Mall Crawler Truth

[Climber]

Tom, I can agree with you and stand by my point

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[EasternSierra]

California is great except for the taxes, high cost of living, central Cali has a lot to offer in what I’m looking for.

California has very diverse topography, climates, and socioeconomic conditions. A lot can change if you move 100-200 miles in the right or wrong direction. In some ways it's like a sub sandwich but with some changes from one end to the other. If you just slice it into three pieces (north, central, south) you'll miss a lot of the key differences across the state's width. "Southern" and "northern" California are stereotypes based on their respective coastal cities, not the entire width of those parts of the state.

First, you need to separate the coastal from the interior regions. The coastal regions from the San Francisco area south have a (mostly) mild climate and a lot of great scenery. It's mostly affluent and cosmopolitan but extremely expensive. I'm one of millions of people over the decades who moved out of that region for my retirement.

The interior has very hot (but relatively low-humidity) summers. It's mostly not affluent and more reasonably priced, though still more expensive than many other states. Terrain varies greatly, but cities are almost all in valley areas, mostly in the Central Valley. However, mountains and public lands are usually not that far away.

"Central California" has both coast and interior and they're really different.

Central Valley is often overlooked. I really liked Bakersfield the most of all the valley cities, definitely the most friendly. I have done Sacramento, Fresno, Visalia, Bakersfield, Tehachapi and San Luis Obispo. Fresno area is the best trails, least amount of trail traffic.

The Central Valley is a mixed bag. As a kid and a teenager I hated it because (passing through on the way to the Sierra) it was very hot in summer, often smoggy, and flat and boring compared to the hilly and scenic regions I lived it and was traveling to. Some of the valley cities are, well, not so great places to live. There are certainly plenty of towns that vary a lot in their qualities.

On the other hand, it's a lot more affordable. Sacramento is the biggest city there and is big enough to offer a lot of urban amenities. Personally, I don't like Fresno but YMMV. Absolutely research, visit, and explore any cities before committing to move there. A superficial positive impression in the 'nice' part of town will not tell the full story.

One more thing is that the climate changes from north to south. Average annual rainfall at the north end (Redding) is 30" and at the south end (Bakersfield) is 6". The south part is definitely a desert climate. Summer is a bit cooler around the Delta region from cooler air passing through the Bay Area from the ocean.

East of the Central Valley is the Sierra Nevada, a huge mountain range, and beyond that is desert. For most people neither one is a good place to look for jobs due to relatively small populations. Retirement is a possibility, but you'll be competing with affluent coastal Californian for the available real estate. I wouldn't move there from out of state, since other states have more affordable mountain and desert regions.

 

[EasternSierra]

California has very diverse topography, climates, and socioeconomic conditions....

One thing I forgot to mention is that even if you live in the less-crowded interior parts of the state, you'll still be competing with people from the large coastal urban areas for public land use. This can be an issue sometimes, one I tend to forget since I'm retired and can go on weekdays.

 

[EvilJim1971]

California has very diverse topography, climates, and socioeconomic conditions. A lot can change if you move 100-200 miles in the right or wrong direction. In some ways it's like a sub sandwich but with some changes from one end to the other. If you just slice it into three pieces (north, central, south) you'll miss a lot of the key differences across the state's width. "Southern" and "northern" California are stereotypes based on their respective coastal cities, not the entire width of those parts of the state.

First, you need to separate the coastal from the interior regions. The coastal regions from the San Francisco area south have a (mostly) mild climate and a lot of great scenery. It's mostly affluent and cosmopolitan but extremely expensive. I'm one of millions of people over the decades who moved out of that region for my retirement.

The interior has very hot (but relatively low-humidity) summers. It's mostly not affluent and more reasonably priced, though still more expensive than many other states. Terrain varies greatly, but cities are almost all in valley areas, mostly in the Central Valley. However, mountains and public lands are usually not that far away.

"Central California" has both coast and interior and they're really different.



The Central Valley is a mixed bag. As a kid and a teenager I hated it because (passing through on the way to the Sierra) it was very hot in summer, often smoggy, and flat and boring compared to the hilly and scenic regions I lived it and was traveling to. Some of the valley cities are, well, not so great places to live. There are certainly plenty of towns that vary a lot in their qualities.

On the other hand, it's a lot more affordable. Sacramento is the biggest city there and is big enough to offer a lot of urban amenities. Personally, I don't like Fresno but YMMV. Absolutely research, visit, and explore any cities before committing to move there. A superficial positive impression in the 'nice' part of town will not tell the full story.

One more thing is that the climate changes from north to south. Average annual rainfall at the north end (Redding) is 30" and at the south end (Bakersfield) is 6". The south part is definitely a desert climate. Summer is a bit cooler around the Delta region from cooler air passing through the Bay Area from the ocean.

