[quote=UCGal]. . . I worked in Oceanside in the late 80’s – commuting from downtown San Diego. For me, personally, I made the decision to never have a commute over 30 minutes each way again. I’ve lived in less fancy, but more expensive, homes as a consequence. But it’s a decision I have not regreted. But, that’s my metrics/choice. I understand the desire for a bigger, affordable house, and the tradeoffs people make.[/quote](emphasis added)
You make excellent points here, UCGal. Even though you were commuting AGAINST most of the rush-hour traffic when you worked in O’side, it was STILL a 35-40 mi. commute ONE WAY!
Slightly OT: I can absolutely relate to this commute. Just last Thursday, I drove up (thru the grueling “NCC rush-hour” in the AOV lane :)) to meet a relative for dinner who was vacationing in Laguna Beach, which I haven’t been to in over 25 years. We arrived there with two hours of daylight left to watch my nephews surfing. I just have to say that, in comparison to SD county beaches, the historical significance, ambiance, culture, exclusivity, and sheer length and beauty of this coastline ROCKS!
I don’t personally have any experience with a “Leave-it-to-Beaver” lifestyle as both of my parents worked. Due to the business I am in, I have seen a lot of STUFF in my life and I personally feel a long-term stay-at-home spouse is doing themselves a HUGE DISSERVICE in this day and age, given the current cost of living and all that can happen in life. You are absolutely correct in your comparison of the expectations of our parents (WWII-era & greatest generation) and the expectations of parents today (most a generation or more younger than myself). My original family was raised in 1532 sf and never realized we were deprived. We actually had a 12,800 sf lot and a HUGE detached workshop/garage but never considered adding on. I’m not advocating this mindset today as there are many larger (1800-2300) homes to choose from now. But how much is too much?? If there are 2-4 people in your household and you have 4 or more baths, do you want to spend your time dusting and cleaning the unused baths? Do you want to spend $$ furnishing unused or barely-used space? There comes a point where an extraordinarily large (“newish”) home (with no appreciable land around it) just becomes an albatross, esp. if there are HOA and/or bonds involved.
