Moved to SD 4 months ago - my impressions

[teletrofono]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

But the economic reality might not allow me to do so. That has nothing to do with San Diego being a nice place or not.

You are like millions of others, SD and many other cities are too expensive now. The condition is not the fault of SD or even CA, it's a global event which may 'unwind' someday, somehow.

It could well be that you need to move now but in the future, SD may become much more affordable. I suspect those who have been priced out of middle class SD will be able to return, if they choose, someday without needing to cross the income strata.

The idea that a city should exclude persons, or be priced so that elites buy membership will not last in America. Our history is built against such ideas. So if SD goes that route they will fail. California is not in Europe, though Californians(some) seem to forget this.

jmho.

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by teletrofono

The idea that a city should exclude persons, or be priced so that elites buy membership will not last in America. Our history is built against such ideas. So if SD goes that route they will fail. California is not in Europe, though Californians(some) seem to forget this.

I'm from NY originally, so I don't have a lot of faith in what you are predicting. Being priced out of NY is nothing new, it's just new to many in California.

[hanna_house]

Yes, of course we all know that living in SD comes at a price but at this point in our lives we have counted the cost and for us it is totally worth it! Who needs a big home to take care of when this beautiful state is your backyard? In Michigan you would want a big home because you are forced to be inside so many days out of the year. If you are not an outdoor person or don't appreciate a beautiful coastline, this probably isn't the place for you. There are plenty of warm areas that are cheaper in the country.

Put in proper perspective though, I have found some aspects of living here that help offset the cost. For one, there are lots of deals to be found, including used items and vehicles. I got a much better deal here on a car and they are newer and haven't had to go through harsh winters. We got a nice economy car that gets 36 miles to the gallon and since everything is close and convenient, we save a great deal in gas. Utilities are much less too! I never need to run air or heat so it certainly cuts down our monthly costs. We got our first electric/gas bill and the total was $33! We are used to spending more like $150-$200 a month, so you can imagine how much that helps. There is also an unlimited supply of free entertainment. It doesn't cost anything to go to the beach, go hiking, take a walk or go biking in the park or in some cool town as well as attend many local events. In fact, so far we've been able to go to Birch Aquarium and the Air & Space Museum for free, just by looking into what's going on around town. You can even take a drive to La Jolla or walk through the gardens at Balboa Park, which was an awesome way to spend an afternoon.

Ultimately, you just have to weigh what's important to you in life. If it means enough for you to live here there are all kinds of ways to make it work, you just have to be creative sometimes. We have dreamed of moving to SD for many, many years and so far it has exceeded expectation. I am loving every day!!

[teletrofono]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

I'm from NY originally, so I don't have a lot of faith in what you are predicting. Being priced out of NY is nothing new, it's just new to many in California.

How much of a percent of income was a manhattan condo in 1970?
Probabaly not what it is today, and it can be argued one HAD to move to NYC in 1970 to get a job. Not so anymore, one could just as easily go to Charlotte NC as midtown.

I guess I am not saying next month, but in a couple of decades. Anyhow it's off topic, but the old folks out there do recall when SD, SF, NYC, and others were affordable even with high demand. Everything changes eventually.

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by teletrofono

How much of a percent of income was a manhattan condo in 1970?

Manhattan in 1970 was a warzone. No one bought into NYC in the seventies unless they were very brave.

[GratefulDeb]

Its like I wrote that myself. That is my point. I am only home to sleep and shower and I can go for days without spending a penny. I was paying $350 a month in utilities in NJ and my bill here is $37. Plus you can't put a price on a way of life. There is just no way to be laid back in the Northeast. everybody is on a mission, rushing, rude and pissed off about the weather. There is no comparison.

[shiphead]

Diving and cost of living, SD or somewhere else?