I must leave my home of 40 years - where next?

[major debacle]

I don't think it violates DU's TOS to reveal that I currently live in Berkeley, CA. I am 68, and have worked as a carpenter for the past 40 years and also do small handyman jobs in between larger jobs. I am a renter. I have accepted the landlord's modest buyout offer on my rent controlled unit. I don't want to stay where I am not wanted. I have about $130K saved up, $1200 SS each month, plus what I earn. I am a veteran and qualify for a VA loan.

I am posting here in hopes that I can get some ideas on where to relocate, in housing and rental markets I can afford, from people who know the areas. At current market rates, I cannot well afford to remain in Berkeley, which is what I would prefer. I am open to all ideas, but would prefer an area with a social climate similar to Berkeley. I am pretty well urbanized, but small towns are also an option I would consider. The extreme boonies are out of the question. I will consider buying or renting. Buying and fixing up is also an option, as I can do everything needed to renovate.

I have until May 31st of 2017 to make the move, so no real hurry. If you have some city, town or area ideas, please reply.

Thanks,

[stopbush]

1. While it would be nice to hang on to as much of your current lifestyle as possible

it will be difficult for you to do so in a high-rent district like Berkeley.

If you want to stay in CA, you have limited options. Rule of thumb is the further inland you go, the cheaper it is to live, but you lose the urban dynamic you like.

If you're open to moving out of CA, there are lots of options. Look north - Portland area might be a good target area, lifestyle-wise and affordability. Las Vegas might be an option though you'll feel like you're on an island. Buying and fixing up is a definite option in Vegas.

More details about what you want would help.

[MADem]

2. Do you want to stay in CA, or are you willing to move to any state?

Wow--what a huge move for you...there's no way you can find a roommate situation with some mellow people, or a basement you can rent and fix up to suit yourself in the area? I know real estate is insanely priced out there, but damn...! I think it's tough to move after such a long time...maybe you should have forced the landlord to pay dearly to shift you!!!

I am most familiar with high cost areas, like Boston and DC. Probably not your cuppa tea. I hope you find something that is not just suitable, but brings you joy. I have a cousin who just left Santa Fe, maybe you could take a short vacation there and see if you like the vibe...? Or Austin, TX, if you are in the mood for adventure..? I liked Monterey CA but that area isn't cheap, either...

Best of luck finding something that suits. Keep us updated--I like stories like yours!

[liberal N proud]

3. Small town Iowa is about as cheap as you can get

A house that would be $200 K in much of US will be $30 K in Iowa.

But they are remote be California standards.

[raccoon]

17. Small town SC is cheap too. But the political climate

won't be what you're used to.

[liberal N proud]

18. Relocation is one way to change the political climate

Enough of us relocate and it turns blue. South Carolina would be nice.

[roody]

26. Iowa City would have a Berkleyish culture.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

4. I spent the last weekend at the lake house. All weekend I heard people complain...

... that it is hard to find handymen/construction people.

Maybe look at a fixer upper in a lake community??? I once knew two guys who were decorators who made a fortune buying and fixing up "lake houses" in to homes city folk wanted to spend the weekend in.

Buy a junker. Fix it up. Live in it long enough to not pay taxes on the gains.

[major debacle]

6. "lake community"

"Maybe look at a fixer upper in a lake community???"

Like Lake Tahoe?... or Lake Michigan? "Lake community" covers a lot of territory.

Just did a Google search for "lake community". No promising leads. Then changed to plural: "lake communities". Leads galore.

Thanks

[Hassin Bin Sober]

7. We have a place near South Haven Michigan.

Our friend has a place in Door County Wisconsin. Another friend has a place on Sweetwater Lake in Indiana. Everywhere we go it's the same complaint.

I did a kitchen last year in South Haven for a friend. He had an insurance claim for a flooded kitchen (mouse chewed a d/w line). They had a contractor recommended by the insurance co. but the contractor had them on the back burner. Wasn't returning calls etc. they begged me to do the job because rental season was approaching.

The job was doable because it is only 2 hours from home. I went up Monday through Thursday. I ended up doing more work than I intended. I couldn't get a drywaller to call me back etc.

