Just Curious.... (chapel, home, universities)

[Sdma]

I am really trying to get settled here and I think so far we are doing great.

There are a few things that I still can't figure out. I would love imput on this.

We live in SLO and it is a cute little town with great civic pride. This hills with the views are gorgeous and for the most part people are friendly.

My question is, are those points that I listed earlier enough to pay such high rent, expensive groceries (though Food 4 Less is not bad) and all of the other expenses it takes to live here?

There are small cute towns across America that would fit the bill quite nicely. Yet, droves of people seem only attracted to SLO. I have asked people I come across and I can't seem to get a straight answer to my question. I find it curious not because we are hard pressed but rather everyone around us is. Yet they still stick around with no real long term job prospects, barely making ends meet, rather than looking for easier living.

Why is that? Any thoughts?

[Snort]

If you can name a town as nice, in a similar climate and not too far from the coast, which town would that be?

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by Snort

If you can name a town as nice, in a similar climate and not too far from the coast, which town would that be?

What's so nice about it? It's a boring cowtown with a mid-range university loaded with escapees from further South. Good weather only counts for so much. Highly over-rated.

[Snort]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

What's so nice about it? It's a boring cowtown with a mid-range university loaded with escapees from further South. Good weather only counts for so much. Highly over-rated.

I think it's a great town. Name a few I'm missing out on that are better.

[Sdma]

Depending on your criteria of weather (personally I do not mind heat, though I can also live in the cold as well), there are numerous cities up and down lower east coast that have universities, small towns and great views. They may not be mountainous but they can still be quite lovely. There are loads of nature trails, beaches, cheap housing, and reasonable cost of living. There is no dispute that SLO isn't lovely in and of itself but as I wrote just a bit curious given the difficulty for many people to try and remain (in this little piece of paradise).....

[Snort]

Can you give me some names? I'm considering a move.

[Sdma]

Quick change of heart or really to pick apart other towns?

I may regret this but how about Oviedo, Fla (University of Central Fl) or Savannah, Ga (SCAD - Savannah College of Art and Design)(Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University) or Charlston, SC (The College of Charleston) or Lake Mary, Fla (Rollins College) or little further inland, Chapel Hill, N.C. (UNC Chapel Hill).

Now you may be completely sold on SLO and that is great for you therefore no matter what I write it might not be good enough but who knows maybe I can still get some opinions about this issue.

[Snort]

I've only been to Chapel Hill, but don't remember it much. Thanks for the list.

[Count David]

Originally Posted by Sdma

My question is, are those points that I listed earlier enough to pay such high rent, expensive groceries (though Food 4 Less is not bad) and all of the other expenses it takes to live here?

There are small cute towns across America that would fit the bill quite nicely. Yet, droves of people seem only attracted to SLO. I have asked people I come across and I can't seem to get a straight answer to my question. I find it curious not because we are hard pressed but rather everyone around us is. Yet they still stick around with no real long term job prospects, barely making ends meet, rather than looking for easier living.

Why is that? Any thoughts?

-It's California
-It's near the ocean
-It's California
-It's near the ocean
-Perhaps some of these folks have never given a thought to living outside of California (or away from the ocean).

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by Snort

I've only been to Chapel Hill, but don't remember it much. Thanks for the list.

You might also want to check out Charlottesville, VA, home to the second best public university in the U.S.