USA -- low budget repatriation specific locations that aren't horrible

[OMGImInPattaya]

Be sure to check out this page for all the free stuff California taxpayers have waiting for you if you should choosee to move there...they don't call it "The Golden State" for nothing (it's even available in Spanish for those participating in the Reconquista): http://www.benefits.gov/benefits/browse-by-state/state/CA

[bangmai]

I would never say that Phoenix is as nice as the "A" locations in California. It is, however, a lot nicer than any of the "B" locations,,,Fresno, Bakersfield, Redding, even all of Riverside County...trouble is, unless you've got a property owning grandma, the "A" locations are insane COL wise. Welfare payments in California are determined partly by what state you are coming from...they decided to stop being a magnet for single moms from Texas. I think the waiting list for subsidized housing is five years+ in Portland, I doubt it is much shorter in SF.

https://goo.gl/maps/MwMygdiWH8s This is what you get for 850 in Berkeley...you could get a room-mate and split it...Oh, it's 850, as in 850,000 usd to buy, and rent would be 3400 USD...The lot would be worth more without the house on it....2 br/1 bath. My house n Hang Dong that we paid 23,500 USD was in much better condition.

[Jingthing]

Yeah. California is out.

Portland too.

I had a look at Longview, Washington, considerably colder than Portland but only a 45 minute drive so doable for day trips.

It's not as cheap as it should be and it looks SO INCREDIBLY BORING! Pretty though.

Also looked at Bellingham Washington, western Washington, very rainy, doable drive to Vancouver CANADA (which I love) but wow ... so expensive.

Edited December 7, 2015 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

Phoenix is shaping up as undeniably my top choice.

From there, it gets into where in Phoenix.

Concentration, close enough access to "ethnic" restaurants plus lower housing costs is a priority.

Mesa seems strategic for that. Next to Tempe and the massive ASU campus and surroundings.

Perhaps Glendale but then places in Tempe and Mesa are far.

More central Phoenix also maybe.

I also get the impression that "East Valley" including Mesa and other cities is considered less snobby than west valley. I don't like snobby.

Of course Scottsdale is snobby, but can't afford that, so no issue.

I am now reading this Phoenix "alternative" weekly:

http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/

The hope if I am pushed to repatriate is that I will be able to afford at least some of the wonderful things Phoenix has to offer, at least occasionally. And there are always the 2 dollar tacos!

http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/restaurants/10-best-places-for-cheap-tacos-in-metro-phoenix-7823425

Edited December 7, 2015 by Jingthing

[losworld]

I might be off target cause I didn't explore the area too much but I had a film play once at the Riverside Film Festival and I was pleasantly surprised with the downtown core. Some neat old buildings and the downtown looked rejuvenated. Also have some mountains around so somewhat picturesque. Anyone know more?

[JLCrab]

Phoenix 1959 courtesy Sir Alfred Hitchcock:

[OMGImInPattaya]

Phoenix might be an ideal place but one bad thing is the cost of public transportation. A one way fare is $ 2.00...not 30 cents like in Pattaya. However, there are reduced fares for people with disabilities, seniors, or Medicare patients so maybe try to qualify under one of those programs - but even reduced it's still over triple the Pattaya cost.

http://www.valleymetro.org/paying_your_fare/fare_options

[Kilowatt]

West Phoenix is Not snobby,it all working class

[lannarebirth]

OK, so how about Reno? I haven't been in a good many years and it was just awful then. I understand many Silicon Valley firms have established themselves in the area and it is undergoing some kind of revitalization. I can't confirm. I know you can catch a train to Sacramento and The City from there though.

[Jingthing]

Well I must have visited when you did. Seemed pretty awful but it did have character (and characters). Don't think so.

I did look a little into Palm Springs area. That used to be sort of affordable. Now not so much.

Edited December 8, 2015 by Jingthing

[lannarebirth]

Well I must have visited when you did. Seemed pretty awful but it did have character (and characters). Don't think so.

I did look a little into Palm Springs area. That used to be sort of affordable. Now not so much.

I used to live in Palm Springs. A house I bought in 1993 for $113k recently sold for $550k. Alas, not by me. Cathedral City , Desert Hot Springs and Indio used to be the cheapest towns near there. If you're able to go full Desert Rat mode, there's the Salton Sea or High Desert which is pretty cheap even by non California standards.

[Jingthing]

Well I must have visited when you did. Seemed pretty awful but it did have character (and characters). Don't think so.

I did look a little into Palm Springs area. That used to be sort of affordable. Now not so much.

I used to live in Palm Springs. A house I bought in 1993 for $113k recently sold for $550k. Alas, not by me. Cathedral City , Desert Hot Springs and Indio used to be the cheapest towns near there. If you're able to go full Desert Rat mode, there's the Salton Sea or High Desert which is pretty cheap even by non California standards.

I didn't say it was cheap but I was seeing some rentals not as expensive as I expected.

I haven't even been there. Being a Northern California type I always thought of it was a hangout for LA people.

Edited December 8, 2015 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

Here's a question.

