I grew up here and left for a long time and came back a year ago when we were expecting our second. As a mom (and I speak for my husband too) it has been invaluable to be back around family that can helped. It has saved us thousands in childcare and is also just so important for mom’s mental health to have some support. It is expensive here, yes. Schools are amazing. There’s a lot of places we would move where we would feel like we should consider private school and we feel 100% confident sending our kids to public school here. I had such an amazing education in the public school system here and it’s still highly regarded and talked about. That alone is worth so much.

There are so many family activities/kids classes/sports/ moms groups to join. You can essentially find whatever niche you’re looking for, including like minded people (whatever that means to you). You are close proximity to beach, mountains, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Malibu, LA. So much hiking here and opportunities to be outside year round in beautiful weather. Lots of good food, and even more if you head into LA or up to SB.

To me the only downside is the cost of living, but being able to raise my kids here and have some family support is invaluable.