Well, I never really expected this, but I may be moving to southern California in the next year or so. The only places in Cali I have been were LAX and San Francisco's airport, which doesn't count for much. I'd be working at the Ontario airport, but know enough about the town to not want anything to do with living there.
So here are the questions. Where would you live if you were moving your family out there? I've got a 4 bed two bath 2,100sq ft house now and would like to shoot for something similar. Access to mountain biking and motorcycle roads would be important. I like to live an outdoor lifestyle, so camping, hiking, swimming nearby would be good also. Commute to work that isn't 8 hours long would be nice. All housing is going to be too expensive for me after being used to a Midwest budget, but what am I looking at for a safe neighborhood for the kids? Also, where specifically should I avoid?
I like SF, SD, and Monterey... and avoid LA.
Quote from: ryandalling on July 22, 2010, 05:06:16 AM
I like SF, SD, and Monterey... and avoid LA.
This.
I personally think Monterey/Carmel has shitty weather. San Luis Obispo is nice. If you like things more rural and inland the Santa Ynez Valley is beautiful. These are more Central Coast though.
And even in this economy be prepared to be shocked at realestate prices. Pick where you want to live based on how you actually live. You pay a premium to live here. Make sure you get what you are paying for.
For example, I live in a seaside community a few blocks from the beach. We pay a premium for that. But we use the beach all the time. So we feel we get our money's worth. Occasionally we talk to people who tell us that they haven't been to the beach in a year. WTF? If you are paying the premium to live seaside and don't use the beaches, own a boat, etc what the hell is the point. Its like living in Aspen and not skiing. You can NOT ski in Kansas for much less.
So be honest with yourself about how you really live and select a location based on that. And be willing to down size the sqft a bit. The weather is beautiful here all of the time. You will be spending more time outdoors. Patios count as living space. If you don't think you will, don't move here. Because you are paying a premium for the weather too. Not taking advantage of it missing the point of being here.
Good luck with your search.
sac
If you will be working at the Ontario airport, you kind of have to live somewhere close to it. Unless you have access to flying/commuting by air there. Living east toward the San Bernardino hills for moto riding makes sense. But you have to be realistic about real estate. IT'S EXPENSIVE relative to almost everywhere else with few exceptions.
Hate to say it, but you most likely want to avoid any area that you can afford. No. not really, but expect to pay $400K and up. Good luck in your decision if you make it out west. It really is kind of nice out here if you can afford it and enjoy it.
Ciao!
Shit I missed the Ontario Airport deal somehow. That being the case I'll just say this: Corona is a hole in the earth. If you need crack go to Corona.
Riverside: Not so good.
Pomona: A whole lot of nothin' but some areas are safe and all
San Dimas: Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure was set there, so that's cool
You will have a long commute no matter where you live because you will have to take the 10. It is like hell. Six lanes of hell (in each direction). Nothing in the midwest can compare.
All I can say is come out and visit this area by yourself for a few days and see if you really want to live in that area. I'd personally rather move back to WI.
Cheers.
sac
Quote from: SacDuc on July 22, 2010, 07:33:25 AM
For example, I live in a seaside community a few blocks from the beach. ing the point of being here.
Sea Colony?
There is definitely a premium to be paid in Los Angeles, though I don't see why myself. I work here, and can't really work many other places in this industry. So when the day comes that I choose to buy a house, I think that I will be looking North of LA, even if there is a commute, possibly in Oxnard, Santa Clarita, or Camarillo. Prices will be lower, the prospect of a yard is more promising, less yuppies and hipsters, and I believe a better environment to raise a family. I would prefer San Francisco or Monterey, and Santa Ynez is nice as well.
Quote from: SacDuc on July 22, 2010, 08:04:12 AM
Shit I missed the Ontario Airport deal somehow. That being the case I'll just say this: Corona is a hole in the earth. If you need crack go to Corona.
Riverside: Not so good.
Pomona: A whole lot of nothing' but some areas are safe and all
San Dimas: Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure was set there, so that's cool
You will have a long commute no matter where you live because you will have to take the 10. It is like hell. Six lanes of hell (in each direction). Nothing in the midwest can compare.
All I can say is come out and visit this area by yourself for a few days and see if you really want to live in that area. I'd personally rather move back to WI.
Cheers.
sac
You just pretty much nailed all of my fears in one post! I am pulling for a new job, but it could end up being just about anywhere. Personally, I am hoping for San Antonio. I would like to move out of KY, but Cali was NOT on my wish list. Things I like about the idea are the beach, climate and mountains. Everything else sounds awful. Smog, traffic, high population, USC (NOT a fan of PAC 10 football), etc... When Ontario came at me it was totally unexpected. Just doing a little research to be ahead of the game.
if you want beach and San Diego is an option, MUCH MUCH nicer than LA, and (relatively) more affordable.
Encinitas, Carlsbad, Cardiff, Solana Beach... all a 30-45 min commute +/-
Quote from: NoisyDante on July 22, 2010, 09:02:53 AM
Sea Colony?
