Kev, while you don’t mention where you live ( or I missed it) I have a solution for you: Temecula.

Yes, Temecula.

You can probably buy up here.

San Diego is a bad value, and as scaredy has mentioned San Diego and San Francisco are great if you’re rich or bought a long time ago. Temecula is great for the 99%ers.

Low crime
Great schools
Clean air
Affordable housing
Temecula is a well run city
New hospital
Wine country is growing and gets better every year
Nice old town area

Come on up, take a look and fall in love with Temevula.