Where should I live?
December 28, 2014 8:00 AM Subscribe
I work remotely (technically could work from anywhere, though it's easiest to be based in the U.S.) and I live in the Bay Area right now. Because I only make around $65,000, this isn't a very affordable place for me to live anymore. I'd like to move into a bigger apartment, and ideally would like to buy a house, so I'm considering moving somewhere else. More inside!
If I could afford to, I'd like to buy a house in the Berkeley Hills. Things I like here: Walkable, beautiful green neighborhoods; peace and quiet; easy access to public transit to a larger city; great bookstores and libraries; relative anonymity because of transient college students; liberal community; great quality of life, from fresh produce to yoga studios; lots of sunshine and a mild climate. Unfortunately, I don't have an extra $1 million.
Can you recommend a cheaper small town somewhere where I might be able to buy a house for $300,000 or less? Other relevant details:
-I'm female in my thirties, and would like to keep dating (very easy here, but I understand that may not be the case in other parts of the country)
-Sunshine is pretty important to me (really affects my mood). Portland, Oregon would be perfect, otherwise. Portland, Maine might be a possibility (I could handle cold better than unrelentingly gloomy winters).
-I'm interested in other cities in California (can anyone tell me about Ventura?) but also concerned about the fact that climate change is making problems like drought and wildfires worse here.
-I do like large cities, but because I want to live in a very quiet neighborhood, a smaller college town might be a better fit. That said, I loved living in a quiet neighborhood in Brooklyn; the people in NYC feel like kindred spirits to me more than anywhere else. I like creative communities.
-I'm completely happy with a quiet life at home, and have little need for entertainment outside the house. Still, I do like occasionally checking out new restaurants or art/music.
-I would consider living in a small town as long as it was liberal and the kind of place where I could still feel some sense of anonymity.
-I don't want to have kids, so schools etc. aren't a consideration.
-I'll consider continuing to rent, but would really prefer to put my money into a house where, hopefully, I could stay long-term. I'd also like to have a private backyard where I could have a garden.
Any suggestions welcome. Thanks!
If I could afford to, I'd like to buy a house in the Berkeley Hills. Things I like here: Walkable, beautiful green neighborhoods; peace and quiet; easy access to public transit to a larger city; great bookstores and libraries; relative anonymity because of transient college students; liberal community; great quality of life, from fresh produce to yoga studios; lots of sunshine and a mild climate. Unfortunately, I don't have an extra $1 million.
Can you recommend a cheaper small town somewhere where I might be able to buy a house for $300,000 or less? Other relevant details:
-I'm female in my thirties, and would like to keep dating (very easy here, but I understand that may not be the case in other parts of the country)
-Sunshine is pretty important to me (really affects my mood). Portland, Oregon would be perfect, otherwise. Portland, Maine might be a possibility (I could handle cold better than unrelentingly gloomy winters).
-I'm interested in other cities in California (can anyone tell me about Ventura?) but also concerned about the fact that climate change is making problems like drought and wildfires worse here.
-I do like large cities, but because I want to live in a very quiet neighborhood, a smaller college town might be a better fit. That said, I loved living in a quiet neighborhood in Brooklyn; the people in NYC feel like kindred spirits to me more than anywhere else. I like creative communities.
-I'm completely happy with a quiet life at home, and have little need for entertainment outside the house. Still, I do like occasionally checking out new restaurants or art/music.
-I would consider living in a small town as long as it was liberal and the kind of place where I could still feel some sense of anonymity.
-I don't want to have kids, so schools etc. aren't a consideration.
-I'll consider continuing to rent, but would really prefer to put my money into a house where, hopefully, I could stay long-term. I'd also like to have a private backyard where I could have a garden.
Any suggestions welcome. Thanks!
Have you ever checked out Austin?
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:10 AM on December 28, 2014
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:10 AM on December 28, 2014
I grew up in Oxnard but spent most of my time in Ventura; in fact, I'm visiting my parents for the holidays and went out there with friends last night. I'm 31, and my friends around here are all in their early to mid-thirties. it's a lovely town -- I have a huge crush on it -- and it's gentrified (for good & bad) a ton since my youth, although the gritty thrift shops remain between the Urban Outfitters and new schmancy restaurants. the beaches are gorgeous and uncrowded, and the green spaces for hiking super accessible (and views!).
if you're used to the Bay Area, though, you're going to find Ventura pretty small town. there's a farmers market, galleries, an emerging foodie culture (my best friends own an amazing food truck), etc. but it's limited, as would dating prospects be. Ojai and Santa Barbara are close, and LA is 1 to 1.5 hours away, which expands your dating/social circle depending on how far you're willing to drive. I'm also unsure what you'd find for under $300k. if non-condo houses are available for that price, I imagine they'd be in east Ventura, in less walkable areas and very far from the beach/Main Street.
