That's true, but I imagine it must be a little easier to just pick up and leave when it's a party of one, as compared to a party of three with little people/offspring to consider. It's feasible, it's doable, but it requires an extra amount of planning. C is right to take her time and make her family a priority in the process!

Who's telling her not to plan?
I'm telling her to move if she wants to move.

No, no, I didn't say anybody was telling her not to plan! I was just saying I supported her waiting until the time was right for her (rather than going because the market will bear...)

It's expensive to live here - no doubt about it. But, there are lots of options and California is a very large place. Even within one city, there are pockets of great, good, bad and very bad. I love Long Beach for several reasons:

It's on the beach and the weather can't be beat.
It is an easy drive to to Downtown LA and Hollywood
There is fantastic public transportation here including the Metro train.
It's urban (5th largest city in CA), but has more parkland than most urban areas in the West
It is politically diverse as well as architecturally diverse
It is NOT Orange County (which I abhor), although OC is easy to get to.
Close to LAX and has it's own airport which is absolutely wonderful.
Several colleges, museums, a convention center, Aquarium, and other attractions.
20 minutes to Disneyland.

There is Real Estate all over the board here from fantastic beach front property, to urban lofts to adorable historic houses. Sunset Magazine voted California Heights neighborhood one of the best places to live in the US.

There's a lot to love about Long Beach. But, like most of CA is isn't cheap to live here. But, it also is less expensive to buy here than OC.

So, pack your bags and about 600k for a house and we'll see you soon!

I know some people bag on the 909 (area code), but Redlands is a safe and gorgeous more affordable community that is one hour from the beach areas and Disneyland. It is also close to Palm Springs, and the east LA county cities, where you both can find good jobs.

I've seen really nice houses at 300K and less there.

Oh Goddess: not another battle about planning.

Back away from the thread slowly and no one gets hurt. ;)

NA, you should write copy for the city.

Sorry, is my marketing gene showing?