Considering CA for retirement - wha are the real costs? (Santa Clara: rentals, homeowners insurance)

[wac_432]

If you surf, PH is great when conditions line up. If you don't, it's still good, and you can drive to SS or Oxnard Shores where it might be better, if you don't mind an extra 15-20 minutes to the fwy to get anywhere else. Also the stink of the sewage treatment plants on occasion, also the crime, also the (only in the county) MJ dispensaries.

Wind is problematic unless you have Mugu base access. Otherwise it's going to be dawn patrols and windy beach afternoons.

On the plus side, the beach is UUUGE! And they drained the gross lagoon, so it's just a 1/4 mile of nice yellow sand to the ocean, now. And a few tweakers near the bathrooms.

[ExNooYawk2]

Okay, we're still here in Oregon contemplating our options (husband was ill and we couldn't plan anything).

WHAT ABOUT buying a park model home in a nice RV resort, like Pismo Dunes? It's close to the beach and looks very nice. We've visited resorts like this but never lived in one.

There are other RV parks around in coastal areas so we'll be looking around and welcome suggestions.

[roadwarrior101]

I'm just going to guess that the $1.4M house you have in Texas is much larger / more palatial than you'd find for that price point in Santa Barbara. If you're ok trading down from a 6,000 sq ft house to something around 1,800 sq ft (possibly needing some work at that), should be fine.

On the other hand, for that $1.4M, your property taxes will be much lower. You should have much lower heating/cooling costs, if your home has AC at all. I'd actually recommend getting it installed if you don't have it. Most homes in SB don't have it but with global warming, there will be more times when that is needed. That said, on a year round basis, you should still save a lot.

I'd recommend NOT buying anything close to a mountain or canyon, due to fire or mudslide risk. Sure, the views are great but its becoming more and more of a risk.

I think if you're ok trading down for a home, you'll be more than fine. You should make sure though you at least have a nice backyard, since you'll be spending a lot more time outdoors.

I love SB and could also see retiring there, but its the type of place you'd want to be if you have already made it (like you have), since its not great for finding a job.

[wac_432]

Originally Posted by ExNooYawk2

Okay, we're still here in Oregon contemplating our options (husband was ill and we couldn't plan anything).

WHAT ABOUT buying a park model home in a nice RV resort, like Pismo Dunes? It's close to the beach and looks very nice. We've visited resorts like this but never lived in one.

There are other RV parks around in coastal areas so we'll be looking around and welcome suggestions.

I think you'd have to REALLY like having neighbors and being social. RV's are not known for their soundproofing. There isn't any real privacy and RV parks are theft magnets simply because they're hard to secure, even if they are gated and patrolled.

Also, not owning the land you are parked on is always a losing prospect in California.

However, I do know of a nice mobile home park in Ventura down by the harbor that has a lot of retirees. It is VERY upscale (for a mobile home park) and seems quite nice, so many people are choosing this as an option. You will certainly save a TON of money on the buy-in.

[volosong]

Originally Posted by wac_432

However, I do know of a nice mobile home park in Ventura down by the harbor that has a lot of retirees. It is VERY upscale (for a mobile home park) and seems quite nice, so many people are choosing this as an option. You will certainly save a TON of money on the buy-in.

That mobile home park is the most awesome one that I've ever seen in my life. When I lived on my sailboat, the clubhouse was the voting location for the harbor precinct. If I were to retire in California, I would definitely have that park near the top of my list. Very nice homes. Even older models are well kept up. Great landscaping all around. If you enjoy cycling, there is a bike path that cuts through the middle of the agricultural fields that will take you to town for shopping or whatnot. Fantastic weather. I look back on those twelve years when I lived on my boat in the harbor to be some of the best of my life, (so far).

[SFBayBoomer]

Originally Posted by Tranmkp

Ca sales tax is 7.25% My Texas sale tax is 8%

Sales Tax Breakdown

District.......................Rate
California State Tax 7.250%
Santa Barbara County 0.500%
Santa Barbara 1.000%
Total 8.750%

Does Texas also have local tax added to the state sales tax?

[DKM]

Yes, Texas has a local tax added to the state rate of 6.25%. The difference is not just in the rates though. Texas taxes things that CA does not, such as rentals, software and services which can really add up.

[apple92680]

Originally Posted by nightlysparrow

California has high income taxes; pensions are fully taxed in CA. Special high tax rates for high-income people.

Income tax is a measly 8% if you're not a millionaire, which I'm guessing OP isn't. The highest income bracket pays 13%.

If you look at what Europeans and many Asians pay (35%-65%), that's nothing. Especially when you consider all of the things you have access to such as a variety of natural areas for recreation, cultural amenities, good medical care, good universities, etc.

[jr6035]

Originally Posted by apple92680

Income tax is a measly 8% if you're not a millionaire, which I'm guessing OP isn't. The highest income bracket pays 13%.

If you look at what Europeans and many Asians pay (35%-65%), that's nothing. Especially when you consider all of the things you have access to such as a variety of natural areas for recreation, cultural amenities, good medical care, good universities, etc.

We don't care what Europeans or Asians are paying in taxes. So whats your point?

[SFBayBoomer]

Originally Posted by jr6035

We don't care what Europeans or Asians are paying in taxes. So whats your point?

Speak for yourself. Many people do compare U.S. taxes to those of other countries and are interested and pleased to see how much we get for our lower taxes here in the U.S.

I think that is the point, the very valid point, that apple92680 made.



Original quote by apple92680:

Originally Posted by apple92680

Income tax is a measly 8% if you're not a millionaire, which I'm guessing OP isn't. The highest income bracket pays 13%.

If you look at what Europeans and many Asians pay (35%-65%), that's nothing. Especially when you consider all of the things you have access to such as a variety of natural areas for recreation, cultural amenities, good medical care, good universities, etc.