Is $170K really not enough? (San Jose, Santa Ana: relocating, income, rent)

[JakeDog]

Originally Posted by missingcol

I agree. Why people live in TX should not post on the OC board?

Hey, it's a free country. But I do think it is possibly telling of a desire to reinforce a decision they possibly regret by bad mouthing their old area. I've lived in both, and I don't care if I had to live in a box with 12 children, I would never subject them to Texas.

[cobmw]

Maybe we can get the moderator to zap all the negative posts; but, then there wouldn't be much to say. I think some of the ra-ra types who post here must work together in a boiler room somewhere trying to pull the wool over the eyes of those asking for the real facts about California. If you find something posted here to be not factual say so. What's wrong with an honest discussion about facts? You're sounding a little like the professors in so many CA colleges (and elsewhere) - speak the party line or shut up. Complain and teacher will punish you with a bad grade.

As I've said elsewhere I still own property here, pay property taxes, and have relatives here. After 5 decades of watching the place decay I think I know a thing or two about living in the used-to-be golden state.

[Mach50]

Originally Posted by slang75

I'm tired of people comparing OC to world class cities. OC is a string of freaking huge boring suburb. I'm not saying that's a bad thing...if you're into it. I'm just saying that it's such a cheap shot to use 3 of the best cities (and LA) in the US to compare against an entire county of suburbs. If you want make a comparison use Westchester, Marin or San Mateo county. To compare OC to these cities is really-really stretching.

I think many compare it to those cities, because many here in OC have lived in those cities.

For myself just moving from New York City, OC is a bargain. 800k bought us a 1 bedroom Co-Op in West Village. If you compare OC to Marin or San Mateo, OC will be much less and you have to deal with NoCal weather.

[Soccersupporter]

Originally Posted by cobmw

Maybe we can get the moderator to zap all the negative posts; but, then there wouldn't be much to say. I think some of the ra-ra types who post here must work together in a boiler room somewhere trying to pull the wool over the eyes of those asking for the real facts about California. If you find something posted here to be not factual say so. What's wrong with an honest discussion about facts? You're sounding a little like the professors in so many CA colleges (and elsewhere) - speak the party line or shut up. Complain and teacher will punish you with a bad grade.

As I've said elsewhere I still own property here, pay property taxes, and have relatives here. After 5 decades of watching the place decay I think I know a thing or two about living in the used-to-be golden state.

I agree with you. I think it is rather amazing how some of these people can't read especially regarding my posts. My biggest concern for people moving to CA is the cost financially. After that it is a just a personal preference. I happen to like the people here, both transplants and natives. Maybe it is the fact that it is less stressful financially or just that they are just darn friendly. I have many good friends in CA and hope to meet many to supplement them here in Texas. My closest friend and his wife are coming out over Easter break to visit while their son is playing in the Dallas Cup. They want us to show them the area and look at the housing.

[Mach50]

Originally Posted by cobmw

Maybe we can get the moderator to zap all the negative posts; but, then there wouldn't be much to say. I think some of the ra-ra types who post here must work together in a boiler room somewhere trying to pull the wool over the eyes of those asking for the real facts about California. If you find something posted here to be not factual say so. What's wrong with an honest discussion about facts? You're sounding a little like the professors in so many CA colleges (and elsewhere) - speak the party line or shut up. Complain and teacher will punish you with a bad grade.

As I've said elsewhere I still own property here, pay property taxes, and have relatives here. After 5 decades of watching the place decay I think I know a thing or two about living in the used-to-be golden state.

Negative remark away, most people say the same things anyway:

"It's too expensive to live in OC." "Texas or Indiana are cheaper"
Like we didn't know that

There is only one problem with living in cheaper places (like Texas), you have to live there.

