[kicksavedave]

I feel you Cardiff, I too am preparing to head out of San Diego, in my case for the 2nd time in 3 years. I left for Colorado in 2007. Came back for a job promotion in Sept 2008, but that job went sour real quick as the economy tanked. I thought I missed California, but it turns out I was happier in Colorado. We had better connections with friends there, a much better and cheaper house(owned, not rented), generally great weather, tons of things to do, and enough culture and food to keep us happy. San Diego has weather and the ocean but we don’t use the ocean, so really all it has is weather.

But for us the decision comes down to this. For our income we can buy around $500-$600K. Here in California we can buy a tiny run down dump with no yard in a crummy part of town. In Colorado we can have anything we want – 5 acres in the hills, a brand new hip loft in the heart of town, a mcmansion in suburbia. We want land and privacy, and we can’t have that here unless we move to Valley Center, which doesn’t work for commute purposes. That, and the connections we made out there were much stronger, better overall quality of relationships out there. We’re also considering the DC area, where I’m from and still have family there, but the real estate difference from here to there is minimal so that is a tough decision.

Either way, I’m totally in sync with your reasoning for leaving San Diego. You may miss parts of this place at first, but in the long run and in the big picture, you will probably be much better off. Good luck.

[kicksavedave]

I feel you Cardiff, I too am preparing to head out of San Diego, in my case for the 2nd time in 3 years. I left for Colorado in 2007. Came back for a job promotion in Sept 2008, but that job went sour real quick as the economy tanked. I thought I missed California, but it turns out I was happier in Colorado. We had better connections with friends there, a much better and cheaper house(owned, not rented), generally great weather, tons of things to do, and enough culture and food to keep us happy. San Diego has weather and the ocean but we don’t use the ocean, so really all it has is weather.

But for us the decision comes down to this. For our income we can buy around $500-$600K. Here in California we can buy a tiny run down dump with no yard in a crummy part of town. In Colorado we can have anything we want – 5 acres in the hills, a brand new hip loft in the heart of town, a mcmansion in suburbia. We want land and privacy, and we can’t have that here unless we move to Valley Center, which doesn’t work for commute purposes. That, and the connections we made out there were much stronger, better overall quality of relationships out there. We’re also considering the DC area, where I’m from and still have family there, but the real estate difference from here to there is minimal so that is a tough decision.

Either way, I’m totally in sync with your reasoning for leaving San Diego. You may miss parts of this place at first, but in the long run and in the big picture, you will probably be much better off. Good luck.

[kicksavedave]

I feel you Cardiff, I too am preparing to head out of San Diego, in my case for the 2nd time in 3 years. I left for Colorado in 2007. Came back for a job promotion in Sept 2008, but that job went sour real quick as the economy tanked. I thought I missed California, but it turns out I was happier in Colorado. We had better connections with friends there, a much better and cheaper house(owned, not rented), generally great weather, tons of things to do, and enough culture and food to keep us happy. San Diego has weather and the ocean but we don’t use the ocean, so really all it has is weather.

But for us the decision comes down to this. For our income we can buy around $500-$600K. Here in California we can buy a tiny run down dump with no yard in a crummy part of town. In Colorado we can have anything we want – 5 acres in the hills, a brand new hip loft in the heart of town, a mcmansion in suburbia. We want land and privacy, and we can’t have that here unless we move to Valley Center, which doesn’t work for commute purposes. That, and the connections we made out there were much stronger, better overall quality of relationships out there. We’re also considering the DC area, where I’m from and still have family there, but the real estate difference from here to there is minimal so that is a tough decision.

Either way, I’m totally in sync with your reasoning for leaving San Diego. You may miss parts of this place at first, but in the long run and in the big picture, you will probably be much better off. Good luck.

[kicksavedave]

I feel you Cardiff, I too am preparing to head out of San Diego, in my case for the 2nd time in 3 years. I left for Colorado in 2007. Came back for a job promotion in Sept 2008, but that job went sour real quick as the economy tanked. I thought I missed California, but it turns out I was happier in Colorado. We had better connections with friends there, a much better and cheaper house(owned, not rented), generally great weather, tons of things to do, and enough culture and food to keep us happy. San Diego has weather and the ocean but we don’t use the ocean, so really all it has is weather.

