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This was such a great post that it made me want to move there. Unfortunately, the LA area/valley is nothing like this! I seriously had to google santa cruz to find out exactly where it was located!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wisteria
I'm chiming in, too!! andreita30, always remember: "Where there's a will, there's a way!"
I'm noticing a theme here -- the Central Coasters -- I live in the Santa Cruz area, too -- are more positive -- maybe it's because it IS a great place to live!!!
CoyoteSkye has summed it up pretty well -- live simply.
I actually have a good idea where Nancy thereader will end up, and she, too, never thought it possible to live in beautiful California. First, one needs the attitude to even want to do it -- which you already have, andreita30. That's a great start.
When I came here 13 years ago from Buffalo, New York, I was a single mother of a 6-year-old. Yes, it was difficult in the beginning, but I made it. I still have my county job (knock on wood! ), and I currently live in Felton, a beautiful smaller town in the Santa Cruz Mountains only 6 miles from the beach. However, I am moving into Santa Cruz, proper, next month.
Believe me, if I can do it, I know anyone can do it. Life is always a series of ups and downs -- it's just how it is no matter where you are. Some places seem to flow more smoothly than others -- but I think that the instinct and intuitive sense of a place drawing one, really makes a difference.
Being from New York State and having lived in Arizona, Washington State (Seattle), Colorado and now California, I can tell you that the attitudes back east are much more negative. That was one of the things I hadn't realized when I moved back there for a few years. I had become acclimated to the "Go for it" attitude of the west, and when I got back east, so many people, no matter what it was that was mentioned, jumped in with all the negatives first! That surprised me, because I had become used to people supporting ideas instead of opposing them. To me, that is a major difference.
I agree that the Central Coast (Santa Cruz) is a great place to be. Yes, I know people will say "It's too expensive...it's this, it's that," but when you come down to it, we all have to live someplace. For awhile, I was going to leave California and go to New Mexico, which is cheaper. I found myself already thinking of things I would miss from here - things that seemed silly, but I like: Trader Joe's, Grocery Outlet (keep this one in mind, as it really helps with a family on a budget), the coast, the flowers, the open attitude, tolerance, etc.
If your boyfriend can really transfer out here, then I say to "Go for it!" Why not? There are millions of people living in California and there is always room for three more people. All the millions of people in California are not homeless. They are not all illegals. They are not all unemployed. Logically, you can see that there are people making it.
Like CoyoteSkye, I, too, live simply. I do think that is a big key if you are not wealthy. But.....the upside to me is that there are SOOOOOOO many GREAT FREE things here, that you don't have to spend a lot of money, other than for housing and food. I can't even think to a time when I have spent money for entertainment here in Santa Cruz.
Here's an example -- and I don't care how tacky it sounds, because it's fun and it's free (and a kid would love it). I never had much money, and I do live frugally -- but the plus side is that most time is spent outdoors because you are not confined by rain, snow or humidity. Our yacht harbor in Santa Cruz is free to walk around. It's, obviously, right on the coast. There's a great beach nearby. There's ... and this is the "tacky" part... a FREE shuttle boat that takes you from one end of the yacht harbor to the other. It comes by a stop, you hop on, it takes you to the other end, and along the way, you're feeling the cool ocean breeze in your hair, you may even see a sea lion or two amidst the sailboats, and you get a great view of the ocean, and a nice relaxing ride -- for free! We do that just for fun in the summer.
And at Christmas time, there is the (free) Festival of Boats at the yacht harbor. You bring a little blanket or folding chair, and come down, and in the dark, you watch the boats decorated in colorful Christmas lights, floating down the harbor, as they are judged and you can hear on the loudspeaker whose boat it is and the theme, while lively Christmas music plays. What I really love are the people in kayaks who wear little "wings" all lit up, and because they are in a kayak and it's dark out, you can't even "see" them, all you see are these wings (and sometimes they have halos), and it looks like little angels floating along the water!
