Apples and Oranges
Perhaps some of you may have noticed, but the real estate market is beginning a tumble in prices that benefit us, prospective buyers.
And we're going to wait.
That is cold, cold comfort to those such as J and Py, who are attempting to sell their place as we speak.
But, we're not going to wait too much longer, if that makes them feel any better. There is no sense trying to time the bottom of the market, and we have been putting off moving, oh, since Mr. P was born because of the huge runup in prices. So huge that at one point, we could barely afford to buy our own place from ourselves. We should be ok even if we sell at a lower price than we could have gotten say, two years ago.
We have, however, a dilemma.
We have narrowed our choices down to two cities. And we are stuck there. We just can't figure out which city is better, and they are oh-so-different. Let me give you a rundown.
City 1
Older, smaller houses (in our price range)
Larger lots
Beach city
Infrastructure ok, but not great
Ok schools
Great weather
Very close to my sister (babysitting, people)
Not a lot of greenery, more urban setting
Did I mention the beach?
City 2
Newer, nicer houses for same prices as City 1
Smaller lots
Inland
Great infrastructure
Top notch schools
Hotter weather
45 minutes from my sister
Lots of greenery, trees
Did I mention the hot weather?
After that, it is all fairly equal as far as drive times to work and the like. We are having a hard time deciding, because both cities have lots going for them.
Based on my descriptions, which would you choose?
And see, then if we choose the one that is recommended by the majority, I can later write an accusatory blog post that blames you for our bad choice if we don't like it. It's a win-win for me because I'm all about avoiding the blame.
And we're going to wait.
That is cold, cold comfort to those such as J and Py, who are attempting to sell their place as we speak.
But, we're not going to wait too much longer, if that makes them feel any better. There is no sense trying to time the bottom of the market, and we have been putting off moving, oh, since Mr. P was born because of the huge runup in prices. So huge that at one point, we could barely afford to buy our own place from ourselves. We should be ok even if we sell at a lower price than we could have gotten say, two years ago.
We have, however, a dilemma.
We have narrowed our choices down to two cities. And we are stuck there. We just can't figure out which city is better, and they are oh-so-different. Let me give you a rundown.
City 1
Older, smaller houses (in our price range)
Larger lots
Beach city
Infrastructure ok, but not great
Ok schools
Great weather
Very close to my sister (babysitting, people)
Not a lot of greenery, more urban setting
Did I mention the beach?
City 2
Newer, nicer houses for same prices as City 1
Smaller lots
Inland
Great infrastructure
Top notch schools
Hotter weather
45 minutes from my sister
Lots of greenery, trees
Did I mention the hot weather?
After that, it is all fairly equal as far as drive times to work and the like. We are having a hard time deciding, because both cities have lots going for them.
Based on my descriptions, which would you choose?
And see, then if we choose the one that is recommended by the majority, I can later write an accusatory blog post that blames you for our bad choice if we don't like it. It's a win-win for me because I'm all about avoiding the blame.
Comments
How important is the beach to you?
I would pick city 2 unless the answer to the question up top is 'extremely important'. Better houses and better schools, close to family. These are huge reasons.
Heidi
Good luck with the decision, can't wait to read all about it ;-).
Good luck.
Personally, I would go with city 1 for the large lots for Mr. P to play in. You can always spruce up your home, but you can't widen your lot.
For me, the driving factor would be family closeness, but in value City 2 seems like your best bet.
Okay, maybe City 2.
Why are you asking me? I'm still trying to decide what to eat for breakfast and it is almost 9. :)
Hands down.
My kids are now 14 and 17, a freshman and a senior respectively. And a day does not go by that I don't bemoan their education and wish I had sent them to private school (by selling my body on the streets because there was never any money to do that).
So had I to do it again, I would skip the beach and send them to a better school. Because...well you know why...kids...the future...blah blah blah....
We are in your exact situation! The driving factor for us came down to the educational system. Plus I'm all water-logged out from being near the beach most of my life.
There will be problems and things you like and dislike about any school. Have you visited the schools? Maybe one would give you a better feeling.
Exempting them from the decision, I'd be all over the older houses, which I like better, bigger lots, and cooler weather.
Ok Schools- Bigger city, more schools, so falling somewhere within the top 20% of schools in CA
Can't say exactly which neighborhood we would buy in City 1, so can't say exactly about the school, just the school district.
A house is a house is a house.
A neighbourhood is a support system.
I know I'm really being a wet blanket here, but I suspect prices in your area have a long way to go before they hit bottom.
All these people who say they are for city 1 probably have grown children (ahem Suzanne). When I was your age (baaackkk in the daayyyy) everything revolved around my child. His schooling was of the utmost importance.
Beaches are nice.
Good schools are nicer. The peace of mind it gives you knowing your child is going to a good school trumps any beach any day any time any year.