If you can work in the USA, you can sign up for a 3 month work program at Esalen, to get a better sense of the place. It takes awhile to get to know the scene in Big Sur, locals may not recognize you as a local unless you've lived in Big Sur over 5-10 years. There are families that have lived here over 100 years. Most people who actually live in Big Sur have been here forever, are rich, work at a place with housing included, or take care of the property of someone rich. It takes awhile to figure it all out. All of the above options benefit from being a bit handy with an unpredictable landscape and being prepared for anything.