How in the world do you make it in CA?

BladderCancerSxMgt · Aug 30, 2005

How about Woodside?

Still pretty pricey.

I'd suggest Vallejo/Napa/Fairfield area in the North Bay. At least somewhat more affordable (boy is THAT a relative term) and there are ferries into SF if you work there. I used to do the ferry from Alameda to SF and it was GREAT. So much less stressful than bus/BART.

Cheers,

DL

Pachinko · Aug 30, 2005

A question for Californians--I know the housing prices are outrageous, but will the bubble be bursting anytime soon? My boyfriend and I are moving to LA after I graduate and are hoping (?) to buy a condo at some point, in an area that isn't too dangerous.

Gomer · Aug 30, 2005

A question for Californians--I know the housing prices are outrageous, but will the bubble be bursting anytime soon? My boyfriend and I are moving to LA after I graduate and are hoping (?) to buy a condo at some point, in an area that isn't too dangerous.

I doubt that the housing bubble will ever burst in LA (or San Fran or San Diego). 10 years ago I bought a 2 bedroom condo in the somewhat safe area of Venice/Marina Del Rey for $165,000. Sold it last year for over $700K.

The average price of a home in the LA area is now at about $450K which means to afford to buy you need at least $90K for a down payment and a combined income of around $150K/yr.

I suggest you plan on renting first, get to know the area (where do you plan to work? are you willing to commute? have you heard about our traffic problems in LA?), then think about buying.

Pachinko · Aug 30, 2005

Thanks, Gomer.

We're not really sure of where we'll be living--I'll probably be working at UCLA to start. We have a lot of friends in the valley, Sherman Oaks specifically, and like that area.

But I'll admit to being hesitant now...it sounds like buying will *NEVER* be an option for us. :crying2:

Jo Dirt · Aug 30, 2005

Looks like everything is going up out in California but the paychecks.

BladderCancerSxMgt · Aug 30, 2005

A question for Californians--I know the housing prices are outrageous, but will the bubble be bursting anytime soon? My boyfriend and I are moving to LA after I graduate and are hoping (?) to buy a condo at some point, in an area that isn't too dangerous.

Depends on who you ask . . .

Homes won't serve as ATMs forever

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/08/14/INGN3E5T5F1.DTL&type=printable

While they may watch "Flip That House" (Discovery Home) or "Flip This House" (A&E) on television, even the most euphoric home builders and real estate agents must recognize that housing prices cannot keep doubling every five years as they are today.

What is less obvious is how it will all end. Will prices simply level out and provide even more leveraged homeowners a comfortable exit? Or will prices decline abruptly and foreclosure rates rise sharply?

Blackcat99 · Aug 31, 2005

A question for Californians--I know the housing prices are outrageous, but will the bubble be bursting anytime soon? My boyfriend and I are moving to LA after I graduate and are hoping (?) to buy a condo at some point, in an area that isn't too dangerous.

Hi I'm an ex-Californian and just got back from a one week vacation in Los Angeles. The traffic is horrific. I stayed off the freeways but even Sepulveda Blvd is extremely busy. I would not recommend LA to anyone unless they enjoy busy non-stop traffic jams and constant overcrowding wherever they go. I would recommend that anyone wanting to move to LA should come and live here for a few weeks so they can see just how expensive everything is. I was only in LA for a week but I am so happy to be back home now. I will never visit LA again. I was a nervous wreck with all the crowds and traffic.

Good luck to you in whatever you decide to do.

Pachinko · Sep 1, 2005

I'm actually visiting LA right now...and staying on Sepulveda :wink2: This is my third time visiting. Yep, the traffic is awful, there is smog...but the weather is really beautiful, and, I'm suprised to say, the people are extremely friendly. Perhaps I shouldn't be suprised; I just thought there'd be a more no-nonsense, hustle-and-bustle kind of vibe, but it's actually rather laid back.

I've never lived here, but coming from a Midwest college town with very high rents, the rents don't seem all that outrageous. Neither do the basics, like groceries. And Thai restaurants (my favorite kind of food) are much cheaper. The gas price is also comparable to where I'm living.

It's the real estate that's the killer. I have friends who've grown up here, and some of them do think that foreclosures are eventually going to be incredibly prevalent. Others say that the only thing that'll burst the bubble is the next big earthquake :uhoh3: Apparently there's always a big migration out following every one, and a lag before prices start rising again.

Livin' on the edge....

ETA: thanks for the interesting article, SympMgt

Jennette · Sep 2, 2005

Hi Cali Nurses,
I graduate from Nursing school may 6th and I have always fancied moving to CA. I spoke with a nurse recruiter at UCLA and was alerted that the pay would be: 25.36/hr 4.00/hr for nights and 2.50 for weekends. $1500 relocation and no sign on bonus. That is NOT enough! That weekend diff is pittiful!!! The cost of living in California is soooo high especially if you expect to live somewhere near the hospital (Bev. hills) The pay here That I am being offered here in Indianapolis is this 19/hr plus 4.00/hr for nights and 5.50/hr. for weekend diff. 11.00/hr for holidays and a $5,000 sign on bonus. The cost of living in Indianapolis area is MUCH LOWER than Ca. I mean you can get a 4 br. nice house ,nice area here for 170,000 (maybe less maybe more depending on amenities such as a basement) gas ranges from 1.58 to 1.99 sometimes, groceries aren't bad, eating out isnt bad either a really nice greek place that serves a huge delicious dinner may cost 25-30 a person and you save half of it for the next day in left overs.
I have always wanted to live in NY or CA because of the liberal atmosphere and diversity. Also, I have dreamed since childhood of acting and Indiana doesnt exaclty offer much in that department. But.... In Indiana it seems I could have a much more comfortable life. How do you CA nurses afford anything???? The pay DOES NOT seem to reflect cost of living at all! Any advice on how you live, or info on how much things cost(I already know that rent and housing is ridiculous), how many hrs you have to work to be able to survive, can you afford to do fun things?
Thank you!
Also traffic seems to be horrific, how is it at night? Is public transportation good?

Just a note I live in AZ and two years ago went to UCLA for a new and somewhat experimental surgery, which was a success. But I will tell you it was the worst hospital experience I have ever had. The nurses, when I could get one's attention, where incredibly rude and insensitive and acted like I was a major inconvenience to them. The surgeon was amazing but the hospital and staff were a horrifying experience. If I never go there again I will be happy.