[quote=FormerSanDiegan] . . . it is interesting to compare the trade-offs one can make between say a SFR in coastal So Cal versus 1,2, or even 3 properties scattered about various places. You could even consider a more rural SO Cal spot… say a place in SLO plus the place in France or Hawaii …[/quote]
FSD, I think I suggested Ojai to Jazzman as an alternative to pricey SB in the first thread I pulled up. I don’t recall but either he didn’t find anything he liked there or didn’t want to compromise from SB. Again, nothing wrong with his choice not to.
I thought the “trade-off” subject was interesting as well. In coastal CA (especially the coveted locales of Jazzman’s preference), a RE buyer is paying for past, present and future govm’t regulation in addition to the availability of multiple local public services. Hence, the relatively high cost for what a buyer can get. Even if a “shack” (by Jazzman’s standards) rests on a coastal or near-coastal lot in these areas, you can’t take away its location. It is what it is.
Without that regulation and level of available services, we have the TX panhandle, eastern OK, southern MO, northern LA, central and south FL or the WY plains, among many other US locales to choose from for your RE shopping pleasure :=D
You get what you pay for in this life. If you don’t want to live with regulation and think you don’t need too many services, try shopping in some of the above locales and see what is on offer and for how much. While shopping, don’t become too impressed with online listing photos. GO THERE AND SEE ALL OF IT … THE WHOLE ENVIRONMENT … IN PERSON! And don’t forget to add in the cost of running utilities for 12 months per year 🙂
