I think it’s pointless to argue whether a place in Hawaii plus France better, worse, or equivalent to a place in Santa Barbara. Or whether the view in the western US is soulless. These can’t be proven. There’s no data that can be brought that can decide.
But, 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…
Anyway, congrats Jazzman on finding what you want for your place(s) to live.
