Want to move to Southern California, should we??? (Santa Ana, Huntington Beach: insurance, how much)

[NAU Alumni]

Some more additional thoughts.

Even though the smog is bad here it is much improved over the last 20 years, especially in the Inland Empire.

The coastal stratus in May, June, July drives me crazy. I've seen it warmer in Newport Beach in November then all of June. Spring and Fall are very nice.

50% of LA students drop out of high school. It's only a matter of time till they become a problem for everbody.

The state of California just raised the income tax by 10%. They call it a loan/advance. yeah right. We'll see.

[Angel Bear]

I've not read all the replies. I guess I'm wow'd because here my husband and I are working on relocation to Orange county or San Diego...we don't have children and never will...we were thinking $160K will be our gross income from our jobs and about $20K from our side businesses...wondering if it's sufficient to live on and accomplish our personal goals...I guess I needed some perspective...LOL. I know we'll be totally fine

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by Angel Bear

I've not read all the replies. I guess I'm wow'd because here my husband and I are working on relocation to Orange county or San Diego...we don't have children and never will...we were thinking $160K will be our gross income from our jobs and about $20K from our side businesses...wondering if it's sufficient to live on and accomplish our personal goals...I guess I needed some perspective...LOL. I know we'll be totally fine

$180k is a lot of money for DINKs, even here.

[JohnG72]

Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia

$180k is a lot of money for DINKs, even here.

Yeah, $180K is doing pretty good. You just can't expect the universe. With 20% down, you get to buy a $540K place, maybe $700K if you really stretch. That doesn't buy an ocean view house. It doesn't buy a 3000 sq ft place with remodled everything. But it can buy a pleasant house in a good neighborhood.

As long as you are grounded, and not obsessed with flash and keeping up with your neighbors, you'll do fine.

[myfairlady2]

After living in Wisconsin for 25 years and being really, really tired of the cold weather and snow, I moved to SoCal. I live in the city of Brea and work in Anaheim. I understand how you feel and wanting to move to a state that has sun, ocean, and many outdoor and fun activities. I rent a single bedroom apartment and the monthly rent is $1,300. Brea and Yorda Linda have very good schools, but you will not be able to rent a house for less than $2,500. Everything is more expensive in SoCal, car insurance, food, clothes. It it were just you and your significant other, I would say to go ahead and give it a try. But, with children I would recommend staying in the Midwest or moving to a Southern State with not State taxes. By the way, the state of CA is bankrupt and they just raised state taxes by an additional 10%. Hope this helps.

[CAVA1990]

No way I'd want to raise kids in Southern Cal. You should consider Northern Virginia instead. Rents here are much more reasonable relative to incomes. Jobs are more plentiful than anywhere else in the country. The schools here are great (small class sizes) and there's a lot more interesting things your kids would experience here. While not as warm as Cal or FL in the winter, the weather isn't that bad, compared to the midwest. I was a victim of California's crummy public education system and was grateful my kids were able to get much better when we moved to NoVA when they were very small.

[majorcee]

For any retired couples or 2 retired ladies who wants to move to hemet, riverside county ca, 92545. we are looking for fellow retirees to share our 4bdr/2ba house. sharing cost will be affordable and reasonable. if interested email me at [email]paltog01@gmail.com[/email].

[Soccersupporter]

Originally Posted by Pattym05

My husband and I want to move from the midwest winters to either Florida or California. We have 5 children one of which wants to attend college in either place in 2011. I prefer Southern California for the obvious reason(sun, water, excitement) is it feasible to live there with all the economy issues right now? We want to rent a home for about a year to make sure we are staying. Want a 4 bedroom with good schools, etc. looking to rent for anywhere between 1,500 to 2,000 a month.

You can take this for what it is. We lived in Irvine for 27 years. We moved to Keller TX to get away from the crowded feeling of OC, the high cost, and the hurried lifestyle. Our move was a no-brainer. We sold our house in Irvine, bought a real nice home in Keller for cash and put money in the bank. Going from TX to Irvine will be very difficult but only you can make that decision. Don't let people on either side sway you. Just do your homework and hope for the best.

[Jonah1979]

I'd recommend Florida. Overall it's easier to provide for your family and you still get nice weather. Yes, the summers are humid but the winter months are perfect! Great beaches, alots to do for families and did anyone mention NO STATE INCOME TAXES?!

[CAVA1990]

Coastal living is a lot more economical in Florida.