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Looking around for our "next chapter”. Our "next chapter" consists of (1) a younger than usual retirement (we are 43 and 57 and fortunately have saved more than enough to retire now after years as an insurance executive and college professor), (2) relocating to a place with great weather (we live in Chicago and deal with bitter, cold, gloomy winters and uncomfortable, humid summers), (3) staying active and being outdoors (our unpredictable Chicago weather forces us to exercise indoors most of the year, and as we are retiring - we would like lots to do to stay active and busy), (4) access to arts and entertainment (we enjoy experiencing local arts, entertainment, music and culture), (5) access to great medical care (we're healthy now but thinking ahead as we age), (6) access to a big airport (we like to travel and plan to do more), (7) near great restaurants (some would call us borderline foodies...we're into casual spots and love wine, but like to cook a lot at home too and enjoy quiet evenings), and (8) living somewhere that we will be welcomed (we are two gay guys that have been together 19 years, married for the last 3 of them. We have no children, and we aren't into the whole "gay" scene).
As for our "next house", we are ideally looking for a maintenance free lifestyle, new or newer construction, at least 2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms, a garage (at least one car), dog friendly, one level living, outdoor space to grill and enjoy a glass of wine, mountain views, and friendly neighbors. We are not opposed to a single family home, town home, or condo. Our current house is in an affluent small suburb 25 miles west of Chicago worth about $750,000 (and we are able to spend that on our next place too, up to $1,000,000). Our neighborhood is becoming younger, with young married professionals moving in and starting to have children (swing sets, toys, screaming...ugh). We aren't opposed to being near young children, but tend to prefer college age up to the older adult crowd.
We have narrowed it down to Arizona, California, Colorado, or Nevada. We are drawn to western states with low humidity and sunshine. We don’t mind dry heat (but the Florida type humid heat we can’t stand). We would rather deal with hot dry summers and sunshine than bitter cold Chicago winters. We have visited San Diego several times and it seems to meet most of our criteria. The only thing we noticed is traffic congestion and higher cost of living.
Based on our situation, could SD possibly be our next chapter? Coming to visit again and evaluate. Comments appreciated.
Looking around for our "next chapter”. Our "next chapter" consists of (1) a younger than usual retirement (we are 43 and 57 and fortunately have saved more than enough to retire now after years as an insurance executive and college professor), (2) relocating to a place with great weather (we live in Chicago and deal with bitter, cold, gloomy winters and uncomfortable, humid summers), (3) staying active and being outdoors (our unpredictable Chicago weather forces us to exercise indoors most of the year, and as we are retiring - we would like lots to do to stay active and busy), (4) access to arts and entertainment (we enjoy experiencing local arts, entertainment, music and culture), (5) access to great medical care (we're healthy now but thinking ahead as we age), (6) access to a big airport (we like to travel and plan to do more), (7) near great restaurants (some would call us borderline foodies...we're into casual spots and love wine, but like to cook a lot at home too and enjoy quiet evenings), and (8) living somewhere that we will be welcomed (we are two gay guys that have been together 19 years, married for the last 3 of them. We have no children, and we aren't into the whole "gay" scene).
As for our "next house", we are ideally looking for a maintenance free lifestyle, new or newer construction, at least 2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms, a garage (at least one car), dog friendly, one level living, outdoor space to grill and enjoy a glass of wine, mountain views, and friendly neighbors. We are not opposed to a single family home, town home, or condo. Our current house is in an affluent small suburb 25 miles west of Chicago worth about $750,000 (and we are able to spend that on our next place too, up to $1,000,000). Our neighborhood is becoming younger, with young married professionals moving in and starting to have children (swing sets, toys, screaming...ugh). We aren't opposed to being near young children, but tend to prefer college age up to the older adult crowd.
We have narrowed it down to Arizona, California, Colorado, or Nevada. We are drawn to western states with low humidity and sunshine. We don’t mind dry heat (but the Florida type humid heat we can’t stand). We would rather deal with hot dry summers and sunshine than bitter cold Chicago winters. We have visited San Diego several times and it seems to meet most of our criteria. The only thing we noticed is traffic congestion and higher cost of living.
Based on our situation, could SD possibly be our next chapter? Coming to visit again and evaluate. Comments appreciated.
