It must be fate.
Today I got my new issue of House Beautiful magazine, and on the cover was a question I've been pondering a lot lately: "Is Small the New Big?"
Now, I don't know for sure what House Beautiful has to say on this topic, but I'm crossing my fingers that it's true! The reason?We are moving.
To San Francisco.
My husband's company is based in the Bay area, and about a month ago we got an offer to move there. I probably don't have to tell you that some of my first thoughts had to do with housing. Can we sell our Colorado house? (Maybe.) Can we afford to live in California? (Perhaps, if we do some major budget restructuring). Do we rent a house in California? (Probably, at least for the first year while we learn about the area.) Do we buy a house in California? (Eventually, maybe, if we can find the right fixer-upper!) Can we live in a smaller house? (The answer better be yes to that one, since moving to a more expensive market means that downsizing is a necessity for us.)
Do I have the energy to start all over, with a new house to love and decorate? (Ah...YES! That's an easy one.)
So, strap on your seat belts! The rest of the summer will be all about packing, house-hunting in California, holding a massive garage sale, and selling or renting our house in Colorado. I might go crazy. Join me, won't you?
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42 comments:
Aaaaah, we moved from the Bay Area several years ago when prices were very high. I think they're a bit better now with the dip in the economy, sweetpea, but it's still much higher than most people are used to. You'll have to do much looking to find something affordable I would guess. Good luck and you'll probably love living there. Since our kids are still there I'd almost love to go back but we're settled in Idaho now. Great place to find things to do though, California, I mean. We travel back at least once a year and just love it.
xoxo,
Connie
Congrats on the exciting news. Best of luck on the move and transition. I'll be excited to read all about it.
Congratulations to you and your family, Carrie! That is so very exciting. Best of luck to you guys!
Remember: You could always use your blog as a "garage sale" platform, too. I bet there are TONS of people who are willing to pay for your things via the web!
I can tell you being from Boston, one day my husband came home and told me we are moving to the Bay Area for his work...I was shocked overwhelmed and excited we had just owned our home in Boston for 6 months...We moved to the bay in a town called San Ramon and I totally loved it and the area so much!!! 2 years later he told me we were moving to the LA area for work, I was so upset to leave the bay area...It was the most beautiful and special place...You will love it there. I hope you have a wonderful new journey.
How exciting! I hope everything goes smoothly for you and you are able to sell quickly. I think you'll do great in a small house too. It makes you think more creatively when you have less space to work with. At least that's what I tell myself! The biggest plus to living in a small house? Less to keep clean.
So excited for you!! It will be fun to hear about your transition. I've only been to SF once, but it was one of my favorite trips! Lovely area!
it's exciting news and always an adventure to start over in a new area. I love what I have seen of SF, ...good luck with the move!
Congrats on the exciting news. I live in the Bay Area (East Bay) and yes, housing is pricey, and yes, houses are smaller. There are 4 of us (incl. 2 almost 11 years old) living in a 1000 sq. ft. house. If you want some 'local' advice I'd be happy to share!
Oh my goodness, Carrie! I am so feeling for you as we recently went through all of this. You will do great~what an exciting move! There are great moving tips over at my place if you need them. Good luck! Big hugs~ Melissa
http://granvillehouse.blogspot.com/2010/02/complete-moving-guide-from-you-winners.html
http://granvillehouse.blogspot.com/2010/02/moving-system.html
Wnat an exciting opportunity, I can't wait to follow along on your adventure.
Congrats! We have so many regrets about never living in a "big" city! What a great place!
We are going through the same thing, just opposite coasts! We are moving to CT from PA very quickly and need to sell our house. We, like you, will most likely be downsizing to afford the higher cost of living. Congrats - have fun! :)
Congrats on the big move! Stay positive and it will all be great. Oooh think of all the decorating ideas you'll need to come up with...sweet!
Congrats on the new move. I love that you are excited and are anticipating the move. There will be changes, some good , some bad but with a good attitude you will do well. I am reading a book that I have read with every move called After the Boxes are Unpacked. I love it and it has some really great advice.