Phoenix gets really intolerably hot for about three months a year and people that can escape do.

Opposite of sunbirds. What do they call that? Coolbirds?

Reminds me of the Chiang Mai smoky season.

Anyway ... I know that Phoenicians love San Diego because when I went there one summer I met many people from there but that's expensive.

Supposing I was in a position to escape the hot season, not likely but worth thinking about, where would you go in the Americas in summer that is cooler to hang out for a few months that would be cheap?

I know. I know.

I haven't even BEEN to Phoenix and I'm already thinking about ESCAPING from it.

Definitely not a good sign.

Edited December 8, 2015 by Jingthing

[lannarebirth]

Here's a question.

Phoenix gets really intolerably hot for about three months a year and people that can escape do.

Opposite of sunbirds. What do they call that? Coolbirds?

Reminds me of the Chiang Mai smoky season.

Anyway ... I know that Phoenicians love San Diego because when I went there one summer I met many people from there but that's expensive.

Supposing I was in a position to escape the hot season, not likely but worth thinking about, where would you go in the Americas in summer that is cooler to hang out for a few months that would be cheap?

I know. I know.

I haven't even BEEN to Phoenix and I'm already thinking about ESCAPING from it.

Definitely not a good sign.

A lot of the more well off Phoenix folks maintain summer houses in the mountains in places like Jerome, Prescott Show Low, Sedona.

Here's a thought, Flagstaff. It's at elevation so none of the heat issues. Gets some winter snow for sure. A few colleges in town. Route 66 !

[lannarebirth]

Here's a question.

Phoenix gets really intolerably hot for about three months a year and people that can escape do.

Opposite of sunbirds. What do they call that? Coolbirds?

Reminds me of the Chiang Mai smoky season.

Anyway ... I know that Phoenicians love San Diego because when I went there one summer I met many people from there but that's expensive.

Supposing I was in a position to escape the hot season, not likely but worth thinking about, where would you go in the Americas in summer that is cooler to hang out for a few months that would be cheap?

I know. I know.

I haven't even BEEN to Phoenix and I'm already thinking about ESCAPING from it.

Definitely not a good sign.

My Dad was a snowbird for more than 20 years, escaping Washington winters. He used to go to Yuma, AZ for 5 months/yr. 10 miles from Mexico, 5 from California. Huge amount of westerners and Canadians go there every year. It definitely will be in your budget, even to purchase, but you may find the culture lacking.

[Kilowatt]

Jusy 110 miles north of Phoenix is Prescott.When 110f in Phoenix it's 90 f in Prescott surrounded by mountains that are 80f.

I like Verde Valley as it has a nice year round climate with some inexpensive housing.

[lannarebirth]

I have zero interest in gambling and more problematically hanging around people who are interested in gambling or even in the industry.

I've been to casinos and I don't even feel like using the slots.

That's a big point against Vegas for me but I know there is more than that in Vegas, but that is the focus there.

Speaking of which, I have read some recent predictions that there will be very major new development on the strip that is more about entertainment, events, sports, and retail as opposed to casinos and also a prediction that the FREE PARKING on the strip will go away, at least when major events are on. Yes, they're trying to get some major sports team right there on the strip. Of course that may take years, but that's the trend.

The heavy stench of cigarette smoke is enough to keep me from having any desire to visit casinos.

Hey Al, what's Coeur d' Alene like these days? I always thought that was a pretty area.

[SpokaneAl]

I have zero interest in gambling and more problematically hanging around people who are interested in gambling or even in the industry.

I've been to casinos and I don't even feel like using the slots.

That's a big point against Vegas for me but I know there is more than that in Vegas, but that is the focus there.

Speaking of which, I have read some recent predictions that there will be very major new development on the strip that is more about entertainment, events, sports, and retail as opposed to casinos and also a prediction that the FREE PARKING on the strip will go away, at least when major events are on. Yes, they're trying to get some major sports team right there on the strip. Of course that may take years, but that's the trend.

The heavy stench of cigarette smoke is enough to keep me from having any desire to visit casinos.

Hey Al, what's Coeur d' Alene like these days? I always thought that was a pretty area.

CdA is stunningly beautiful. I cycle, run and swim over there often in the summer months, and we camp in the nearby campgrounds as well. The town continues to grow without loosing its charm. IMO it is one of the nicest places in the US.

[bangmai]

Jusy 110 miles north of Phoenix is Prescott.When 110f in Phoenix it's 90 f in Prescott surrounded by mountains that are 80f.

I like Verde Valley as it has a nice year round climate with some inexpensive housing.

True, but wages in Prescott and Flagstaff are pathetic, if you can find work, at all. A pretty big meth trade in Prescott, as well. Nogales will give you a similar relief to the heat..about 15 degrees F, even Tucson will give you about 10 degrees. I'm a little confused, the OP is making plans to be on Medicaid as well as looking for a vacation home at the same time.

I bought this house in Phoenix in 2010. A 10 minute walk to the Light Rail. 18,000 USD.

[Jingthing]

What's it worth now?

