What are the lower cost of living areas in California?

[Seekinganswers53]

Originally Posted by TheGoodUsernamesWereTaken

I just don't understand the weather or green arguments.

I don't consider the weather to be "better", only different.

It can be green here, but not everywhere, certainly not in urban areas. I have seen beautiful sceneries all across the country.

I get the friends and family argument but myself, despite being raised here, have neither around.


I ask myself "what good do all the sights, events, amenities, and 'temperate' climate do me if I still just toil away on a vicious cycle of work-workout-sleep rinse repeat?"

I just don't understand how one single factor (weather) outweighs things like COL, taxes, the factors that directly influence your disposable income, which in turn influences what you can afford to do in a place with nice weather etc in the first place.

I got stuck in Sonoma County past 17 years. It is pretty (not the city) but SO intensely expensive...less than 1% rental vacancy rate and I HATE the constant fog and monsoons in the winter. I actually got court ordered to live here (my ex requested it in a custody dispute he carried out) so the few friends who have managed to remain in the area I am bonded to, but now need to relocate, find a more affordable part of the west to start all over...but this time without the cutthroat rental market, and with ample jobs. Any ideas? I love the southwest...love warm coasts...

[TheGoodUsernamesWereTaken]

Originally Posted by Seekinganswers53

I got stuck in Sonoma County past 17 years. It is pretty (not the city) but SO intensely expensive...less than 1% rental vacancy rate and I HATE the constant fog and monsoons in the winter. I actually got court ordered to live here (my ex requested it in a custody dispute he carried out) so the few friends who have managed to remain in the area I am bonded to, but now need to relocate, find a more affordable part of the west to start all over...but this time without the cutthroat rental market, and with ample jobs. Any ideas? I love the southwest...love warm coasts...

That's a good question, I'm still here in Marin County, thus far, but have looked into AZ, NV, TX, and NC so far, and they are all appealing in their own right. I've also considered Sacramento if I decide to stay in California. My lease is up in the summer and I will make a decision around that time I guess.

[marcopolo666]

Originally Posted by wanderlust76

What areas have a more manageable cost of living in California? I don't really care about being in a major city, an hour away is fine. I'm looking into moving out west and have been looking into both Arizona and California both. Thanks.

Barstow.

[saranshay]

Originally Posted by TheGoodUsernamesWereTaken

Summer is beautiful! My version of beautiful anyway.

Hot, dry, and clear skies!

Winter, well it was chilly there yesterday, and overcast, but then it started raining today in Marin and looks to be raining all weekend sadly, I don't live there, but whenever I drive in the area it's gorgeous, and I always say I want that Santa Rosa summer when looking to relocate, which is why AZ is so appealing to me as a possible relocation destination.

So why would you chose to move to Arizona? Rather than stay in Santa Rosa? Arizona is sooo hot in the summer!
How cold is winter? Do you need a winter coat? Since you like it warm, you would be a good person to ask! yes, I know I can look at average temps, but given the fact that it is more humid, it may feel a lot colder.

[TheGoodUsernamesWereTaken]

Originally Posted by saranshay

So why would you chose to move to Arizona? Rather than stay in Santa Rosa? Arizona is sooo hot in the summer!
How cold is winter? Do you need a winter coat? Since you like it warm, you would be a good person to ask! yes, I know I can look at average temps, but given the fact that it is more humid, it may feel a lot colder.

Because AZ doesn't have as bad of a COL or tax situation.

Winter here? It can get cold enough to warrant a coat at times, sure, just enough to own one at least, i'd say. It doesn't get really cold, not too low below the 50s, but it's definitely not "warm year round" like some might think. On the other side, when it isn't winter it's beautiful, here in Marin at least.

My ideal weather is such that I can walk around in flip flops and shorts year round so i'm picky in that regard, haha.

[saranshay]

Originally Posted by TheGoodUsernamesWereTaken

Because AZ doesn't have as bad of a COL or tax situation.

Winter here? It can get cold enough to warrant a coat at times, sure, just enough to own one at least, i'd say. It doesn't get really cold, not too low below the 50s, but it's definitely not "warm year round" like some might think. On the other side, when it isn't winter it's beautiful, here in Marin at least.

My ideal weather is such that I can walk around in flip flops and shorts year round so i'm picky in that regard, haha.

I totally understand! I'm trying to escape the cold/snow. But I'm just not quite sure if I want it to be hot/warm year round. I think cold for about two months or so will make me still make me love summer.
Thanks for your input, always good to hear other people's perspectives.

[TheGoodUsernamesWereTaken]

Originally Posted by saranshay

I totally understand! I'm trying to escape the cold/snow. But I'm just not quite sure if I want it to be hot/warm year round. I think cold for about two months or so will make me still make me love summer.
Thanks for your input, always good to hear other people's perspectives.

I love year round heat. I don't want to only be able to run around on the lawn ****less throwing water balloons with kids 3, 4,6 months out of the year, I want any day to be pool day, fun day.

To me, heat is what I want to feel stepping out the front door. If I want snow, and I do love snow, I'd rather it be the climate I drive to enjoy, though I wouldn't be opposed to living in a place that snows either, really the only thing holding me back from looking more seriously at places with heavy snowfall is that I drive a sports car. If I drove a jeep or truck, places like Colorado immediately become no brainers, I love Denver, love Boulder, love the people there.