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Old 03-03-2013, 10:19 AM
 
54 posts, read 125,321 times
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I am a 58 year old "young" retiree in excellent health with no spouse or children, and have been to both areas for a look around. Basically I'd like to hear from those of you familiar with both areas. What are the people in general like in each area? Snob factor? Any insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks
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Old 03-03-2013, 12:46 PM
 
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The main difference is $$$! Monterey is much more desirable and much more expensive.
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Old 03-03-2013, 01:12 PM
 
Location: Vancouver, WA
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They are both nice areas but quite different. It really depends on what you are looking for. So what are some main things you look forward to doing in your new location and what qualities are you looking for? Obviously one is closer to the coast and provides a lot more to do in that regard while the other is basically in wine country. I have family near Petaluma in Santa Rosa. They are retired up there and enjoy it very much. Is housing or cost an issue at all?

I think snob factor varies where you hang out in the Monterey area. For example I only really notice a snobby attitude when I walk around Carmel art galleries or around the Pebble Beach resort. Though in both places I still enjoy eating out or going to the beach. Spanish Bay in Pebble beach has some great restaurants. Its not like everyone is snubbing you when you are out going for a walk or anything. Monterey itself has too much of an international culture to be snobby. With all of the people from around the world it feels more like an international city.

My uncle who is also retired lived in Petaluma and generally liked it. Though I don't have any first hand experience in living there.
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Old 03-03-2013, 01:15 PM
 
Location: State of Transition
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A beautiful coastal location, high-end residents vs. chicken farms?? Really? No contest. Monterrey would have cooler weather, too. More expensive though, as has already been noted.
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Old 03-03-2013, 02:32 PM
 
Location: Pahrump, NV
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^^^chicken farms? what part of petaluma have you been in? petaluma USED to be full of farm animals, but not anymore. the farms have all but disappeared & now petaluma is home to those who are trying to escape the marin/san fran rat race.
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Old 03-03-2013, 05:05 PM
 
Location: Oroville, California
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If you have the funds Monterey is the better spot to be. Not to say Petaluma isn't very nice - it is. Monterey is sublime.
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Old 03-03-2013, 06:23 PM
 
54 posts, read 125,321 times
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Thanks for the replies. My funds are not unlimited, and I notice several rentals in pacific grove in the $1400 range. I love to hike, and the area seems amazing for that. Petaluma has nice parks nearby, but the ocean is about 45 minutes away.
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Old 03-03-2013, 06:53 PM
 
Location: Vancouver, WA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mellow man View Post
Thanks for the replies. My funds are not unlimited, and I notice several rentals in pacific grove in the $1400 range. I love to hike, and the area seems amazing for that. Petaluma has nice parks nearby, but the ocean is about 45 minutes away.
I would go for the place you think you will enjoy the most, as long as you can swing it within your budget of course. Monterey is a spectacular place to live and if you like hiking I don't think there is any comparison. Not only do you have great local trails right along the coast but within a relatively short drive you have one of the top scenic wonders of the West Coast in Big Sur. What a place to be retired, enjoy and explore!




Derek
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Old 03-03-2013, 07:54 PM
 
Location: Oroville, California
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I lived/worked in Monterey for a decade and its one of the best places in the state. If you're renting and can afford around $1,500 you can get a pretty nice one bedroom on the peninsula. I was fortunate enough to get a brand new apartment in Cannery Row for less than 1K (but I moved away in 2008 so there's no telling what it is now). It was very small, but I was rarely home to worry about it! Too many beaches and walking paths nearby.
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Old 03-04-2013, 08:04 AM
 
54 posts, read 125,321 times
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Great info. Thanks. I'm making a pilgrimage in early April to scout out rentals and get better acquainted with the area. Would even like to meet those of you who have posted to me for a beer
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