Relocating to S. Cali!

[kpaske]

Kahuna -

I'll probably be coming down for a few weekends in the September to November time frame to look at houses, so I'll definitely give you a call. So you think Escondido looks good... Any other suggestions for neighborhoods? Like I said, I'd love to live right in SD, at least SD county, but I just don't think I'll be able to afford it for my first home. It's the downpayment that will really stop me - a VA loan can be $0 down, so I'm limited to the $350k. I figure once I buy in the area, I can always upgrae 5 years down the road.

Casabel -

Thanks for the welcome... Yeah, I've got some friends in the LA area too, so it's something to consider also. And from what I understand, there are also a lot of neighborhoods with relatively less expensive housing than in the SD area. I guess the problem is I worry that those won't be the neighborhoods I want to live in! I definitely don't want to spend $300k+ for a crackerbox house in the ghetto. I don't mind fixing up a house a bit as long as there isn't anything too majorly wrong, and it's livable when I buy it - in fact, I like doing home fixup type projects, if I've got the time.

[Kahuna]

kpaske

You know, the best idea would be for you to live in SD or LA for a period of time before buying. That way you really get to know what you like and don't like. I lived in LA for....all my life except for the three years I've been here.

I love the area I'm in. Stones throw away from the beach, 12 minute to downtown, coastal weather, if you go inland....2 miles it can get much hotter than the coast. I'm between the 5,52,56 and 805 fwys. So great access to everywhere.

Escondido is nice, but if your moving to SD then why settle for anything that is not right by the beach or at least quick access. They found that if you live more than 10minutes away...people just don't go on a regular basis. Now that okay if the beach or coast is not what you came here for. But if it is...even in a small way. Just......look. When you get out here I'll show you what I mean.

As for LA. You have alot of choices. First and foremost, San Gabriel or San Fernando Valley. It makes a big difference. Two different worlds. I personnaly like the San Gabriel Valley the best. Cities like Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Parts of Pasadena, La Canada. You may want to ask ANITA. I believes she lives in the Fernando Valley.

[rickshaw]

I live in Orange County. Like Kahuna said, Escondido-Carlsbad-Oceanside and commute to Orange County. You do have a metroline train option, Oceanside to OC and LA. It's a way better commute than what I did a few years back, Inland Empire to OC, 120 miles a day. But there a alot of new housing out there. I ended up finding a fixer upper closer to work and I now have a only a 7 mile commute each way.

Gene