I was born and raised in the Chicagoland area and have lived all over: Tempe, Austin, Sacramento, Madison, Chicago, countless cities throughout central and northern IL, and now Denver.
It gets cold here (teens), and it snows. The winters aren't nearly as bad as northern IL, but there aren't fun.
I'm eyeing San Diego as my next and final destination.
SD should be outstanding for numbers 1, 2, 3 and 8. It's good/okay for numbers 4 and 5. For number 6, SAN airport is very nice, easy to get in and out of and is a good medium size. However, unlike DEN and PHX, it is NOT a hub for any major airline. So, depending on your travel preferences, you're looking at two or more legs to get to most destinations. For number 7, food is such a subjective and personal thing. I think very few would claim SD is on par with the true heavy hitters such as NYC, Paris, Barcelona, Northern Spain, etc. In my opinion, it's not even in the second tier of places like New Orleans, Los Angeles, DC, and the like.
As you probably know, "San Diego" often refers to much or all of San Diego county which is gigantic. As a result, different parts may rate differently. My ratings above take the best of each category even if it means different parts of SD. Also due in part to its size, San Diego is pretty car centric.
With a budget of $750K-$1mm and your other requirements, you are in range. If you want to live in a similarly affluent area in SD in a newer build, you'll be looking at condos and maybe townhomes. My experience is that newer construction commands quite a premium in much of the area and often has limited land/outdoor space compared to older homes. You may be limited to a balcony type situation for outdoor space.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BaileyBoys
Looking around for our "next chapter”. Our "next chapter" consists of (1) a younger than usual retirement (we are 43 and 57 and fortunately have saved more than enough to retire now after years as an insurance executive and college professor), (2) relocating to a place with great weather (we live in Chicago and deal with bitter, cold, gloomy winters and uncomfortable, humid summers), (3) staying active and being outdoors (our unpredictable Chicago weather forces us to exercise indoors most of the year, and as we are retiring - we would like lots to do to stay active and busy), (4) access to arts and entertainment (we enjoy experiencing local arts, entertainment, music and culture), (5) access to great medical care (we're healthy now but thinking ahead as we age), (6) access to a big airport (we like to travel and plan to do more), (7) near great restaurants (some would call us borderline foodies...we're into casual spots and love wine, but like to cook a lot at home too and enjoy quiet evenings), and (8) living somewhere that we will be welcomed (we are two gay guys that have been together 19 years, married for the last 3 of them. We have no children, and we aren't into the whole "gay" scene).
As for our "next house", we are ideally looking for a maintenance free lifestyle, new or newer construction, at least 2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms, a garage (at least one car), dog friendly, one level living, outdoor space to grill and enjoy a glass of wine, mountain views, and friendly neighbors. We are not opposed to a single family home, town home, or condo. Our current house is in an affluent small suburb 25 miles west of Chicago worth about $750,000 (and we are able to spend that on our next place too, up to $1,000,000). Our neighborhood is becoming younger, with young married professionals moving in and starting to have children (swing sets, toys, screaming...ugh). We aren't opposed to being near young children, but tend to prefer college age up to the older adult crowd.
We have narrowed it down to Arizona, California, Colorado, or Nevada. We are drawn to western states with low humidity and sunshine. We don’t mind dry heat (but the Florida type humid heat we can’t stand). We would rather deal with hot dry summers and sunshine than bitter cold Chicago winters. We have visited San Diego several times and it seems to meet most of our criteria. The only thing we noticed is traffic congestion and higher cost of living.
Based on our situation, could SD possibly be our next chapter? Coming to visit again and evaluate. Comments appreciated.
Someguy accurately rated how San Diego meets your 8 requirements.
Traffic congestion is an issue, however, if you'll be retired, you can plan your driving for outside of rush hour.
San Diego has a large-ish supply of condominium and town house type housing. Along with everything, more is along the coastal strip, but there is some further inland. Obviously, only some is new construction.
Some will have mountain views, but a lot will not. The closer to the mountains you go, the more extreme your weather will be. Significantly hotter summers and somewhat colder winters. This is what will most likely require a compromise, weather versus mountain views. Also, the closer to the mountains the further you will be from medical care and doctors appointments which are mostly along the coast.