East of the Central Valley is the Sierra Nevada, a huge mountain range, and beyond that is desert. For most people neither one is a good place to look for jobs due to relatively small populations. Retirement is a possibility, but you'll be competing with affluent coastal Californian for the available real estate. I wouldn't move there from out of state, since other states have more affordable mountain and desert regions.

Over the past 30 years I have worked in California a lot, months at a time... Possibly adding up to a small handful of years.
I have a love/hate relationship with the state.
I do telecom work, and I usually get sent to either the LA area or the bay area.
Those are places to visit and sight see.
For me, after the first couple of times I was pretty much done with them.
However... I LOVE driving the PCH.
Up north in the forests, to the east in the mountains, driving thru the deserts... California can be amazing.
But the population centers, I despise them.
But to be fair, I hate pretty much all population centers.

 

[Q1svt]

I LOVE driving the PCH.
Up north in the forests, to the east in the mountains, driving thru the deserts... California can be amazing.
But the population centers, I despise them.
But to be fair, I hate pretty much all population centers.

… the south is amazing tooo, greater San Diego inland.

First, you need to separate the coastal from the interior regions. The coastal regions from the San Francisco area south have a (mostly) mild climate and a lot of great scenery. It's mostly affluent and cosmopolitan but extremely expensive. I'm one of millions of people over the decades who moved out of that region for my retirement.

Retirement gives you (OP) options within CA where prices are less and still near major areas when you need things not always available in small communities…

More diversity than just about anywhere. But everyone has different wants, know a couple that could live anywhere $$$ is not an issue. Both born in LA, have a place in Malibu and a custom home on an island end of Long Island. Where did they choose to live in retirement… very near you, in Traverse City Michigan. They love the state and Michiganders … I miss the Loons.

 

[SeptuagenarianSasquatch]

LOL, that reminds me, even the Bears are coming here. LOL!

All it takes is a taxpayer-funded $4B stadium, and you're in the big leagues!

To all you California enthusiasts, beautiful state and all that (I hitchhiked US 101 before I-5 was built, also US 395) before I , what about the price of gas? $4.58, and pushing towards $5.00

 

[HalfmuleFarmer]

I left California after 40 years. It treated me well. But today, if you’re not an industry professional that has to be there (as I was), the question becomes is the CA premium worth it? Cost of living is 2X, maybe 3X compared to elsewhere. Lots of parts of the state are idyllic, no question. If money is no object, by all means consider it. But if you’re retired, I’m not sure CA is a great option anymore. Moving essentially doubled my nest egg. Just too many people for me now.

 

[Climber]

Words never heard by any realtor anywhere: "We're looking for our retirement property, how strong are the schools and is there a strong Grandparent Teacher Association?"

Tom

… the south is amazing tooo, greater San Diego inland.




:wink
Retirement gives you (OP) options within CA where prices are less and still near major areas when you need things not always available in small communities…

More diversity than just about anywhere. But everyone has different wants, know a couple that could live anywhere $$$ is not an issue. Both born in LA, have a place in Malibu and a custom home on an island end of Long Island. Where did they choose to live in retirement… very near you, in Traverse City Michigan. They love the state and Michiganders … I miss the Loons.

Any input from NoCal? Redding looks decent, maybe a bit high on crime?

 

[stampede1]

Just head west, but avoid southern california. There just aren’t many decent trails is socal due to the population density. When I offroad I head north and/or east into AZ.

I couldn't disagree more. There are tons of great off roading opportunities in Southern California. San Diego, Imperial , Riverside and San Bernardino counties offer a wealth of trails, rocks and open desert to explore. I have been to Ocotillo Wells twice recently and practically had the entire place to myself. Like Johnson Valley-where the Bronco was tested by Ford-the landscape is ideal for flat out rip roaring high speed running, and it is far too expansive to to encounter crowds. And Borrego State Park, being the largest in California, has numerous places to go.

 

[Q1svt]

what about the price of gas? $4.58, and pushing towards $5.00

... a lot cheaper than fuel oil / natural gas... Canadian electricity just poking back ;^) eh

 

[Q1svt]

Any input from

It's your thread so you can take it anywhere... but you started by asking about off-roading...

I think for others to real help with good responses you need to qualify more of your needs in retirement.

one season, two seasons of four season weather?
like trees, water, open space, deserts
what are you going to want to do when not off-roading
how big of a living space do you want... how far do you want your neighbors
retirement can also mean doctor visits / hospitals
etc

Others
Since a Bronco is a Ford product... Henry stated 'if you think you can or you think you can't... you are right

If you left or if you stayed in California you're right ;^)

 

[timhood]

We hope to cure this with a move west in the near future. Looking at Grand Junction, CO. Maybe Montrose. Any suggestions on where to move west for great wheeling access, please I’m open ears.