the weather, though. can't beat it. late last night we were all whining about the cold and it was about... mid-forties? as cold as it gets. Christmas was 70 degrees.
posted by changeling at 8:42 AM on December 28, 2014
if you're used to the Bay Area, though, you're going to find Ventura pretty small town. there's a farmers market, galleries, an emerging foodie culture (my best friends own an amazing food truck), etc. but it's limited, as would dating prospects be. Ojai and Santa Barbara are close, and LA is 1 to 1.5 hours away, which expands your dating/social circle depending on how far you're willing to drive. I'm also unsure what you'd find for under $300k. if non-condo houses are available for that price, I imagine they'd be in east Ventura, in less walkable areas and very far from the beach/Main Street.
the weather, though. can't beat it. late last night we were all whining about the cold and it was about... mid-forties? as cold as it gets. Christmas was 70 degrees.
posted by changeling at 8:42 AM on December 28, 2014
Sounds like you might love Carrboro, North Carolina (right next to Chapel Hill.) Lots of young people because of the university (i.e., dates), reasonably inexpensive, many, many great cafes/hipster joints, farmer's market. Very sunny, but still four seasons. Downtown Durham would be similar. Good luck!
posted by caoimhe at 10:36 AM on December 28, 2014 [6 favorites]
posted by caoimhe at 10:36 AM on December 28, 2014 [6 favorites]
Carrboro, NC, mentioned above, is a great little town. It's next door to Chapel Hill, so it's got the whole college town thing going -- a small town with culture and amenities of a bigger place. But, I suspect it might feel too small to you. And the proximity to UNC and the good local schools make real estate more expensive.
But, just up the road is Durham. Coming from the Bay Area, it might still feel small. There are some great, in town, walkable neighborhoods with lovely, affordable homes. Summers are hot and humid, but really the weather in central NC is pretty great; you get a lot of sun, and, even in winter, you'll usually get a warm 60-degree plus day at least once a month if not more often.
Despite the past few years of right-wing politics in NC state government, NC is not as conservative as you might think if you've never lived in the south. And Durham, with a large African-American population, is pretty liberal. Lots of good stuff happening there.
posted by bluedaisy at 11:11 AM on December 28, 2014 [4 favorites]
But, just up the road is Durham. Coming from the Bay Area, it might still feel small. There are some great, in town, walkable neighborhoods with lovely, affordable homes. Summers are hot and humid, but really the weather in central NC is pretty great; you get a lot of sun, and, even in winter, you'll usually get a warm 60-degree plus day at least once a month if not more often.
Despite the past few years of right-wing politics in NC state government, NC is not as conservative as you might think if you've never lived in the south. And Durham, with a large African-American population, is pretty liberal. Lots of good stuff happening there.
posted by bluedaisy at 11:11 AM on December 28, 2014 [4 favorites]
You should live in: Denver Colorado
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:44 AM on December 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:44 AM on December 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
Walkable, beautiful green neighborhoods; peace and quiet; easy access to public transit to a larger city; great bookstores and libraries; relative anonymity because of transient college students; liberal community; great quality of life, from fresh produce to yoga studios; lots of sunshine and a mild climate.
Yes, you're describing Denver. I know most people think the climate is not exactly "mild," but I've lived in a truly miserable cold damp winter/hot muggy summer climate in the Midwest, and I lived in California (southern and Bay area) for a couple of decades. Denver's winter is actually pretty nice - a few really cold days, and definitely snow, but neither lasts long with all this sunshine. You can still buy a house or condo here for under $300,000 if you hurry (they're going fast). $65K/year is a comfortable income here, especially if you don't have to commute.
posted by caryatid at 11:58 AM on December 28, 2014 [2 favorites]
Yes, you're describing Denver. I know most people think the climate is not exactly "mild," but I've lived in a truly miserable cold damp winter/hot muggy summer climate in the Midwest, and I lived in California (southern and Bay area) for a couple of decades. Denver's winter is actually pretty nice - a few really cold days, and definitely snow, but neither lasts long with all this sunshine. You can still buy a house or condo here for under $300,000 if you hurry (they're going fast). $65K/year is a comfortable income here, especially if you don't have to commute.
posted by caryatid at 11:58 AM on December 28, 2014 [2 favorites]
Denver is wonderful and very, very popular right now. It's also relatively affordable compared to other desirable urban settings. It's sunny most of the time, vibrant, and has several quiet neighborhoods. My Season Affective Disorder all but disappeared once I moved to Colorado.
But depending on your future plans (kids especially), be warned that the state does not like to spend money on frivolities like education or public transportation. We've become a very liberal-meets-libertarian state, in that you can let whatever freak flag you might have fly, just don't expect us to pay for anything but our own flag.