There is definitely a premium to be paid in Los Angeles, though I don't see why myself. I work here, and can't really work many other places in this industry. So when the day comes that I choose to buy a house, I think that I will be looking North of LA, even if there is a commute, possibly in Oxnard, Santa Clarita, or Camarillo. Prices will be lower, the prospect of a yard is more promising, less yuppies and hipsters, and I believe a better environment to raise a family. I would prefer San Francisco or Monterey, and Santa Ynez is nice as well.
I live in Santa Barbara (by the way Bacon Junkie and I are riding Sunday morning if'n you wanna meet us in Ojai)
Between Oxnard and Camarillo I'd take Oxnard. Nice town. Seems laid back. Moorpark area could be worse. LOTS of good riding around there and likely some good home prices about now too. Some decent restaurants as well.
I work in the Santa Ynez area mostly. I am busy ruining it by building over sized homes for people who want to turn this place into the next Napa Valley. It is beautiful here but in 10-15 years it will be expensive and full of pricks who just inherited one of mommy and daddy's country homes.
sac
/I still don't like the Monterey area
The closest board members to Ontario are myself, arai_speed, and ICON. I've sent you a PM. :)
Privateer is probably the next closest and I think r_ciao lives around us somewhere but I don't know exactly where all the socal guys live. :P
Quote from: SacDuc on July 22, 2010, 08:04:12 AM
~~SNIP~~
That being the case I'll just say this: Corona is a hole in the earth. If you need crack go to Corona.
Riverside: Not so good.
Pomona: A whole lot of nothin' but some areas are safe and all
San Dimas: Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure was set there, so that's cool
~~SNIP~~
Shit, let's paint everything with a brush a mile wide, shall we? [roll]
There's crappy areas everywhere, even near where *you* live.
I lived in Riverside county for 20 years.
Most of the areas close to there will be hot in the summer, but you likely already know that.
Ontario is fairly close to Lake Arrowhead/Big Bear, so your outdoor/hiking/camping/swimming would be covered there.
Realistically, come out and see what the local areas are like.
When/if you move, rent housing until you really find out where you want to live.
Quote from: Speeddog on July 22, 2010, 09:35:42 AM
Shit, let's paint everything with a brush a mile wide, shall we? [roll]
There's crappy areas everywhere, even near where *you* live.
Well, this being an internet forum and all I didn't think this was the place to write a 50 page list of pros and cons for each and every burg from Long Beach to Cazabon.
All of the comments I made were in the context of a guy from the midwest looking for an affordable 2000sqft home in safe neighborhood for his kids within reasonable driving distance of the Ontario Airport. Did I make very general statements? Yes. Would anyone look at statements so broad and think that is the only thing to be said for a given area? Only an idiot. Do I stand by what I said? Yes. Are there bad areas near where *I* live? Yeah, but who gives a make the beast with two backs since he isn't moving here.
I didn't say anything bad about you personally, so countering what I have said with information that points to the contrary would likely be most helpful to the original poster. The close proximity of the outdoorsy stuff is a good start.
By the way, you said you lived (past tense) in Riverside County. Why don't you live there now?
sac
pissing match?
[popcorn]
can't we all just get along?
;D
i love this forum!!!!!
Quote from: r_ciao on July 22, 2010, 09:50:31 AM
pissing match?
[popcorn]
can't we all just get along?
;D
i love this forum!!!!!
;D
(http://malcolm816.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/tillikum-are-you-not-entertained-is-this-not-why-you-are-here.jpg)
(http://derekyap.com/livinglifelarge/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/gladiator.jpg)
Quote from: r_ciao on July 22, 2010, 09:50:31 AM
pissing match?
[popcorn]
can't we all just get along?
;D
i love this forum!!!!!
And here I was hoping that I'd get some fight out of knocking USC. I was way off... Anyhow, thanks for the good info from all. I have no idea if/when this will/won't happen. Just an offhand comment from my manager about next moves up the career ladder. I'll keep the Pontucky comments in mind since I am trying to get away from the real Kentucky. Not really a fan. If I am heading to the area I'll throw up a post to let you guys know. Thanks again!
people hate USC b/c they are arrogant.
though, apparently not above the ethics rules.
giving back the Heisman has got to tarnish SC's image.
there's so much more to the Pac-10 than USC. really.
Go Cal Bears!
If lane splitting and year round riding don't sway you on the moto forum I don't know what will :D
I assume you would be getting a raise during this move? The best suggestion I heard is to come out and stay for few days / week and check out the area.
i agree that you should come out and have alook around. Plus if it were me, id go back to the neighborhoods you like after dark. take a look around and see what type of people and activity goes on at night in the neighborhood. youd be surprised how many places in so cal look OK during the day, but turn into complete trash at night.
Good luck with the move, if it happens
Quote from: DW on July 22, 2010, 02:34:25 AM
Well, I never really expected this, but I may be moving to southern California in the next year or so. The only places in Cali I have been were LAX and San Francisco's airport, which doesn't count for much. I'd be working at the Ontario airport, but know enough about the town to not want anything to do with living there.
