Depends on what you're looking for.....if you like solitude, you'll find it. There are a lot of beautiful places in that area, but the surrounding towns don't offer much outside of commodities.

If you're into wine there are dozens and dozens of vineyards and winemaking facilities--some of which are absolutely amazing and world-class.

If you're into weed, everyone grows it.

Kelseyville is starting to look like a mini-Napa of sorts--all relative, of course, but there are a couple of decent little chef-driven restaurants and other mom & pop-shop type bakeries, etc. Just don't go into the local bar, play GOTYE on the jukebox, and expect to not get into a fight.

Clear Lake has never been clear. It's a highly depressed area with all the societal problems that go along with that. However, lakefront property is very very cheap.

I would say no to Elk Grove

Lake County is okay, price of property there is going no place but up. It would matter where exactly you are talking about. Area you mention should be okay.

Real estate in that area moves VERY SLOWLY. If you're serious, rent there for a year before you buy.

I think I've been sufficiently disabused of the idea. We'll likely look a bit closer to where we are and start nosing around Nipomo/Pismo a bit more.

Or just jump straight to Vancouver :D

I have friends that live a block from Clear Lake. House with a pool and view. She is a Public Defender for Lake Co. No shortage of clients. Affordable real estate for Calif.

BC?

Oh yeah, I hear they're giving away the real estate up there.

Or did you mean Vancouver, WA?

Agree with your idea of "nosing around Nipomo/Pismo." I love the little beach towns in that strip. If you want to buy, why not start looking seriously now to narrow down your location of choice and give yourself time to find a decent deal. No reason to wait until next year. Prices will likely only increase.

Mostly said in jest, but we have talked about a possible migration to HongCouver for other reasons. Affordable housing wouldn't be one of them sadly...

I think that's probably the plan. We're kind of two minds on this. Well, maybe three:

1. Find somewhere in LA that we can afford (i.e. give a mortgage that is close to what we're paying in rent, ideally less) and won't kill me commuting. Sadly that is a small pool of places unless I change jobs.

2. Find a place that would be a vacation-isn place that would be a long term place to live. In that case it would have to be cheap so we can afford to pay rent here and mortgage there.

3. Just continue to rent in SM as long as my job stays intact and hope that my 501k doesn't implode before we retire.

Please, tell me more! I figure the commute from Rosamond to Playa Vista will be quick as a whistle!

You don't seem opposed to changing job or finding a new place to do the same or similar. Any possibilities on the SLO area?