My friend in Door County is begging me to do his kitchen. It's a 5 hour drive so I don't know... I'll spend $500 dollars plus in gas going back and forth.

When I did the Southaven job it was strange being alone 4 or 5 days in a row out in he woods. Just me and the garage cat. My buddy is very alergic but adopted a stray cat - actually the cat adopted him. They set up a nice little hose for her in the garage. My buddy let me bring her in to keep me company during the week.

Here's the welcoming comitte cat

[axlpose]

15. meow

i like that cat

[MADem]

24. I like that kitchen!!! nt

[dixiegrrrrl]

21. Clear Lake, Ca.

All around that area are tiny communities of people who like to live far from the maddening crowds.
My BIL lives up there, is landscaper, does well.

Good air, nice environment, but far from urban and accessible only be 2 routes, both of them 2 lanes, which was a bit dicey during last year's fires in that area.
Rather expensive, as is most of the entire West Coast.

In 2003, looking at retiring a few years down the road, living in SF area, we had same dilemma as you. We explored, and found that basically anything west of the Rockies was affordable.
So we moved to a small Southern town that I knew well, and for 100,000 got a lovely older home with all the features I wanted.
On acre of land
IN town.
no property taxes for 65 or older owners.
90 miles from 3 major cities, but we are severe introverts so stay close to home.
Our county made beer and wine legal the year before we moved here, much to Mr. dixie's delight.

The one thing I know is any skilled electrician or plumber or even a good carpenter is highly sought after here and surrounding communities.
Takes awhile for folks to get to know you, but everyone is friendly and helpful.

[Orangepeel]

5. Portland, OR?

I've never lived in Portland or Berkley, but I've been to both and from a tourist perspective they had a similar vibe.

Good luck!

[MissB]

23. The OP may be priced out of that market

Even as a renter. It has gotten ridiculous

[trueblue2007]

30. Eugene Oregon!!

[Exilednight]

8. Clipper Coumty, VA.

45 mins from DC and Charlottesville with decent housing prices. Your basic utilities are quite inexpensive when compared to an area like Berkley.

It's also cheaper to build new than to buy a preexisting home, and if you look around a bit you can find new subdivisions that arent cookie cutters.

[FSogol]

49. Ditto for anywhere around Stauton or Harrisonburg, VA

Cheap utilities and homes in your price range. Lots of construction, home improvement, handyman jobs. Nearby colleges which add a good dose of liberalness to sleepy southern towns.

[dembotoz]

9. hmmmmmm how much culture shock can you tolerate

plenty of smaller midwest towns where you dollars could stretch well.
pay attention to medical facilities...you and i are no longer spring chickens.....
my aunt and uncle lived in northern wisconsin.....gods country until the nearest regional hospital was rather far away.
also a trip to costco is hard when there is no costco.

you won't live like a king but you will not be a serf either.

do you family? that limits where i live.....

[major debacle]

16. "pay attention to medical facilities"

Good point. For me that would be a VA healthcare facility.

Thanks for the reminder.

[Fla Dem]

10. You've lived there for 40 years. Would it help if you made a check list

Such as:

Do you have long time acquaintances you'll miss if you move far away?
Are you able to make new associations easily? If yes great, if no, would you be lonely?
Do you belong to any clubs or associations you would miss?
Do you like the west coast better than the east coast or the Mid-west, or don't care?
Do you want to be near family? If yes what regions/ states are they living?
Do you have favorite sport teams you follow, that if you moved to a different region, you might not be able to follow them.
Do you prefer an active community where you can easily go out for dinner or a movie. Easy accessibility to shopping, are you willing to travel 30-60 minutes to grocery shop?
Will you miss being near the ocean?
Have you considered an over 55 community?

I don't know the Berkeley area, but would assume it's pretty vibrant, lots to do; easily accessible for most things.

Just some things to consider.

In any event, as you say, no need to make a hasty decision.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

13. That's good advice

and a good idea for him.....

[mnhtnbb]

11. My husband went to UC Berkeley as an undergrad--way back in the day.

He was a native of Palo Alto, born there in 1942.