So here are the questions. Where would you live if you were moving your family out there? I've got a 4 bed two bath 2,100sq ft house now and would like to shoot for something similar. Access to mountain biking and motorcycle roads would be important. I like to live an outdoor lifestyle, so camping, hiking, swimming nearby would be good also. Commute to work that isn't 8 hours long would be nice. All housing is going to be too expensive for me after being used to a Midwest budget, but what am I looking at for a safe neighborhood for the kids? Also, where specifically should I avoid?
southern california in general..
Quote from: SacDuc on July 22, 2010, 09:26:42 AM
I live in Santa Barbara (by the way Bacon Junkie and I are riding Sunday morning if'n you wanna meet us in Ojai)
Between Oxnard and Camarillo I'd take Oxnard. Nice town. Seems laid back. Moorpark area could be worse. LOTS of good riding around there and likely some good home prices about now too. Some decent restaurants as well.
sac
Move to Ojai (all the outdoor activities you need), get transfered to work at Oxnard Airport, get your morning coffee at "full of beans" and have a relaxing, fun and twisty 2 wheel commute w/o traffic to and from work each day.
Starting to sound kinda like this....
California ad (Arnold Schwarzenegger, David Beckham & Rob Lowe) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIs7-K_5EVs#normal)
Quote from: Grappa on July 22, 2010, 11:55:00 PM
Starting to sound kinda like this....
California ad (Arnold Schwarzenegger, David Beckham & Rob Lowe) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIs7-K_5EVs#normal)
[laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [thumbsup]
Yes, California would be a great place to live on the Governator's budget! Of course, on their budget almost any place would be nice to live.
As far as visiting places at night before buying, I always do that. The other piece of advice is to check out runway headings that point right at your house. It is amazing how many people work in aviation and still buy houses right under approach/departure paths because they don't look.
California es un maravilloso lugar para vivir. una tierra de oportunidades para todos. aparcamiento gratuito demasiado.
Quote from: bobspapa on July 23, 2010, 06:02:16 AM
California es un maravilloso lugar para vivir. una tierra de oportunidades para todos. aparcamiento gratuito demasiado.
[laugh]
Quote from: DW on July 22, 2010, 02:34:25 AM
Well, I never really expected this, but I may be moving to southern California in the next year or so. The only places in Cali I have been were LAX and San Francisco's airport, which doesn't count for much. I'd be working at the Ontario airport, but know enough about the town to not want anything to do with living there.
So here are the questions. Where would you live if you were moving your family out there? I've got a 4 bed two bath 2,100sq ft house now and would like to shoot for something similar. Access to mountain biking and motorcycle roads would be important. I like to live an outdoor lifestyle, so camping, hiking, swimming nearby would be good also. Commute to work that isn't 8 hours long would be nice. All housing is going to be too expensive for me after being used to a Midwest budget, but what am I looking at for a safe neighborhood for the kids? Also, where specifically should I avoid?
I'd pick Chino Hills (I lived there for several years and have friends who still do) or Rancho Cucamonga. In general they have newer developments so you'll find newer houses with younger families. I know how it is moving into a neighborhood that has no kids for your own kids to play with.
Chino Hills to Ontario airport area is not far, and for the most part you're going against traffic. The newest section of Chino Hills has a brand new high school, well, a couple years, and most of the other schools are in the 15 year old range. By contrast, I live in a developed area of OC and my kid's school was built in the 60's I'm pretty sure. Everything's upgraded with new technology and all, but still that institutional red brick look depresses me.
And yeah, as Nick said, there are bad areas of any town. In addition to the suggestion of visiting a place after dark, I suggest visiting it on a weekend. See what it's like when everyone's off work and school. My neighbor across the street from me used to blare his banda (mexican polka music, basically) music all day saturday until I wanted to scratch my eyes out.
If there's a HOA, make sure you scrutinize the CC&R. Some have pretty draconian rules about motorcycles and/or working on vehicles in your driveway/garage.
If you can find something in your price range, Claremont is very nice also but more upscale than Chino Hills.
In general the further east and north you go from the airport the more.. uh rural it'll get, to a point. But also you're likely to find more foreclosure neighborhoods (that is, neighborhoods that imploded due to speculators or people who got loans they could have never afforded).
Let me know what other questions you have and I'll do the best I can to help.
I just moved to downtown LA - maybe not good for a "traditional" family, but it is fantastic for me, my soon to be wife and our dog-child. LOTS to do and all close by. You just have to go at the right times. 5pm is not the right time unless what you want to do involves sitting in traffic ;D
It's easy to get to the beach, shopping, mountains, tracks, amazing roads to ride on, etc... the weather is fantastic as well. Hannah and I love it here [bow_down]
Quote from: desmoworks on July 26, 2010, 08:45:15 AM
I just moved to downtown LA
welcome to LA... have you made it to bike night (santa monica, not hollywood) yet?
Quote from: derby on July 26, 2010, 09:24:44 AM
welcome to LA... have you made it to bike night (santa monica, not hollywood) yet?
Nope, I haven't. I don't ride a street bike so I rarely go to street bike events (have been track only for the last few years) - I don't even have a motorcycle license anymore. I am in the process of deciding what street bike to get though - I need a bike for daily transportation so once I pick something up I'll probably come out.