I have a friend in your situation (albeit with more money) who moved from Oakland to Vermont and loves everything about his new state, but that probably doesn't meet your criteria for sun.
posted by bibliowench at 12:09 PM on December 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
But depending on your future plans (kids especially), be warned that the state does not like to spend money on frivolities like education or public transportation. We've become a very liberal-meets-libertarian state, in that you can let whatever freak flag you might have fly, just don't expect us to pay for anything but our own flag.
I have a friend in your situation (albeit with more money) who moved from Oakland to Vermont and loves everything about his new state, but that probably doesn't meet your criteria for sun.
posted by bibliowench at 12:09 PM on December 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
Actually, Portland Maine compares favorably with a lot of cities for percent of possible sunshine in the winter. It gets dark early, though. Portland is a great town, and does well on most of your criteria. I grew up there and still visit family there regularly. It has a lot to offer culturally for a city its size, including lots of very good restaurants.
posted by jkent at 2:02 PM on December 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by jkent at 2:02 PM on December 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
Tell me if you move to the Berkeley hills, I'll help with the move. :-). Here is Sunset magazine's 24 best places to live and work for 2014.
Some of them (San Francisco) are not affordable, as you know. If I were moving, I'd probably move to Salt Lake City because the people are nice, the health care is excellent and affordable, and their are a few freaks, though not as many as I'd like.
If I could handle humidity, I'd move to Ruthless Bunny's neighbourhood, because it sounds great and, also, I like her a lot.
posted by Bella Donna at 2:54 PM on December 28, 2014 [2 favorites]
Some of them (San Francisco) are not affordable, as you know. If I were moving, I'd probably move to Salt Lake City because the people are nice, the health care is excellent and affordable, and their are a few freaks, though not as many as I'd like.
If I could handle humidity, I'd move to Ruthless Bunny's neighbourhood, because it sounds great and, also, I like her a lot.
posted by Bella Donna at 2:54 PM on December 28, 2014 [2 favorites]
Maybe San Diego? Less going on, but significantly cheaper...
posted by paultopia at 3:29 PM on December 28, 2014
posted by paultopia at 3:29 PM on December 28, 2014
I'm a Denver-ite and love it but there are other cities in Colorado that are really nice.
Ft. Collins is another amazing college and technology town.
Montrose / Delta are pretty nice communities surrounded by farmland that many artisans have moved to to sell to the ski resort visitors (Telluride / Aspen / Etc), but still afford a place to live.
Pueblo is a great little ex-steel mill town in Colorado, cheap since that crashed, but full of beautiful houses and a strong Union / Community history.
posted by nickggully at 7:42 PM on December 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
Ft. Collins is another amazing college and technology town.
Montrose / Delta are pretty nice communities surrounded by farmland that many artisans have moved to to sell to the ski resort visitors (Telluride / Aspen / Etc), but still afford a place to live.
Pueblo is a great little ex-steel mill town in Colorado, cheap since that crashed, but full of beautiful houses and a strong Union / Community history.
posted by nickggully at 7:42 PM on December 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
Check out Lafayette, LA. It fits most of your criteria (all of them, depending on your definition of liberal). The economy here has been strong as we have not felt the effects of the latest recessions as the rest of the country. Lafayette has been showing up on the list of top mid-size cities in the United States for the last few years, sometimes topping the list. Your income is almost double the median household income here, so you would have fairly good buying power. A very decent house would be in the $200-250K range. Newer houses tend to have minimal yards, but 20-40 year old houses will typically have .3-.5 acre lots. With a $300k budget you should find a nice house with a decent yard, pool, etc. Rent in an upscale apartment is $1000-1200/month
There is public transportation, but it is not ideal. You will need a car. The heat and humidity make walking and biking not very practical, although cycling trails have made an improvement here. Traffic here is worse than it was 10 years ago, but nothing compared to big city traffic. Lafayette's location also puts it close to some interesting larger cities. It is a two hour drive to New Orleans, four hours to Houston and Mobile and Galveston.
The local government here has been trying to attract business other than energy sector for the last decade. The city can provide internet/cable/phone as a utility with a fiber network throughout the city. They were just rated as having the fastest home internet in the world which may be a plus for you if you work from home.
Other cities you may like in the area are New Orleans, Houston and as others have mentioned, Austin. Texas has no state income tax, but their property taxes are much higher. There is also higher traffic and crime in the bigger cities.
posted by Yorrick at 9:18 PM on December 28, 2014
There is public transportation, but it is not ideal. You will need a car. The heat and humidity make walking and biking not very practical, although cycling trails have made an improvement here. Traffic here is worse than it was 10 years ago, but nothing compared to big city traffic. Lafayette's location also puts it close to some interesting larger cities. It is a two hour drive to New Orleans, four hours to Houston and Mobile and Galveston.
