Here in Pasadena but looking for greener pastures . . .

[fargosmom]

My BF and I have lived in Pasadena SoCal for the last 10 years, and I've lived in SoCal my entire life. So this may be the year we're contemplating relocating, and we're open to suggestions. We're looking for somewhere about 6-7 hours from LA, so he can continue to work here (it's a long story but a do-able commute). Definitely needs to be lower cost of living, with less population density. I'll need a job of some sort and I'm looking for a change there too so I'm not sure what that means . I need some hills and some trees, but enough flat ground to have a veggie garden, some running room for our hounds and of course room for the chickens. So far at the top of the list are St George UT, and Prescott AZ. Please put in a plug for your favorite spot - the polls are open!
and OH! Happy new year!!

 

[ksalvagno]

and good luck with your home search!

 

[justusnak]

I wish you the very besty in finding a place to call HOME. I dont know the area...so I am not much help there. LOL But..I wish you the best!

 

[Ldychef2k]

Well, you might be thinking of getting out of California, but if you aren't, we have a small Sierra Nevada foothills community that seems to attract refugees from Los Angeles! A number of celebrities have lived there over the years.

http://www.threerivers.com/

It is about four hours from LA, less than 30 minutes from an airport, excellent shopping and employment opportunities in Visalia, and has both flat and hilly properties, and a combination of the same. It's just a few miles from the entrance to Sequoia National Park. If it is too hilly for you, there are communities below, but they are somewhat economically challenged. You would be able to have animals in any of these areas, but not in the larger towns, except on the outskirts.

Maybe some weekend in the spring you can head up the 5 to the 99 and then take 198 east to take a look. If nothing else, you could visit the Big Trees !!!

As well, you can go above Fresno to the Yosemite area and find wonderful small communities such as Oakhurst and Mariposa. There are small farms all over those hills, as well as big ones!

ETA: I just checked the median home values for both areas.

Estimated median house or condo value in 2008: $652,400 (it was $268,100 in 2000)
Pasadena, CA: $652,400
California: $467,000

Estimated median house or condo value in 2008: $390,993 (it was $166,300 in 2000)
Three Rivers, CA: $390,993
California: $467,000

Here is a picture of what sells for $250K...found at teamdiana.com

3/4+ acre wooded lot in the back of the Cherokee Oaks community with a 2800 sq. ft. mountain cabin tucked in the oaks.

I think the cost of living, the natural environment and the pace of life may be what draws folks from LA. And no, I don't get a kickback ! I just think we have a great area in which to live, especially given your parameters.

 

[fargosmom]

Thanks for the suggestion - that's exactly the kind of response I was hoping for! The main reason we're looking at moving out of state is that we need to be able to find a home we like under about 200,000 . . . but I'll look into areas in CA too. Cheers and happy new year!

 

[Ldychef2k]

If I could, I would leave California, too. I care for elderly parents and would miss my grandchildren too much !!!