 35 page thread....incredible.

I think it comes down to "if you like TX and it offers what you need from your life, then by all means live there" Who cares what other people think.

Once you try to justify the decision, it only becomes more obvious why places like CA carry a premium.

It's a free market and things will cost what people are willing to pay for them. People are willing to pay x for something as opposed to y because x offers them more of a certain characteristic[s] that they find desirable and more appropriate based on their wants/needs from life. This is not to say that y is not also a good choice. Just a different one.

[DWong]

Originally Posted by lh_newbie

What's stopping you from moving back?

Just like most people lh_newbie. It is $$$. People in TX if they could afford the same lifestyle here many would relocate- not all, but many would.

Think for a second if people can get the same great neighborhood, same size house and lot within a reasonable distance to work in CA.. what would that cost? easily 2 milllion. And that's low balling it. Whereas live in TX and get the same demographic area and home for 250k. What else could it be?

I know that if I were to relocate sure I"d have extra $$$, bigger home and such, but what I am paying for is something that other states don't have. And as for myself and many californians, that is what's keeping us here (well those who aren't multi-millionaires)

[DWong]

Originally Posted by twojciac

Equal footing for TX or CA? I'd choose TX hands down... even if it were twice as expensive. Granted my exposure to CA is the Bay Area... and my exposure to TX is the DFW area (having just moved here), but I honestly don't think you could pay me enough to move to the Bay Area.

I know I'll come off sounding like an ass, but I wish home values in CA were affordable. Too many people from CA are moving elsewhere bringing their politics and problems to other parts of the country. To me CA is like a different country... and most days I wish it was...

Hey there. Well, the bay area is a different place unto itself. It is practically it's own country. It is preference. Some people love it, some hate it. But lets do keep in mind what californians are moving to TX. Those who have plenty of $, great job, great neighborhood, etc etc... probably arn't going anywhere. Tx moving to CA, are in a different boat. It's all depends on where you are in life. TX is great for young families. Californians, single empty nesters. Everyone situation is unique, and most of us are willing to sacrifice the benefits of CA for an affordable home in TX.

[sheri257]

Originally Posted by momof2dfw

In other words you never get out of your bubble to explore this GREAT BIG world we live in and experience other cultures.

I never know how to respond to posts like this that are judgemental and just plain nasty. I guess I could get really PO'd but I just took a gorgeous bike ride along the coast and had lunch in Carmel so ... I'm in too good of a mood to get upset about stuff like this.

I've actually travelled quite a bit but I've always been drawn to this area ... which is why it's now my home. As for the rest of it ... whatever.

[lh_newbie]

So I have to ask... if you live in California, what are you doing on a board about Dallas, TX?

[sheri257]

Originally Posted by lh_newbie

So I have to ask... if you live in California, what are you doing on a board about Dallas, TX?

Pretty much the same thing that Texans and Cali ex-pats who now live in Texas do on the California board ... LOL.

Actually ... I used to live in Texas. So I guess that makes me a Texas ex-pat.

[lh_newbie]

Originally Posted by sheri257

People can debate all of the other stuff but, this is the bottom line. Let's face it ...

If California housing was affordable ... you probably wouldn't even be seeing these kinds of threads ... at all. The question would be a moot point because most people wouldn't be interested moving to Texas.

But, of course, California housing probably won't ever be affordable ... at least by Texas standards. For one thing ... on the Central Coast for example ...they won't let any developer throw up a housing development like they do in Texas.

They're very picky ... which is why the area continues to be the gorgeous and desirable place that it is. Of course, that drives up prices but, paradise doesn't come cheap ... nor should it.

If we're going to compare cities - if they all cost the same - then Paris (IMO) tops my list. If only the lands of fairies and pixie dust actually existed.

[DWong]

Originally Posted by sheri257

I never know how to respond to posts like this that are judgemental and just plain nasty. I guess I could get really PO'd but I just took a gorgeous bike ride along the coast and had lunch in Carmel so ... I'm in too good of a mood to get upset about stuff like this.

I've actually travelled quite a bit but I've always been drawn to this area ... which is why it's now my home. As for the rest of it ... whatever.

I agree Sheri. Hey there are some people who can't say a bad thing about where they live regardless of where that might be. Some people live in their own little world and that is fine. I myself listed many more negatives about CA than TX, but it's just in how much importance I weigh to each of them. Which is why some choose to stay or leave. I'm sure DFW is a great place to live, CA is great too it just comes w/ a high price tag. And yes, paradise does have it's price (must we compare where most people vacation within the US or international?) - hands down, CA is far far ahead and will always be, whether homes cost the same as TX, we have a draw for the US and international crowd.