In my opinion, Temecula is a good option for those who make decent money, want to retire early, and are willing to sacrifice a little. Think of the money you save as additional income, remembering to factor in gas if you commute, because that can be a hefty chunk.
Tax rate is typically around 1.5% for an sfr, give or take .1.
My commute from south Temecula (near casino) to Carlsbad at 6:30-7:30am is about 50 minutes. When not working from home, my wife commutes to UTC and it doesn’t take her any longer than that. Downtown is a different story, especially later in the morning. That commute is not worth the savings.
Schools are great, but not quite as good as can be found in coastal SD (there seems to be a myth going around that they’re equal). Way better than inland NC, though. Your elementary school kids won’t hold it in all day because they’re afraid to go to the restroom.
Ridiculous numbers of rednecks driving monster trucks and choppers. Motorcycles are everywhere.
The toughest-looking redneck here is a hundred times more personable than most coast dwellers. Seriously, the difference is amazing.
More Chargers fans than Raiders fans. In case you were wondering.
Lower average income than in equivalent SD housing. Your neighbors may be poorer (and look the part), but again, they’ll also be friendlier.
When your SD friends hear about you moving, they’ll be surprised and act appropriately happy for you, while secretly feeling sorry for you because you “can’t afford to live in San Diego” (regardless of how much you actually make). Then you’ll tell them your mortgage is $1,000/month for 2,200 sf (less than the cost to rent a decent one-bedroom apt in SD), and they’ll look at you a little differently. Not to mention your house will have sizable positive cash flow from the start, should you decide to rent it out.
The speed limit on Temecula Pkwy is actually appropriate for the street (55). I’ve never experienced that before.
94.9 doesn’t come in very well. This was almost a deal-breaker.
