Please help this man in Berkeley, he's a DUer...

[steve2470]

copied verbatim from the Lounge:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1018&pid=889111

I must leave my home of 40 years - where next? [View all]

I don't think it violates DU's TOS to reveal that I currently live in Berkeley, CA. I am 68, and have worked as a carpenter for the past 40 years and also do small handyman jobs in between larger jobs. I am a renter. I have accepted the landlord's modest buyout offer on my rent controlled unit. I don't want to stay where I am not wanted. I have about $130K saved up, $1200 SS each month, plus what I earn. I am a veteran and qualify for a VA loan.

I am posting here in hopes that I can get some ideas on where to relocate, in housing and rental markets I can afford, from people who know the areas. At current market rates, I cannot well afford to remain in Berkeley, which is what I would prefer. I am open to all ideas, but would prefer an area with a social climate similar to Berkeley. I am pretty well urbanized, but small towns are also an option I would consider. The extreme boonies are out of the question. I will consider buying or renting. Buying and fixing up is also an option, as I can do everything needed to renovate.

I have until May 31st of 2017 to make the move, so no real hurry. If you have some city, town or area ideas, please reply.

Thanks,


*end of post*


His post just touched my heart. Can he move somewhere NEAR Berkeley ? Thanks in advance.

Steve

[redstatebluegirl]

1. I know it is not the best for a liberal but Oklahoma is cheap.

[plcdude]

2. yes

we could use more progressives in this State.

[KamaAina]

3. Richmond, CA is the best of the lot in the Bay Area

Even Oakland is gentrifying at a torrid pace. But not only does Richmond have a BART station (a mere 15 minutes to Berkeley!), it is governed by a coalition of progressive Dems and Greens!

[brush]

5. Rents and real estate prices haven't skyrocketed yet in Richmond? What about San Pablo?

At least those towns are still in the Bay Area. It's pretty hard to duplicate progressive climate and ambiance of Berkeley.

I live there for several years before relocating to New York.

[KamaAina]

8. I imagine it'll be next.

As for San Pablo, it's the poorest community in the Bay Area, so it might take a while. The lack of BART would tend to keep the gentrifiers at bay as well.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

6. I looked up the "Walk Score" for Richmond since...

... that can sometimes be an important consideration for retired people.

https://www.walkscore.com/CA/Richmond

There's apartments and rent listed there. Wow! I hope that's not typical! I pay about 25% of the rent for the cheapest one listed on that site, a one-bedroom! Of course, the average income in my area isn't the best either. I also need a car to get nearly everywhere.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

7. In my area, I'd recommend Yellow Springs (OH).

It's very liberal and the people that I've met there are very nice. It's considered a "hippie oasis" in this area.

Some apartments and their rent are shown here:
https://www.walkscore.com/score/yellow-springs

The comedian Dave Chappelle lives there.

It would be a drastic move, however. I generally don't recommend Ohio to anyone because it's so HUMID. After my travels out West, it always felt like I entered a rain forest as soon as I stepped off the plane here. People accustomed to cool air from the Pacific Ocean probably wouldn't like it.

Typical architecture:


Minerals in nearby water that gives the city it's name:

[KamaAina]

9. The walk score for a city of 100,000 isn't that useful

The area near BART would score high, as would Macdonald Ave. to the east and up by Hilltop Mall. Point Richmond and the Annex, not so much, but they're the pricier areas, anyway.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

10. That makes sense. My biggest takeaway was the rent. Wow!

I consider Yellow Springs, OH to be a bit pricey for me, but the typical rent there is about 1/3 of what I saw in Richmond, CA... not that the "Walk Score" site gives a very comprehensive list.

If he wants to live in a Berkeley-type area, Yellow Springs would fit somewhat. It's obviously not as populated. It has book stores, small shops, a small movie theater that shows independent films and places to buy, um, "paraphernalia." The crime is low and the people are nice. The inhabitants are generally college grads, I think.

[KamaAina]

12. Actually, home ownership might be a possibility in Richmond

One of my besties lives in a mutual housing community there, originally built to house shipbuilding workers during WWII.

http://www.atchisonvillage.org

[marble falls]

4. Anywhere in western Oregon, south of Portland. I like Springfield, myself.

[Auggie]

11. I'm thinking of that as a place to retire to ...

one of these days I need to take a field trip

[marble falls]

13. We love it. Can't wait to get back up again in October.

[NBachers]

14. My son went to Humboldt State in Arcata. I always thought I'd love to live up there.

As a San Franciscan of similar age, I always feel like I'm walking around with the fist of doom over my head.

Here's a picture from the Arcata Town Square, during the weekend Farmer's Market. Music by the Compost Mountain Boys!