How exciting! I can't wait to hear how house hunting goes and all that goes along with a big move. Do you know anyone in California? In regards to your mentioning that you might go crazy - my mom used to always say "I'm going crazy, and you're driving!" Apparently I drove her crazy too much. :)
We are about an 1 1/2 away from SF! You'll be in our "neighborhood" ;o) Many people that live in our city are commuters to San Francisco.
Wow! Now that is exciting news. From Colorado to San Francisco! Fun. I would probably go crazy but what's life without some excitement and adventure, right? I will enjoy hearing about all the craziness! : )
Oh my -- that is so exciting! Congrats! You will have so much fun there and I know you will be busy with house projects! j
Janet
Oh wow, that sounds like and exciting adventure!
How exciting! I can't wait to see all of your tips and what you end up moving into.
Wow! That is soooo exciting! Congratulations! Good luck on your upcoming move!
exciting! congrats and good luck with the move! can't wait to see where you settle in!
That is exciting for you and your fam:) We live in a town called Danville which is 45 minutes outside of SF. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! where I live and I think you should check it out:) Other great areas are Orinda, Lafayette and Moraga. But this is why I love Danville: sidewalks, greenbelts, Iron Horse Trail, quaint downtown, farmer's market, close to SF, Mt. Diablo, hiking trails, yummy food, etc....I have lived in the East Bay my whole life and have lived in many areas around the East Bay but Danville is by far my FAVE! Please feel free to email me with any questions you have:) Good luck-you will love it in CA:)
Stacey
That is so exciting!!!! I've been to San Fran once and loved it. I'm a little jealous as I sit sweltering in the Ga heat at 7:45am. ;)
What an exciting move! That city is amazing and to live there would be a treat. I just moved with three kids and husband and dog from the midwest to Knoxville Tennessee. To a smaller house, after selling and thinking about renting and going(just) nearly crazy. You can do it, and even have fun during it. Good luck on this adventure!
Good luck!! I can't wait to see what home you buy and all projects you do to it to make your house a home. :)
Sending sympathy & excitement pains your way!!! We can SO relate... it will be a fun ride and you get to do it with your beautiful family!
Wow, that is BIG news! I am so happy for you but sad to lose a fellow Colorado blogger. Maybe I'll make it to your garage sale!
-Desiree
I can't wait to hear all about it!!!
I am all about downsizing myself since I am fixing up a little house which I am determined to make work! I am not in a city like San Fran, but I live 45 minutes outside of NYC and this part of Connecticut is crazy expensive as well. You'll make a great home for your family!
How exciting! My HB mag didn't come in the mail today. boo hoo. :)
Oh how exciting (and a little bit scary!) My husband has a lot of family in the Walnut Creek area - what a gorgeous place to live! Hoping everything goes smoothly for you!
Good luck with your move. We are in the same boat too. We're moving from Ga to RI this fall and selling our house on our own. I'm trusting in the Lord that he will bring a buyer at the right time.
We just moved from The Meadows to Seattle and rented our home on the first showing! We hope to see it in a few years when we can actually make a profit. I can recommend a great property manager in Castle Rock if you need one :) Best of luck! We miss C.R. soo much!!
Wow, that's so exciting! How fun that will be for you all. Congrats and good luck!!!
Wow Carrie...I wish you the best. Looks like you have a few people to get info from on housing. Good luck! And welcome to CA!!
Connie
I've always loved San Francisco. Good luck with your move.
I've been reading your blog and enjoy your posts. Look forward to seeing more!
Oh my goodness...congratulations. It sounds like you are very excited and I don't blame you. Can you believe that I've never been to California?? Made it as far as Nevada but that's as far as I got. Can't wait to hear more about your big adventure.
Oh, I'm SO envious - I moved many years ago from the Bay Area (for family reasons) and I STILL miss it. It was home from the moment I stepped off the plane and I still say "Hi, home" whenever I see it on TV! Enjoy - you'll love all those flea markets, etc. :)
Congrats! It will be an adventure. I grew up in the Bay Area and then moved to Denver and then moved to the South. Please feel free to email me if you have questions.
Oh my gosh!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!
I am a SAHM and we live 90 min from San Fran. If you need anything or just want to talk you can email me @ bkccfrank@sbcglobal.net. Good luck! We moved from all of our friends and family 6 years ago....if I can do it so can you!
Kara in Cali
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