Moving from east coast to southern Cali (Santa Clarita, Berkeley: sale, real estate)

[princesscd22]

Hello, my family and I are moving from buffalo ny to souther cali in the next year. We are just starting our planning. I am looking for some advice on areas. We are looking for a house around the 200k mark. Same drill-good schools, decent crime, nice area. We were looking at San bernardino but then got scared away by the post. Now we are noticing redlands, riverside, and loma linda. Any suggestions would be helpful, thanks

[jaijai]

Do you think it's wise to buy a house in a place that you've not experienced?
Have you been to California and explored the different communities that you're considering?
And just curious, by why a move to California?

[princesscd22]

yes i think it is wise, yes i have been to california before. just left in January and going back in April to check out the communities, figured I would get some advise online while I am home and we are moving because we have nothing hold us to Buffalo and it is an armpit here. Thanks for your help.

[gone down south]

First question - where are your jobs going to be? Your daily commute is going to be the limiting factor.

[saybanana]

Some people from California say Cali, but not Cal unless you talking about UCBerkeley. Also from the southern part we say SoCal, or the full name. Anyway, you might also consider looking into areas in Santa Clarita which is fairly safer and a decent school district. Redfin is a good site to see what is sale in certain areas. crimemapping to see whats going on. there are many sites that show API scores in schools like greatschools org and schoolperformancemap. 200K doesn't get you much in CA these days without major drawbacks. san bern is not all bad, there are some upscale areas in the west north , but there are also problem areas

[Snort]

I think Redlands has the best reputation of towns out that way. If you can find something there that trips your trigger, take it. I don't know real estate prices there, but 200K is probably condo territory; not detached house.

[princesscd22]

I am a RN my husband- mental health counselor. we have friends and family in near long beach and san diego so would like to be close by. redlands is on our list

[Fontucky]

Looks like Redlands can meet your 200k price. Real Estate Search | Redfin

[jaijai]

Originally Posted by jaijai

Do you think it's wise to buy a house in a place that you've not experienced?
Have you been to California and explored the different communities that you're considering?
And just curious, by why a move to California?

I did not intend to offend.
But i'd never buy a home until i lived in the community for a good amount of time.
It's such a huge purchase.
It just makes more sense to rent at least for awhile imo.
But that's just me.
On the other hand if you have money to buy a house then why waste it on a rental when your funds could go toward owning.
Good luck in your search.

[princesscd22]

no offense taken. just thought i'd get a little info on here. more than i get during my week trips. im seeing that i will not live anywhere near the water lol. not in my budget.