Rent increase & disrupted plans - what do we do?

[frugal saver]

No friends or family in the area, only a couple of autism parents I've met through FB groups! In fact, I had never even heard of this place until I began researching where we wanted to move and this location would have been impossible to move to, pre-pandemic. Post 2020, of course, employers are much more flexible. The only thing is that DD won't transfer to University until next year. She's currently in a good community college program, has a job (although it's very seasonal), and does not want multiple transcripts from multiple colleges.

This location is not exactly rural but it well could be. If rents weren't such a beast, we'd stay put, wait for DD to graduate from University and then make a move. It doesn't make sense to want to follow your adult child around but given our situation with our son, we may want to settle down close to her for emotional support, and, as we age, some assistance with her brother. It's all up in the air and overwhelming, really.

I like parts of the town but we won't know if it will work out until we actually start living there. It sucks but it is what it is.

Have you looked at the Forums at City Data? I think it's city-data dot com. I go to both the California forum and the one for my city. Lots of people from elsewhere asking about the same questions that you're asking, with people who actually live there giving their opinions and perspectives. Might be helpful.

[amarowsky]

it's nuts, i had a tenant move out of a home I was renting to them for $1300 (giving them probably a $200 discount from the proper market price).

Then after I rennovated it up for the next tenants, the market price had jumped from $1500 --> $1800 (for a 1050 sq foot, 3/1 Brick ranch w/ basement + 1 car garage).

Super glad I held onto this little puppy!

[ryan_themoneyguy]

Moving is expensive and rent prices have increased almost everywhere. It may make more sense to stomach the rent increase and continue to save up for a home this year.
You never know, the tides could turn and you could receive a raise that makes up for the difference.

[Drake3287]

Curious as to which town or at least which county your looking into. Although I haven't read all the comments, you have to remember that interest rates will be raising over the next year or so. That might cancel out saving for another year.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

No friends or family in the area, only a couple of autism parents I've met through FB groups! In fact, I had never even heard of this place until I began researching where we wanted to move and this location would have been impossible to move to, pre-pandemic. Post 2020, of course, employers are much more flexible. The only thing is that DD won't transfer to University until next year. She's currently in a good community college program, has a job (although it's very seasonal), and does not want multiple transcripts from multiple colleges.

This location is not exactly rural but it well could be. If rents weren't such a beast, we'd stay put, wait for DD to graduate from University and then make a move. It doesn't make sense to want to follow your adult child around but given our situation with our son, we may want to settle down close to her for emotional support, and, as we age, some assistance with her brother. It's all up in the air and overwhelming, really.

I like parts of the town but we won't know if it will work out until we actually start living there. It sucks but it is what it is.

I think you need to figure yourself out. I understand fully that you want support of your daughter, but you never know who they will end up with or what will happen. I think you just need to plan for the here and the now. You have to plan for your retirement and your son that's the only guarantee in life. I know it sounds harsh but I have now seen too many people no longer speaking to their children for whatever the reason. So it's a bit of a stretch to worry about where your daughter will settle.

Also your daughter can figure out a way to live if you move. You could perhaps save the money and give her extra cash to make up for living solo. Just a thought. And does the college have remote options? Could she move with you and just have it all remote?

Also how much did the rent go up? $200/month?

[Scallywag]

I think maybe if you are from a nearby area or you prefer to live by friends or family already in the area, it might be easier to figure out where you want to live. Or even if you have a job and visit a lot. But flying truly blind is hard. There are so many things you can't see in a weekend trip or just from the computer. You can't see traffic patters or noise. You can't see how the house really sits in a neighborhood. I think it's really hard to buy without being there in person.

Also I think that sometimes people who buy on a weekend trip often regret it because I think you get pressured into settling for a house you don't really love just for the sake of finding something.

No friends or family in the area, only a couple of autism parents I've met through FB groups! In fact, I had never even heard of this place until I began researching where we wanted to move and this location would have been impossible to move to, pre-pandemic. Post 2020, of course, employers are much more flexible. The only thing is that DD won't transfer to University until next year. She's currently in a good community college program, has a job (although it's very seasonal), and does not want multiple transcripts from multiple colleges.

This location is not exactly rural but it well could be. If rents weren't such a beast, we'd stay put, wait for DD to graduate from University and then make a move. It doesn't make sense to want to follow your adult child around but given our situation with our son, we may want to settle down close to her for emotional support, and, as we age, some assistance with her brother. It's all up in the air and overwhelming, really.

I like parts of the town but we won't know if it will work out until we actually start living there. It sucks but it is what it is.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Thank you. It is hard because it is a decision we're unprepared to make - yet.

The place were specifically looking at could be considered "sprawling". There's a downtown area which includes the "historical" town, and then there's the "newer" part of town which is our target area. Homes are also apparently rarer to come by in the old town but when they do, they have bigger / larger lots and while I like that, I'm not sure we could deal with more maintenance (both of the huge lot and the old home on it).

We spent considerable time in the historic district but almost certain we wouldn't want to live there. But as you state, we won't know for sure until we actually move there and live there for a while before buying. I don't know how some folks buy property "site unseen". It just boggles my mind - we have personally known two families that did this and are happy. I just wish we were that brave, too!

