Atlanta

[spdrun]

Actually, setting all readiness indicators can take hours to days of driving.

[spdrun]

FlyerInHi, because I’m a cheapskate’s cheapskate. $2500 “down” four years ago. Maybe $25-50 per month in repair costs in a bad year. Besides, I’m blue-collar at heart and actively enjoy grease monkeying. Did I mention that if I buy used, I own the car and can resell it as I please AND only carry liability insurance (no collision, UIM, or comp).

Plus, “driving” a Camry is a sleep-inducing experience. I’d prefer not to fall asleep from boredom, crash into a tree and die.

Screw the idea of paying a few hundred bucks a month for a car, or dropping cash that can be used on another property down payment. And no thanks to your creepy idea of having a car that phones home — will it send my location to DC too so they can tax me by mile and maintain a permanent record of whereabouts?

Maybe you’d feel more at home somewhere like Singapore?

Actually, given adequate charging stations, I wouldn’t mind a 100% electric car. But ideally one that’s simple and skips the Big Bro features. Something like an electric Miata or Tesla Roadster would be perfect.

Electric cars don’t emit smog and don’t have much to break that would reduce efficiency, so why on Earth would they need to phone home to Big Bro unless it’s just another means of controlling the sheeples’ lives?

[flyer]

kev, from what I’ve heard from friends who are in the “tech fields,” you might want to consider going wherever you can net the most. If you can also choose a place that has a great “quality of life,” all the better. Unfortunately, as many have commented, those two elements don’t always seem to go together.

Most of the friends I mentioned believe their best employment years may quickly end when they get into their 50’s or sooner–especially in those fields–so, IMO, making the big bucks early, should definitely factor into your decision.

[spdrun]

http://http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/21/magazine/will-portland-always-be-a-retirement-community-for-the-young.html

How about Portland?

“People move to New York to be in media or finance; they move to L.A. to be in show business,” Renn said. “People move to Portland to move to Portland.”

(Article’s way too heavy-handedly stereotypical in the way the NY Times often is, but anyway…)

[ucodegen]

[quote=flu][quote=FlyerInHi]Flu. I own a service station in CA.

You cannot reset the ECU to pass smog. The whole drive cycle needs to run for your car to pass smog. The newer cars now sent the VIN when you plug in.

The new rules were negotiated with auto manufacturers who want their customers to have a good consumer experience (easy smog).

The benefit is that new cars are perfectly clean, expect for the CO2 of course. Compare to the polluting old cars of past.[/quote]

Funny, because my ECU and OBD connector allows me to do just that. How do you think all the tuners flash their custom ROMs onto the ECU? 🙂 Not that I would suggest anyone do it… But at least as a theoretical exercise, it’s been done…[/quote]Actually, the onboard test does have to run with OBD II(s). You can reset the codes, but the tester the emissions test places use will report whether all of the drive cycle tests have been completed. I have a diag tester (Innova 3140d) that will report the any codes, whether it is a transient code, which drive cycle tests are reported, which have run to completion and which are yet pending. It also allows real time monitoring of sensors – all through OBD II port. The test that is coming down the pipe is that the OBD II test station will request the checksum for the flashed ECU code.. and it if doesn’t match allowable checksums, you will be failed (code mod detection). OBD I(s) can be reset and will pass immediately after reset unless it is a permanent code. OBD II(s) will have to run through the onboard tests.

NOTE: I think the checksum route is stupid because it is relying on the ECU to report the checksum. If the code has been modded, it could report the factory checksum instead of the actual for the code installed. I haven’t seen any ways for them to actually read/upload the ECU code from the OBD II port (don’t think the upload(to tester) command is spec’d/implemented)

In many ways, the whole test code thing is stupid. It should only be measuring what it blows.. and codes used for maintenance purposes (I find them useful, including the transient ones

[ucodegen]

[quote=flyer]kev, from what I’ve heard from friends who are in the “tech fields,” you might want to consider going wherever you can net the most. If you can also choose a place that has a great “quality of life,” all the better. Unfortunately, as many have commented, those two elements don’t always seem to go together.

Most of the friends I mentioned believe their best employment years may quickly end when they get into their 50’s or sooner–especially in those fields–so, IMO, making the big bucks early, should definitely factor into your decision.[/quote]I would second that. Bean-counter style management starts seeing you as ‘expensive’, then replaces you with 2 or 3 people who can’t complete the job collectively and whose collective salaries are more than you made.

Happened to me with the introduction of a MBA type bean-counter to a technical company. They look at cost per hour, but have a problem factoring in the ‘performance’ portion. Their calc’s are all ‘head-count’ and ‘per-head’ based.

[ucodegen]

[quote=bearishgurl][quote=spdrun]Too much money in it not to have duplicate bureaucracies. Someone is making money certifying the parts for CA use, not to mention selling the certified parts for an inflated price.

The ironic thing is that I actually see more smoky clunkers on the road in CA than around NYC. Not sure if safety inspection gets rid of the worst of the worst, or if they simply die due to rust before they can turn into smoking messes.[/quote]

I don’t believe pre-1973 vehicles have to be “smogged” in CA and we don’t have “safety inspections” per se (any Pigg correct me if I’m wrong here).[/quote]Correct. From what I remember for CA, it is 1975 and earlier. 1976 and later have to be sniffed. It originally was idle test, then high/low idle, then dyno was added later.