If you get serious about San Diego, come back and ask us about specific cities and neighborhoods.
If you get really serious about San Diego, come back and ask us about specific cities or neighborhoods.
Fortunately, your price range will offer excellent, high end choices for condominiums and townhouses. It will purchase a nice, but not luxurious single family home.
Outside of housing, gasoline, and taxes, cost of living in San Diego is not out of line. However, you are coming from Chicago, so the taxes won't seem too high.
If you get serious about San Diego, come back and ask us about specific cities and neighborhoods.
Thank you all this is exactly this info I was looking for. Near the ocean would actually be nice too, mountains not necessary. And we’re thinking condo/townhouse...nothing high rise. Would be nice to be near public transportation and near ocean to walk along water. Again, much appreciated, will be back with more specifics as our search narrows down. Last time we were there, in LaJolla, it was too expensive but guessing further south is more affordable along water.
SD has very limited public transportation, esp compared to cities like Chicago. If you live in North County, c there is really none. I live in Encinitas about a mile from the ocean and looking out my windows to the east I have great views of the mountains too. SD has a lot of what you’re looking for but housing is expensive for what you get for your money. The only place you will see high rises are downtown and UTC area (University Towne Centre Area).
Last edited by loveautumn; 01-24-2018 at 11:26 AM..
Reason: Add info
Thank you all this is exactly this info I was looking for. Near the ocean would actually be nice too, mountains not necessary. And we’re thinking condo/townhouse...nothing high rise. Would be nice to be near public transportation and near ocean to walk along water. Again, much appreciated, will be back with more specifics as our search narrows down. Last time we were there, in LaJolla, it was too expensive but guessing further south is more affordable along water.
My suggestion would be to look for condos and SFHs in the neighborhoods surrounding and close to Balboa Park. These neighborhoods would include: South Park, North Park, Little Italy, Mission Hills, Hillcrest, University Heights, and possibly Kensington and Normal Heights (north of Adams).
They're close enough to the ocean for when you want to stroll along the beach, but they're very nice neighborhoods with a more urban bent (and not as many kids). I think they may be a better match for you than being stuck out in family-oriented suburbia.
You might also find this thread from the archives of interest. In it, regular posters who actually live in different parts of the San Diego area describe the pros and cons of where they live:
(San Diego magazine does its "neighborhoods" issue every year, so also look for previous years, and the 2018 update will probably come out in March or April as well. All are available online)
San Diego has microclimates somewhat like San Francisco if you are familiar with there. There is a marine layer/fog/whatever that is grey and gloomy. Generally, the closer you are to the coast the more risk there is of it and the more hours of a day it's present. Just this month, on a number of days on the coast in Carlsbad it was grey, damp and clammy. I got in the car and drove east and within 1 mile it was noticeably brighter and drier and by 2-3 miles it was clear and sunny. You'd never believe it was so nasty so near by.
However, as others have pointed out, as you move inland (East) you lose the moderating effect of the ocean and you hotter days and colder nights. And, of course, you pay a premium the closer you get to the coast. If you're not aware, "west of the 5 (I-5 freeway)" is somewhat of a bragging right. Taking all that into account, in my opinion, the vertical corridor 2-7 miles from the coast is the sweet spot.
Rosie's suggestions of the neighborhoods around Balboa are worth looking into. I think you're going to find limited inventory in those areas under $1m and built 1990 or later (I guessed at your definition of newer construction). I'd be really surprised if you could find a single family.
Rosie's suggestions of the neighborhoods around Balboa are worth looking into. I think you're going to find limited inventory in those areas under $1m and built 1990 or later (I guessed at your definition of newer construction). I'd be really surprised if you could find a single family.
There are plenty of condo/townhome options (including new builds) in those areas well within their price range (especially in Hillcrest, Little Italy, and the Bankers Hill area) but you're right about there not being a ton of new single family homes in those neighborhoods (although there are some). However, they may change their minds about "new builds" after exploring some of the beautiful historic homes in walkable neighborhoods like Kensington, South Park, and Mission Hills. Of course, these days, those beautiful historic homes can no longer be bought for a song.
Last edited by RosieSD; 01-24-2018 at 02:20 PM..
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