[JakeDog]

Originally Posted by cobmw

Maybe we can get the moderator to zap all the negative posts; but, then there wouldn't be much to say. I think some of the ra-ra types who post here must work together in a boiler room somewhere trying to pull the wool over the eyes of those asking for the real facts about California. If you find something posted here to be not factual say so. What's wrong with an honest discussion about facts? You're sounding a little like the professors in so many CA colleges (and elsewhere) - speak the party line or shut up. Complain and teacher will punish you with a bad grade.

As I've said elsewhere I still own property here, pay property taxes, and have relatives here. After 5 decades of watching the place decay I think I know a thing or two about living in the used-to-be golden state.

I already pointed out how the posts regarding 1.25 millon dollars homes were incorrect unless you want a 4000 sq. foot house, why the boring suburbs of San Jose and the East Bay are as much as twice as expensive but even farther from a beach and colder (and more boring), and how it is a relative bargain. Honest discussion? Party line? More like sour grapes. Enjoy the bugs and humidity.

[oc2nyc]

I have been on this board, and the NJ and PA boards for awhile, and I realize that most states have people who love it, and people who hate it. Everyone has their own reasons for wanting to live where they live, or wanting to escape where they live. Most people think my husband and I are crazy for wanting to move to the east coast, but we have no family here, and yes we can get more for our money when it comes to housing. Will we have to sacrifice some things to be near family? Yes.
To some it just isn't worth it. There are those that will sacrifice a bigger home for nice weather, and a laid back lifestyle, to each his own I say. I think it is smart to do your research as far as housing, schools, etc before you make any move. If it is affordable to you, and only you know this, then by all means move. I don't think people are trying to "bash" California, I think many of us have found it hard to live the life we want financially and we are frustrated. Just do your research as to where you can afford to live in CA and you will be fine.

[dls]

Originally Posted by JakeDog

You really need to look closer at the housing market. There are lots of GOOD houses around 1800 square feet that can be had for $500K in top areas with great schools. 1.25 Million? No one making $170K who isn't insane would even consider that. This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever read. One Millon gets you a 3000 square foot house in a top notch area- but I wouldn't recommend buying that much house unless you can afford it. Don't believe me? Do a search on Realtor.com or craiglist or just go house shopping in Orange County. You can get a decent family home in the 500s, a nice home in the 600s and 700s and a home that you wouldn't ever have to move out of no matter how many kids you have in the 800s. People play sour grapes on these forums a lot to convince themselves they are making the right decision in moving to a third world state like Texas. They are not. Don't be fooled by the negative hype.

Could you give and example or two about where you could get an 1800sf house in a good OC area under $600K? That would be great for me if I could find it. Thanks in advance.

[Mach50]

Originally Posted by dls

Could you give and example or two about where you could get an 1800sf house in a good OC area under $600K? That would be great for me if I could find it. Thanks in advance.

1800 sf for 600k is really pushing it, something more realistic for that price is 1600 sq ft.

However, it is still possible:

Mission Viejo:
http://www.realtor.com/search/listin...cnt=148#Detail

http://www.realtor.com/search/listin...cnt=148#Detail

Aliso Viejo:
http://www.realtor.com/search/listin...cnt=148#Detail

Irvine:
http://www.realtor.com/search/listin...cnt=148#Detail

[k374]

$170k/yr is a TON of money. There are people making $70k/yr living in OC raising kids just fine, you just have to live within your means. It's ludicrous for anyone to say that $170k/yr is insufficient. People say it isn't enough because they are making $100k/yr and then spend on credit like they are making $1 million/yr, buying super expensive houses and fancy BMWs and Lexuses. Since when did a Lexus become the minimum entry level vehicle? Or a 5 bedroom mansion become just a "nice house" Over consumption and living above one's means is a disease in this area.

Home prices are rapidly declining, you should realize that the run up in home prices is a temporary bubble situation and homes are not going to remain at these prices much longer. Just yesterday I went to an open house to see a beautiful 2100sqft townhome in Mission Viejo and the owner was prepared to let it go for $480k. Still way too inflated since he bought the place in '02 for $299k.