California..Dream or Nightmare? (Boston, Belmont: real estate, house, rent)

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by wheelz

Cheap 30 miles outside of Boston? Maybe if you head east but not north, south or west. The traffic here is absolutely horrible, we had a 14 hour traffic jam yesterday from a sewer cover that flipped up into/through some poor persons windshield. There were many, many complaints a couple days prior to the accident about the sewer cover being dislodged but no one did anything to fix it. Our Big Dig project borders on criminal and almost all of our roads and bridges are in disrepair. Every construction project I have ever seen done here is/was outdated before they even start the project. It took me 3 hours to go from Bolton MA to Lee NH yesterday, which is only an hour and fifteen minute drive according to google. Last Friday, from Lexington, it took me 2 hours and 45 minutes to get to Windham NH. I don't know about anyone else but I think our quality of life stinks here!

Well perhaps 40 miles- remember one must compare prices with silicon valley.
It is another world housing prices- then 30 miles beyond will be 'cheap'

[wheelz]

I think that it's all pretty relative to where you live. I know that there are area's in CA that completely eliminate any hope at all for a first time buyer but there are also many area's in MA where the same thing applies. It seems that everywhere you turn in MA it costs you money but it's that way most everywhere now. For a first time buyer here in MA, yes, you can find places taht are cheaper than other part's of the state but at what cost? With the higher price of gasoline and seeing how most places that are semi-affordable have no public transportation, by the time you get through travelling back and forth to work, how much do you actually save? Also, if you are paying a mortgage along with your ineterst, if your property value doesn't increase during the time you are making all those payments, then what good in retrospect, did buying a piece of property actually do for you? To me, it boils down to your basic "Catch 22." Just think of all the extra time you have to put in to commute, I mean, let's face it, where the houses are affordable, there aren't exactly very many high paying jobs in those communities, plus they are extremely slow to appreciate.

I am disgusted with our infrastucture here in Massachusetts, today ON A SATURDAY, I sat in a six mile backup on the Mass Pike! It just never ends around here and I'm sick of it!!!! To top it off, they actually ask for money when and if you ever make it off the exit! They should be paying ME!! Our Government is concerned about "Global Warming?" Yeah, OKAY!!! Let's make ALL that traffic come to a stand still and cause major traffic jams so they can take our hard earned money! That's real good for Global Warming! Cripes, I probably heat up the globe just from FUMING from having to sit in all the traffic! It's a total joke! I don't know how ANYONE living within 30 miles of Boston can actually enjoy living here if they have to commute. I was on 119 in Groton a couple weeks ago and couldn't even believe how bad the traffic was for a small town. It really stinks living here if you have to drive and MANY people HAVE to drive! I didn't notice a T stop anywhere in Groton.

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by wheelz

I think that it's all pretty relative to where you live. I know that there are area's in CA that completely eliminate any hope at all for a first time buyer but there are also many area's in MA where the same thing applies. It seems that everywhere you turn in MA it costs you money but it's that way most everywhere now. For a first time buyer here in MA, yes, you can find places taht are cheaper than other part's of the state but at what cost? With the higher price of gasoline and seeing how most places that are semi-affordable have no public transportation, by the time you get through travelling back and forth to work, how much do you actually save? Also, if you are paying a mortgage along with your ineterst, if your property value doesn't increase during the time you are making all those payments, then what good in retrospect, did buying a piece of property actually do for you? To me, it boils down to your basic "Catch 22." Just think of all the extra time you have to put in to commute, I mean, let's face it, where the houses are affordable, there aren't exactly very many high paying jobs in those communities, plus they are extremely slow to appreciate.

I am disgusted with our infrastucture here in Massachusetts, today ON A SATURDAY, I sat in a six mile backup on the Mass Pike! It just never ends around here and I'm sick of it!!!! To top it off, they actually ask for money when and if you ever make it off the exit! They should be paying ME!! Our Government is concerned about "Global Warming?" Yeah, OKAY!!! Let's make ALL that traffic come to a stand still and cause major traffic jams so they can take our hard earned money! That's real good for Global Warming! Cripes, I probably heat up the globe just from FUMING from having to sit in all the traffic! It's a total joke! I don't know how ANYONE living within 30 miles of Boston can actually enjoy living here if they have to commute. I was on 119 in Groton a couple weeks ago and couldn't even believe how bad the traffic was for a small town. It really stinks living here if you have to drive and MANY people HAVE to drive! I didn't notice a T stop anywhere in Groton.