Then you have the marvelous redwoods and tremendous hiking trails. I often go to Quail Hollow Ranch which has horse trails, and a nature center, and just walk around there. It has many trails to walk through -- again, all free. Or I can just walk along the beach and pick up shells and listen to the waves lapping against the shore. And watching surfers along West Cliff Drive -- all free. I had a friend visiting from Boston last year and we went into Santa Cruz for breakfast, and drove along West Cliff Drive (just gorgeous), and came across an international surfing contest! Yes, international -- surfers from Brazil and Australia, and the U.S. and other places -- all free to watch -- along with Reggae music playing as they caught the waves.
Once you take care of housing, schools (schools are fine here -- even NYS has gone down in quality), and food, you will be fine. You'll never have to spend a penny on entertainment because here, so much of it is free. The Santa Cruz Wharf hosts many events on weekends -- again free -- from arts, to old Woodies cars, to free music, and the list goes on and on.
My daughter has thanked me over and over again for moving her to California -- she never wants to leave (she is now in college).
And, for me, wages were twice what they were in Buffalo (okay, Buffalo is a depressed city, but making twice was a big deal to me). The wages are often higher out here to compensate for the higher cost of living and it evens out. I don't know about construction, but if you have some money, this is a great time to buy out here.
MtnSurfer, yes, I am sure Nancy will be visiting Monterey -- maybe with me!! I also love to window shop in Carmel -- I can't afford to really buy, but I love going to Carmel for the day and having tea and scones at "Tuck's Tea House." We love going into the shop filled with music boxes and musical clocks -- it's entertainment right there watching and listening to those.
If someone is wealthy, they'll make their own lives here. If you're not wealthy to begin with, there is still a "wealth" of things to do for free, that you cannot get elsewhere, no matter how much money you have. There is a higher quality of life here because, I think, the attitude is better, the scenery, obviously, is gorgeous, there is much to do for free, and of course, a lot of sunshine doesn't hurt!
I only speak for the Central/South Bay portion of California. I have never been attracted to the LA area, San Diego is okay, but mostly the touristy areas downtown. I love San Francisco but can't afford to live there, but it's an easy trip to there from here.
If your heart is strongly telling you to come here, and it seems that you are pretty set on it, and your boyfriend will have a job, then try it. You can certainly go back. You're not forced to stay here and struggle. And maybe like me and others here, you'll find that after some searching and things just "falling into place," that you'll stay here. Any new move involves risk, and it is also the unknown.
I wish you the best of luck, and I hope you enjoy sunny California!!
Wow, everyone makes California seem so awful, what's the deal, does anyone enjoy living there?
I think at one time some people loved it here. It's not a bad place, but the economy has gone downhill and who knows when it will come back up. The social services (welfare) Dept. get so many applications for assistance on a daily basis. So that is a sign that things are still bad. Granted you have your people that use and abuse the services. It's one perk of being a California taxpayer. On a plus side depending on where you live, you may not even have to run an air conditioner in the summer, which will save ton's of money. Good Luck.
This was such a great post that it made me want to move there. Unfortunately, the LA area/valley is nothing like this! I seriously had to google santa cruz to find out exactly where it was located!
that's funny.
didn't you know that we are the center of the universe?!!!!
I do apologize, CoyoteSkye, your name is so similar to someone who moved here several years ago and had attended some events at my magical garden paradise in Felton -- descriptions many have given it throughout the years. And, no, I will not miss the torrential mountain rains! A little mist and fog near the ocean will be all I'll have now! I'll be living more simply! Or simply living!
But what we have in common is a love of nature, living simply, and an interesting take on life!
Doesn't matter, though, I introduce myself to you: I am Wisteria, how very nice to meet you, CoyoteSkye!! See, now we've met! Nancy, I'd like you to meet CoyoteSkye, too!
As Nancy said about her brother, Colorado and California have some things in common. Having lived in Boulder, my friends who also live(d) there and visit here call Santa Cruz "Boulder by the Sea!" So true, so true.
Hey there.
You will have a bit more than "a little mist and fog near the ocean".
It rains down here in the winter to but you know that.
I've lived in the redwoods during the winter ... in the thick of them with no sun on the property for months and that was no fun!
