if you could choose one place in California to live (San Diego: house, purchase)

[rgb123]

I realize this may have been asked before.

But I'm really thinking about this now. I've just received the benefit of being able to work from home, which means I can now move wherever I want. But, a client prefers me to be in California which is actually my preference as well, so it is a win-win.

I currently reside in the Ventura area, very close to the beach. It's not too shabby. I do like to be close to the ocean. However, I think I might prefer something further south because its often so cold here. Even Santa Barbara which is north of here, is often warmer.

So I am thinking about San Diego, Orange County etc. though I am not completely sure. I like Santa Barbara as well and some of the Northern Cities are attractive as well for other reasons and I realize this is all so subjective depending on what you value. So I throw it out there, what would you do?

I'm not looking to purchase a house yet so cost of living isn't a huge concern. To me this might be a good time to really just do whatever even if its temporary because I can -- no kids, no husband etc. Oh and I'm a female in my 30's so I do sort of want to be by other people....not neccessarily a huge city like LA but places like San Luis Obispo feel a little remote to me at this point of my life.

Lots to consider.

[Pito_Chueco]

Santa Barbara.

[ccm123]

I think San Luis Obispo or Pismo Beach would be great choices.

[rgb123]

Why San Luis, can you elaborate more?

Thanks!

[T Roosevelt]

Originally Posted by rgb123

Why San Luis, can you elaborate more?

Thanks!

San Luis Obispo is ranked as the happiest town in America.

[rgb123]

ok I'll have to look that one up..... it seems a little colder than I like...and maybe a nice place to settle down or go to college but I'm not sure about a single 30 something like me, but I will look into it!

[BeauCharles]

Somewhere on the Monterey Peninsula. May be too cool/foggy for you, but I love it. Not isolated either (60 minutes to San Jose).

[OwlKaMyst]

Huntington Beach was cool when I lived there about 25 years ago. Not sure how it has changed, but it has the environment you like.
San Loius Obispo is nice too and if the beach side it too cold for you, going inland just a little, even just a few minutes drive can have significant warmer temps.

[rgb123]

Thank you.

I did a project in college and Monterey came out as "the perfect place for me"

Huntington Beach has come up a few times, I'll need to plan a weekend there. I also liked the looks of San Clemente when I passed by on the Amtrak. It is small but seems close enough to other things. The people at the beach looked like they were having the time of their lives...lol different vibe than the beaches in Ventura.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by rgb123

I currently reside in the Ventura area, very close to the beach. It's not too shabby. I do like to be close to the ocean. However, I think I might prefer something further south because its often so cold here. Even Santa Barbara which is north of here, is often warmer.

Just move about ten blocks inland. It's probably 25F degrees warmer in Ojai, just a few miles inland, in summer.