The smokey clunkers are interesting. If it is blue smoke, it is burning oil and interestingly, that does not get picked up on the tests – including hydro-carbon test. I guess because it is a heavy hydro-carbon not a light aromatic which means it probably gets filtered out in the test unit’s protective filters. It could also be that these cars are from outside CA, or are in areas that are not required to have smog tests for registration (tests are only required in smog impacted areas).

[ucodegen]

[quote=FlyerInHi]California was the leader in clean air. In fact, the EPA eventually adopted California rules, as have other states who implemented smog programs.

The rules are made for everybody. If you don’t like them, put your car on non-op and make it a track car.

I’m sure people remember the polluted air back in in the 80s and before. Smog alerts all the time. LA was almost like Beijing. The air cleared up in the 90s.[/quote]The problem is not in the test. It is in the psychotic belief of California’s legislators that the auto-manufacturers know how to build the cleanest vehicles. That is blatantly untrue. Run a vehicle 1/2 gasoline, 1/2 Natural gas – the car will be significantly cleaner than straight gasoline.

The other reason why smog got cleaned up in the 90’s was because the factories were required to be cleaned up. There were auto smog regs in California since 1975 (actually a bit earlier). That is partially why the 1975 and earlier cutoff.

[desmond]

[quote=bearishgurl][quote=desmond]I guess you did not have a few thousand acres of land, a lake house, oil and gas wells, rental homes, another new gas well on the way and a great family in Texas. Too bad, Svelte. It is raining today but no parade. No need to show your anger, watch this you might calm down.

[/quote]

desmond, I saw your “bucolic” video the other day and I think it’s great that you were able to finally restore that barn to park your “toys” in. I could move to a same/similar situation as you did … with family support in every direction to help me with whatever I needed. Having resided in Cali more than 50 years (Norcal AND Socal), I agree that the Golden State has seen better days but would still consider some of Norcal’s semi-rural and rural counties to “retire” in. The PROBLEM is finding a lower-cost SFR ($350K or less) in many of these counties which meets my needs and requirements (which aren’t that stringent) due to a constant severe shortage of listings. It seems that even young families are checking out of the rat race that is SF Bay and settling into areas such as Lake County, CA to raise their children among sheep, goats, vineyards and other crops. Obviously, those who have done so likely had well-established parents in those counties (or neighboring counties) and have “bought” their properties from relatives or were deeded them.

I’m going to make a decision on what to do within the year. My last kid who is a freshman in college is required live on campus for one year and as soon as I can situate them into a more permanent living arrangement, I’ll feel much freer to leave the area and maybe even the state.

In truly envy you (yes, in spite of the oppressive heat, loud crickets and chiggers). Living amongst family no doubt makes it all worthwhile.[/quote]

My whole point on moving out of California is that it is just easier to live in other areas. My son bought a great home in Georgetown for $175k, he was 25. You can’t do that in CA. Now most on this board are tech people so CA is best for them, but for others especially younger adults staying in CA is not worth it. btw, I grew up in Escondido, raised my kids in Valencia and it is not any hotter in TX. I was somewhat worried about the humidity but now I don’t even notice it. But then again I am no soft techie……………….but I don’t have their brains either………

[Coronita]

Texas actually has a decent high tech community, especially around Dallas….

And Gov. Perry keeps throwing bones at California businesses to relocate there too…. I think there were a few companies in SD that just relocated to Texas….And gotta love the no state income tax…

[desmond]

[quote=flu]Texas actually has a decent high tech community, especially around Dallas….

And Gov. Perry keeps throwing bones at California businesses to relocate there too…. I think there were a few companies in SD that just relocated to Texas….And gotta love the no state income tax…[/quote]

SpaceX in McGregor is hiring. On another note if you ever watch “Fixer Upper” on HGTV we just bought a home in the Castle Heights district in Waco, close on it next Thursday, $185k. Waco is “up and coming”, our neighbor is like nothing we could afford in California.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=desmond][quote=bearishgurl][quote=desmond]I guess you did not have a few thousand acres of land, a lake house, oil and gas wells, rental homes, another new gas well on the way and a great family in Texas. Too bad, Svelte. It is raining today but no parade. No need to show your anger, watch this you might calm down.

[/quote]

desmond, I saw your “bucolic” video the other day and I think it’s great that you were able to finally restore that barn to park your “toys” in. I could move to a same/similar situation as you did … with family support in every direction to help me with whatever I needed. Having resided in Cali more than 50 years (Norcal AND Socal), I agree that the Golden State has seen better days but would still consider some of Norcal’s semi-rural and rural counties to “retire” in. The PROBLEM is finding a lower-cost SFR ($350K or less) in many of these counties which meets my needs and requirements (which aren’t that stringent) due to a constant severe shortage of listings. It seems that even young families are checking out of the rat race that is SF Bay and settling into areas such as Lake County, CA to raise their children among sheep, goats, vineyards and other crops. Obviously, those who have done so likely had well-established parents in those counties (or neighboring counties) and have “bought” their properties from relatives or were deeded them.

