Thinking of Retiring to Southern California

[marquisd1]

We are thinking of retiring to southern CA, what are the possible options? What do people think about Laguna Woods Village? We want to be near the ocean, arts and golf. We have family in SoCal and are moving frm CT.
Thanks

[karpear]

Also moving from CT to southern California.I'm looking at condos in the Santa Monica area rather than a retirment community.

[alexgord]

Have you seen any place in california to settle. I am looking for PG. If you have idea let me know.






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[topretirementseditor]

Dear Members and visitors:
We have more members from California than any other state. Many of you will retire there, while others will be looking for a lower cost or less crowded alternative. The people we have talked with really love Laguna Woods Village. If you are out there you should definitely visit. Santa Monica is a beautiful place with really nice climate. Living near the beach in an apartment can be a good choice - great walkability with many restaurants, parks, library, beaches. Only drawback is cost - but a modest rental or condo might be in the cards. Alex - don't know what you mean by PG.

[somerr4u]

Have been in southern CA for over 30 years. Planning on retiring outside the state and caution those coming in. Housing is way too expensive and the traffic is horrible day or night 7 days a week. Lots to do and places to go if you want to fight the traffic and pay the price. Good Luck!

[gina77]

I'm a So.California native and can say that we have the finest weather, but if you thinking of retiring here you better have lots of $$$. Taxes are high and will be getting worse as the state is in very serious financial trouble and the politicians just continue their tax and spend ways. Traffic is horrible and the beaches are crowded. There is plenty to do if you don't mind fighting the horrendous crowds just to get and leave your destination. Hubby and I sadly quit attending many events because of the hassles.

Hubby and I are looking to leave the state.

[bubbajog]

Have lived in southern ca. for 55 years. Probably one of the best climates in the world. The cost of living is extremely expensive. There are many things to do and places to go. However, there are way too many people. Everything is crowded.
Driving the congested freeways is a real hassle. The reality is that everything is not golden in southern ca.

[LibertyorDEATH]

Let me pile on about the dismal state of California's finances. Housing prices are still sky-high, and far too high to be supported by the general rule of 2.5x annual income = home price affordability. California is still far above that.

Electricity, expensive. Water, very expensive and increasing at exponential rates.

Taxes, forget about it, among the highest in the nation.

Don't get me started about the current state of affairs. Soon Californians will be voting on Proposition 30, a tax plan that is going to send income and sales taxes through the stratosphere -- if you make any kind of money California will be the highest tax state in the nation, bar none.

Bankruptcies are starting to accelerate. Earlier we had Vallejo. More recently, Stockton and San Bernadino declared chapter 11. And I fear much bigger bankruptcies are on the way, including possibly Los Angeles. LA is another tax nightmare, and even now they are debating more tax measures that will impact housing purchases, parking, etc.

Not to get political, but the entire pension system is a complete mess. We are talking hundreds of billions in the red for just California alone, and I see no way out. Public employees will fight to the death to protect their benefits, yet the public cannot afford anymore. Meanwhile business and individuals are fleeing. Search the LA Times for a recent article about how Hollywood TV shows are no longer made in California because of sky-high fees and taxes. It's bad.

This state is a fiscal mess, which is why just a couple of years ago CA was issuing "IOUs" instead of paying people their tax refunds. Imagine that, IOUs for your tax refund. It happened.

We are counting the time until we are out of here, unfortunately it may be several years until we can flee.

[costanoa]

Discuss what its like to live in ROJALES

[costanoa]

I am sad to see the negative response from folks in our Golden State. I have lived in the Central Valley of Cali all my 57 years, its inexpensive here but polluted.Not much culture either, very conservative. The advantage I have is the ability to travel easily to the Mountains like Yosemite or Beaches like Pismo or San Simeon. I myself am looking for a place to retire and Im sure I will find one with Culture and clean air we can afford here in California. I have traveled and vacationed the whole state and I wouldn't leave here ever!If you decide to retire here- Welcome to our friendly state! Do some research and I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

[iamjuliehoward]

[jdatbs]

Here's my two cents:
There's a lot to be said for and against this state, but the bottom line is that you can't beat the weather. It's the only reason I'm here. I'm fed up with state politics, fiscal mismanagement, crime, crap, politicians, Hollywood phonies, entertainers who think their money and popularity somehow makes them experts on everything else...
But you can't beat the weather. C'mon down. I came from CT and I don't miss it a bit. Especially with the prospect of climate change...we've seen what we're in for.