Ironically, I am moving down from OC to San Diego county because of how much cheaper it is than OC. Only Rancho Santa Fae is anywhere along the lines of the prices in prime OC areas. Even Encinitas is very cheap compared to what you get for the same type of thing up here. The place I am buying down there would literally be 3 times the price up here. Most places obviously do not carry that multiple, but it is without question cheaper down in SD.
The reality is that even with a sharp correction, if you do not make well into six figures, you are never going to be able to comfortably live in Southern California, except in outlying areas. This is sad but true. Even Poway, which in the old days seemed like it was Green Acres, has seven figure tract homes.
I even considered leaving, before I went into escrow recently, and I can comfortably afford to live in most places. It does seem that the values are ridiculous compared to other places, and it makes you wonder on some level, if it is worth it.
