Hey man I’m originally from Vancouver and I live in Southern California.

I agree that Vancouver is in an unrealized housing bubble. I was shocked that the sales numbers were so strong this summer.

As far as Socal goes. Basically, the coast is expensive very expensive. Since your Canadian and dry heat and sunshine is probably what you’re looking for (the ocean doesn’t need to be right next to you). Look for nice middle class areas inland and you’ll get more bang for your buck.

Clean air (Vancouver Style )doesn’t exist in Southern California. Tap water down here is not so good. You will need to adjust your lifestyle.

In San Diego, that would be Poway or Eastern Rancho Bernardo. Mission Viejo or Irvine in Orange County. Not sure in LA. You could move to Palm Springs it only 90 minutes from LA and there are tons of foreclosures. Its very very hot in the Summer. Have you considered Scottsdale, Arizona?

Hey man I’m originally from Vancouver and I live in Southern California.

I agree that Vancouver is in an unrealized housing bubble. I was shocked that the sales numbers were so strong this summer.

As far as Socal goes. Basically, the coast is expensive very expensive. Since your Canadian and dry heat and sunshine is probably what you’re looking for (the ocean doesn’t need to be right next to you). Look for nice middle class areas inland and you’ll get more bang for your buck.

Clean air (Vancouver Style )doesn’t exist in Southern California. Tap water down here is not so good. You will need to adjust your lifestyle.

In San Diego, that would be Poway or Eastern Rancho Bernardo. Mission Viejo or Irvine in Orange County. Not sure in LA. You could move to Palm Springs it only 90 minutes from LA and there are tons of foreclosures. Its very very hot in the Summer. Have you considered Scottsdale, Arizona?

Greg,

Water, Safety, and Clean Air eh? Not Health Care? (are you planning to fly back to Canada for that?)

All of SoCal has more or less the same water (brought in from NorCal, the Sierras, or the Colorado river).

Many neighborhoods throughout SoCal are relatively safe. Many others are not. Local RE prices will reflect this.

SoCal is not exactly the best place for clean air. I lived in San Gabriel Valley for more than 25 years (from late 60s to mid 90s). Was like smoking a pack a day. You need to stay close to the coast for “cleaner” air. This means more $$$, but sounds like school district doesn’t matter, which will give you better selection. IMO, SoCal coastal prices are likely to drop significantly over the next three years, so I would stay in (Canadian) cash and rent for a season or two before you make any purchase decision. That way, you can try living in a few different areas before deciding if you really want to spend half your retirement in SoCal.

Greg,

Water, Safety, and Clean Air eh? Not Health Care? (are you planning to fly back to Canada for that?)

All of SoCal has more or less the same water (brought in from NorCal, the Sierras, or the Colorado river).

Many neighborhoods throughout SoCal are relatively safe. Many others are not. Local RE prices will reflect this.

SoCal is not exactly the best place for clean air. I lived in San Gabriel Valley for more than 25 years (from late 60s to mid 90s). Was like smoking a pack a day. You need to stay close to the coast for “cleaner” air. This means more $$$, but sounds like school district doesn’t matter, which will give you better selection. IMO, SoCal coastal prices are likely to drop significantly over the next three years, so I would stay in (Canadian) cash and rent for a season or two before you make any purchase decision. That way, you can try living in a few different areas before deciding if you really want to spend half your retirement in SoCal.

Greg,

Water, Safety, and Clean Air eh? Not Health Care? (are you planning to fly back to Canada for that?)

All of SoCal has more or less the same water (brought in from NorCal, the Sierras, or the Colorado river).

Many neighborhoods throughout SoCal are relatively safe. Many others are not. Local RE prices will reflect this.

SoCal is not exactly the best place for clean air. I lived in San Gabriel Valley for more than 25 years (from late 60s to mid 90s). Was like smoking a pack a day. You need to stay close to the coast for “cleaner” air. This means more $$$, but sounds like school district doesn’t matter, which will give you better selection. IMO, SoCal coastal prices are likely to drop significantly over the next three years, so I would stay in (Canadian) cash and rent for a season or two before you make any purchase decision. That way, you can try living in a few different areas before deciding if you really want to spend half your retirement in SoCal.

[quote=PatentGuy]…SoCal coastal prices are likely to drop significantly over the next three years, so I would stay in (Canadian) cash and rent for a season or two before you make any purchase decision….[/quote]

Good advice.

[quote=PatentGuy]…SoCal coastal prices are likely to drop significantly over the next three years, so I would stay in (Canadian) cash and rent for a season or two before you make any purchase decision….[/quote]

Good advice.