fisherman Looking to retire in a warm, NOT humid area that is affordable (San Diego: real estate, renting) - California (CA) - City-Data Forum

Jkgourmet · 04-17-2011, 11:31 PM

We currently live in Phoenix,Arizona and have grown tired of the oppresive heat of dimmer and the very limited fishing.

We spent this winter in SW Florida and loved it. If it weren't for the insane humidity during the summer, we'd be choosing which house or condo right now (and at some incredibly good prices).

Southern California is regarded as the "best" year round climate in the US. There is good saltwater and freshwater fishing. Many other amenities and activities we enjoy.

But are any of these areas affordable? We are used to living in a nicer, newer community (houses built after 2000) and would like to find something similar. Condos or 55+ communities ate options, but ideally we would be a very short drive to a marina (bay, intercoastal or lake.)

are real estate and state income taxes as high as the media leads us to believe?

Oerdin · 04-17-2011, 11:41 PM

It depends on your income level. If you're of average income then the state income tax isn't that high but if you make more $125,000 per year then you can get up to 10% before deductions.

josh u · 04-17-2011, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jkgourmet

We currently live in Phoenix,Arizona and have grown tired of the oppresive heat of dimmer and the very limited fishing.

We spent this winter in SW Florida and loved it. If it weren't for the insane humidity during the summer, we'd be choosing which house or condo right now (and at some incredibly good prices).

Southern California is regarded as the "best" year round climate in the US. There is good saltwater and freshwater fishing. Many other amenities and activities we enjoy.

But are any of these areas affordable? We are used to living in a nicer, newer community (houses built after 2000) and would like to find something similar. Condos or 55+ communities ate options, but ideally we would be a very short drive to a marina (bay, intercoastal or lake.)

are real estate and state income taxes as high as the media leads us to believe?

Oh goodess, get ready for some sticker shock. If you want a house that's a very short drive from the beach in CA, you'll be paying $800-1200 per sq feet. Whether you're in NorCal (SF/Monterey/Carmel) or SoCal (LA/OC/SD), it doesn't matter. Welcome to CA!

And yes, the taxes are as high as the media says. For the last 20 years, CA has been in the top 10 states with highest total tax burden as a percentage of average income. FL has been in the bottom 10.

Your best bet is to live 25 min from the beach in a place like Tustin/Irvine, where you can get something for $300-400 per sq feet and the climate is still very nice. Or live in the inner parts of San Diego (nice climate, more affordable, just not located right by the water).

Just remember, as you get closer to the Pacific ocean, real estate values go up exponentially!

ferretkona · 04-18-2011, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jkgourmet

,,,, but ideally we would be a very short drive to a marina (bay, intercoastal or lake.)

are real estate and state income taxes as high as the media leads us to believe?

I would look at Fort Bragg in Mendocino county. Little to no work available. The area was mildly strong 20 years ago but with the lumber mill closed the beach town is the cheapest in the state. There is a port and docks. Mild weather year round.

Property taxes in CA are near the lowest in the union, we are taxed at 1% a year. Automobiles are taxed seperately and included in auto registration. Federal and state income tax combined are about 28%

Vascodagama · 04-18-2011, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jkgourmet

We currently live in Phoenix,Arizona and have grown tired of the oppresive heat of dimmer and the very limited fishing.

We spent this winter in SW Florida and loved it. If it weren't for the insane humidity during the summer, we'd be choosing which house or condo right now (and at some incredibly good prices).

Southern California is regarded as the "best" year round climate in the US. There is good saltwater and freshwater fishing. Many other amenities and activities we enjoy.

But are any of these areas affordable? We are used to living in a nicer, newer community (houses built after 2000) and would like to find something similar. Condos or 55+ communities ate options, but ideally we would be a very short drive to a marina (bay, intercoastal or lake.)

are real estate and state income taxes as high as the media leads us to believe?

I'm a boater and live in Huntington Beach which has a very nice Harbor and facilities. You can find a nice condo's near the water for under $500K, some that come with slips. The launch facility has RV storage where you can keep a boat and there are several marinas in the harbor. I'm currently renting a house real close to the launch ramp and can keep my boat at the house which is nice. Since I sold my last house I save lots of money renting with no property tax, no home owners insurance and or repair/maintenance costs.

Jkgourmet · 04-18-2011, 08:07 AM

You guys are making Florida AND Arizona sound better and better.

.highnlite · 04-18-2011, 08:11 AM

Atascadero

Total Tax burden in Arizona is 8.7% of income
in California 10.5 % of income

Tax Freedom day in Arizona is April 2. Tax Freedom Day is April 16 in California.

Not a huge difference.