Used to be called "The Valley of the Heart's Delig
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8/23/2014
Lived here since 1999 but will need to move. If one locked in housing costs by buying years ago, it is not so bad and one might be siting on a gold mine. We're lucky with a great long term rental that hasn't changed in 15 years but otherwise the housing costs could drive us out almost overnight or prevent moving in.
As many have noted, this is close to the ideal climate for most people. It gets hot at times in the summer but we don't have air conditioning - ceiling fans suffice. Winters are my favorite season with only rare frosts - I'd prefer MORE rain. Our backyard is just our outdoor room on our house and I spend a good deal of time there under a large tree. Orchards were the primary crop before industrialization - I have five fruit trees in the modest backyard.
Schools vary greatly and housing costs closely correlate with student scores. Negative indicators are apartment dwellers and Spanish speakers. The schools for my children have been a major disappointment and the house we live in is worth almost $1M.
Overall, the liberal political climate is ruining the state and the town. Illegal immigrants are flooding the area and taxes are too darn high. Our electricity is 50 cents a kW-hr, multiples of the national average due to our renewables policies. Crime varies over time and space. Our "nice" neighborhood had a rash of problems that can wax and wane. Try to stay well clear of Section 8 housing. One positive are the excellent FM radio stations within my reception range.
If we had bought a home when we first moved here in 1999, we still couldn't retire here. Otherwise, we've grown to enjoy San Jose and surrounding areas but financially, it will be impossible to stay.
Joseph | San Jose, CA