I had this decision in 2018 and decided to rent out my house.
I talked to a financial advisor who said
“many people leave San Diego, but end up not liking their new location. When they try to return they cannot afford the same type of house and feel miserable.”
I kept the house. Thinking I have 2 or so years to decide to sell based on capital gains exclusion.
Now I am very glad we did not sell, and I will just keep renting out the house. One day I will return as San Diego is magical.
The one issue is that I have got used to my house in North Carolina. Much bigger and better than the San Deigo house. I will probably have to redo the San Diego house when I return.
