Climate Solvang vs Sacramento (Redding: 2013, living, statistics)

[MountainHi]

Originally Posted by redhummingbird

Good to know about AZ. I have considered NM in the past and am now revisiting it. I lived there when I was very young. I don't remember it but loved it when I traveled there in the 90's.

I'll need to make a decision about Solvang in the next few weeks. Right now it's looking like my best, most affordable option. I have to decide whether living in an enclosed apartment building with no balcony is worth the trade off of affordability. I would also need to figure out how to reduce the apartment noise factor. I haven't lived in an apartment building in years.

Could you find an alternative to your own private balcony, like a sidewalk café, or a senior activity center with a patio? OTOH, if you have the most important items on your wish list where you already are, why move? Is it that the senior centers in your area don't have what you want, either, or are run down/possible mold issues?

And what about the treatments you're receiving--do you know that there's a medical facility in Solvang that offers that?

[boulder2015]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

New Mexico has changed since the 90's. It's 10-15 degrees warmer now, year-round. There's rarely snow in winter now, unlike the foot or more of snow that used to be routine. Elders say that in the mountains, it used to be Bay Area weather in the summer, i.e. cool, except for the annual "heat wave" that went into the 80's, no higher, for about 3 weeks. It hasn't been like that in over 15 years. Now it's in the 80's and 90's for about 5 months, sometimes even passing 100, though that is rare. The low elevations are even worse. And the OP wasn't considering NM, anyway. AZ, except for Flagstaff, is more intense.

Ruth, what is your source for the 15 degrees number? I think that is a bit of a stretch. However nm is rapidly drying out, so you are right that there are issues. This article points out the issue, but is not claiming anything near a year round 15 degree increase.

New Mexico’s big rise | New Mexico In Depth

[redhummingbird]

Originally Posted by ashpelham

At least the OP isn't concerned about economic climate. I understand that Sacramento has had issues since the recession, more than some others, and Solvang being so small, I can't imagine the job situation being very robust. Biggest selling point for me on Solvang is the great cycling weather, and the fact that many pro teams have trained in the area during the off season.

Interesting about cycling especially that pro teams train there. Maybe it's incorrect but I would assume the air quality must be fairly good. I used to love cycling. Luckily (and unfortunately due to the circumstances) I don't have to worry about the economic climate. Just the weather climate.

[redhummingbird]

Originally Posted by MountainHi

Could you find an alternative to your own private balcony, like a sidewalk café, or a senior activity center with a patio? OTOH, if you have the most important items on your wish list where you already are, why move? Is it that the senior centers in your area don't have what you want, either, or are run down/possible mold issues?

And what about the treatments you're receiving--do you know that there's a medical facility in Solvang that offers that?

I could find an alternative to the lack of balcony. There's a park nearby. I have an outdoor ant gravity recliner (very comfortable) that I could take with me. Yes-the senior places here have issues. One place that is contacted last week had issues with roaches. Another place had two residents mugged last year. So far I haven't had any luck.

As far as medical treatment I have a specialist north of here that I see. I contacted the senior center in Solvang to find out about medical care (specifically about how difficult it is to find Drs who take Medicare which is increasingly difficult to find here). I was told it's a senior friendly town. For some things I would need to travel to Santa Barbara. I would need to find a way to continue to see my specialist. He would work with me over the phone except for a couple semi annual in person visits.

I'm trying to figure out where I can have the best quality of life. I know I won't be seeing my 70s so quality is more important.

[blueskywalker]

Originally Posted by redhummingbird

Good to know about AZ. I have considered NM in the past and am now revisiting it. I lived there when I was very young. I don't remember it but loved it when I traveled there in the 90's.

I'll need to make a decision about Solvang in the next few weeks. Right now it's looking like my best, most affordable option. I have to decide whether living in an enclosed apartment building with no balcony is worth the trade off of affordability. I would also need to figure out how to reduce the apartment noise factor. I haven't lived in an apartment building in years.

If you loved New Mexico and feel drawn to it, i sure wouldn't rule it out.
Especially when it comes to issues of body and health, one's instinctual awareness is a very good guide and a good way to find a place on this planet that supports you on various levels and particularly your health. Often (not always) where you love is where you'll do well physically, emotionally and spiritually.

I lived in Santa Fe (a bit over 7000 ft.) and also spent time in Taos (a bit under 7000 ft).
High altitude living is, imo and in my experience, very good for the body although every body is different. The only warning that i'd give re; these two areas of New Mexico is, if you're prone to allergies, you may have a problem in that regard. Some people move to the desert and assume that allergies won't be an issue. Often they are an issue. Sometimes it's just a matter of adapting to the new environment.
I don't (and did not) have that problem.

Here (below) is some accurate information about the weather year round in Santa Fe. and the history of weather in Santa Fe dating back to 1972. If i wanted to leave California (i don't ... yet) i'd consider returning to N.M.. I love the high desert and both Taos and Santa Fe are quite stunning places and quite magical and expanding and transformative, ie; potentially healing (if you're into that kind of thing ) I tend to like quite a bit more moisture in the environment and so the dry heat (which it seems most people like [as opposed to humid heat] and do well with) is not my most favorite climate.

I think that providing accurate data is very important on this forum (and anywhere for that matter).

