Looking for a “country living”, rural horse community in Southern or Central CA (San Diego: rentals)

[EmmaZ]

I currently live in La Habra, in Northern Orange County. I absolutely hate it here. I’m looking to live somewhere in Southern California or on the Centra coast that is smaller population, less traffic, and more of a country lifestyle. I am a single female, 32, no kids. I’m NOT looking to buy a house. I work with animals. I am looking to get a job either as a dog trainer or an assistant to an equine vet or horse trainer. I’m looking for a strong horse community. I can’t do 100-degree summers anymore. But I also don’t like the other extreme. Some cities I’ve been looking at include: Oak Glen, San Luis Obispo, Atascadero, Paso Robles. Also, I LOVE Big Bear Lake and would move there in a HEARTBEAT if it didn’t get so cold in the winter with tons of snow! Politically, I am unaffiliated but I tend to lean conservative. I like wide-open space and pastures. I’m grateful for any sugggestions!

[alanadoodle]

Santa Ynez/Solvang/Buellton would be great. The outskirts of Lompoc has some great horse properties.

[EmmaZ]

I visit Solvang often and unfortunately it gets extremely hot in the summer.

[gemstone1]

Atascadero, Paso Robles....100 degree summers...P.R. average high, July/August 93 degrees, Atascadero...91 degree average high. Cambria ? Los Osos ? Morro Bay ? Nipomo, out on the Mesa ?

Regards
Gemstone1

[Tulemutt]

Lompoc

[Mr5150]

Originally Posted by EmmaZ

I currently live in La Habra, in Northern Orange County. I absolutely hate it here. I’m looking to live somewhere in Southern California or on the Centra coast that is smaller population, less traffic, and more of a country lifestyle. I am a single female, 32, no kids. I’m NOT looking to buy a house. I work with animals. I am looking to get a job either as a dog trainer or an assistant to an equine vet or horse trainer. I’m looking for a strong horse community. I can’t do 100-degree summers anymore. But I also don’t like the other extreme. Some cities I’ve been looking at include: Oak Glen, San Luis Obispo, Atascadero, Paso Robles. Also, I LOVE Big Bear Lake and would move there in a HEARTBEAT if it didn’t get so cold in the winter with tons of snow! Politically, I am unaffiliated but I tend to lean conservative. I like wide-open space and pastures. I’m grateful for any sugggestions!

I would suggest you look at compromising your weather requirements.Unless you have a ton of money and can afford to live within three miles of the ocean between Santa Barbara and Monterey

[SoCal_Native]

Originally Posted by EmmaZ

I am looking to get a job either as a dog trainer or an assistant to an equine vet or horse trainer.

What's your budget?

[2011KTM530]

See if you can work for one of the horse ranches near the Five Cities/SLO. Varian Ranch sometimes needs help. But you will need a lot of money, rentals are expensive! I have a friend that works for one of the local horse boarding places, free rent, $15 an hour under the table.

[RosieSD]

I've owned horses and other large (and small) animals in San Diego County for many years.

In San Diego County these are all rural to semi-rural areas where you'll find lots of horse owners and equestrian facilities, as well as large animal vet clinics: Valley Center, Bonsall, Fallbrook, Ramona, Jamul, Lakeside, Alpine, Pine Valley, Bonita, Dehesa, and unincorporated El Cajon (not part of the city of El Cajon) You'll also occasionally find large animal owners in these areas who will offer free or reduced rent for guest houses on their property in exchange for help with their animals (i.e. mucking stables, exercising and feeding). There are also always animal owners in these areas looking for temporary animal sitters when they go on vacation. In fact, I was just talking with one of my neighbors yesterday about how he's finding it hard to go on vacation because he can't find someone reliable to take care of his horses, goats, chickens and dogs.

Some of these areas are at higher elevations or closer to the coast so stay a little cooler in the summer months. A few even get a bit of snow at times.

A little known area withing the city of San Diego limits that has a number of equestrian facilities is Nestor. It's a coastal neighborhood right up against the border in the far southeastern section of the county. The South Bay is one of the least expensive areas in San Diego too. I wouldn't call most of this area "rural" but mention it as a possibility if you want to live close to the ocean.

Rancho Santa Fe and the Olievenhain area of Encinitas also would be coastal possibilities, but they're far more expensive places to live so you'd need to commute.

But obviously, to work with animals in a vet clinic, you'll need vet tech education and experience. And most facilities who need help with large animals will also be looking for someone with some experience (and they won't pay very well). Do you have that type of education and experience?

[MtnSurfer]

You are going to have to give a little on the weather if you want wide open spaces for horses and other animals. Otherwise you're talking prime coastal land that where the rich live because of the mild climate and views. Big Sur has some ranches right on the coast though they are pretty exclusive. Carmel Valley is a beautiful spot with ranches in Monterey county a bit inland. San Luis Obispo county area is where I would search as well. Just don't expect it to never get hot. That's not going to happen.

All the places you've mentioned get warm/hot at some point including Solvang for one reason - they are not right on the coast. Drive 15 miles south to Gaviota to the beach and it will be much cooler. This includes inland San Diego county as well. Pick any coastal county in California in fact. During the summer heatwaves it will get hot inland which is where most ranches are.

If you are really set on coastal living however, maybe you can get a job with one of these outfits: 5 Places to Ride Horses on California Beaches

Another better option would be to go further north where there are more wide open spaces for horses along the coast and its cooler. Check out the Oregon coast. It is gorgeous! Similar to Big Sur but for many more miles. Horseback Riding on the Oregon Coast

Also, once in the PNW, the summers are as hot a bit inland from the coast like they are in CA.

Derek