We met (1984) and married in Los Angeles in 1985. We left California in 1988 because we didn't want to raise kids in Los Angeles.

The house we sold when we moved is now worth--on Zillow--8 times what we sold it for in 1988.

Huh. We obviously couldn't afford to buy our own house again.

So, saying that, we now live in Chapel Hill, NC.

I would suggest Asheville, NC to you. It's more funky, mountain community (less humidity) and less expensive than here in Chapel Hill. It's also very blue--politically--
and I suspect you could find something to fix up if you looked.

[Sunriser13]

51. Asheville also has a VA Medical Center -

http://www.asheville.va.gov/

[PasadenaTrudy]

12. Ojai

We know a family who just moved out of Berkeley due to rent increase. They moved to Ojai!

[Tanuki]

14. You might consider Nashville. It ain't Berkeley, but it's lots of fun and less conservative than

much of Tennessee. Nashville is in the midst of a massive building boom and your carpentry skills would be in demand.

https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=nashville+building+boom&ei=UTF-8&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-002


You will be shocked at what you could afford in terms of housing. You mentioned that you have 130K in savings...here are just a couple of examples of what you could buy in that range (paste the whole link for each one:

http://realtracs.com/MediaDisplay.aspx?PropertyClass=RES&DMQL=(AreaID%3d%7c1%2c2%2c3%2c4%2c5%2c6%2c7%2c8)%2c(ListPrice%3d100000-130000)%2c(ListingStatusID%3d1)%2c(OfficeListIsActive%3d1)%2c(IsListedOnInternet%3d1)&AreaID=1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8&MlsNum=1747390&Digest=YIoehanyGF6ObdYzX3NUxA



http://realtracs.com/MediaDisplay.aspx?PropertyClass=RES&DMQL=(AreaID%3d%7c1%2c2%2c3%2c4%2c5%2c6%2c7%2c8)%2c(ListPrice%3d100000-130000)%2c(ListingStatusID%3d1)%2c(OfficeListIsActive%3d1)%2c(IsListedOnInternet%3d1)&AreaID=1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8&MlsNum=1742732&Digest=V5nqi2ev+Yocav6hPe7UGg

More options:

http://realtracs.com/SearchResults.aspx?PropertyClass=RES&DMQL=(AreaID%3d%7c1%2c2%2c3%2c4%2c5%2c6%2c7%2c8)%2c(ListPrice%3d100000-130000)%2c(ListingStatusID%3d1)%2c(OfficeListIsActive%3d1)%2c(IsListedOnInternet%3d1)&AreaID=1%2c2%2c3%2c4%2c5%2c6%2c7%2c8&MlsNum=1742732&Digest=V5nqi2ev+Yocav6hPe7UGg

[yellowdogintexas]

22. Nashville is that nice big blue spot in the middle of Tennessee

VA facilities check
Medical school and many other hospitals
Four Universities
A very diverse population; I am told there are about 100 different cultures represented in the Metro schools.
Four seasons
Not too far to the mountains
Lakes everywhere

Oh Yeah and Hot Chicken

[Democrat 4 Ever]

52. And Tennessee does not have an income tax.

N/t

[LWolf]

19. I'm wondering

if you want to stay on the west coast, or move eastward. That would be off of my list of possibilities because I simply don't tolerate humidity and heat well, but it might be different for you.

I'm also going to tell you that there are a couple of obvious choices in my own state which I won't mention because of the current pressure being put on local housing markets and infrastructure due to rapid migration (which has also sent prices through the roof). Don't worry, though, someone upthread already mentioned our beautiful city.

A few possibilities to check out:

Denver, Austin, Seattle...

[PufPuf23]

20. Coastal Humboldt county perhaps?

Costs have risen but is no where near as high as Berkeley or Bay Area in general.

One can live in Eureka or Arcata without a car and if one desires there are communities such as Hydesville or Blue Lake and the like with better weather than directly on Humboldt Bay.

There are thriving arts and restaurant/food scenes.

Your skills would be welcomed.

About a six hour drive from Berkeley.

