Your choice? Florida or California (apartment, crime, neighborhood)

[murfslaw]

Originally Posted by slo1318

If you want to slow down thats not a bad way to go. We were in Texas and Florida for a long time and initially I didnt miss California, but about 5-7 years in I started to miss certain things and we traveled back n forth. After 12 years, I decided I had to get back. The outdoor lifestyle in coastal California is really unmatched. Where we are now, you can enjoy being outside every day of the year it really changes your life. I enjoyed south Florida in winter although to 'get away' it was very long distances. In California diverse terrain and weather is only 2-3 hours away in any direction.

Although I'm selling my Brentwood home I'm keeping my Indian Wells home. I've had too many people tell me that they wish they could come back to California but couldn't afford to. We have always loved the desert as much as the beach. In Southern California going to the beach is just not fun anymore.

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by murfslaw

In Southern California going to the beach is just not fun anymore.

Then why are all those people there? Masochists, right?

[T. Damon]

Originally Posted by murfslaw

Although I'm selling my Brentwood home I'm keeping my Indian Wells home. I've had too many people tell me that they wish they could come back to California but couldn't afford to. We have always loved the desert as much as the beach. In Southern California going to the beach is just not fun anymore.

It's still great down here in San Diego. I love popping out my door and in eight minutes I'm on the sand in one of the most beautiful, uncrowded and safe beaches in the country just across the bridge from my house.

Florida would be the very last place I would live in the U.S.

[murfslaw]

Originally Posted by T. Damon

It's still great down here in San Diego. I love popping out my door and in eight minutes I'm on the sand in one of the most beautiful, uncrowded and safe beaches in the country just across the bridge from my house.

Florida would be the very last place I would live in the U.S.

The last thing I want is a tiny old house with no property. I like having a large property with space between neighbors.

[murfslaw]

Originally Posted by Tulemutt

Then why are all those people there? Masochists, right?

All those people are the reason it's no fun anymore!

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by murfslaw

All those people are the reason it's no fun anymore!

So, like I asked: they're masochists? It's no fun at the beach so masochists go there in 'droves'? You know, to suffer?

[T. Damon]

Originally Posted by murfslaw

The last thing I want is a tiny old house with no property. I like having a large property with space between neighbors.

You just have to choose the right small property in the heart of the city.

[IMG][/IMG]

My "tiny" 5500 s.f. lot with a 1800 s.f. 88 y.o. seven room (beautiful Spanish Revival) house.

Got the woods out back, the village out front and the city and sea a couple of miles down the hill.

Edit: and with amazing neighbors with whom we hang out with in the neighborhood/city venues and in each other's houses and gardens all the time a short walk away- all while we respect each other's privacy.

Different strokes for different folks to be sure and I respect all choices but there are amazing choices yet available in coastal urban California, for a price.

[murfslaw]

Originally Posted by T. Damon

You just have to choose the right small property in the heart of the city.

[IMG][/IMG]

My "tiny" 5500 s.f. lot with a 1800 s.f. 88 y.o. seven room (beautiful Spanish Revival) house.

Got the woods out back, the village out front and the city and sea a couple of miles down the hill.

Edit: and with amazing neighbors whom we hang with in the neighborhood/city venues and each other's houses all the time a short walk away- all while we respect each other's privacy.

Different strokes for different folks to be sure and I respect all choices but there are amazing choices yet available in coastal urban California, for a price.

Like I said I can't deal with tiny old houses with very little room between neighbors. Nice job landscaping that little back yard! It's a lot easier when they are that small isn't it?

My god...seven rooms in only 1800 sq ft! All closets? My guest house is larger than that.

[murfslaw]

Originally Posted by Tulemutt

So, like I asked: they're masochists? It's no fun at the beach so masochists go there in 'droves'? You know, to suffer?

I don't deal well with transplants and tourists crammed in together.

[T. Damon]

Originally Posted by murfslaw

Like I said I can't deal with tiny old houses with very little room between neighbors. Nice job landscaping that little back yard! It's a lot easier when they are that small isn't it?

My god...seven rooms in only 1800 sq ft! All closets? My guest house is larger than that.

Thanks, it is mostly borrowed landscape from being on a canyon on the edge of Balboa Park.

It's obvious you have the resources and preferences for large houses on expansive lots in even expensive Southern California, more power to you. Even if I could afford a super sized McMansion and estate my architecture and living tastes lie in well crafted, detailed and human scaled spaces filled with life not only in my personal space but close by around me. As an architect I am very cognizant of how the built environment around me affects my well being and verve for life and for me I'm lucky to have found a sort of nirvana and I hope you have found the same.

Indian Wells is a gorgeous place, I used to live in Palm Springs and Palm Desert so it indeed seems as you have.

And no, while I'm sure your closets exceed my living space you should know that small vintage houses have limited closet spaces, though we have enough small closets and a basement storage area.

I would probably love your guest house in the desert!

Cheers.