Living in SoCal hurts!

[CHigh95]

Re: Living in SoCal hurts!

Yeah that's what people are saying here that we need a big shaker. Fires and mudslides just don't scare people as much as the earthquakes do...

Cercis, I've thought about moving many times but there's always something that makes CA seem perfect for our situation. I have thought about Austin, Portland, Vegas, Phoenix, Charlotte, Raliegh and even upstate NY...but things like the weather, bigger job market, cultural diversity (lack of it) compared to CA to hold me back.

Oh man I feel your pain.

I live in Torrance and it's totally rediculous. My husband is considering moving us to Las Vegas this year. The weather will take some getting used to, but there will always be something to get used to when you make a big move. The diversity in Vegas is great, especially North Las Vegas. For the rent you're paying here, you could rent a brand new house!!

[cercis]

Re: Living in SoCal hurts!

Russell, I agree with your wife. I will never move north of Oklahoma again. Winter is completely optional and I opt OUT.

[Bluezy]

Re: Living in SoCal hurts!

At least you aren't in the market of San Francisco. My hairdresser's friend's one bedroom condo just sold for $975,000.00. Now that's nuts!

[Ima saver]

Re: Living in SoCal hurts!

It makes paying $189,000 for a small 2 bedroom, 3 bath house with a view, not seem quite so bad.

[byusteeler]

Re: Living in SoCal hurts!

Once again it is all about priorities. So the weather is not perfect where I live year round, I prefer a reasonable cost of living(5 bed 3 bath 2800 sq ft home mortgage payments below $800 mo 15 year fixed loan). I am not going to see the value of my house raise significantly because frankly I don't want to live where everyone else wants to live. I don't like the time wasted in traffic or waiting in lines or trying to force myself down a crowded grocery aisle (I don't shop on Saturday's in my small town for the same reason). My sister-in-law on the other hand likes to be in the thick of things and is not bothered by the crowds or congestion. She pays nearly as much as my mortgage to rent a 2 bdrm 800 sq ft duplex in a larger town while should could get a job that pays the same where I live and buy a home for less than her rent. She thinks my town is too small (about 20000 people). I suggest you sit down and take stock of your priorities if you find that most of the high priorities on your list can be met in a less expensive localle, move on, if not stay put and realize it is a quality of life choice you are making and there is a cost associated with it.

[abowers]

Re: Living in SoCal hurts!

Russell - My parents live in Webster, and I went to college in Pittsford NY. I don't blame your wife for not wanting to live where it snows for almost 5 months a year! I moved to central NJ this summer, and just moving 6 hours away, the winter has been so much milder. I could get used to not having to clean snow off my car every morning.

[Happily]

Re: Living in SoCal hurts!

It sure does hurt. I think it's worth it, though. I couldn't live anywhere else. This is paradise! I wish people would stop taking out interest-only and other risky loans to pay more for a house than they can afford. This would keep housing prices down. Stupid.

[kashi]

Re: Living in SoCal hurts!

You know, it really is a bummer. Every time I ask myself where I think I would really be happy, the answer is California, near the ocean. Unfortunately I don't think that will ever happen. My grandparents could never afford a house there (they rented their whole lives), and I know I can't afford a $500,000 postage stamp.

My heart goes out to you all!

[Ima saver]

Re: Living in SoCal hurts!

I can't imagine renting all your life. I only rented the first year I was married and I hated it.