Where to Live California

[jonh23]

Originally Posted by Namasterising

Thank you all for your replies, I really appreciate them. I'm thinking of visiting SLO, Ojai, Larkspur, Napa, Santa Rosa and Encinitas areas. I visited los gatos, palo alto, san jose areas and found the traffic/congestion a bit much except los gatos which may be an option though a bit congested too (may have been the time of day).

I wonder if people have much experience with these areas? Thanks so much!

I have relatives in Santa Rosa and it's always been congested when I've visited them. It also feels like 101 has always been under construction there. There are few Bay Area suburbs that I'm aware of that are not congested or do not require you to encounter much traffic when you want to "escape" from the area.

When I read your original post, the first place that came to mind was SLO. I don't have a lot of experience with the town, but every time I've visited the weather has been pleasant and I did not experience a lot of traffic.

[Old Skool Florida]

Originally Posted by Namasterising

I am looking for a new place and offer the criteria:

- I prefer quiet, small town feel with access to an airport within 45min.
- Liberal minded/accepting environment
- not quiet as cold as the santa cruz/ monterey areas but not blistering either - I prefer 70ish if possible and more sun, less fog
- I'm open to $2k per month for rent for a smallish cottage as long as it is clean and has standard amenities - I'm finding places for that amount in santa cruz are very run down much of the time.
- educated, considerate people - of course people are people everywhere but I think with the drugs/surfing community here in santa cruz is a kind of nonchalance for standard decencies while oddly the kindness to the homeless is way beyond what I've seen elsewhere. I can't quite fit in this community - I'm just kind to everyone - regardless of external situation. I miss this kindness being from the midwest originally.
- access to hiking and not more than an hour from the ocean/cliffs.
- less drugs, this has been an eye-opener for me, I've never lived anywhere where I actually can walk down the street and see someone cooking drugs when I'm spending 2k for rent.
- access to organic markets/ healthy food - whole foods is fine, I like local markets - honestly, santa cruz has the BEST local markets I've ever seen.

NORTH CAROLINA ........... somewhere between the Beach and Mountains { Appalachaians }. way cheaper and way less people and way less traffic AND PEOPLE ARE VERY FRIENDLY. maybe the most courteous folks in all the USA.