Semi-Retire in Temecula in 2012

[ice9]

I am looking to semi-retire somewhere affordable and with great weather. Great weather is subjective, but for me that means no winter, sunny a lot, and warm/hot summers.

I am 37 years old, which is why I’m not talking about full blown retirement. I am a programmer (video game field) and working from home. I think I could continue to work from home in a semi-retirement fashion.

I was in a very good situation last year, with 1M between my 401K and savings. I’ve stayed fully invested through the market downturns, so I am considerably less well off. Still, I planned to keep this money in the market long-term and live off dividends eventually.

I’m interested in feedback from people on the following assumptions about settling in the Temecula area in a few years (note: I currently reside in Austin, TX)

– can get a quality 2500 sq ft home in desirable area for under $100 per sq ft

– find a house with no mello roos and low (or no) HOA fees

– property taxes will be not bad at 1%

– utility costs will be relatively cheap due to mild weather, excepting electric bills in summer

– can get by without owning a car (can rent car when needed)

– lots of opportunities for outdoor activities, esp. running

– high state tax won’t have big impact for me since income will be relatively low (~30K dividends/yr, plus whatever supplemental income from contract work)

– heath insurance? I’m healthy with no history of health issues. Probably just need catastrophic insurance.

Thoughts?

[bsrsharma]

Have you looked at Florida? FL seems to be on a steep decline too (RE price wise) and might be a more fun place to retire than Temecula. But, if you want financial freedom and fun, why not buy a high end RV and enjoy a mobile lifestyle? Home ownership is more of a family lifestyle and not much fun at all as a hobby for retirement.

[bsrsharma]

Have you looked at Florida? FL seems to be on a steep decline too (RE price wise) and might be a more fun place to retire than Temecula. But, if you want financial freedom and fun, why not buy a high end RV and enjoy a mobile lifestyle? Home ownership is more of a family lifestyle and not much fun at all as a hobby for retirement.

[bsrsharma]

Have you looked at Florida? FL seems to be on a steep decline too (RE price wise) and might be a more fun place to retire than Temecula. But, if you want financial freedom and fun, why not buy a high end RV and enjoy a mobile lifestyle? Home ownership is more of a family lifestyle and not much fun at all as a hobby for retirement.

[bsrsharma]

Have you looked at Florida? FL seems to be on a steep decline too (RE price wise) and might be a more fun place to retire than Temecula. But, if you want financial freedom and fun, why not buy a high end RV and enjoy a mobile lifestyle? Home ownership is more of a family lifestyle and not much fun at all as a hobby for retirement.

[bsrsharma]

Have you looked at Florida? FL seems to be on a steep decline too (RE price wise) and might be a more fun place to retire than Temecula. But, if you want financial freedom and fun, why not buy a high end RV and enjoy a mobile lifestyle? Home ownership is more of a family lifestyle and not much fun at all as a hobby for retirement.

[ice9]

FL is too humid in the summer for me, also don’t like the idea of high insurance costs.

Regarding the RV idea — it’s not for me. I want a solid place to call home. Although I don’t have a family, I just might at some point.

[ice9]

FL is too humid in the summer for me, also don’t like the idea of high insurance costs.

Regarding the RV idea — it’s not for me. I want a solid place to call home. Although I don’t have a family, I just might at some point.

[ice9]

FL is too humid in the summer for me, also don’t like the idea of high insurance costs.

Regarding the RV idea — it’s not for me. I want a solid place to call home. Although I don’t have a family, I just might at some point.

[ice9]

FL is too humid in the summer for me, also don’t like the idea of high insurance costs.

Regarding the RV idea — it’s not for me. I want a solid place to call home. Although I don’t have a family, I just might at some point.

[ice9]

FL is too humid in the summer for me, also don’t like the idea of high insurance costs.

Regarding the RV idea — it’s not for me. I want a solid place to call home. Although I don’t have a family, I just might at some point.

[Nor-LA-SD-guy]

can get a quality 2500 sq ft home in desirable area for under $100 per sq ft

Yes

– utility costs will be relatively cheap due to mild weather, excepting electric bills in summer

Yes

can get by without owning a car (can rent car when needed)

No

2012 — No one can say for sure but I think if you want these deals (less than 100 sqf) you better step on it IMO.

SD Beaches about 55 minutes to the nice ones (on the weekends, traffic during the week).
Good luck,

[Nor-LA-SD-guy]

can get a quality 2500 sq ft home in desirable area for under $100 per sq ft

Yes

– utility costs will be relatively cheap due to mild weather, excepting electric bills in summer

Yes

can get by without owning a car (can rent car when needed)

No

2012 — No one can say for sure but I think if you want these deals (less than 100 sqf) you better step on it IMO.

SD Beaches about 55 minutes to the nice ones (on the weekends, traffic during the week).
Good luck,

[Nor-LA-SD-guy]

can get a quality 2500 sq ft home in desirable area for under $100 per sq ft

Yes

– utility costs will be relatively cheap due to mild weather, excepting electric bills in summer

Yes

can get by without owning a car (can rent car when needed)

No

2012 — No one can say for sure but I think if you want these deals (less than 100 sqf) you better step on it IMO.

SD Beaches about 55 minutes to the nice ones (on the weekends, traffic during the week).
Good luck,

[Nor-LA-SD-guy]

can get a quality 2500 sq ft home in desirable area for under $100 per sq ft

Yes

– utility costs will be relatively cheap due to mild weather, excepting electric bills in summer

Yes

can get by without owning a car (can rent car when needed)

No

2012 — No one can say for sure but I think if you want these deals (less than 100 sqf) you better step on it IMO.

SD Beaches about 55 minutes to the nice ones (on the weekends, traffic during the week).
Good luck,

[Author]

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