What Are the Most Affordable Places to Live In California?

Question

I live in Sacramento, CA. I recently got engaged, and my fiancee and I both agree it's time to get out of here. I'm from Buffalo, NY and she's a lifer here in Sacramento. I've travelled most of the country, and I've seen some places good and some bad. We're an interracial couple, so most of the places I'd like to move to are crossed out merely because a lot of people aren't level-headed. Anyway, the point to this question is what places in CA are affordable for a young couple? We'll buy a house within a few years and I want to live somewhere nice to raise the kids. I prefer Southern California, myself.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

Here are some helpful tips between Northern California and Southern California.

Average Median Home Price in Sacramento is around $350,00.
Average Median Home Price in Los Angeles and South is around $550,000

Banning Ca is very inexpensive but you will live in the Desert between Redlands, CA and Palm Springs, CA

Being from Southern California I enjoy my lifestyle up here in Sacramento, CA and since Los Angeles is only a five hour trip one way well its far enough to visit and pay the wonderful high expenses once in awhile.

I honestly would suggest staying in Sacramento Region if you are going to raise kids. Its really not that big of a city yet. Wilton, CA, Rocklin, CA, Roseville, CA, Auburn, CA all still very nice areas to live and they are out of the hustle and bustle of the city.

Some other States and Cities to think about:
Idaho
Wyoming
Utah

If you want to guage a city than use REALTOR.COM. and
http://www.greatschools.net/

Happy Living!

Answer 2

Why are you leaving Sacramento? As a native Californian that moved to the Midwest in August, I would probably stay in Sacramento or relocate somewhere in Northern California and not move south. There's a lot that I miss about living in L. A. / So. Cal, namely entertainment, culture, good food and salary. The upside is that I've given up traffic, crime, over-crowding and the negatives that city living brings.

Frankly, the most affordable places in Southern California are probably places you don't want to live and might consider remaining in No. Cal. You don't say if you and your fiancee own a home, what you do for a living or what your future plans are. If you are looking to have a family, I would move out of state. My husband and I are an interracial couple so I understand your concerns. A lot of places were knocked off our list too. On the flip side, make sure there is a measure of comfort in your new community so neither of you feels compromised (something I'm feeling to some degree because there are very few blacks where we live now; even the most minor things like finding someone to cut your hair, or where there's not diversity in entertainment or everyday living came be a challenge). You also don't say how much you can afford to spend on a home. While home prices have dropped, they will still be out of reach for most first time buyers.

I don't think I answered your question, but I hope I gave you some other things to think about which may help you in your search. Good luck!

Answer 3

well the area you are in is considered to be one and the best for now. some parts of oakland are actually nice and fairly cheap.

by the way i'm a cali native as well born and raised in the bay (san jose) and now live in san fran with my wife and 2 kids (one on the way another is 17 months)

and yes its not easy