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I have to agree that for a single person with no kids, LA has a lot to
offer–but it can also be a very “empty” place–without connections. We’ve known many who have come for the possibilities, and left completely unfulfilled, or even broken.

This is not to say this is or would be everyone’s experience, but, I guess, as in all things in life, it just depends on why you want to live there and what you are looking for. That said, since my wife works mostly from home, we do still enjoy going up for specific social or other events a couple of times a month or so.

I also think a person can create their own preferred environment wherever they choose to live. We entertain often, and have amazing conversations with amazing people, which often leads to amazing projects–so, even here–that end result is still possible.

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Concerning the lifestyle in LA. Being an “insider,” my wife finds it interesting how the film business, once centered in LA and Hollywood, had mutated into a far more international platform than in past years–and that is changing the landscape of the cities themselves.

Right now, the focus for most film studios (major and independent) is China, where the box office take is projected to be in the billions in the near future and beyond, because they are building a mega number of new theaters, and most of our blockbusters play very well there.

As with all businesses, you have to follow the money, and although the US will always be a major contender, the international film market is already surpassing the domestic box office.

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I have to say I agree with those who have expressed it seems there may be something much deeper going on here, even though it may not appear so at this moment in time.

My wife and I, our kids, and extended family grew up in SoCal with the same strong family ties the OP mentioned having on the “other coast” and I can’t even imagine what it would have been like to leave all that. In our case, it just so happened our large family was all out here, and, for the most part, have stayed out here.

Hopefully, the “internal” truth of this matter will be revealed in one way or the other, and then the “external” issues should naturally fall into place.

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Probably a good thing everyone has a different idea of the “perfect” place to live, or we’d all end up in one overly crowded location.

Even though we love RSF, we’ve always been open to moving, and have checked out many places over the years. Family and friends in Santa Monica, Laguna, Malibu, Calabasas, etc. have tried to encourage us to move to those locations, but even though they are fantastic places, and would be closer to my wife’s connection to the film business, we just can’t deal with the proximity to LA on a daily basis.

As far as the OP is concerned, as long as you folks know exactly what to expect from living in the Los Angeles area–you should be fine–but I’d still check San Diego County (and Temecula) out thoroughly before making your final decision.

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In today’s real estate market in San Diego, it is far more difficult to be extremely discriminating (as we also were) when you are working within a budget, and I completely agree with SD Realtor that renting would be a great way to find the place you and your family want to call home.

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As a native, who has also lived many other places, I think you may have to give and take a bit with your requirements in the San Diego area–especially at this point in time–and in the price range you mentioned.

That said, we’ve lived and raised our kids in Carmel Valley, and for the past many years, in Rancho Santa Fe. The kids loved both areas and turned out great, so you might give those locations some consideration, as well as Del Mar, as others have mentioned.

In addition, check out sdlookup.com, and run searches by zip code in Del Mar (92014), Rancho Santa Fe (92067), and Carmel Valley (92130). That way, you’ll see exactly what’s available in the price range you mentioned.

Best of luck!

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You don’t have to stop making money, just because you “retire” from one profession, scaredy. We just branched out to other “fields of endeavor.”

Roller rinks do sound like fun. Would like to see an outside rink built right out over the ocean. That would be amazing.

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My wife and I found that when it’s no longer really about the money anymore, you discover there are many great ways to spend your time. The obvious activities come to mind–more travel, more time at the beach, golf, tennis, boating–etc., etc.

In addition, for us, a lot revolves around the kids and the family, as well as maintaining our rental properties and our involvement in the film business.

It’s a time when you are free to “follow your bliss,” whatever that may be. Once you find that, you’ll be busy for the rest of your life.

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Many congratulations, UCGal. Whether retired,
semi-retired, or any other variation, it’s a great feeling not to HAVE to work.

Have enjoyed reading your posts over the years, and know you’ve planned well. Enjoy!!

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I think my parents and my wife’s parents may have been “Tiger Parents” before there were “Tiger Parents.” For the most part, we carried it on with our kids, and it has paid off. This was our lineup:

-Max educational goals–Decide what you want to “Be” BEFORE the grandparents pay for
college–required.
-Max career goals–See above.
-Max sports goals (some team, but mostly competitive golf and tennis)
-Max creative goals–play at least 2 instruments, and/or art, dance, etc.
-Max travel.
-And, as UCGal mentioned, “everyday stuff.” Everyone was pretty much prepared to take care of themselves, their homes, their cars, etc., by the time we/they were out on our own.

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No SD, you are not the only one–good for you–and I like sp’s comments also–spot on.

We see this type of behavior with people we know of also, and wonder what in the world they are thinking.

Although we invested heavily in real estate in San Diego and other places many years ago, and have tons of equity in those properties today, it’s just not in our DNA to live the way you described.

Separate and apart from other investments we’re involved in, we wanted to have seven figures stashed by the time we were 50, and have no regrets in doing so. Even then, we have still been able to enjoy life along the way.

Many people want what they want when they want
it–whether they can afford it or not. For some, that may work out, for others it will be a disaster. Guess they are placing their bets and taking their chances.

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We, and just about everyone we know who have stakes in the entertainment business, are trying to cash in on “The Need To Be Perpetually Entertained,” Gen Y (around 88M in the US and over 200M in China as examples) entertainment products, and prepping for Gen Z launches, so the confirmation of this level of interest is definitely good news.

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IMO, one of the saddest things in society is how few people actually achieve their “dreams” in life. When I was growing up–that was a major topic of conversation–now, it seems to be more about “survival.” Personally, I can’t imagine that scenario for myself or for my family.

Since it’s difficult to make generalizations about any of these type of topics, again, IMO, it all boils down to what works for each of us and our families–as long as our “beliefs”–whatever they may be–aren’t harming others.

No one has absolute answers, but one thing is certain. Life on earth is
short–regardless of what you “believe.”

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I agree you do get more conservative with regard to financial risk as you grow older, and, IMO, that’s a good thing.

If the financial risks many of us took when we were young paid off as planned, we find we don’t have to put ourselves at risk later in life, and that is as it should be.

The greatest fear some of my non-union career friends have, is losing their jobs in their 50’s and not being able to get another job, or not having enough funds to retire at that point in time. Looking at the dismal stats on retirement funds in this country, that is a very real problem.

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[quote=scaredyclassic][quote=flyer]IMO, whether it’s “mental illness,” the bursting of the “entitle mentality” illusion, “narcissism,” “bad parenting,” or any other “cause,” what I find sad and disgusting in all of these cases is, that many of these people choose to share their misery with other innocent people by destroying or trying to them.

If they can’t get help, don’t respond to it, or simply don’t want it, it’s unfortunate that the “miserable” can’t seem to keep their misery to themselves and leave everyone else alone.[/quote]

We are social creatures who seek to find our place in the pecking order by status, dominance and getting hot babes.

Hell …we are barely civil in the forum sometimes!!![/quote]

Granted, we are all instinctively motivated to get what we want in life, but most of us don’t blame others, or seek to destroy innocents, if things don’t work out the way we planned.

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