How do you people do it?! (Los Angeles, San Diego: skateboarding, insurance, loft)

[Ramsfan]

Originally Posted by nchopefull

I really don't understand how people afford to live here. I want someone to explain it to me. I'm not from here obviously but currently living here due to my husbands job and I don't understand how you do it. For example, the avg. est. houshold income is around 70,000 dollars for OC. The avg. value of a home is about 600,000. With a mortgage of lets say 3,500/month plus the cost of NEW cars, b/c lets admit it the avg. person drives one...how do people afford to pay for their small, yet expensive houses, nice car, nice clothes, etc. and still have money left over?! The only answer I can come up with is DEBT. I just want to let people know there's a whole world out there full of beautiful scenery, nice weather, and affordable living (and it's not here in CA!) Don't worry, we are leaving soon

Yah, Cost of Living is high here there is no denying that. I bought a condo in South Orange County for around 140,000 in 1999, so I was lucky. Do not own a house and have to put up with a Association but, I count myself fortunate. I am native Californian and I'm glad I was able to live here my whole life. Its not impossible to live here. I've done it and am doing it. Others are too. I agree with you it can be tough. Both me and my wife work and if it wasn't for that and good credit we probably would not have the condo now.

I think your right that there are many nice places to live outside of California and I wish you and yours the best in finding that good situation that will afford you some comfort and lifestyle and be easier on your finances. Take care.

[nevercoldcall]

Originally Posted by BrentusMaximus

ok, so do we get to know the name of the book so we can make you wealthier? curious...

The NY Times bestseller is "Never Cold Call Again" from last year, the new one that just came out is called "Selling Sucks," got my fingers crossed on another bestseller!!!

What really struck me moving here is the friendliness of people, including the really rich ones. I'm usually in jeans, earrings, only shave every other day, and where I previously lived in Scottsdale, Arizona I got nasty dirty looks and rudeness all day, every day. Here I look the same and everyone is totally friendly. I like that about the area. I was afraid I was moving from one snob town to another but that hasn't been the case at all. That's why all the anti-OC sentiment I see on this site is so disappointing to me.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Charles

Another thing, many of the people buying homes today in Socal have either 1) Moved here from another high priced local like New York or Boston (been to an Angels/Red Sox or Angels/Yankee game? Three fourths of the fans are rooting AGAINST the Angels...),

"Hi, I want to move from Boston to the OC. I require the best schools, no traffic, near the beach, and very affordable...."

Anyone notice all the red sox fans today at Anaheim Stadium? How many Angel fans were in fenway?

I remember 1986. (Of course the red sox later got nailed with Buckner's failure to grab wilson's easy ground ball.....)

Go Rockies.

[Montanaman1]

Easy,

Bought our home in 1969. Never moved. It's called Prop. 13!!

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by Montanaman1

Easy,

Bought our home in 1969. Never moved. It's called Prop. 13!!

That's one way to do it. Now all the rest of us need is a time machine.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by nchopefull

I really don't understand how people afford to live here. I want someone to explain it to me.....how do people afford to pay for their small, yet expensive houses, nice car, nice clothes, etc. and still have money left over?! The only answer I can come up with is DEBT. I just want to let people know there's a whole world out there full of beautiful scenery, nice weather, and affordable living (and it's not here in CA!) Don't worry, we are leaving soon

You can go to the beach and ski in the same day. There is lots of diversity here. Traffic isn't that bad. Lots of pretty girls. You can lease a car that costs twice your annual income. You can tell your cousins back in Sheboygan that you live near movie stars.

But if you don't dig on those explanations above, You might get some information from these City-Data threads:

Are you "living" or "struggling" here in Socal and why do you remain?

Housing Costs - How do people afford it

Affording California: Can I afford it and is it worth it?

Ready for a change? Do you want to move to an area where you can afford a home?

How do average people afford houses in California?

How can you consider $500,000 to be "affordable housing"?

Why would you buy a home here in Ca?

Is Living in Orange County really worth the hype?

Why are so many Californians moving to other states?

Will we be able to afford life in SoCal?

What person that could afford to put at least $20,000 (5%) down and qualify for a $400,000 loan buys these houses?

What do I have to do to afford California living?

Combined income $120k - how much house can I afford

[shania]

Many people actually can't afford to live here. I have a decent salary but can't afford to buy and if I rent, it would take about 3/4ths of my take home pay. So I live with a family member and keep saving my money. Now that home prices have skyrocketed, I figure even if they decrease 50%, I still won't be able to buy so I'm looking at other states. It's kind of depressing because I was born and raised here and love the beach but I just can't possibly afford a beach lifestyle so I have to be realistic about it and move on with my life. Most other singles I know have multiple roommates and are in debt up to their ears to make ends meet. I don't want to get myself in that position, hence the move somewhere else. I have this crazy idea that I'd like to be able to retire someday...

[YLresident]

Ma and Pa bought our house in Yorba Linda in '87 for about $175K - it's probably worth about $700K+ now. Our mortgage is less than $1300/month and Ma makes just over $50K and my dad is dead.

They bought a small house in Rancho Palos Verdes in '84 for about $200K or $215K - we sold the house last summer for $900K. Their mortgage was just over $1200/month.

Timing is everything. My mom wouldn't be able to buy now--especially with my dad being gone... If it weren't for my mom being willing to help me with the down on a house when I'm ready someday, I'd NEVER be able to afford living here. >_<

[kel_be]

We can't do it. We were both born & raised in Novato, Ca. My husband & I made nearly 90k last year & can't afford to buy a home, let alone save any money.

We are leaving CA by the end of the year. It's just a shame, but we'll be living in a state with a lower cost of living index, and single family homes starting in the $250's.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by shania

It's kind of depressing because I was born and raised here and love the beach but I just can't possibly afford a beach lifestyle so I have to be realistic about it and move on with my life. Most other singles I know have multiple roommates and are in debt up to their ears to make ends meet. I don't want to get myself in that position, hence the move somewhere else. I have this crazy idea that I'd like to be able to retire someday...

It is not depressing. It is a huge opportunity for you. It was for me. I lived in Socal all my life from 1961 to 2006. Guess what? I am living now. No traffic, lots of jobs, no social problems, beautiful sunny weather, affordable housing, and excellent public schools.

Got kids? Someday?
How many times will you go to the beach in the next five years?
Saving for retirement?
Nasty car payment?
Traffic?

$500K in Socal, 1050 square feet in Reseda. LA Public Schools. Traffic.


$600K in Colorado, 5500 square feet; Halfway between Colorado Springs and Denver (two places to look for jobs within an easy 40 minute drive). Jobs. No traffic. Great schools.