Is $50,000 enough to live comfortably in Novato area? (Montclair, San Geronimo: low income, apartments)

[siadiamante]

I am considering a job offer in Novato with a $50,000 salary. However, I'll be moving from Oklahoma where things are cheap, cheap, cheap. I currently make about $24,000 "OK dollars" and won't move unless it's actually an increase in lifestyle. I'm single and a dedicated mom to my 60 pound Australian Cattle Dog. I will need to live somewhere that is very near a dog park or actually has a yard. Suggestions? I am open to sharing and roommates, but am still concerned about the high cost of living. Do you think it would be worth the move for the higher-paying job?

[nijuuf1603]

The bay area as a whole is much, much more expensive than Oklahoma or almost anywhere else. Novato is probably in the mid-range area...it's north of the very expensive area just over the GGB, but it's still expensive. Just to give you an idea, a few years ago they published the salary levels that are considered "low income" for the bay area, and for a single person, if you were making $53,000 or less you were considered "low income" (the number for a married couple was $63,000). That was several years ago and I'm pretty sure the numbers haven't changed that much. My best guess is that out here $50,000 will take you about half as far as $50,000 would take you in Oklahoma. If you're looking to move out here to upgrade your lifestyle you are going to have to make much, much more than $50,000. Good luck!

[griz134]

You wil trade tornados for earthquakes.

[18Montclair]

Originally Posted by griz134

You wil trade tornados for earthquakes.

We havent had a major earthquake for 17 years. Prior to that our last major quake was in 1906.

2 big ones in 100 years is not exactly as frequent as major tornadoes. LOL

[siadiamante]

Agreed. I had to relocate from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and sort of believe that there will be a threat of some kind of natural disaster wherever you are.

Thanks for your thoughtful responses. That is exactly what I needed to know ("low income" = 53,000)

[ecvMatt]

The only really difficult part would be finding a place that is dog friendly, but not really expensive. you can find one bedroom apartments for 900-1300, but most wont allow a dog.

personally, I'd go for something like this:

Spacious Cottage in San Geronimo Valley

it is in a much nicer area(my opinion) and the commute wouldn't be bad at all, and you have ample places to take your dog and is out in the woods a bit but not far from everything you'd need.

[nmnita]

Knowing a little about OK and Novato, I would say, you can do it, but your life will certainly not really improve from what you have now. It will remain pretty similar.

Nita

[Yvetta]

Novato is a very lovely community. I'm sure you will love it.

You will have to adjust to the hills and mountains in the bay area.
From what I have been told by my family OK is pretty flat.
The bay area is beautiful. Welcome.

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by 18Montclair

We havent had a major earthquake for 17 years. Prior to that our last major quake was in 1906.

2 big ones in 100 years is not exactly as frequent as major tornadoes. LOL

You're trying to predict the future by looking in the rear view mirror. Both NorCal and SoCal are overdue for major earthquakes.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by mysticaltyger

You're trying to predict the future by looking in the rear view mirror. Both NorCal and SoCal are overdue for major earthquakes.

I have thought about that many times.

And Evetta, not all of OK is flat, no mountains, but hills plus it is very green. I am talking north and no east.
Nita