California Small Town Retirement...with good schools (Bakersfield, Salinas: sales, homes)

[LuckyCharmed]

Hi There, I'm new to City-Data and forums in general, been searching through the threads for a couple weeks now. I'd love some input from anyone who might be able to help. My husband retired young and we are looking to relocate to a little bit of a more rural, slower pace, in a smaller community with a little less heat and better air, maybe a little chunk of land. We currently live in Bakersfield, yeah-I know anywhere is better, etc. Due to a family member's medical issues, we would like to be within 3-3 1/2 hours commute to Bakersfield to continue seeing our specialist for a few more years. The problem that we seem to be having is that we have 1 more child still at home for a few more years, so a great school is important. We prefer private or charter schools over public,us. GATE type programs and AP classes are important to Almost all the areas we are liking don't seem to have much in schooling options for middle and high school kids. We are liking the Mariposa area and have also considered Big Bear. Lake Arrowhead seems to have lots of private schools but I'm not sure I want to live in that much snow. If I read correct info, tire chains are often needed. We love 4 seasons, but don't want to rough it too much. I'm using greatschools.org as a reference. Any suggestions of other towns we might check out or schools that i might be overlooking? A few other details, job isn't important as my husband is retired and I work from home, although hubby may look into something part time down the road, and would like to keep housing under $300,000 which of course, makes our first choice out of reach-San Luis Obispo. Paso Robles is a bit hotter than we'd like. An added bonus would be if there is a lake nearby or within a lake community. We've come across a few lake communities, but they don't allow fencing - as in backyards, and we have dogs so a little bit of yard is important. Not interested in Tehachapi, although it is a lovely community, nor Kernville (no viable schooling options for our family). Any advice is much appreciated!

[Wells5]

Why California? Check out New Hampshire: plenty of really nice newer homes on acreage for <= $250,000, no state income tax, sales tax or estate tax, proximity to the ocean or to lakes, recreational activities galore, the four seasons, pretty good schools (depending on location) and proximity to Boston for culture, night life and major league sports.

But if you can't tear yourself away from the Golden State, look into Jackson or other places along CA route 49.

[Mr5150]

Originally Posted by Wells5

Why California? Check out New Hampshire: plenty of really nice newer homes on acreage for <= $250,000, no state income tax, sales tax or estate tax, proximity to the ocean or to lakes, recreational activities galore, the four seasons, pretty good schools (depending on location) and proximity to Boston for culture, night life and major league sports.

But if you can't tear yourself away from the Golden State, look into Jackson or other places along CA route 49.

Gotta agree with Jackson. Above average in every respect. 300k will buy you anything your heart desires. Same with Sonora. Gold country schools score in the top 20% nationwide.

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

This thread was just answered by a bunch of folk with ideas around the state for affordable areas. You could look up the school situation for any that look good:

//www.city-data.com/forum/calif...etirement.html

For cool weather, you'll have to go up - as in elevation, or west - as in the coast.

[LuckyCharmed]

Thanks for all the responses! New Hampshire sounds like good retirement living to me. We'll be sticking around California for a few more years, but we will add to the list for "down the road." Definitely going to take a look at Jackson, Sonora and Gold Country. They are a little further away from the central valley than we had considered, but the trade off is worth some good consideration especially considering the schools. Thanks for the link NoMoreSnowForMe. I did previously read through it and found it amusing that we were looking for much the same thing...minus the farm!

[Hawk J]

Howdy LuckyCharmed

Perhaps, you would love a bit of land toward the backend of the Carmel Valley, past the village. Over toward Los Padres Dam, or Arroyo Seco I think will be less expensive possibly. I think your young'un can go to school around Carmel.

Carmel Valley, California - carmelvalleycalifornia.com

Perhaps, you will love it around Prunedale (Prunetucky, it is fondly called .)...One of my brothers happily lives there for 27 years now. Not far from Monterey.

Best of Luck with your Adventure...

[LuckyCharmed]

Thanks Hawk J for the warm welcome! I LOVE Carmel, so beautiful. My hubby isn't a big fan of Salinas. I'm going to have to bust out an area map and take a closer look at the outlaying areas you suggested. Love all the schooling options there! Thanks so much!