East Coast Guy Curious About CA (Los Angeles, Santa Clarita: to rent, mobile home, buying)

[M3Guy]

Originally Posted by Thekdog

On leased land: Yes
Lease amount: $1,486


But Santa Clarita is more affordable, it just doesn't hit your other requirements

Ah, good catch.

I have been looking in Santa Clarita too. It is definitely in my budget. But why is it affordable being that close to LA and Glendale?

From what I hear in this thread, if you don't pay at least $600k-$700k for a house in SoCal, there will be a catch.

[CA4Now]

Originally Posted by M3Guy

Californians, what's the catch here? Is this house in a crime infested area, or?.....

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2...5920460_zpid/?

77 days on Zillow, in this market? Something must be wrong there.

[Thekdog]

Originally Posted by M3Guy

Ah, good catch.

I have been looking in Santa Clarita too. It is definitely in my budget. But why is it affordable being that close to LA and Glendale?

From what I hear in this thread, if you don't pay at least $600k-$700k for a house in SoCal, there will be a catch.

It's not that close, it's almost 30 miles to Glendale. But many do make that commute to downtown LA.

But it has a lot of houses which helps prices

Even $700k is a stretch. I think you need $900k plus HOA for the bottom range of anything good

[CA4Now]

Originally Posted by Thekdog

I think my friend is technically in Pomona. Can get some nice townhomes under $600k. Unfortunately there is usually a high HOA. Ontario has them too

Downtown historic Pomona is gentrifying and there's a lot going on there now, culturally. There are threads on it in the San Bernardino/Riverside sub forum. Ontario? That's a whole 'nother experience.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by M3Guy

Californians, what's the catch here? Is this house in a crime infested area, or?.....

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2...5920460_zpid/?

If a house needs a little work, not a big deal. But that one is pretty dang affordable if you ask me. But I dunno.

1. It's out in the desert. The middle of nowhere, really. It's not exactly a thriving town with a lot going on.
2. Small lot.
3. 2 br. Most people (families) want 3.
4. Gated community. Check the HOA fee.
5. It's in the desert. a) Check to make sure it has a reliable water supply. Check to see how much the monthly water bill is. Find out who pays to keep those little patches of lawn along the curbs green. Probably--you, via the HOA fee. b) Check the electricity bills to see how much it costs to cool that puppy in the long summers. Example:

On average, Santa Clarita, CA residents spend about $358 per month on electricity. That adds up to $4,296 per year.

Converting to solar energy is recommended out there.

https://www.energysage.com/local-dat...santa-clarita/


Oh, and last, but by no means least:

6. Check to make sure the development wasn't created by an F-ing Real Estate Investment Trust. They are the WORST! If it was, it means the whole shebang is a commodity being traded on on the stock market. It means, the investment company that created it is more interested in paying dividends to its stockholders than in serving its homeowners fairly/squarely. Research the community; that info should be available if you dig around. Look into who runs the HOA, and who the HOA is attached to.


It looks to me like an artificial community kept alive perhaps by depleting an underground aquifer. For now, it's able to maintain the illusion of a normal California suburb with leafy trees and green grass, by using .... what water exactly? Limited groundwater? Recycled/treated waste water? Find out. If you buy in, your future could depend on the answer.

[Ruth4Truth]

First listing that came up in Santa Clarita. A much better deal than in that development outside of town.

https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...=srp-list-card

[Axxlrod]

OP, why do you think there will be less politics here in CA, than in the south? CA is a hotbed of politics. If you're a liberal, it's great. If you're a conservative, it sucks.

CA is a huge place and many places offer what you are seeking, but home cost will be your biggest obstacle. With your degree/job in mind, I'd say look around the refineries in El Segundo and Carson. Then look eastward from there to find housing.

I'll offer this. If the only way you can afford to move to CA is to move to Lancaster/Palmdale or the Inland Empire, then find another state. Those areas are so far from the "CA dream" that it hardly resembles it. My opinion.

[Kings Gambit]

Originally Posted by Danica32

First thing that came to mind was Long Beach. What is your anticipated budget for a rental or purchase? That will help people in their response.

Originally Posted by M3Guy

Ooof, Long Beach sounds expensive

Realistic anticipated budget:
$2000-$3000/month in rent
$250k - $325k for purchase (this could probably go up, but to be safe)

I should add, I am good with smaller living spaces like 750-1200 sqft. I don't own much stuff.

Also, I can't do the roommate thing LOL. I haven't done it in a while, and if I can help it, won't go back to it.

Originally Posted by M3Guy

Heres the rundown:
I am 36M
Single, no kids (hopefully future)
I don't do night life too much, but I enjoy doing things on the weekends
I like close circles of friends
I don't do politics
I like being around the 25 - 45 year old crowd
Quirky art/music areas are a plus
I make approximately $85k in my field currently
I am a homeowner currently (I own a condo in the city)
I love the city. Not so much the suburbs. However, right on the outskirts of the city would be ok if it fits budget
I like hot/warm weather, with very mild winters (see below for reasoning)

Hobbies:
I am a car guy
Outdoorsy
I am an AVID cyclist (road and gravel riding). I go on rides anytime I get the chance.
Regarding being a cyclist, I enjoy being into local cycling communities to meet people to ride with.

So considering all above, can you all suggest me cities not far from LA, or neighborhoods in LA that would fit best for me?

Since you are specifically asking about Los Angeles and its outskirts, you probably should have posted this in the Los Angeles Forum instead of the California forum.

Based on your wants/needs, you are NOT going to be able to purchase anything anywhere near Los Angeles with your purchase budget. But you should be able to obtain a rental with your listed rental budget of $2k-$3k per month.

From what you are looking for, I'd say the SF Valley is where you want. Maybe Burbank, NoHo, Sherman Oaks or even as far west as Woodland Hills. These areas have all that you want and more.

[Axxlrod]

Originally Posted by M3Guy

Californians, what's the catch here? Is this house in a crime infested area, or?.....

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2...5920460_zpid/?

If a house needs a little work, not a big deal. But that one is pretty dang affordable if you ask me. But I dunno.

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

First listing that came up in Santa Clarita. A much better deal than in that development outside of town.

https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...=srp-list-card

You guys realize both of these are mobile homes in trailer parks, right? Hardly a place for a young single guy that likes to enjoy life and wants to meet people.

[NW4me]

Originally Posted by M3Guy

Californians, what's the catch here? Is this house in a crime infested area, or?.....

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/20...5920460_zpid/?

If a house needs a little work, not a big deal. But that one is pretty dang affordable if you ask me. But I dunno.

That's astonishing! A small house on a small lot, but it looks clean and modern.
I thought that perhaps the price was low because the house was right next to a freeway... but it isn't.

The drive to LA from there would be miserable, but many people do it.
There's also a commuter train:
metrolinktrains.com/rider-info/general-info/stations/santa-clarita

And if you work from home or are retired, the daily drive wouldn't be a factor.