u/MileHighSteve-O

My wife and I are new empty nesters (50 & 46 years old) and are ready for a change. We have a large house in Ft Collins (3500+ sq ft) and are convinced that we should downsize, and move to a house within a short drive of the coast.

We are very active and like to bike, hike and be outside quite a bit, and have only lived in states that have all 4 weather seasons, and never in a coastal climate...not really sure what to expect?

We see some nice houses in Camarillo area, for less than $800k with landscaping, 2 car garage, etc. and we plan to be working in either Ventura or Oxnard...but we don't know anything about Camarillo.

Otherwise it looks like there are some small houses, condos and manufactured homes in Ventura, Port Hueneme, and Oxnard still in our price range, but we were hoping for something with a small yard for our dog if possible.

We have always dreamed of living in California and being able to spend time at the beach, and we have come there a lot for vacation & work over the last 20 years. We really think we would enjoy a short drive to Santa Barbara for a date night, or LA for a concert or sporting event.

We hear lots of horror stories about HOA's, utilities, traffic and taxes, but we think we are ready for a change; just wanted to hear from some people who live there.

Thanks for any information / advice / opinions!

My wife and I are new empty nesters (50 & 46 years old) and are ready for a change. We have a large house in Ft Collins (3500+ sq ft) and are convinced that we should downsize, and move to a house in the desert with a pool.

We have only lived in states that have all 4 weather seasons, and never in extreme heat or a desert type climate.

We see some really nice 2 bedroom houses in Indio area, for less than $500k with landscaping, a pool, 2 car garage, etc. and we plan to be working in either Palm Springs, or Rancho Mirage.

We have always dreamed of living in California and being within a few hours drive of the ocean, Las Vegas & Lake Havasu City, AZ.

The other option we are considering besides Coachella Valley is Northern Tucson around Oro Valley...but that would be a post for a different group I suppose.

Thanks for any information / advice / opinions!