Median home price in San Francisco is 750K -and for that amount you get a under 2000 square foot home- in an 'average neighborhood'
San Jose in silicon valley is higher. For 700K in the Boston area you get much more for your money- since the median home price in greater Boston is around 350K less then the Bay area.

Also if you think the infrastructure is bad in Massachusetts- the freeway system in the bay area is broken down and in need of much repair and renovation. The only advantage to living in the SF bay area is the Climate- which is very temperate; cost wise however everything is more expensive, housing, gasoline, taxes (income and sales). I lived there- I know. Massachusetts has higher real estate taxes- but you get a hell of alot more in the way of services and quality of schools for your money.

There is a 'hidden tax' in California- known as a 'sunshine/climate tax'. And you certainly pay for it.

[manchester]

Originally Posted by Urban Boys

California is not a nightmare. It has just become unaffordable in most areas. There are good jobs, good salaries, but the cost of housing (and rents) has absolutely no relation to income. I moved back here (I grew up in California) 2 years ago, and unfortunately, I cannot even consider buying anything in San Francisco. Where to go?

New England seems to be the best place. Many of us are liberal and accustomed to living in a large urban area. I don't want to live in the hot desert or in the middle of the continent (I like the idea of being near the ocean). The South has little appeal (too hot and a really different life style). The obvious cities in the west have been flooded by refugees from California, and the price of housing has gone up dramatically in these cities-Portland, Seattle, Denver, etcetera).

Plus New England is affordable for many of us to buy a house and have a good lifestyle. And it is a really physically attractive area of the country.

strange you say you're liberal yet say about refugees like it was a bad thing liberals are supposed to like that sort of thing.

the other point I pointed out you say it's expensive there yet new england isn't.
Very subjectable as many many of the natives say it's expensive here too and many have moved out.
Maybe the grass is always greener on the other side comes to point here

Have you ever thought about chicago, it's next to water and more affordable?

[manchester]

Originally Posted by wheelz

I think that it's all pretty relative to where you live. I know that there are area's in CA that completely eliminate any hope at all for a first time buyer but there are also many area's in MA where the same thing applies. It seems that everywhere you turn in MA it costs you money but it's that way most everywhere now. For a first time buyer here in MA, yes, you can find places taht are cheaper than other part's of the state but at what cost? With the higher price of gasoline and seeing how most places that are semi-affordable have no public transportation, by the time you get through travelling back and forth to work, how much do you actually save? Also, if you are paying a mortgage along with your ineterst, if your property value doesn't increase during the time you are making all those payments, then what good in retrospect, did buying a piece of property actually do for you? To me, it boils down to your basic "Catch 22." Just think of all the extra time you have to put in to commute, I mean, let's face it, where the houses are affordable, there aren't exactly very many high paying jobs in those communities, plus they are extremely slow to appreciate.

I am disgusted with our infrastucture here in Massachusetts, today ON A SATURDAY, I sat in a six mile backup on the Mass Pike! It just never ends around here and I'm sick of it!!!! To top it off, they actually ask for money when and if you ever make it off the exit! They should be paying ME!! Our Government is concerned about "Global Warming?" Yeah, OKAY!!! Let's make ALL that traffic come to a stand still and cause major traffic jams so they can take our hard earned money! That's real good for Global Warming! Cripes, I probably heat up the globe just from FUMING from having to sit in all the traffic! It's a total joke! I don't know how ANYONE living within 30 miles of Boston can actually enjoy living here if they have to commute. I was on 119 in Groton a couple weeks ago and couldn't even believe how bad the traffic was for a small town. It really stinks living here if you have to drive and MANY people HAVE to drive! I didn't notice a T stop anywhere in Groton.

This is so true and most people don't like living in Massachusets anymore buddy as people have been leaving at record levels.
It has taken me from weymouth to the north shore nearly three hours, the distance just over 20 miles.
yes things might be closer but they don't mean easy to get there.
Global warming
I'ts a nice way for the govt to get more money from you like the emissions test massachsuetts thought would be a good idea.
what a rip off
Until I see the elitists stop going around in private planes, big cars, limos, have big houses and mansions. then I'll take the global warming thing more serious.
Infact I was parked on the highway the other day in traffic(as always) I drive a car and all aroiund me was SUV'S and pick up trucks, hardly any cars and this is a state what's supposed to be for it
Even ted kennedy the great cleaner air man doesn't want those windmills built down on the cape , Why because it interferes with his view form the house and interferes with his sailing.