I mean if you didn't upgrade it?

I'm looking for a place to retire as I have been early "retired" already for a long time in Thailand.

So yes a full time home but as Phoenix is so hot I might want to seasonally escape from that like many locals, if I could afford to (doubtful).

Seasonal escape places would likely be outside the USA, probably in South America. Leaving for two or three months wouldn't impact on me new U.S. state residency.

The major downsides of Phoenix that I can see are:

-- the seasonal too hot time

-- flash floods

-- high crime

-- suburban sprawl / traffic / have to drive a long time to get to a lot of places

-- almost definitely need a car for a lot of things or all depending on location (but that issue is the same in almost all of the U.S.)

-- rather odd right wing politics of Arizona (may need to get a gun to fit in)

I may need expanded Medicaid (an Obamacare program not regular Medicaid which I would not be eligible for anywhere) before age 65 when Medicare kicks in as I don't think I am employable. I used to be of course but things change.

I can look at the job market if I land there, see how desperate employers are. A plus is no work permit issues!

Obviously I have some resources, just not enough for an ideal retirement in the USA (like probably most baby boomers but that's another story).

Edited December 9, 2015 by Jingthing

[bangmai]

As pictured. it would have rented for 600, with many applicants...Today, it would sell for 60K, and possibly 70K, without the house on it. A lot of equal size with an even older house sold for 99K in 2006, and was demolished.

"North Central" is a well known area in PHX where it is pretty mixed income wise, with a great location. More convenient without the pretentiousness of Scottsdale. It is about five zip codes. Mine was 85014. http://northcentralnews.net/

Here is some info on the many historic districts: http://historicphoenix.com/historic-districts/north-central-corridor/index.html

[Jingthing]

So you got a steal. Excellent. I know those days are over.

Another thing that concerns me is that baby boomers are already "retiring" in droves (many not by choice) and Phoenix and places like it are going to be attractive to them. Supply and demand. Demand will go up. Not good if you haven't bought something already (if you're going to buy at all).

Edited December 9, 2015 by Jingthing

[bangmai]

So you got a steal. Excellent. I know those days are over.

Another thing that concerns me is that baby boomers are already "retiring" in droves (many not by choice) and Phoenix and places like it are going to be attractive to them. Supply and demand. Demand will go up. Not good if you haven't bought something already (if you're going to buy at all).

It was appraised at 135K in late 2007, as prices were already in decline. Wells Fargo lent the guy 70% of that, and he became in default for 95K. I actually bought it while at an internet shop in Chiang Rai, without physically looking at it. I knew it was a no flood zone and also on good soil for building, unlike most of the newer subdivisions (expansive clay soil).

Here is 35K in Nogales...5 minute walk to Duty Fee...and it just came on the market... http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/561-W-Elm-St_Nogales_AZ_85621_M12908-24887?row=1

[Jingthing]

There it is again.

Flood zones.

Yes I know about the boom and the bust but there has been a lot of recovery from the bust.

The market seems somewhat "normal" right now but that's relative.

[bangmai]

You can enter any address in the US in this website and see what the flood risk is....https://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/

The house in Noglaes is the best "low to moderate." This really effects people, who need mortgages to buy, as a higher flood risk will require you to have flood insurance, and could make your homeowners insurance 3000 per year, instead of 400. Even if it is a 100 year flood zone, which is a lot of BKK and Chiang Mai; it is still a deal killer. I was looking in Alamagordo, NM, and every house I looked at was high risk.

Edited December 9, 2015 by bangmai

[Jingthing]

Thanks for all that.

What do you think about Mesa closer to Tempe?

Or Glendale?

I'm looking for areas with "potential" not places that everyone already wants.

I am well aware of flood insurance issues. I used to live in a condo on "River Street" in an unnamed city and a good thing I didn't own it!

Edited December 9, 2015 by Jingthing

[bangmai]

big Mormon factor in Mesa, and the affordable housing is overrun with Mexicans and white trash. It does have the Light Rail, now. Tempe is overrated and has a big bar scene focused on a much younger crowd. complete with fake IDs and piles of puke. Rent is somewhat higher, too. Glendale is in fiscal trouble from the hockey arena, and will be for decades, it also seemed to attract a lot of the expanding African American population...generally, you will think you are just in West Phoenix, but you might be in Glendale. I worked for a school district that was partly in both. Look at the more affordable areas along the North Phoenix Light Rail extension..19th Ave, zip 85021.

[Jingthing]

There are small feeder buses into the Skytrain stations?

I don't have a problem with "ethnic diversity" as long as things are safe enough.

I used to love living in the Mission District of San Francisco and didn't have much "stuff" to lose.

Edited December 9, 2015 by Jingthing

[bangmai]

It's called ValleyMetro...and most LightRail stops will be bus stops, if not major bus hubs, like downtown, as well as 19th and Bethany.

[Jingthing]

Phoenix seems a tough nut to really understand. So spread out. Probably smart to live there a while to get a good feel for it.

Edited December 9, 2015 by Jingthing