I think maybe if you are from a nearby area or you prefer to live by friends or family already in the area, it might be easier to figure out where you want to live. Or even if you have a job and visit a lot. But flying truly blind is hard. There are so many things you can't see in a weekend trip or just from the computer. You can't see traffic patters or noise. You can't see how the house really sits in a neighborhood. I think it's really hard to buy without being there in person.

Also I think that sometimes people who buy on a weekend trip often regret it because I think you get pressured into settling for a house you don't really love just for the sake of finding something.

[Scallywag]

Is the area you are planning to move to fairly compact, or is it sprawling? If it's compact it may not matter as much if you don't pick the exact right area. But if it's sprawling, it might.

Our last 2 moves (to sprawling areas we weren't familiar with), the areas we ended up buying were very different from where we rented. It wasn't until we really got settled in to the area that we were able to figure out which part we liked and wanted to put down roots.

It sounds like you're facing a tough situation. Sorry to hear it and I wish you luck.

Thank you. It is hard because it is a decision we're unprepared to make - yet.

The place were specifically looking at could be considered "sprawling". There's a downtown area which includes the "historical" town, and then there's the "newer" part of town which is our target area. Homes are also apparently rarer to come by in the old town but when they do, they have bigger / larger lots and while I like that, I'm not sure we could deal with more maintenance (both of the huge lot and the old home on it).

We spent considerable time in the historic district but almost certain we wouldn't want to live there. But as you state, we won't know for sure until we actually move there and live there for a while before buying. I don't know how some folks buy property "site unseen". It just boggles my mind - we have personally known two families that did this and are happy. I just wish we were that brave, too!

[scfr]

Is the area you are planning to move to fairly compact, or is it sprawling? If it's compact it may not matter as much if you don't pick the exact right area. But if it's sprawling, it might.

Our last 2 moves (to sprawling areas we weren't familiar with), the areas we ended up buying were very different from where we rented. It wasn't until we really got settled in to the area that we were able to figure out which part we liked and wanted to put down roots.

It sounds like you're facing a tough situation. Sorry to hear it and I wish you luck.

[Scallywag]

Would renting for a longer time (for example, maybe 1-1/2 or 2 years) in the new town make sense? Not only would that give you more time to save for a DP on a house, it would give you more time to get to really get to know the area and maybe be less disruptive for your son? Just an idea ...

Was thinking of this, actually. The only downside of renting for even longer is that I would like H to retire as soon as he turns 62 and enjoy at least a little time being able to do things for himself and with us as a family rather than work until 67/70 when age really starts to catch up on you, depending on family history and genes. Also, does it not get harder to get a mortgage as you age? If we put this off until 2025, we'd BOTH be in our 50s and that worries me that we wouldn't be able to pay it off by the time he turns 62 in a few short years from then.

Also, just because rent went up 10% doesn't mean his raise isn't keeping up with inflation.

For example, if your husband makes $100k and he gets a 3% raise, that's a $3000 increase. If rent goes up 10% and it will now cost $1200 more a year, you're still ahead.

Either way, almost everyone has less money due to inflation across the board.

No... the rent increase actually cost more than his raise so we're screwed there. And it's small consolation that everyone is feeling the effects because it doesn't make our situation any better to take comfort in the fact that everyone is feeling the pinch.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

If you want perspective help put the numbers. Raise 3% = $1000. Rent 10% = $1000. New rent will be $x, and old rent is $Y. What costs am i not considering? maybe we can make good suggestions to help.

[ua_guy]

I'd take this as an impetus to commit to making a change. Knee-jerking and breaking a lease doesn't make much sense. Carefully plan it, execute it, and then live it. If it turns out your new situation isn't what you had planned or hoped, rinse and repeat.

[rennigade]

Also, just because rent went up 10% doesn't mean his raise isn't keeping up with inflation.

For example, if your husband makes $100k and he gets a 3% raise, that's a $3000 increase. If rent goes up 10% and it will now cost $1200 more a year, you're still ahead.

Either way, almost everyone has less money due to inflation across the board.

[scfr]

Would renting for a longer time (for example, maybe 1-1/2 or 2 years) in the new town make sense? Not only would that give you more time to save for a DP on a house, it would give you more time to get to really get to know the area and maybe be less disruptive for your son? Just an idea ...

[Scallywag]

Has anyone's salaries kept up with inflation? Not to sound harsh but by your logic most of us would have to live in our cars.

So that was sarcasm - that rents go up by 10% while incomes don't. And I don't get it -- why would people have to live out of cars unless your rents / mortgages went up by even more than that? If you're referring to incomes, are you saying we should not be complaining about incomes not keeping up with housing & other COL?

Food has skyrocketed, building supplies has skyrocketed, pretty much everything has gotten significantly more expensive. I received around a 1% raise. My wife received a 2% raise. I wouldn't be too concerned about a 10% rent increase. What choice do you have other than relocating to some place you may not like. Either that or move out of California. Increased rent should be the least of your problems or concerns living in that state.

Wish it were as easy & as blunt as just "move, if you don't like it". And what should be my bigger concerns about living in California (aside from ever increasing housing costs)? Not being sarcastic but really want to know your thinking?