Examples:

The highest temperature in July in 1996 was 94 degrees. In July of 2015 it was 92 degrees. The average maximum temperature in July of 1996 was 86.1 degrees and the average maximum temperature in July of 2015 was 82.4.

The total precipitation in December of 2015 was 1.08 in. In December of 1996 the total was 00.0.
In March of 2015 the total precipitation was .51 and in '96 it was .12.


Weather History for Santa Fe, NM [New Mexico] for July

https://www.currentresults.com/Weath...th-average.php

[tikkasf]

Originally Posted by redhummingbird

I could find an alternative to the lack of balcony. There's a park nearby. I have an outdoor ant gravity recliner (very comfortable) that I could take with me. Yes-the senior places here have issues. One place that is contacted last week had issues with roaches. Another place had two residents mugged last year. So far I haven't had any luck.

As far as medical treatment I have a specialist north of here that I see. I contacted the senior center in Solvang to find out about medical care (specifically about how difficult it is to find Drs who take Medicare which is increasingly difficult to find here). I was told it's a senior friendly town. For some things I would need to travel to Santa Barbara. I would need to find a way to continue to see my specialist. He would work with me over the phone except for a couple semi annual in person visits.

I'm trying to figure out where I can have the best quality of life. I know I won't be seeing my 70s so quality is more important.

http://cdn.solvangusa.com/digital_fi...walkingmap.pdf

[MountainHi]

I think it's important to know that Ruth4Truth has been living in Santa Fe for at least 10 years, according to her posts, possibly longer, while Blueskywalker says she's a long-time resident of Santa Cruz, which means she hasn't lived in Santa Fe for at least that long, possibly twice that long. I would trust the word of someone actually living in a place over some statistics, as we don't know if those temp stats were even gathered in town. Stats gathered at vantage points outside of town, like airports, as is typical, don't always accurately reflect the reality people deal with in urban centers, which tend to be heat islands, pushing temps upward. But in any case, average temps in the 80's are very high.

And speaking of high temps, I took a look at the averages for Solvang for 2015. This may give you pause about moving there, OP. May: 80 June: 85 July: 92 Aug. 92 Sept.:89 Oct.: 83 If the averages are 85-92, that tells you there are quite a few days pushing 100, and even 100+. I don't know how Sacramento compares, but I do know that Solvang and the Santa Ynez valley don't have anything like the cool evening breezes that funnel up the river delta to Sac.

Did you ever consider applying for senior housing in Orinda, Lafayette, or Walnut Creek? I know it's pretty warm out there, but I doubt that area has averages in the 90's, and those are higher-end communities. If any of them has senior housing, I would guess it would be in good condition, clean, etc. El Cerrito or Albany might have something, too, though undoubtedly with a long waiting list.

[boulder2015]

Originally Posted by MountainHi

I think it's important to know that Ruth4Truth has been living in Santa Fe for at least 10 years, according to would trust the word of someone actually living in a place over some statistics, as we don't know if those temp stats were even gatht.

Are you joking with this defense? Seriously? No, the average state temp of nm has not risen 15 degrees in 2 decades. I didnt even need to look up the stats to know that wasnt true, i just did it for clarification... if anyone has info that supports ruths claim, post it here. Sorry, not going to trust the "feelings" of someone who routinely posts inaccurate info over actual empirical facts and data.

[tikkasf]

From reading another posting/s by OP, weather may aggravate OP's medical condition. My understanding is OP is trying to avoid areas with higher rain fall because lower barometric pressure that usually accompanies a rain storm may aggravate OPs condition. I don't recall OP stating the heat in the Sacramento area, where OP is living now, has been a problem. I would assume the apartments in these senior complexes that fit OP's budget are all rather small. Living in a small apartment, OP is likely going to feel the need to get out of the apartment regularly. So, hot weather does have to be a consideration. But, if OP is fairly tolerant of some hot weather, then OP likely will get by fine in Solvang. .....it's not like Redding in the summer

[blueskywalker]

Originally Posted by MountainHi

I think it's important to know that Ruth4Truth has been living in Santa Fe for at least 10 years, according to her posts, possibly longer, while Blueskywalker says she's a long-time resident of Santa Cruz, which means she hasn't lived in Santa Fe for at least that long, possibly twice that long. I would trust the word of someone actually living in a place over some statistics, as we don't know if those temp stats were even gathered in town. Stats gathered at vantage points outside of town, like airports, as is typical, don't always accurately reflect the reality people deal with in urban centers, which tend to be heat islands, pushing temps upward. But in any case, average temps in the 80's are very high.

And speaking of high temps, I took a look at the averages for Solvang for 2015. This may give you pause about moving there, OP. May: 80 June: 85 July: 92 Aug. 92 Sept.:89 Oct.: 83 If the averages are 85-92, that tells you there are quite a few days pushing 100, and even 100+. I don't know how Sacramento compares, but I do know that Solvang and the Santa Ynez valley don't have anything like the cool evening breezes that funnel up the river delta to Sac.

Did you ever consider applying for senior housing in Orinda, Lafayette, or Walnut Creek? I know it's pretty warm out there, but I doubt that area has averages in the 90's, and those are higher-end communities. If any of them has senior housing, I would guess it would be in good condition, clean, etc. El Cerrito or Albany might have something, too, though undoubtedly with a long waiting list.

LOL.