How do the middle class survive in SoCal? (move to, community)

[MySecretSelf]

Without reading other replies, you make enough to rent or buy (if you have no debt and a nice nest egg) if you take your time and jump when the time is right.

As other's have said, get a place close to work! Nurses are in demand more than many other professions!

Originally Posted by jeweloflight

I have been on this forum just about a week now, and am interested in moving to Cali (don't know where yet, leaning toward SoCal) but all I keep hearing about is the high cost of living, high gas prices, no one can afford to buy because you need a six figure income, everything's soooo expensive, blah, blah, blah. So besides the rich people being rich, and the poor being poor, where do the middle class fit in? What quality of life am I looking at making $60K-$90K a year as a nurse?

[zenjenn]

The middle class w/ families do fine in So Cal - in Corona or Temecula or such places.

LA or central places in OC, are for childless people or people with a lot of money, or at least a commitment to two solid incomes for the family. There are exceptions, of course, but I lived both in LA County and Orange County since starting a family, and families were spread thin and kids were predominantly in daycare. If I knew young families, especially with a stay-at-home parent, they were either struggling horribly or lived in the more affordable fringes and commuted long distances.

Once I moved out of state that demographic changed dramatically. I live in a new home in a nice neighborhood 20 minutes from downtown, with children in every other house and most families surviving very comfortably on one income.

[jordanleigh]

i'm a capable independant 29 year old, and have been reading the posts on this forum and others involving newbees wanting to move to soca. me included. the ups and downs include moving to anywhere (yes, im still being realistic) but your dream overrides most downfalls, if u have the will power and competence to over come them. What i found is that a good solid problem solving, problem dissolving plan put to work is the best option. I'm currently in my second month of |(whats going to be a year long term) saving up to start out over there. From what i've gathered thus far it will take me about $7,500 to start out, and a min of making about $3,000 per month. does this sound accurate? any feedback (pos. or neg.) is welcomed

[ferretkona]

Originally Posted by jordanleigh

i',,,, From what i've gathered thus far it will take me about $7,500 to start out, and a min of making about $3,000 per month. does this sound accurate? any feedback (pos. or neg.) is welcomed

Yes and no.
$3000 a month can be done but you may want to share a house with someone, rent a room.

You want to figure rent to be at 25% of your income. There is all kinds of unexpected cost living here. Auto insurance cost more, fuel cost more here, electricity costs a lot more here, etc.

15 years ago I moved to Yosemite from So CA, hand full of friends. I could not find work in my trade, any I found was held by others. It can take a lifetime to develop the contacts needed for employment in CA.

[djsmps]

I used to make around $10K a month, and barely felt middle class. I owned a house in Downey. I can't imagine living on $3K a month.

[Snort]

How do the middle class survive in SoCal?

They eat soylent green. How else does anyone do it here?

[ferretkona]

Originally Posted by Snort

They eat soylent green. How else does anyone do it here?

We don't talk about the green, they will raise the price if everyone eats it.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by jordanleigh

a min of making about $3,000 per month. does this sound accurate? any feedback (pos. or neg.) is welcomed

Figuring the 3:1 rule, that's about $1000/month for rent. What about health insurance, 401(k), Roth IRA, auto insurance, and auto payments?

[jackie100]

Originally Posted by Charles

Figuring the 3:1 rule, that's about $1000/month for rent. What about health insurance, 401(k), Roth IRA, auto insurance, and auto payments?

You can rent a room and if you know where to look you can find one for $400 or $500. Craigslist tends to be more expensive but if you happen to be Asian, you can look in the Asian newspaper and find a room for like $350-$400.

[Inter441]

Originally Posted by hedgefundpirate

considered taking a job in the LA area at large law firm but cost of living and crime just seem to be out of control.Cali also has outrageous income taxes for those who work and dont try to sponge off the state.I think the California dream is pretty much over.Florida is even with the hurricanes just a much better place to live.Miami is exploding in growth as California everyone seems to be running for the exit.

really you must be kidding me ?!! i am trying to get out of Florida no community here slow life here nothing to do here LA got life to to it ! i feel like i am wasting my youth in South Florida full of swamp and beach