Where in CA would you relocate to OR anywhere else? (San Jose: school, camping)

[SandyCo]

I did some more checking, and discovered a small city (town?) about 35 miles from Redding, called Shingletown. It would be possible for me to live there and commute to Redding for work. I don't know if I'd have to take a cut in pay, though... and I'd probably have to live in a shack! At least Shingletown is at 3,489 feet, so it's probably cooler. Yea!

[deeptrance]

Originally Posted by SandyCo

At least Shingletown is at 3,489 feet, so it's probably cooler. Yea!

At that elevation the high temps might be about 10 degrees lower than in Redding. In other words, HOT, but not as hot and you'd be close to higher elevations for escape. I've never been up that road toward Lassen, but I've been to Whiskeytown and Weaverville and other places around there. It's a nice area, to be sure.

One other thing you'd like about being higher up from the valley floor is that you'd be above the winter fog. I don't think they get much of it in Redding but on those cold winter days when there's no air movement and the valley is cloaked in a chilly fog, you'd most likely be above it. And, like you hinted, you would PAY for that. I'm guessing the prices are higher in Shingletown because of the benefits you listed.

[greatbasinguide]

Shingletown is a collection of homes, not really a town,, but there used to be a great bakery there. Shingletown was long a community of loggers and retired people, not fancy.

[SandyCo]

I appreciate your input. Since you're familiar with that area, is there a town you'd recommend that would be relatively close to either Redding or Chico, yet not *in* the valley itself? I'm trying to find a way to make this a "five years or less" plan, instead of "when I retire in twenty-seven years!" plan.

[kettlepot]

Sandyco, If you're still checking this thread, consider the town of Shasta, (not to be confused with Shasta Lake City or Mount Shasta). It's to the west of Redding in the foothills, only about 10 miles from town. It's only a few hundred feet higher in elevation, so the temperature relief really won't be significant. However, the drive to town, and therefore work will be much shorter than Shingletown, and on a general level the westside of Redding is considered a be slightly more desireable than the eastside.

[Boca to Santa Barbara]

Dear Friend,

I am sure you have read the posts on why not to move to Santa Barbara, CA. Well here are reasons why you should consider it. To give you a brief background, I recently moved from the East Coast (grew-up in Boca Raton) however I lived in Wash, DC (most recent), NYC, and London and have to tell you that Santa Barbara is probably one of the more comfortable places to live. Yes it is expensive to purchase property but most people realize that this is the cost of living in paradise (and a minor compromise). The weather is perfect (38-75 winter, 55-95 summer with little humidity). There is hardly any crime, the people are educated (most of them), and there is a ton of arts/entertainment, as well as outdoor things to do. I am not wealthy (young professional that makes less than 100k, year) however I realized a long time ago that the key to happiness is not owning property.
If it is you will require a trust fund or a large bank account to purchase a house here (1 million to start).

One more thing, I forgot to mention that the school system in SB is top notch!

[Woof]

Originally Posted by SandyCo

If I were to relocate within California, I'd probably be in the north somewhere, north of Redding. I drove from Reno to Salem, OR on vacation recently, and I loved how green and beautiful north northern CA is! I read somewhere that California is actually 30% forest, but the majority of that is up near the Oregon border. I'd like to investigate Susanville, Mt. Shasta, Yreka, etc. Of course, I probably won't be able to move to any of these place until I retire unless I suddenly become independently wealthy. Guess I need to start playing The Lotto!

I don't know why you think that, Mt Shasta and Yreka are among the cheapest places to live in California. I'm going over to Mt Shasta City tomorrow to try to rent an apartmet, which is going for $475 electricity included - try finding that kind of price elsewhere in this state. Median home prices are something like $230,000 iirc, but there are decent places much less expensive than that.

I only went through Susanville once on a gold-panning trip, it seemed nice enough and had a good pizza place, nice scenery, lots of float alongside the river.

However there is plenty of snow in the winter. There are banks here where you could make enough of a living to get by. Other towns out of the I5 corridor/valley are Weaverville, Happy Camp, and Paradise. Along with Quincy, these are very small isolated, inbred towns .... you can't just waltz into them and expect acceptance, nor is there much to do aside from churches or bars.

Mt Shasta, Yreka, and Arcata are more accepting of outsiders.

[izzy]

Originally Posted by SandyCo

I appreciate your input. Since you're familiar with that area, is there a town you'd recommend that would be relatively close to either Redding or Chico, yet not *in* the valley itself? I'm trying to find a way to make this a "five years or less" plan, instead of "when I retire in twenty-seven years!" plan.

Keyword here was Chico...Have you ever thought of Paradise, CA. It is up a mountain called Black Butte. My sister lives there and all her kids. It is about 30 minutes or less from Chico. It is higher elevation...in fact it sometimes gets snow and you have to let your water drip so the pipes don't freeze. It is beautiful with lots of pines and views. Mostly retired folks and not a whole lot of work locally. Most folks commute to Chico. Which has a pretty well known college. My friends daughter goes there for nursing or did. He also bought a home in paradise...a second home for his daughter. They go there for a retreat.

Just thought I would mention it.

Izzy

[CalGal]

I just wanted to give some input about Shingletown. I lived there my whole life until I was almost 21. Its nice during the summer because it is not as hot as Redding. There are many surrounding lakes, rivers and swimming holes. Spring and fall are gorgeous. Winter can be bad, so make sure you have 4 wheel drive. Lassen volcanic national park is about 20 miles away. Fishing is great, many places to go camping and such. If you are a nature person and dont mind commuting to work (if you plan to work in Redding) it's a great place. The people are friendly and you will get to know everyone quickly. I never really appreciated Shingletown until I left for the military. I miss it more than ever! Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any questions!

[corduroyboy]

Originally Posted by Woof

Other towns out of the I5 corridor/valley are Weaverville, Happy Camp, and Paradise. Along with Quincy, these are very small isolated, inbred towns .... you can't just waltz into them and expect acceptance, nor is there much to do aside from churches or bars.

Mt Shasta, Yreka, and Arcata are more accepting of outsiders.

I've been to and through those towns. Happy Camp is in the absolute middle of nowhere. That drive along the CA/OR border from 101 to 5 is gorgeous, but scary as hell too. I wouldn't want my truck to break down on that stretch.

Other than that, the whole NW corner of CA is beautiful. I spent last summer working in Crescent City and got to devour the north coast. My camera was working overtime up there. However, along with being cheap to live, it's also a very economically depressed place.