My fellow Californians..Are you struggling with the possibility of leaving? (San Diego: rental, HOA)

[NewToCA]

Originally Posted by macon_painter

Hi
I left SF 6 years ago. I moved to Portland and then Boulder.
It's been a pretty shocking experience. Both Portland and Boulder are more affordable and livable than CA in general. And I got a lot done. I wrote a novel, created a series of paintings, a screenplay etc. But I must say I haven't been as happy.
There is a magic to CA I can't explain. People are generally more playful and expansive than the places I've lived. There's more of a creative edge, an innovative edge.

For me, living in places that are more livable but somewhat provincial doesn't work. I'm so homesick for CA where I can my silly self and not get the 'look'. Generally, I find Californians more fun and they take more risks.
For me this is what life is all about. So I'll suck it up and take what I've learned about money management back to CA and do my best. I may never buy a house, or have to find a good short sale, but I have patience, in fact, the rest of my life. : )

Macon

I have found this to be very true. Having spent my whole life in the east and midwest, I would say there is an acceptance and openness level in California which is very unique. It is much easier to fit in and be accepted in California than any other place I have ever lived, and much more creativity too.

With it, you need to be more open and accepting yourself, but if you are it works really well.

[italiangirl]

You're right...it's hard to find a teaching job in a lot of places. I'll be retired so maybe I'll tutor. How about nanny jobs?

Where do you think the best areas are to buy a house? If you look at the real estate, it's pretty reasonable now, about the same as Denver.:

[rgb123]

Originally Posted by NewToCA

I have found this to be very true. Having spent my whole life in the east and midwest, I would say there is an acceptance and openness level in California which is very unique. It is much easier to fit in and be accepted in California than any other place I have ever lived, and much more creativity too.

With it, you need to be more open and accepting yourself, but if you are it works really well.

Glad I wasn't the only one....tried to explain that to people too. I am on my way back....I'm from Illinois but I felt so comfortable and happy there...and even appreciate the people who don't realize how happy they are.

[warren main]

Originally Posted by NewToCA

Agreed, we came out to California last year to retire and absolutely love it. After living back east and in the mid-west all of these years, it is great to be in a place with such a massive variety of things to see and do.

I understand the folks who want to leave, and have the financial considerations to take into account. But if you can comfortably afford it, I can't think of a better place to live.

I am a 4th generation Californian who has lived in Colorado for the past 33 years. My house payments are under $1,000.00 per month, water cost under $40.00 per month, utilities during winter run $150. per month.
Granted we have no ocean here but we do have some mountains and from parts of Denver you can see from Pikes Peak to the mountains up near Wyoming. We have very little smog, no earthquakes, no floods, very few Tornados, few snakes or insects, low humidity, warm dry summers and 360 days of sunshine per year( this is mandated by the state government) We have casinos, opera, ballet major league football, Arena football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer and even indoor and outdoor La Cross.
I still have family in your state but will never move back because California has been ruined by all the people that moved there and brought all there ugly baggage with them. California of my youth was pretty open and free and almost a seperate country from the other 49 states. Now Berkley wants to remove the Marine Recruiters, San Francisco is selling Mary J in vending Machines and there is even consentina wire around the Freeway signs to keep the taggers off the signs.
If you want to understand Colorado, just listen to John Denver and the Dirt Band. Thirty minutes out of Denver and you are in the mountains with real live buffalo, deer, elk and bear running free.
If you do plan to move from California to Colorado....please leave your ugly baggage behind.

[Huckleberry3911948]

no i am not
but the soothsayers say the coasts will disappear 2012 oct,
im takin swimming lessons and buyin swim fins.

[jconrad]

Check out San Antonio before you go. I lived in Ca for 8 years and seriously regret ever leaving. I'm trying to get back out there now. My husband and I have looked into many of the places mentioned here because we too would like a lower cost of living. However, let me tell you that none of these places even comes close to CA and you may be in for a serious culture shock. Also when you deal with the heat in the South, you also have humidity that is just about unbearable.

[HORSEGIRL]

Oh I do think you would change your mind about California. California isn't what it used to be. half the state is in foreclosure, there is so much trash at the side of the roads. The roads are a mess. The cost of living is unaffordable even for the rich. what state do you live in? I am trying to get out of California and head for Dallas area. I have spent some time there and really like it. There is only one thing California has going for it and that is simple highways. unlike Dallas, get lost going around the corner. plus just had another earthquake today. small one, but we have been getting them every week now, so that means we are building for the big one. seriously I would come out here and spend a good week and talk to people.

[jguillot]

Originally Posted by HORSEGIRL

There is only one thing California has going for it and that is simple highways.

Yes, it is easy to find your way around, but the highways are in horrible condition.

[kwk722]

I am a Denver area native and love this area in the spring, summer and fall. (minus the spring winds) My business keeps me outside most of the day and the winters here are getting harder to deal with every year.
I tried South and Central Florida just for fun but having no mountains or hills, the long humid season, the cost of living in So FL is outrageous (for what you get) and Tampa was a dump. So that didnt last long.
Im single, upper thirties, no kids just dogs. I need a area where enduro/off-road motorcycle riding is somewhat close. Clean and safe of course. Not as humid as Florida. It doesnt snow - or very little.
Ive considered Phoenix and Vegas but the summer heat may be a little too much for someone spending the whole day outside.

Does this sound like Sacramento area? I'm okay with renting. I'm not rich but I do okay.
Any other suggestions?

[Kingsnkali]

kwk722

Sacramento sounds perfect for you. Great dirt bike recreation area just south of Folsom. You don't have to drive far to be out in the middle of nowhere around here. Pretty countryside.

The grass is already getting green here. Little chilly for early February though. Average high temperature this time of year is 60.