I think you'll be closer to a lot more opportunities in Utah than Grand Junction, but maybe GJ is close enough, given how far you have to come now. That said, if you land in GJ, I know a place that makes a great burger.

 

[Desmolicious]

I couldn't disagree more. There are tons of great off roading opportunities in Southern California. San Diego, Imperial , Riverside and San Bernardino counties offer a wealth of trails, rocks and open desert to explore. I have been to Ocotillo Wells twice recently and practically had the entire place to myself. Like Johnson Valley-where the Bronco was tested by Ford-the landscape is ideal for flat out rip roaring high speed running, and it is far too expansive to to encounter crowds. And Borrego State Park, being the largest in California, has numerous places to go.

Oh yeah? Well. Fine, I will look into your suggestions.

 

[Desmolicious]

California has very diverse topography, climates, and socioeconomic conditions. A lot can change if you move 100-200 miles in the right or wrong direction. In some ways it's like a sub sandwich but with some changes from one end to the other. If you just slice it into three pieces (north, central, south) you'll miss a lot of the key differences across the state's width. "Southern" and "northern" California are stereotypes based on their respective coastal cities, not the entire width of those parts of the state.

First, you need to separate the coastal from the interior regions. The coastal regions from the San Francisco area south have a (mostly) mild climate and a lot of great scenery. It's mostly affluent and cosmopolitan but extremely expensive. I'm one of millions of people over the decades who moved out of that region for my retirement.

The interior has very hot (but relatively low-humidity) summers. It's mostly not affluent and more reasonably priced, though still more expensive than many other states. Terrain varies greatly, but cities are almost all in valley areas, mostly in the Central Valley. However, mountains and public lands are usually not that far away.

"Central California" has both coast and interior and they're really different.



The Central Valley is a mixed bag. As a kid and a teenager I hated it because (passing through on the way to the Sierra) it was very hot in summer, often smoggy, and flat and boring compared to the hilly and scenic regions I lived it and was traveling to. Some of the valley cities are, well, not so great places to live. There are certainly plenty of towns that vary a lot in their qualities.

On the other hand, it's a lot more affordable. Sacramento is the biggest city there and is big enough to offer a lot of urban amenities. Personally, I don't like Fresno but YMMV. Absolutely research, visit, and explore any cities before committing to move there. A superficial positive impression in the 'nice' part of town will not tell the full story.

One more thing is that the climate changes from north to south. Average annual rainfall at the north end (Redding) is 30" and at the south end (Bakersfield) is 6". The south part is definitely a desert climate. Summer is a bit cooler around the Delta region from cooler air passing through the Bay Area from the ocean.

East of the Central Valley is the Sierra Nevada, a huge mountain range, and beyond that is desert. For most people neither one is a good place to look for jobs due to relatively small populations. Retirement is a possibility, but you'll be competing with affluent coastal Californian for the available real estate. I wouldn't move there from out of state, since other states have more affordable mountain and desert regions.

I cannot recommend Sacramento. I moved there from LA in 2021 and survived two years. Bought a beautiful craftsman house on a pretty tree lined street in Midtown. Less than half the cost - maybe 1/3 - compared to LA.
The city surrendered Sacramento to crazy drug addicted transients. Now before anyone thinks this is a political message, it is not, I am just describing my experience.
assaulted four times on my property by transients who I had never seen before in my life. Just random acts of violence. One tried to set fire to my house in front of me. Another threw feces at me. Two were just your typical garden variety assaults.
many a morning I woke up to find used needles on my lawn. And signs that the side of the house were used as a toilet. If I called the cops they would take maybe an hour to show up. I complained to the city to no avail.
I sold and left. And looking at the statistics, the homeless population has almost doubled there since I left.
it’s crazy because it could and should be a really nice place. Anyway, I was on N street close to the state capitol building. So learn from my experience, do not move to Sacramento. Head north from there to the Gold Country - about 45 minutes away you have beautiful places like Auburn etc. which are also cheaper than Sac - but good luck getting fire insurance nowadays!

 

[Q1svt]

I couldn't disagree more. There are tons of great off roading opportunities in Southern California. San Diego, Imperial , Riverside and San Bernardino counties offer a wealth of trails, rocks and open desert to explore. I have been to Ocotillo Wells twice recently and practically had the entire place to myself. Like Johnson Valley-where the Bronco was tested by Ford-the landscape is ideal for flat out rip roaring high speed running, and it is far too expansive to to encounter crowds. And Borrego State Park, being the largest in California, has numerous places to go.

@stampede1 for the win…

area 6 is east of San Diego
But you have 3, 4, 5, 6 and east of there in Nev / AZ …

Oh yeah? Well. Fine, I will look into your suggestions.

We prefer you don’t… it’s a well keep secret lol

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