The local government here has been trying to attract business other than energy sector for the last decade. The city can provide internet/cable/phone as a utility with a fiber network throughout the city. They were just rated as having the fastest home internet in the world which may be a plus for you if you work from home.
Other cities you may like in the area are New Orleans, Houston and as others have mentioned, Austin. Texas has no state income tax, but their property taxes are much higher. There is also higher traffic and crime in the bigger cities.
posted by Yorrick at 9:18 PM on December 28, 2014
Amherst, MA (and surrounding towns) hits many of your criteria.
posted by oceano at 7:46 AM on December 29, 2014
posted by oceano at 7:46 AM on December 29, 2014
I'm screaming ditto on Lafayette. I live 2 hours from there and when I check out online dating profiles, all the cool guys are in Lafayette. The food is amazing, the culture is friendly and eclectic, and you get all the sunshine you can take. Louisiana is less expensive to live in than most states. The movie industry is moving in so there is a chance of added coolness happening. The only downside is that there is less of a variety for day trips than in a more urban area. If you want to get out of town, you will need to spend the night. Oh, wait, one other downside, it's tropical so you get all sorts of little things crawling around, year around. On the plus side, the humidity will make your skin look amazing. In Louisiana, the only people who age are the ones who smoke and/or live a hard life. Everyone else looks years younger than we actually are.
posted by myselfasme at 8:17 AM on December 29, 2014
posted by myselfasme at 8:17 AM on December 29, 2014
Putting a vote in for Phoenix. We have 300 days of sunshine, a housing market that is just coming back but still filled with plenty of deals, liberal pockets in the central corridor of the city (and as of our last census, we are 40% Mexican so I feel like the liberal segment could grow.) Our winters are bright but brisk (it was low 40s this morning; high expected to be in the mid 50s. This is below normal for us. Usually mid 60s to low 70s.) Flagstaff and Tucson are great day trips with plenty of outdoor activities. Worth a look.
posted by nubianinthedesert at 9:47 AM on December 29, 2014
posted by nubianinthedesert at 9:47 AM on December 29, 2014
Another vote for Lafayette: It has the last retail Borden's ice cream parlor in the entire U.S. of A. Given that, how could you not move there?
posted by Bella Donna at 10:20 AM on December 29, 2014
posted by Bella Donna at 10:20 AM on December 29, 2014
How about Asheville, North Carolina? I recently visited for just a few days but thought it was amazing. It has a small town feel with tons of excellent restaurants, breweries and events going on year-round. Plus it's near the Blue Ridge Parkway so you can get to hiking/outdoor activities quite easily. Not sure on the housing prices but since it's the South it should still be fairly affordable. I live in Portland, Oregon and it definitely reminded me of home.
You are very lucky to have the opportunity to live anywhere. Good luck in making your decision!
posted by purple24 at 10:53 AM on December 29, 2014 [1 favorite]
You are very lucky to have the opportunity to live anywhere. Good luck in making your decision!
posted by purple24 at 10:53 AM on December 29, 2014 [1 favorite]
Portland, OR really isn't all that gloom and doom... there's a lot more "mixed sun/cloud" days than anything else. Slightly further east in the Gorge, it's even better, so long as you're not at Cascade Locks. Head as far as The Dalles, and it's mostly sunny. That's what I do when the grey gets to me - head east.
Southern Oregon would probably work, too. Klamath Falls boasts over 300 days with sun a year.
posted by stormyteal at 11:22 PM on December 29, 2014
Southern Oregon would probably work, too. Klamath Falls boasts over 300 days with sun a year.
posted by stormyteal at 11:22 PM on December 29, 2014
Portland has a cool culture and a lot of the stuff you're looking for in a city, but its pretty cold and dark most of the winter. Southern Oregon is a little better but you might as well just be in Northern California at that point. However, when the sun does shine here, it's beautiful. One of the best places to be during summer in the country imo.
posted by SamMiller at 1:08 PM on December 31, 2014
posted by SamMiller at 1:08 PM on December 31, 2014
This thread is closed to new comments.
I've lived in the Bay Area, Berkeley, Albany, Oakland, etc. So I can attest that the transition will be pretty easy.
We have great restaurants, awesome cultural activities like symphony, theater and museums. Sports teams if you swing that way.
We're very integrated here, with lots of different cultures. You want Korean food? Forggeddaboutit. We got Korean food coming out of our ears! Ditto Vietnamese, Mexican, Chinese, etc. Hell, I can satisfy any hankering you may have on one street, Buford Highway.
You want Farmer's Markets, we have two fantastic options! Your Dekalb Farmers Market and the Buford Highway Farmer's Market.
World class health care, universities for miles and a bastion of liberality in the conservative south.
It's not perfect, but for affordability and ease of living, you can't beat it. If you want to visit, call me, I'll be your tour guide.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 8:10 AM on December 28, 2014 [6 favorites]