Is there a little bit of Maine in California?

[NewToCA]

I don't know Shannon, your mix of requirements is difficult to match in California.

I would think that you might like mid-town Sacramento or Davis best. They have the type of politics and social environment you seem to be seeking. Both are also extensively woodsy, lots of large trees and canopied streets. Neither have a suburban feel, and have things like mom and pop stores and fruit stands.

Have you thought about renting instead of buying? Apartments in those areas typically would rent for about $1300-$1800 for a 3 bedroom unit with 2 baths.

[CollegeofCareerTraining]

A place like that in California, I'd say not in the valley. The valley has a lot of big cities and offshoots of big cities, so no friendly neighbor feel. Also, it gets very hot. I'm originally from Redding which gets up over 115 degrees multiple times in the summer. I'd suggest going into or over the mountains to the west or north. Cooler weather, friendly people, and very laid back. I'd suggest Eureka or Arcada, both very liberal, but they're a good deal away from where you are now. Also, I don't know much about there housing markets.

[KidBlue]

Meeting all of your requirements is probably going to be impossible to find in CA. But you might find most of them in a couple of areas. You may need to start liking air conditioning....it's hot in the late spring, summer, and early fall in most of CA, especially where you will be able to afford to buy a home. Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, and San Luis Obispo have a cool climate--but people spend big bucks to live there.

Another thing to consider is that the parts of CA that are conservative (most of the foothill areas) are mainly conservative about money but not as conservative about race or religion, or at least that is what I have found. I live in El Dorado Co. which is very GOP/red but I'm not, and I fit in just fine. I've been looking in WA state for retirement and when it's conservative there, it's conservative in many aspects of life.

You can find a safe area in most cities especially if the population is smaller. Of course, there are high crime areas in most cities too. Just do your homework and don't rule out whole cities based on a few bad areas.

There is a wonderful natural foods co-op in downtown Sac. and others around the Sac. area. There are also lots of farmers' markets and wonderful fruit/vegetable stands around the countryside. We grow the food here--so there's lots of local stands to pick from.

There are good schools in most areas too. Also bad ones, so you'll need to do your research before settling in.

This is where it gets tough. For a sense of community you'll need to be in a smaller area, but the economy won't be as good. Eureka is cool, has affordable areas, but the economy is sluggish. Sacramento is one of the places in the nation that has a relatively good economy. The housing market is better in areas like Redding, Red Bluff, and Chico, but there won't be as many jobs as in Sacramento. In Sac. you can find rentals in your budget, but buying a decent home--no. Sac. was just rated number three in the nation by Forbes Magazine for having the most inflated home prices.

Good luck with your search. I've been searching WA state and it's been frustrating. Seems like some aspects of various towns match what I want and then there's those few big aspects that won't work for me at all.....

[kjsphoto]

If you want out in the country away from the hustle Groveland is it. We live here now and are moving. If your husband is reliable and provides excellent service he will be golden. It is hard to find reliable people around these parts.

Sonora is only about 40-45 minutes away and their is plenty of work in that area as well. If you want to work in a large city you have Modesto about an hour and a half away.

This is a small community and has a small community feel to it. I believe the population is around 5000.

This area is pretty safe as it is a mountain community away from the city.

The summers fluctuates between 85-100 depending on the year, but there is no humidity. It is a dry heat.

Groveland is about 1hour 45 minutes away from Merced I think.