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by manchester

strange you say you're liberal yet say about refugees like it was a bad thing liberals are supposed to like that sort of thing.

the other point I pointed out you say it's expensive there yet new england isn't.
Very subjectable as many many of the natives say it's expensive here too and many have moved out.
Maybe the grass is always greener on the other side comes to point here

Have you ever thought about chicago, it's next to water and more affordable?

The Chicago area for housing costs is about the same as Hartford, Providence, New Haven, Portland, and even Worcester- plus the real ocean is nearby. Check living costs as well as housing- Boston costs are a very tight concentric zone 35 miles out.
The rest of New England outside of Fairfield county CT and Boston is very affordable. And compared to the SF Bay area -cheap.

Median home price Norwich New London CT 1st quarter 2007 258K Hartford CT 255K Providence 281K Chicago 265K SOURCE NAR

We need to get the facts straight here about housing costs-

I like Chicago-but New England is far better. And the weather is milder.

The choice is obvious.

[jessieshepard]

maybe you're being biased - yes. I've read your views

Lets fact facts you're in CT not MA and MA is very different to CT so to broadly speak about New England is very naive to say the least.

You might think Massachusetts is affordable but thats maybe because you're not in Massachusetts there are reasons why people are moving out of this state and affordability is one of them of many.

Yes caribou in Maine is affordable, no Massachusetts 40 miles around massachusetts(up to two hour drive) is not

You can go around with this all year with the rest of those who are fed up living here but lets face facts this state is losing it's native population and only the population downside is being offset by immigration from Asia the middle east and south America.

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by jessieshepard

maybe you're being biased - yes. I've read your views

Lets fact facts you're in CT not MA and MA is very different to CT so to broadly speak about New England is very naive to say the least.

You might think Massachusetts is affordable but thats maybe because you're not in Massachusetts there are reasons why people are moving out of this state and affordability is one of them of many.

Yes caribou in Maine is affordable, no Massachusetts 40 miles around massachusetts(up to two hour drive) is not

You can go around with this all year with the rest of those who are fed up living here but lets face facts this state is losing it's native population and only the population downside is being offset by immigration from Asia the middle east and south America.

Nope

CT is a very wealthy state- richer then Massachusetts. Your information is biased.
You views are naive- or provincial -and your views are unsupported- I suggest you look at the statistics from the NAR.
Then you will see the facts. If you think that south Florida or California or AZ is cheap- think again.
Again -I want to see facts- not rhetoric. And thus far the information you give lacks data that rebuts what I have said.

If you want to live cheap-Indiana or Oklahoma may be your best bets.

[kareno]

Oh twinpod, I am planning on doing it too. I never thought I would but the cost to live here has just beaten me down. I can't afford the lifestyle I want and now approaching middle age I have got to do something. My family wants me around in Boston which is good.... sort of! I will miss the weather and food more than anyone knows! But always just getting by financially. I will have to live with my 79 yrs old Dad for 6-12 months. He's a nice guy. This blog is helping me sort out my feelings. Maybe i will more sooner than later. Why drag it out?
It's the job thing that concerns me. I jsut turned 50 -single female- attractive -look about 45. Should I be afraid of not getting employed? Sales or admin work probably. Does everyon want college kids?
Thanks.

[puffle]

Originally Posted by kareno

Oh twinpod, I am planning on doing it too. I never thought I would but the cost to live here has just beaten me down. I can't afford the lifestyle I want and now approaching middle age I have got to do something. My family wants me around in Boston which is good.... sort of! I will miss the weather and food more than anyone knows! But always just getting by financially. I will have to live with my 79 yrs old Dad for 6-12 months. He's a nice guy. This blog is helping me sort out my feelings. Maybe i will more sooner than later. Why drag it out?
It's the job thing that concerns me. I jsut turned 50 -single female- attractive -look about 45. Should I be afraid of not getting employed? Sales or admin work probably. Does everyon want college kids?
Thanks.

If there are gaps in your work history and you did not graduate with a degree, at 50 it is much harder to get even a basic job in a department store. To a manager that is 25, 45 looks just as old as 60 to them and they would much rather higher someone they can relate to...men or woman. There is definetly ageism out there.