Wisteria, Thank you so much for the positive advice and vibe. I am a strong person and I believe if I want something I should go after it and I believe I can get what I want. We really want to move out of long island, we've lived here our whole lives and we want a change, a big change, we've considered other states but I 've always wanted to go to California and we hate the cold weather so it wouldn't be able to be any state that I would have to be in 20 degrees weather and shoveling snow. We need to this now, while my son is still young enough to go to a different school and it not be so bad(taking him from all his friends and school)We want to go where we can eventually buy a house.Thank you again.
Location: Monterey Bay, California -- watching the sea lions, whales and otters! :D
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You're welcome. Here's the link to the area I live in now -- Lompico, California - About Lompico -- it is actually the cheapest area in the County, and the schools are top-rated...but you do have to drive 6 miles to get to the beach.
I am going to be moving into a mobile home park in Santa Cruz because I'm getting older and it's hard to maintain all the property I have. But this area of Felton is cheaper than many places (look at Boulder Creek, too). There IS more rain in the winter, but I lived here the entire time my daughter went from first grade through graduation. It is also very safe (I work in law enforcement and we know the "safest" areas). For California, this is a little-known area, and is quite lovely if you like the country. I, personally, will miss a lot of Felton by moving into Santa Cruz, but it is the best thing for me now.
Anything is possible, and you already have the drive and inspiration, so you are ahead of the game!
Good luck and keep us posted as to where you end up!
Wisteria, great post.
Well actually, the only thing i do invest in is a $90.00 year-long pass for California parks and it can be used all over the state.
Another expense....I remember when it was FREE!
Now if you get caught pulled over on the shoulder of any wilderness area you get a huffty ticket. What is California coming too?
think for a family, if they have a duel income of at least 100 thousand (min) and want what Calif has to offer, they should come, job in hands first. For someone to relocate without a job, when they have a family and want a top school district for almost no rent it is a downer. Many would agree I am sure.
I am confused about this point. The both of you together will have a combined income of $100,000? You stated earlier that your Boy friend was a construction laborer. We that live here mentioned that the area has few construction jobs going on and that in this area construction laborers seldom make much of anything. I doubt you could pull in $12 an hour out hear. Remember to toss out what you think of unions, because chances are it will not happen hear in the Golden State. We for the most part are trying to help you and not say don't come. Just know what to expect when you get here. Would hate for you to get here, find out we were all right and have you bad mouthing the state that most of us love.
Another expense....I remember when it was FREE!
Now if you get caught pulled over on the shoulder of any wilderness area you get a huffty ticket. What is California coming too?
too many people and the need of the "powers that be" to control them?
i don't mind giving the state parks money though although i have noticed that some of the trails i walk on in nisene marks park in aptos have not been kept up as usual this year.
i assume it has to do with money ... or rather the lack of it.
Hi Andreita30, I've lived in LA County my whole life and have a few answers to some of your questions. If you want to live in a place here that has a lot of things to do and a lot of people you probably want to look outside of LA City. The fact is that LA is dirty, has a lot of homeless people, and there are no good places to raise a family (12 Gang related murders last weekend alone). If you want to look into a place near LA, about a 15 minute drive, that has all the things you want you probably want to check out Pasadena, its got GREAT night life, GREAT schools, LOTS of vegetarian alternatives, on the edge of the San Gabriel Mountains where you can go hiking and do outdoor things. Rents in the area are, however, between 1000-1800 for a decent apartment. The weather here in Southern California is not like they say in the movies or on tv. During the summer, which starts here in about mid May, It normally stays 90-95 degrees or hotter until October, and about 10-15 days 100+ degrees, and it doesn't rain until November/December, so be prepared for Desert weather and a big electricity bill. During the winter (its not like winter at all) it is about 70-85 for the daytime high and and 45-55 for the nighttime low from November-early April. I have never seen it snow here so don't expect a white Christmas unless you end up living in the mountains. Don't listen to these other people about jobs, there are still jobs here and we have plenty of construction going on all the time, don't expect your husband to get a union job though because construction is a really competitive job to get here since it is unskilled labor and we have PLENTY of people here without college degrees that will take any pay to fill those jobs. Honestly though, if I were you I would not want to move here because its not at all the paradise that you've seen on tv or in the movies.
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