Considering moving back West

[Familyman6]

charlotte has also been overtaken by NE transplants looking to get refuge from the liberal mess they moved out of, except they want to bring it with them along with their aggressive driving and bad attitudes. Our neighborhood might as well be NJ. I have family in Philly and I hate visiting because the people are so rude.

[aslowdodge]

Originally Posted by Mr5150

Seriously?

Well truth be told there is more to life than low taxes and nonliberal politics. NorCal is a different world compared to LA. Eastern CA even more so.

And for the record, I’m not a CA booster. More of a person who is tired of bashers of where I live. Go away or stay away and just be ok with other people’s choices.

I don’t understand your post.
Are you trying to quote me or the poster I quoted?

[Kevroqs]

Originally Posted by Familyman6

We would probably never consider going back to the PNW because of the weather but we always enjoyed SoCal when we would spend time down there so we were thinking the Ventura/Oxnard area may fit the bill and have more affordable housing. We have also spent time in San Diego and would consider the outskirts.

We would spend around 600-650k for a home. could afford more but dont want to. I work from home and we home school so rush hour traffic and commuting wont be that big of a deal.

Affordable housing in SoCal? Your best bet is in Riverside County, San Bernardino County or Lancaster/Palmdale

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

I'd suggest taking time looking at all options in all counties in CA. You might be surprised by some area you never thought of, that might meet your goals.

[alanadoodle]

Originally Posted by wac_432

Don't engage. There are a ton of online CA haters who either have never lived here, or moved away years ago and are still desperately trying to convince themselves they made the right choice, since they don't have the means to return. Just ignore them.

The taxes on my 800k+ home are 6200 per year, thanks to prop 13. 1% of the purchase price, limited to a 2% increase per year. It's great. In fact, that alone more than makes up for the difference in gas prices. In fact I only pay $500 more per year than I would in a place with half the gas prices. I save thousands in property taxes.

CA's progressive tax structure means I pay less State taxes than I would in a flat tax State like Indiana. That flips if you make more money, of course. However, if you're making 500k per year, State taxes are hardly a deal breaker.

The churches here certainly try to be inclusive and minister to the whole person's spirituality. I can't really make a comparison, since my only other experience is the church I grew up in.

The weather really does make a massive difference in a place's walkability. My family get out and about much more often now, living in a detached single family home fairly far from the town center, than we did even living in a 3rd floor walkup near Davis Square in Boston. Heat, humidity, rain, cold, snow, and all the stuff that drives you indoors just doesn't exist here in coastal socal. You can drive up to the mountains or desert to experience it, then come home to enjoy the outdoors year round.

Enicinitas is my favorite SanDiego town.

Thanks for always providing useful information!! We are moving back and everyone keeps saying THE TAXES ARE HORRIBLE THE GAS PRICES ARE HORRIBLE. But the way you laid it out makes perfect sense. I keep telling people about the progressive taxes (We live in MD, and currently pay VA taxes as husband is active duty military) but it falls on deaf ears. We are so excited to come back - regardless of all the negativity I see on this board. I was born and raised in Santa Barbara County and it will always be home. I can't leave the east coast soon enough.

[Woody01]

Originally Posted by alanadoodle

Thanks for always providing useful information!! We are moving back and everyone keeps saying THE TAXES ARE HORRIBLE THE GAS PRICES ARE HORRIBLE. But the way you laid it out makes perfect sense. I keep telling people about the progressive taxes (We live in MD, and currently pay VA taxes as husband is active duty military) but it falls on deaf ears. We are so excited to come back - regardless of all the negativity I see on this board. I was born and raised in Santa Barbara County and it will always be home. I can't leave the east coast soon enough.

Do some more research, it can still be cheaper elsewhere, for sure. But if your heart is set on a return, you should do it!

I assume you're not bothered by Santuary State status, intrusive gun laws, and all of that, though....?

[alanadoodle]

Originally Posted by Woody01

Do some more research, it can still be cheaper elsewhere, for sure. But if your heart is set on a return, you should do it!

I assume you're not bothered by Santuary State status, intrusive gun laws, and all of that, though....?

Thanks Woody. I totally understand that it can be and is cheaper elsewhere. But for now, Ventura County is where we want to be. I am limited by my hatred of cold weather LOL. Florida is on the table as well.



No guns here, not bothered by the politics at all.

[Mr5150]

Originally Posted by aslowdodge

I don’t understand your post.
Are you trying to quote me or the poster I quoted?

I quoted you

[Woody01]

Originally Posted by alanadoodle

Thanks Woody. I totally understand that it can be and is cheaper elsewhere. But for now, Ventura County is where we want to be. I am limited by my hatred of cold weather LOL. Florida is on the table as well.



No guns here, not bothered by the politics at all.

Then it's a great place, can't beat the weather...(way better than Florida IMO, I can't stand humidity)