Property prices in California

Hello everyone,

Finding affordable housing in California is number one priority for newcomers. Tell us more about the estate market in your district/city/region.

What are the most desired places to live? What are the most affordable ones? What is the average cost of a rented flat? And what is the average sale price for an appartment or a house? Could you tell us more about local real estate policies/procedures? What about property tax or residency tax in California?

What about you? Where do you live now? Is it a place you would recommend?

Thank you in advance for your clarifications.

Priscilla

California is not cheap!  Obviously where the larger job markets are the cost goes up exponentially!  We live in Ventura CA an hour north of LA.  One of the more reasonable cities between Malibu and Santa Barbara but for a starter home it's $650/$750k up to the multi millions.  Rent ranges from $1700 to $3500 depending on a unit or house.  Jobs here are in ag, pharmaceutical, real estate, tourism.

Central Coast is cheaper but less jobs.  Santa Maria/San Luis etc.

Pluses - amazing weather, beautiful scenery and best spot to fly to Australia from (LA).