So it looks like we will be moving to an area that's even more expensive that the one we're in. Blerg. But it will be much, much more convenient for The Husband. He will get to reduce his commuting time to about 1/5 of what it is now. And that will save money, too. I'm a little consumed with arranging lessons/activities for the Swimbabies in the new area. Tons of work. I'll actually be closer to my job, too, which is great.
And mainly what is more expensive in the new area is housing. Gas might be slightly more there, but not much. Food will likely be the same. We currently pay a fortune for our water/sewer/garbage, and since I've never talked to anyone who pays more than we do, I'm assuming it will be less.
After tons of calculating, web-searching, and late-night discussing, we have decided to find a place to rent in the new area. Not buy. I'm not gonna lie. I think it will stink, at least part of the time. The really nice places to rent are CRAZYEXPENSIVE, and we're just too cheap for that! 
So we are searching for "clean and safe in the right neighborhood." The advantage will be that we can save a significant amount of money and once we know the area better, buy whatever we want (almost 
). The disadvantages will include little (or no) yard, much less space, and no mortgage write off. There are more things in the advantages/disadvantages columns, but those are the big ones. Help. What are some pluses/minuses that we might be forgetting?
We're trying to think of it as an adventure.
In money news, I got a few checks in the mail (birthday gifts and Pinecone), which I will send off today. I'm waiting for still more checks from second spin, which will probably arrive as soon as I deposit the others. 
I'm planning to make Mexican food for dinner... rice, beans, tortillas, salsa, guacamole, corn, lettuce. Everyone makes their own burrito/tostada/tacos and we are all happy. It's quick, cheap, and easy.
Renting...
July 18th, 2012 at 02:55 pm
July 18th, 2012 at 03:13 pm 1342624385
There are advantages in renting. If the water heater conks out, it's not your problem. No lawn care costs or chores. In my complex, I have access to a fitness center and a swimming pool, which my grandchildren really enjoy. Also, utilities overall are pretty low compared to a house.
July 18th, 2012 at 03:22 pm 1342624921
Moving for employment allows income tax deductions so keep careful records and receipts.
July 18th, 2012 at 03:29 pm 1342625350
July 18th, 2012 at 03:31 pm 1342625475
Oh, your water/sewer must be like it is in Sacramento. It is INSANE! When I lived in San Jose we never paid hardly anything for water - but they heavily reward those who conserve water. I would presume most of the Bay Area is like that - big on water conservation and so financial rewards for being conservative. *fingers crossed* for you.
Really the only thing I don't like about renting is the instability of it. Are you renting an apartment or a home? It would be worth some digging if you rent a home, to make sure the owner is not on the verge of foreclosure. That's the thing - some of my renting friends move constantly - in the boom the landlords sold; in the bust they foreclose. So if it were me I'd try to find someone who wasn't likely going to end the lease too soon. But it is really hard to tell.
Look for newer/energy efficient/soundproof buildings. We used to pay far more for utilities when we owned a small condo because it just wasn't near as efficient as our current home (which is twice the size). The savings is literally hundreds of dollars a month in our home versus an older home of a similar size. Factor that when considering the rental cost. Our condo was actually pretty good for being an older building, but the newer ones are amazingly soundproof so less neighbor sounds if you go with shared walls.
July 18th, 2012 at 03:32 pm 1342625575
July 18th, 2012 at 03:50 pm 1342626641
I just looked up crime statistics, and the place we're going is actually significantly safer than where we are now, when looking at property crimes and violent crimes. So that's good to know. We're not moving to the inner city, or anything. It's more a matter of fancy place with granite counters and a view versus something basic. Nearly every place we've seen advertised has been updated with decent appliances, carpet, etc.
In the area we're going, we won't get a place with a fitness center or pool. It's a family-friendly area, but there are lots of young singles with high-paying jobs who want luxuries. We would pay a lot more to get those amenities in a rental. We will likely join a health club for much cheaper.
He's not being transferred. He's worked at this particular place and endured a horrible commute for a couple of years. For a variety of reasons, we weren't ready to move until now.
We are looking at apartments. They are much more readily available for reasonable prices. I don't care how nice the house is, I'm not paying $3600 a month (many more expensive that that!) to rent it. And I really shouldn't say, "readily available," because even the rental market it pretty tight. We're looking at small complex that was probably build in the 1960s. (Most options would be older complexes. The new ones are 1/2 again as expensive.) The location would be very convenient. Nothing fancy. Pretty small. But a nice price. And really, we don't plan to be there more than 2 years at the most. We're hoping that we can save enough in one year, but it might take a little longer depending on how the housing prices go. We've lived in corporate temporary housing before (small apartment with all our stuff in storage), and our M.O. was just to be gone a lot. Go to the park, library, day trips, etc. Kids will be at school and activities a lot.
We currently pay over $200 a month for water/sewer/garbage, which I think is ridiculous. Most people I talk to, even in the bay area, pay around $100. I'm irritated every time I pay that bill because there is no way to get it lower, short of stopping taking showers at all or forgoing use of the washer.
We will likely save $700 a month on gas and public transit.
Thank you all for getting me thinking!
July 18th, 2012 at 04:01 pm 1342627280
July 18th, 2012 at 04:03 pm 1342627409
But... we're moving mid-year, so we will still get something for 2012, and we'll likely buy mid-year as well.
And when I calculate the tax savings from the mortgage write off, it's MUCH less that what we will save by renting this small place. Our rent will likely be around half of our current mortgage payment. In my head and on paper, it looks like we will do okay for a year or two.
July 18th, 2012 at 04:13 pm 1342628009
July 18th, 2012 at 06:20 pm 1342635619
For $8,000!!!
Deposit? Well, of course... that'll be $10,000!
But don't worry. It includes a gardener!