I’m going to make a decision on what to do within the year. My last kid who is a freshman in college is required live on campus for one year and as soon as I can situate them into a more permanent living arrangement, I’ll feel much freer to leave the area and maybe even the state.

In truly envy you (yes, in spite of the oppressive heat, loud crickets and chiggers). Living amongst family no doubt makes it all worthwhile.[/quote]

My whole point on moving out of California is that it is just easier to live in other areas. My son bought a great home in Georgetown for $175k, he was 25. You can’t do that in CA. Now most on this board are tech people so CA is best for them, but for others especially younger adults staying in CA is not worth it. btw, I grew up in Escondido, raised my kids in Valencia and it is not any hotter in TX. I was somewhat worried about the humidity but now I don’t even notice it. But then again I am no soft techie……………….but I don’t have their brains either………[/quote]

desmond, you don’t have to be a “techie” to make great money in tech firms in the Silicon Valley. Business majors of all stripes are also in hot demand there and can make just as much or more than “techies” depending on major, experience and contacts (not necessarily in the that order). Yes, the housing situation there on the peninsula is challenging for young families but not so much for singles who can pair, triple or quadruple up or sublet a room and a bath. Fortunately, in SF, the vast majority of apt (flats) are 1000 to 3200 sf (typical 1000 and 2200 sf on one floor) because they usually take up 1/2 to a whole floor of a building which is 75 – 105 years old. So there is ample room for a shared roommate situation. If the worker (or retiree) lives in a “rent controlled” bldg, they’re golden. Also, LOTS of young workers there have local relatives who own rental homes, condos and apt bldgs and can give them a deal for as long as they need it. The housing situation in SF/SV hits hardest the new worker in town with no local contacts and who doesn’t know their way around.

I honestly believe that many more young families with tech workers could live on the peninsula but won’t accept the age and size of housing available (and the spouse refuses to take even PT employment, as well). Instead they rent or buy somewhere one-hour + south or across a bridge and make their daily lives exceedingly difficult for themselves and their families, causing them to bail out on the position they took long before they were able to squeeze all the opportunities, money and benefits from SV that they potentially could.

When you’re too old to be a “hot commodity” anymore, having assets and liquidity is king. In this day and age, you MUST endeavor to get as much money/benefits out of your employers as you can while young (preferably under 40) and hang onto as much of it as possible.

kev, are you listening? Have you found a SV headhunter to work with yet??

WOW, desmond, Georgetown (TX) also looks “bucolic.” Its historic architecture reminds me of mtn towns I often visit. Looks like it is in hill country as well.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgetown,_Texas

Yeah, TX is definitely the cheapest place in the country to buy a good, high quality (brick?) house.

The last two week’s weather (esp this last week and NOW) in SD County (although an anomaly) rivals or exceeds TX summer weather sans the A/C that most households do not have here. (I’m running 24/7 a whole house fan and three large fans and all I can say is, “My poor pets …”)

The great thing about TX (especially with long-established family nearby) is that you don’t have to worry about your old age. You can drive each other to appts, tow each other out of ditches in a wind/ice/hailstorm, store and repair each other’s houses and vehicles, grow and put up food together and share it, loan each other your flatbed trucks and heavy equip, help each other move, etc. I know if I moved to be near my extended posse in “flyover country,” I would never have to pay for ANY of the services I pay for now. I could barter away until the cows come home … even for “professional” services 😀

[an]

[quote=flu]Texas actually has a decent high tech community, especially around Dallas….

And Gov. Perry keeps throwing bones at California businesses to relocate there too…. I think there were a few companies in SD that just relocated to Texas….And gotta love the no state income tax…[/quote]
Austin have a pretty big tech community as well. SXSW is also there, so you get a pretty funky tech start up types there too. Gov. Perry have been doing a good job for TX pulling companies from CA to TX.

[spdrun]

Bearishgurl: I’m not sure about “cheapest in the country.” I’m looking at houses in good working-class areas of NJ now, and they’re in the mid $100k range for a house that’s old but well-built.

Taxes in good towns are about $400-450/mo is the kicker (can be higher in badly-run towns), but TX isn’t known for cheap property taxes either.

And what about Michigan? Not Detroit area, but Grand Rapids is fairly reasonable and actually doing quite well.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=spdrun]Bearishgurl: I’m not sure about “cheapest in the country.” I’m looking at houses in good working-class areas of NJ now, and they’re in the mid $100k range for a house that’s old but well-built.

Taxes in good towns are about $400-450/mo is the kicker (can be higher in badly-run towns), but TX isn’t known for cheap property taxes either.

And what about Michigan? Not Detroit area, but Grand Rapids is fairly reasonable and actually doing quite well.[/quote]

I don’t know about NJ … that’s your expertise. But I didn’t think of MI. Yes, it’s likely the cheapest in the country for a well-built SFR but freezing cold and has nowhere near the job opportunities TX has. I would think NJ, being so close to NYC, has much better job opps than MI and therefore its housing stock should be worth more.

[Author]

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