Am I a dufus for thinking of moving to CA? Specific wants in a city detailed... (San Diego: rent, how much)

[18Montclair]

Originally Posted by charles

minor detail.

lol

+1(not letting me rep ya officially so I'll do it here)

[9times]

Thanks everyone.

I do love the idea of SF and the Bay Area but it's the weather as much as the cost that has thrown me off. And Charles, I mentioned being a freelancer. At this point in my life, location is most important to me. (I'm actually considering living abroad again if I decide against CA or AZ. I'm just back in the US after 2 years abroad and am looking forward to living in another country again and soon.)

[BRinSM]

redlands comes to mind, although the downtown area is not that vibrant. palm springs may or may not be an option as well, although i think the downtown area mainly serves the local gay population.

[bellalunatic]

Originally Posted by 18Montclair

Have you ever been to San Francisco?

Aside from the weather(you wont need a big coat, but maybe a light jacket-LOL) and the cost of living, SF really meets every single one of your criteria effortlessly.

Granted it ain't cheap but as a rental share it can be done, see here:

classifieds - craigslist

[that1guy]

Some of the inland cities might work (Redlands, Merced, Davis, Riverside, Fresno). Not super close to the water, but closer than in AZ.

[steel7]

Originally Posted by 18Montclair

Have you ever been to San Francisco?

Aside from the weather(you wont need a big coat, but maybe a light jacket-LOL) and the cost of living, SF really meets every single one of your criteria effortlessly.

SF is one of the most expensive cities to live in the nation. I dont see how he will find any decent housing for under 1k month unless he lives in nasty oakland.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by 9times

I've searched and I've searched. I've been eliminating states and I'm down to AZ and CA. Off the top CA appeals much more, and I know that this isn't the best time to move without a job but I'd be moving with enough savings to live for nearly a year. Also I'm very much a freelancer. That being said:

1. I want warm weather. I'm looking forward to NOT owning a big coat.
2. I have nearly eliminated San Diego due to high costs, though I'm single and would be renting so it might be manageable. I'd prefer a city where I could afford to rent alone, and for under 800$ a month.
3. I'd like a highly walkable or bikeable community. I'm not in a hurry to purchase a car, and at most I'd like to purchase a scooter.
4. I'm not impressed by celebrity status and huge riches, yet I'm not ultra-granola/crunchy either. Hard to explain, but I'm sorta in-between. Would that be average?
5. I like a mix of cultures, and diversity in restaurants and cultural offerings.
6. I'd love to live in a vibrant downtown area.
7. More indy shops, farmer's markets, boutiques, less Wal-Marts.
8. Proximity to learning institutions, including healing arts schools is good.
9. Oh and I'd love to be close to water.

Just thought I'd post as I continued to search the site. Any kind thoughts appreciated.

What you want for $800 isn't going to work very many places in California. If you can double the rental budget Ca might work for you.

Nita

[UB50]

Los Angeles is doable if you are willing to get roommates.

The get the rest of the stuff you want, look at the LA basin (the area along Wilshire Blvd, up to the mountains on either side) or Pasadena or the San Fernando Valley. There are lots of places that would give you what you want.

[Rhenzanite]

You can rent a room for under $800 in SLO county. If you wanted to live alone, every one in a while a studio or granny unit pops up for $600 or so, you just have to be quick since the area is teeming with college students. They get snatched up really fast. I've seen 2 bedroom apartments in Los Osos for under $1000, if you wanted to get a roommate, we have a 3 bedroom house and pay $1100 so it can be done if you look hard enough

[Snort]

I dont see how he will find any decent housing for under 1k month unless he lives in nasty oakland.

[...waits for other shoe to drop.....]