Lots of beautiful outdoors.

If you are used to a university town like Berkeley, may you should look first at university towns?

They tend to be more expensive but have the culture, diversity, and more liberal minds like Berkeley.

Some other suggestions in the West are Ashland, OR, Eugene, OR, and Corvallis, OR.

I have lived and worked in Berkeley (70s for BS and 80s for MBA at Cal), Corvallis, and Portland, OR and liked them all (also was born and now live in Humboldt).

If you want to try rural and not move that far, some suggestions are Mt. Shasta City, Weaverville, and Fort Bragg that are more liberal and cultural than surrounding towns. Chico is too hot.

[Flaxbee]

25. I'm a California native, currently living in northern Virginia, and

I must tell you I desperately miss the west coast. Have lived on the east cost for almost 20 years (NYC, Atlanta, DC, near Asheville, NC and now near DC). I'm married, otherwise I'd be zooming back west in a heartbeat. I just went through some photos of the last time I was in Boise (visiting family) and felt this incredible longing to be west, so much I cried.

I grew up in SoCal, near both San Juan Capistrano and Redlands. Went to UCSD. Julian is kind of neat, could be affordable. Check the areas east of San Diego.

A friend's brother lives in (and loves) the Eureka, CA area, though I don't know about expenses.

My sister went to UCDavis in the 90s; it was semi-affordable then but I don't know about now.

Lots of family members live in or near Boise, Idaho. A red-red-red state, but Boise is neat. Getting less affordable, but maybe you could take a weekend trip and look around. Decent climate yearround (with a few cold days thrown in) and lovely area.

Another friend is in Bozeman, MT. Also lovely, but damn cold for 6 months of the year.

I did not enjoy Asheville, NC, I have to admit. To me, it felt claustrophobic. Housing was very $$. Even rentals (though perhaps not compared to NoCal). There were very wealthy people, and then the service / retail folks. Not a middle class area - no real middle class jobs. Lots of people moved in because of the buzz, and then got the hell out. It was beautiful, but felt like a dead end to me. Yes, it's "blue" but that blue to me felt more like it represented depression, not politics.

Chattanooga, I've heard, is a neat city, but I don't know from personal experience.

However, having spent 40+ years in NoCal, I don't know if you'd be happy somewhere in the midwest, mid-Atlantic, or South. If I were you I sure as hell wouldn't move to the Northeast and hard winters, not at 68. No freaking way. Not even at 48.

How about Bend, Oregon? Though it may also have gotten to be too trendy and $$.

Reno, NV? Prescott, Arizona? Family lived in Flagstaff for a while and didn't love it (the state was not nice to teachers, and Flag can get COLD) but the surrounding areas were gorgeous.

I also have family in Albuquerque; they used to live in Santa Fe but needed to be closer to a big hospital. I don't think they much like ABQ (though they looooved Santa Fe).

I'd say, stay west if you can afford it at all. At all. Unless you have friends or family or other loved ones to make the transition with. If you can take short 'vacations' and drive to some of these areas ... or fly and spend a weekend in a few places you'd like to check out. Make sure there's a good VA hospital, and then explore.

[mnhtnbb]

34. It's kind of interesting to see people's perspectives.

I'm a native New Yorker--born in Manhattan--and grew up in northern NJ not far from Princeton back in the 50's and early 60's.
Moved to southern California when my dad retired in 1965 and I was in high school. Couldn't wait to get out of there--back in the day when it was citrus groves, horse ranches, and mostly deserted beaches
from La Jolla to Carlsbad. Went to UCLA in 1969 and never looked back. Moved out of the L.A. area--from Rustic Canyon between Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades in 1988-- and
you couldn't pay me to return to California. Water problems, population problems, drought, traffic, too many people, earthquakes...and forget the cost of housing/living!

We were just there for a family wedding in Solana Beach in early August. Visited some friends in L.A. and then took Amtrak's Coast Starlight to Seattle. Oregon and Washington
have some beautiful country, but cost of housing/living is getting out of sight there, too.

