California
Related: About this forumPlease help this man in Berkeley, he's a DUer...
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
(12,265 posts)we could use more progressives in this State.
KamaAina
(78,249 posts)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
(53,771 posts)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
(78,249 posts)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
(14,853 posts)... 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
(14,853 posts)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
(78,249 posts)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
(14,853 posts)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
(78,249 posts)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
(57,079 posts)Auggie
(31,167 posts)one of these days I need to take a field trip
marble falls
(57,079 posts)NBachers
(17,107 posts)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!