I am actually in the Northeast though… Upstate NY (hence, the ice and sliding cars reference – although for the past few months it has been sun and flowers). Good for you in leaving San Diego behind. That income thread in off-topic really hit home for me. People have a lot of money, and feel they shouldnt buy at those prices.
I dont even understand why anyone would stick around San Diego and try. Yes, weather is good, but what else?
Traffic/roads? … nope, not good.
Town character/cool architecture? … nope (besides downtown LaJolla, Coronado & DelMar which are impossible to get in and out of because of … traffic!)
Good schools?… nope, not even close.
Good government/economy?… nope.
Good country clubs to join for connecting socially?…. nope – too expensive out there!
Good music/arts for the kids at school?… nope.
Nurturing community for kids? .. Like oh-my-god, like totally gag me! She is like SO fat! Did you see her shirt? Oh my god, I think she like bought it at like Target or something – eeewwwww…. Nasty trash girl!
It is great for vacations and retirement, not for raising kids. Will be nice on old bones/joints to leave the house and have it be the same temperature constantly, but for that little house or condo, I can wait and save.