My husband is a native Californian--born in Palo Alto--but his family is originally from Georgia. He's been very happy with our Chapel Hill (university town) location and he went
to Berkeley in the early 60's before he was admitted to med school at UCLA.

[hamsterjill]

27. You should move to Texas!!! We need more Democrats!

We also need carpenters! I can't find anyone that knows what they're doing!

[Paladin]

28. Amen! Consider one of the smaller towns near Austin, major debacle.

Look over what's available in places like Round Rock, Pflugerville, or Kyle. Austin will give you the liberal college town atmosphere you want. And as a carpenter, I'm pretty sure there's work ready and waiting. Best of luck to you.

[OriginalGeek]

36. I miss Texas all the time

lol I was about to try and claim OP for help in Florida - we need it too. Both carpentery and democratically. I grew up in TX (that's a Cowboys star there by my name) and I miss it a lot BUT my wife and I just discovered cruising so now I kinda wanna stay close to all these cruise ports. Closest is about 35~40 minutes away and furthest is about 3.5 hours and there's 5 total here. Of course, I suppose I could go for somewhere in East Texas and be close to both Galveston and New Orleans but I doubt I can get wife to leave all her family here. She was born and raised here. What family I have left is scattered all over so here's as good as any.

[GermanDem]

29. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Very red state, but there are small bluish pockets. Norman or Stillwater are good choices (and cheap), lively, diverse college towns. If you want to live in a more urban area, Tulsa has a vibrant art scene. And the people here are the nicest in the world!

[mnhtnbb]

31. Just another mention for Asheville, NC

There is a well known and well liked (in terms of patient satisfaction) VA Hospital in Asheville.

http://www.asheville.va.gov/

[Tikki]

32. It is always going to be about location. And where ever, please, please visit the place

at least Fall and Winter once for each before you move.

We have a couple friends who moved from the Pacific Coastal area to Pahrump and
were trying to move back before a year was up.

Since you are a carpenter you could snag a sweet deal, renovate and have big equity
in the correct place.


Good luck.

Tikki

[steve2470]

33. Maybe scour the listings everywhere for something NEAR Berkeley ? Oakland ?

MADem had some good ideas also. You didn't mention your climate preference. I like where I live, but yea, it's damn hot and muggy for several months of the year.

[KamaAina]

35. You're 68? What about senior housing?

[MADem]

42. That is a very good suggestion--some places have some real sweet little apartments/town homes.

For someone who has always been a renter, that's just the ticket.

[steve2470]

37. bump for visibility nt

[ghostsinthemachine]

38. Nevada City CA is the place for you.

Lots of Berkeley transplants there, great vibe, good music, great radio station (KVMR). decent hospital in the area, lots of recreation possibilities. Good housing (for now) situation.

[megahertz]

39. Brattleboro, Vermont

Gorgeous area, if you're open to a cross-country move, and snow (58 inches; the national average is 25 inches). VA Hospital 35 miles away, Vet center 16 miles, VA Outpatient clinic 1 mile.

A couple articles about culture:

https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/2014/04/29/tank-away-brattleboro-where-hippies-have-lasting-influence/zPm9mlW5C2RU6ZKXyi1S8M/story.html

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/local/vermont/2015/07/24/vermont-remains-hippie-epicenter/30564907/

[MADem]

43. Cost of living is onerous; the weather change would be "too much" IMO. nt

[bigwillq]

40. Not Connecticut

So expensive.

Good luck.

[joeyfalconhead90]

41. must feel hard especially after 40 years

move to wherever feels right for you man

[steve2470]

44. bump nt

[steve2470]

45. if you're willing to rent a room or have a roommate, here's some ideas

https://www.google.com/?client=opera#q=rooms+for+rent+berkeley+ca

[left-of-center2012]

46. Albuquerque, NM?

Not California but not bad

[womanofthehills]

50. As you go south from Albuquerque the places get cheaper

I love NM - lots of creative people.

[steve2470]

47. final bump nt

[clarice]

48. If you are looking for the best bang for your buck...try Houston..

great cultural facilities, restaurants/bars, no State income tax, homes almost half of what they are Nationwide.

Down side ?
Lots of traffic
Hot as hell