Questions about moving back to Southern California...

[azwildcat96]

As the post implies, I'm originally from Southern California. I've lived in Arizona for the past 19 years, but I have accepted a job offer in SoCal, and will be moving back next month.

I already have a temporary place to stay through the Summer while I decide on a more permanent residence.

My job could potential take me anywhere within SoCal, so to avoid having to move every time I'm sent to a new project, I'm trying to figure out a reasonably priced central location with decent schools to move to. Any suggestions?

[sydnie7]

"Reasonably priced" and "SoCal" are not often found in the same sentence LOL and there's a lot of ground to cover and questions to ask. 19 yrs in AZ, I'd assume you can tolerate some heat which opens up areas of the San Fernando Valley and Inland Empire that I personally would not choose based on climate alone.

That said, check out La Palma -- one sister raised her family there (still lives there when not RVing). Nice little enclave in northern Orange County.

And welcome back, from a native who has never left (but finally made it back to my city of birth).

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

If I had to move back to SoCal (ie: LA area) I'd opt for Burbank. Great schools, terrific city parks, a 14-screen cinema, and great local shopping. Housing is reasonably priced (sub $500k to over $2m) with a wide range of properties available.

[seanachie]

The exodus is out of SoCal not into.... Things are a real mess here. Where you would be working, that is critical. Commute times here can be outrageous. I live in the southbay, my wife used to work at UCLA in Brentwood. (for those of you without knowledge of the geography, it was 27 miles door to door) Many nights it was a 2 hour commute home. If you mention where you will be working it might help with the suggestions. Someone mentioned Burbank, well just as an example, I had coworkers who lived very close to Burbank and commuted to the southbay and they cursed it daily.

[Mickey]

Hard to say. SoCal is a pretty big area. I spent several years in the Anaheim area, which was a good block/bad block place. The traffic was as seanachie said. Brutal. When I was in China Lake, we were 3 hours from everything, LA, San Diego, Vegas. But it's an armpit. Victorville or the general Antelope Valley is much better, and is about an hour and a half closer to the big CA cities while still remaining affordable. Finding a decent yet affordable area is the holy grail In SoCal. Though keep in mind, I'm 10 years removed.

I'm not sure if I should send congratulations or condolences But best of luck my friend! Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

[azwildcat96]

Thanks for the doom and gloom report guys...
The traffic and congestion are the main reasons I left in the first place. I have been back often for visits with the family, so I am fully aware that that issue has not gotten any better!
I'm originally from the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys.
My new employer is based near Anaheim. The first project I will be working on is closer to the San Fernando Valley.
Regarding home prices, I actually intend to keep and rent out my home in Arizona, and become a renter in SoCal, so sale prices aren't a deciding factor, rent prices are.
And schools are important as well. I almost wonder if I would be money ahead to live in a cheaper area, and pay for a private education?

[seanachie]

Not to bring more gloom and doom but with the raft of foreclosures and others holding back entering the housing market rents have also been on the move...up. I do not know how good you are with your hands or how skilled you are in any trades, but a former co-worked has done pretty well at auctions in the more peripheral areas in San Bernadino, which is not to say bargains can't be found elsewhere. There was a story of someone getting a home in Palos Verdes for a song, but oooh the property taxes. I pay enough down hill from there.

[McElmurry]

My work is construction related. I don’t know why they picked it but my firm has an office in Diamond Bar. It’s about halfway between LA and Redlands where we also have offices. They just centralized our materials labs in Diamond Bar so management must think it is a good central location. You might check it out.

[azwildcat96]

Update...
Leaving my employer in Arizona was still a good move, but the new position in CA was not so good. I have since taken a position with a different company and returned to my home in Arizona! Life is good again!

[TheOfficialBren]

Smart move, AZWildcat96.

I would LOVE to move OUT of California. I have lived here (SoCal and NorCal, various cities) all of my life. I hate California, personally.the people are rude, the government is screwed up beyond repair, the police are corrupt, the taxes are among the highest in the US, and the economy is the hardest hit. Slow job growth, high gas prices, high cost of living, poor infrastructure...but great weather.

I apologise if my post is harsh but I think you made a smart decision, AZWildcat96.
Best, best, best of luck to you and best wishes at your new job!
:-)