Ever since I was little I fell in love with California...Santa Barbara, Ventura. I have not been there in about 8 years. So I have this dream of it....I know that it has changed alot! I live in Washington State and have lived here my whole life! I recently had a son that I wan't to raise in a "good" town...which mine is, but I am constantly thinking of California. Would it be a smart move or should I just stay where I am at. How much has it changed since I went last?
2007-10-19 09:39:44 · 6 answers · asked by Sadbrowneyes13 4 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Other - United States
I live in California, and although I love it, I do not recommend it if you're main concern is family, and you have not ever lived here before. You cannot truly comprehend the details of living here unless you have done it before.
It is VERY expensive in any place that is on the safe side; anywhere that is worth living..
Places like Ventura and Santa Barbara are lovely to visit, but remember, you never really know a place until you've lived there. And these places are extremely expensive to live.
I urge you to do some major research on crime and safety, as well as schools and the real estate market before considering a permanent residence here.
It's not that it is "changing" here, but I think many people that live outside of Cali paint a picture of it that's nowhere close to what it really is.
If it was just you venturing out, I would say take a risk, but you have your whole family to think of.
There's no place like California, but that can be a good or bad thing.
2007-10-19 10:26:14 · answer #1 · answered by jeni3726 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
California is great . . . . the biggest draw back is the cost of living. I think the average cost of home in santa barbara is approaching $1,000,000. I don't know how that compares to Washington state, but good greif it is expensive. If you are thinking of coming to Ca. why not try the central coast, like San Luis Obispo or Paso Robles (the new wine country). Cost of living is expensive but about half of Santa Barbara, you're still close to the ocean, good schools, great weather, and great wine.
2007-10-19 16:52:34 · answer #2 · answered by KMONEY831 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in California.
There are nice places and places you don't even like driving through.
If you have a lot of money Santa Barbara, and a lot of other coast towns are nice.
Then there are the hot --dry--nothing around places also.
2007-10-19 17:42:54 · answer #3 · answered by Fred F 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do not move to the Los Angeles area. It's a horrible place to raise children.
2007-10-19 16:58:09 · answer #4 · answered by stefanieiam 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you need to make a trip back to those places and judge for yourself. Things change, including your perception of the area.
2007-10-19 16:47:15 · answer #5 · answered by william m 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stay in Washington. The schools are better and that is what counts.
2007-10-19 16:47:24 · answer #6 · answered by DWRead 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