#1 Yes, sub $100 is the norm for that size, the larger the house, the lower the ppsf
#2 Maybe, the more desirable areas have hoa’s, they vary from $30 a month the $150, most are on the low side, just a few have high hoa’s and they have fantastic amenities for that. Here is what $150 gets you http://www.previewfirst.com/mls/video/4696
#3 No-you will not find pure 1%, because of the voter approved bonds. They are fixed yearly fees but every house pays something between $500 and $3000 a year above the 1% based on where it is, not the value, these fees don’t go up unless the voters approve more stuff. This includes your trash bill which is paid through taxes in the city.
#4, Yes, water and gas are dirt cheap ($50 a month), electric will be a few hundred in summer.
#5, NO, absolutely not. Cars are like shoes in So Cal, especially in the burbs. For a suburb it does have an unusually large amount of cabs, due to having one of the largest casinos in so cal. Since there are dozens of cabs on duty at any one time, getting one is easy and quick, even if you aren’t going to/coming from the casino just because they are nearby. I cab it home sometimes from bars, it’s cheap and quick, but I would never live here without a car. Just buy a cheap used one.
#6, Yes, outdoor activity is pretty much a year round thing, this holds true for almost all of So Cal.
#7 and #8 weren’t really questions.
If you don’t have kids and don’t want a car, I’m not sure this is the town for you. Downtown or NothPark/Hillcrest/Mission hills are much better suited for a pedestrian lifestyle but you wont find the sq ft for the price you are looking for.
