ojai and ventura COL

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Specializes in MS Home Health.

Anyone living in these two cities, I have a question. I am still yes still, trying to get hubby to consider moving to either of these cities. Do any of you living there think a 2 RN/business degree family can afford a home? I am hearing NO but I thought I would ask around more.

Thanks for input on the housing and COL (cost of living) in that part of California.

renerian

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Yep, COL is high but buying a house is going to depend a lot on how you manage your money here. I currently rent a house in Ventura, lived in Ojai up 'til three years ago and my parents still do live there. And since I was born in Ventura some 32 years ago, I'm just a little familiar with the whole area.

So ... a nice 3bd,2ba house in Ventura will run you $600 and about the same or a little more in Ojai. Take into account that if you live in Ojai, prices in general are higher at the store and gas station and the one hospital in town doesn't do a lot of hiring (altho it has recently joined forces with the community hospital in Ventura so things may be changing). Of course, there are less expensive homes but if you want a decent house in a decent neighborhood, bet on $600k minimum. (If you want advice as to what specific neighborhoods/areas are good/bad, let me know.)

A two RN family will earn a little less than what my husband and I do and we could definitely afford to buy if we'd just stop eating out 6 nights a week and get rid of the toys (motorcycles, dirt bikes, etc, etc). We have such a great deal on our rental that there really is no reason for us to leave it at this point.

If you, or anyone, needs more info, please let me know. I live and work and breathe in Ventura and Ojai on a daily basis! :)

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I was born and raised in Oxnard and lived there until 2003.

A two RN couple could survive in Ventura and Ojai -- barely! Keep in mind that only about 15 percent of residents qualify to purchase homes in Ventura County. Your combined yearly income will need to be at least $100,000 yearly plus a hefty down payment in order to qualify for a mortgage there.

I'm personally glad I don't need to deal with mortgages anymore. I very recently sold my California home and used the profit to buy a home for cash in the Lone Star State.

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Specializes in MS Home Health.

YIKES!! Thanks for the input. My brother always buys fixer upper houses and he pays about 1/2 that but dumps repair money into them...I appreciate your input very much.

renerian

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You can do it. Also a lot of signing and retention bonuses going on now too.

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Specializes in MS Home Health.

Wulfy Thanks for the reply.

renerian

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