Moving from Texas to Manhattan Beach - where to live? (Huntington Beach: new home, buy)

[TXLH]

I'm considering a move from central Texas to take a job in Manahattan Beach. I lived in Manhattan beach about 20 years ago...absolutely loved it. Worked in Burbank...hated that. The commute left me almost too drained to enjoy being home. A lot has changed in 20 years...a wife, two young boys, three dogs and lots of "stuff".

My wife is terrified. She's lived in big cities (Houston), but not like this. We would be moving from one of the least expensive areas of the country to one of the most expensive. We've got a nice home on two acres of land, good job, a 20-minute commute,etc. If this opportunity was anywhere in Texas, it would be a no-brainer.

Theoretically, we could buy a home up to $1.5 million (or even $1.8 on a stretch). Being from Texas, it makes my head pound to even think of a number that high. Where should I put my family to give them that lifestyle I remember (within reason and within our means) and has them wondering why it took us so long to get here?

[BRinSM]

you can easily afford a house in MB in your price range, but it won't be huge, nor have much of a yard. for a bit more space look at torrance, although this being socal, lots generally aren't very large especially compared to where you are coming from. inland redondo is also nice and is less expensive than manhattan beach.

[nick2006]

up to 1.5 or 1.8M and you can choose to live in about 98% of the southern cal area, including manhattan beach. What do you want? lot size, new home, close to the beach, hiking? minimal commute time sounds like a priority, so i'll assume you're gonna buy anywhere from south bay to maybe the Westside, to include santa monica. we need more info.

Originally Posted by TXLH

I'm considering a move from central Texas to take a job in Manahattan Beach. I lived in Manhattan beach about 20 years ago...absolutely loved it. Worked in Burbank...hated that. The commute left me almost too drained to enjoy being home. A lot has changed in 20 years...a wife, two young boys, three dogs and lots of "stuff".

My wife is terrified. She's lived in big cities (Houston), but not like this. We would be moving from one of the least expensive areas of the country to one of the most expensive. We've got a nice home on two acres of land, good job, a 20-minute commute,etc. If this opportunity was anywhere in Texas, it would be a no-brainer.

Theoretically, we could buy a home up to $1.5 million (or even $1.8 on a stretch). Being from Texas, it makes my head pound to even think of a number that high. Where should I put my family to give them that lifestyle I remember (within reason and within our means) and has them wondering why it took us so long to get here?

[nslander]

With that price range, you can live very comfortably within 20 mins of your job. As mentioned, Redondo, Hermosa, Torrance. Or Palos Verdes-

2 Peppertree Dr, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 MLS# v12000110 - Zillow

[bigdumbgod]

Originally Posted by nslander

2 Peppertree Dr, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 MLS# v12000110 - Zillow

Pretty sweet place for the money (believe it or not - view's worth at least half the price). Need a few barrels of lemon oil for that interior, though.

[nslander]

Originally Posted by bigdumbgod

Pretty sweet place for the money (believe it or not - view's worth at least half the price). Need a few barrels of lemon oil for that interior, though.

Lemon or Danish oil. Not cheap, but PV does underscore just how stupidly over-priced other areas *cough* Huntington Beach *cough* can be.

[bigdumbgod]

Originally Posted by nslander

Lemon or Danish oil. Not cheap, but PV does undersore just how stupidly over-priced other areas *cough* Huntington Beach *cough* can be.

Not to mention Newport Beach.

[1200RT]

Originally Posted by nslander

With that price range, you can live very comfortably within 20 mins of your job. As mentioned, Redondo, Hermosa, Torrance. Or Palos Verdes-

2 Peppertree Dr, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 MLS# v12000110 - Zillow

That is rediciuosly cheep for that property. I'm not as well versed with property values in the South Bay, but seems like a ***** deal.

Maybe time for me to move out of SM?

[TXLH]

Should have been more specific. Sorry. Probably need about 3000+ square feet and at least a small yard. Family loves beach, sports, outdoors...all the stuff I remember loving about Manhattan Beach. Commute will be the big driver for me (no pun)...may 30-45 minutes at the most.

[BRinSM]

Originally Posted by 1200RT

That is rediciuosly cheep for that property. I'm not as well versed with property values in the South Bay, but seems like a ***** deal.

Maybe time for me to move out of SM?

while this property does have excellent views, the thing about PV is freeway access. of course not many people want to live next to freeways, but most people do want to live within a short commute of a freeway. much of PV is at least a 20 minute drive just to access a freeway. this particular home isn't too far from the 110, i'd say it's at least 10-15 minutes. however, if you work in manhattan beach, this would be a hellish commute around the peninsula or on the 110/405.