But for us the decision comes down to this. For our income we can buy around $500-$600K. Here in California we can buy a tiny run down dump with no yard in a crummy part of town. In Colorado we can have anything we want – 5 acres in the hills, a brand new hip loft in the heart of town, a mcmansion in suburbia. We want land and privacy, and we can’t have that here unless we move to Valley Center, which doesn’t work for commute purposes. That, and the connections we made out there were much stronger, better overall quality of relationships out there. We’re also considering the DC area, where I’m from and still have family there, but the real estate difference from here to there is minimal so that is a tough decision.

Either way, I’m totally in sync with your reasoning for leaving San Diego. You may miss parts of this place at first, but in the long run and in the big picture, you will probably be much better off. Good luck.

[kicksavedave]

I feel you Cardiff, I too am preparing to head out of San Diego, in my case for the 2nd time in 3 years. I left for Colorado in 2007. Came back for a job promotion in Sept 2008, but that job went sour real quick as the economy tanked. I thought I missed California, but it turns out I was happier in Colorado. We had better connections with friends there, a much better and cheaper house(owned, not rented), generally great weather, tons of things to do, and enough culture and food to keep us happy. San Diego has weather and the ocean but we don’t use the ocean, so really all it has is weather.

But for us the decision comes down to this. For our income we can buy around $500-$600K. Here in California we can buy a tiny run down dump with no yard in a crummy part of town. In Colorado we can have anything we want – 5 acres in the hills, a brand new hip loft in the heart of town, a mcmansion in suburbia. We want land and privacy, and we can’t have that here unless we move to Valley Center, which doesn’t work for commute purposes. That, and the connections we made out there were much stronger, better overall quality of relationships out there. We’re also considering the DC area, where I’m from and still have family there, but the real estate difference from here to there is minimal so that is a tough decision.

Either way, I’m totally in sync with your reasoning for leaving San Diego. You may miss parts of this place at first, but in the long run and in the big picture, you will probably be much better off. Good luck.

[kicksavedave]

I know, sometimes things happen that are beyond your control. Like kids doing silly things on a Saturday night. And like having to sell your house when the market conditions aren’t perfect. And you don’t get to choose when the guy in the Prius with the big camera on top drives by your house to take a “Street View” picture.

http://tinyurl.com/espanaway

[kicksavedave]

I know, sometimes things happen that are beyond your control. Like kids doing silly things on a Saturday night. And like having to sell your house when the market conditions aren’t perfect. And you don’t get to choose when the guy in the Prius with the big camera on top drives by your house to take a “Street View” picture.

http://tinyurl.com/espanaway

[kicksavedave]

I know, sometimes things happen that are beyond your control. Like kids doing silly things on a Saturday night. And like having to sell your house when the market conditions aren’t perfect. And you don’t get to choose when the guy in the Prius with the big camera on top drives by your house to take a “Street View” picture.

http://tinyurl.com/espanaway

[kicksavedave]

I know, sometimes things happen that are beyond your control. Like kids doing silly things on a Saturday night. And like having to sell your house when the market conditions aren’t perfect. And you don’t get to choose when the guy in the Prius with the big camera on top drives by your house to take a “Street View” picture.

http://tinyurl.com/espanaway

[kicksavedave]

I know, sometimes things happen that are beyond your control. Like kids doing silly things on a Saturday night. And like having to sell your house when the market conditions aren’t perfect. And you don’t get to choose when the guy in the Prius with the big camera on top drives by your house to take a “Street View” picture.

http://tinyurl.com/espanaway

[kicksavedave]

3rd vote for Denver. I lived there. It has everything you just described, with the exception of mild winters. Denver winters can be harsh and snowy at times, but they are always mixed with lots of sunshine and golf days too. It can get very cold, but its generally comfortable enough, just not quite San Diego winters. The snow usually melts in a day. The summers are warm/hot but dry, not muggy at all.

There are a ton of communities within 30 minutes of downtown that offer a wide ranges of lifestyle and job bases nearby. The northern suburbs are more spacious, less crowded, newer. Southern burbs are tighter and older, but there is a lot of variety. Denver Tech Center is down south. Golden to the West is also nice, newer and popular and only 1.5 hours to world class skiing, Breck, Aspen, Vail, etc.

There is a specific neighborhood in Erie (20 minutes NW of downtown) called Erie Village that has all Victorian and Prairie style architecture, large lots with the garages in back or side, and HOA specifically permits and encourages granny flats. Its a beautiful little planned community, HOA fees are about $40 a month. Huge, newer (2000’s) homes going for $400K to $600K with large lots (plenty for a garden).

