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Old 10-16-2011, 12:20 AM
 
1 posts, read 1,339 times
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I'm a single mom that was just offered a job in the Santa Cruz area. I'd like to live in a safe neighborhood that has a good school district for my 1st grader. Is it unrealistic to think I can survive on $3000 take home a month? I've looked at places in the mountains and am wondering if the cost of propane &/or gas to drive back and forth would offset the lower rent. I've been thinking perhaps we could get by in a one bedroom apartment for a year if necessary. Suggestions on where in the area and whether mountain living would really save me any money? TIA
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Old 06-06-2015, 05:09 AM
 
Location: California
1,622 posts, read 1,080,993 times
Reputation: 2637
Quote:
Originally Posted by susansaid View Post
I'm a single mom that was just offered a job in the Santa Cruz area. I'd like to live in a safe neighborhood that has a good school district for my 1st grader. Is it unrealistic to think I can survive on $3000 take home a month? I've looked at places in the mountains and am wondering if the cost of propane &/or gas to drive back and forth would offset the lower rent. I've been thinking perhaps we could get by in a one bedroom apartment for a year if necessary. Suggestions on where in the area and whether mountain living would really save me any money? TIA
Everytime I visit Santa Cruz I see homeless playing on iPads in the park. I think one bedrooms run $1500+. To survive on 3k a month you'd need to split a studio with a roommate. With the large number of poor hippies in the area, I wouldn't be surprised if many would be willing to do that.
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Old 06-06-2015, 11:04 AM
 
Location: Palo Alto, CA
901 posts, read 1,161,658 times
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Check out Scotts Valley. You could think of it as mountain suburb of SC. Your'e right, the mountain towns will be cheaper. Some SC natives here could chime in with more info, but i thought i'd write in case they don't.
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Old 06-06-2015, 11:11 AM
 
520 posts, read 606,948 times
Reputation: 753
Also try the San Jose forum if you haven't already.
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Old 06-06-2015, 11:24 AM
 
Location: State of Transition
102,086 posts, read 107,127,293 times
Reputation: 115880
Even living in Scotts Valley, it will be a challenge to support two on that budget, OP. Where are you moving from?

I just took a look, and there are some nice 1-br. apartments in the Scotts Valley/Felton area for $1300 and $1400/mo. One is a spacious condo with a big kitchen. It seems like, with luck, you'll find something affordable. Be aware that the best time to look is in the summer, when the university is out for the summer.
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Old 06-10-2015, 12:03 AM
 
12 posts, read 13,809 times
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How much do you get ? 3k take home before cost of day care? Is day care subsidized for you? If you put away 1500 in rent, 1500 take home might be too less for day care + expenses for you and your child.
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