[kicksavedave]

3rd vote for Denver. I lived there. It has everything you just described, with the exception of mild winters. Denver winters can be harsh and snowy at times, but they are always mixed with lots of sunshine and golf days too. It can get very cold, but its generally comfortable enough, just not quite San Diego winters. The snow usually melts in a day. The summers are warm/hot but dry, not muggy at all.

There are a ton of communities within 30 minutes of downtown that offer a wide ranges of lifestyle and job bases nearby. The northern suburbs are more spacious, less crowded, newer. Southern burbs are tighter and older, but there is a lot of variety. Denver Tech Center is down south. Golden to the West is also nice, newer and popular and only 1.5 hours to world class skiing, Breck, Aspen, Vail, etc.

There is a specific neighborhood in Erie (20 minutes NW of downtown) called Erie Village that has all Victorian and Prairie style architecture, large lots with the garages in back or side, and HOA specifically permits and encourages granny flats. Its a beautiful little planned community, HOA fees are about $40 a month. Huge, newer (2000’s) homes going for $400K to $600K with large lots (plenty for a garden).

[kicksavedave]

3rd vote for Denver. I lived there. It has everything you just described, with the exception of mild winters. Denver winters can be harsh and snowy at times, but they are always mixed with lots of sunshine and golf days too. It can get very cold, but its generally comfortable enough, just not quite San Diego winters. The snow usually melts in a day. The summers are warm/hot but dry, not muggy at all.

There are a ton of communities within 30 minutes of downtown that offer a wide ranges of lifestyle and job bases nearby. The northern suburbs are more spacious, less crowded, newer. Southern burbs are tighter and older, but there is a lot of variety. Denver Tech Center is down south. Golden to the West is also nice, newer and popular and only 1.5 hours to world class skiing, Breck, Aspen, Vail, etc.

There is a specific neighborhood in Erie (20 minutes NW of downtown) called Erie Village that has all Victorian and Prairie style architecture, large lots with the garages in back or side, and HOA specifically permits and encourages granny flats. Its a beautiful little planned community, HOA fees are about $40 a month. Huge, newer (2000’s) homes going for $400K to $600K with large lots (plenty for a garden).

[kicksavedave]

3rd vote for Denver. I lived there. It has everything you just described, with the exception of mild winters. Denver winters can be harsh and snowy at times, but they are always mixed with lots of sunshine and golf days too. It can get very cold, but its generally comfortable enough, just not quite San Diego winters. The snow usually melts in a day. The summers are warm/hot but dry, not muggy at all.

There are a ton of communities within 30 minutes of downtown that offer a wide ranges of lifestyle and job bases nearby. The northern suburbs are more spacious, less crowded, newer. Southern burbs are tighter and older, but there is a lot of variety. Denver Tech Center is down south. Golden to the West is also nice, newer and popular and only 1.5 hours to world class skiing, Breck, Aspen, Vail, etc.

There is a specific neighborhood in Erie (20 minutes NW of downtown) called Erie Village that has all Victorian and Prairie style architecture, large lots with the garages in back or side, and HOA specifically permits and encourages granny flats. Its a beautiful little planned community, HOA fees are about $40 a month. Huge, newer (2000’s) homes going for $400K to $600K with large lots (plenty for a garden).

[kicksavedave]

3rd vote for Denver. I lived there. It has everything you just described, with the exception of mild winters. Denver winters can be harsh and snowy at times, but they are always mixed with lots of sunshine and golf days too. It can get very cold, but its generally comfortable enough, just not quite San Diego winters. The snow usually melts in a day. The summers are warm/hot but dry, not muggy at all.

There are a ton of communities within 30 minutes of downtown that offer a wide ranges of lifestyle and job bases nearby. The northern suburbs are more spacious, less crowded, newer. Southern burbs are tighter and older, but there is a lot of variety. Denver Tech Center is down south. Golden to the West is also nice, newer and popular and only 1.5 hours to world class skiing, Breck, Aspen, Vail, etc.

There is a specific neighborhood in Erie (20 minutes NW of downtown) called Erie Village that has all Victorian and Prairie style architecture, large lots with the garages in back or side, and HOA specifically permits and encourages granny flats. Its a beautiful little planned community, HOA fees are about $40 a month. Huge, newer (2000’s) homes going for $400K to $600K with large lots (plenty for a garden).

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