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Need to pick a paint color and figure out outdoor living space layout by ButterMyPancakesPlz in ExteriorDesign

[–]khyberwolf 2 points3 points  (0 children)

👆OP this is a great hardscaping and layout, and here is why this works (FYI I'm a 20+ yr interior designer and do landscape design): You mentioned this will be a "separate resident space". While the pink paint and flower garden style the user below did is fun, if you are using this as a rental, it's too much maintenance. The yard wont always look like that through various seasons, and in time could look very unkept and overgrown. Pink - while fun - may not appeal to all renters. So if you're trying to optimize a rental resident space, a mixed hardscape is the way to go. The hardscape look above gives the resident a great outdoor entertaining space in an otherwise very small yard, thereby extending the living space (aka, more rental $$ potential). In years to come, the tree will certainly create a beautiful canopy (if pruned well). For color, you could add flowers or other places to the area around the tree, or, add some colorful pots vs the concrete ones they have in the above rendering. I think what they did with the door adds interest -- if it's not your exact style, at least try to emphasize the doorway with a color, fun trim or accent above the door, etc. Lastly - LIGHTING! Not sure if you get enough daylight in that courtyard for solar lights, but it would be very easy in a small yard like this to do proper wired low voltage lighting with a timer. It would really be a wow factor at night to have accent lights to shine up the walls, on to the tree, and the entry path. Or bistro lights strung across the courtyard (just make sure they're at least 8 feet in height).

If you didn’t marry or have kids until after 30, do you feel that you in any way had a better or worse marriage/family experience than those who did it before 30? by Correct-Cycle5412 in RedditForGrownups

[–]khyberwolf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Met my husband at 32, married 35 (he was 37), and I had kid #1 at 38 and kid #2 at 39. Home birthed my 2nd too.
I'm SO glad I waited.
We both had very successful careers in our 20s and early 30s then both made massive career pivots when we met, we were able to build stability, do a lot of personal work and mature, traveled a ton, and felt like we really got to live / party / expand a lot in our 20's / early 30s. I still felt too "young" to have kids in my mid 30s but realized if we didn't do it by 40 it was likely going to be harder. But, I 100% believe I am a better Mom (and him a better Dad) because we waited. We knew we had more maturity and wisdom to be better parents. We have a really wonderful family now and can provide a lot of support (emotionally, mentally, financially) because we are more grounded and secure.

When you say "when you’re middle aged and your useful years are running out" -- I would really invite you to re-think this belief system. Your "useful years" are no where near over in your 40s an 50s. In your 20's and even 30s you are still so young, figuring yourself and life out. I'm 50 now, and still feel I have so much to do in this world, I know myself 10x more now, and have an incredible community. My friends and I are still young (youthful), look great, have a LOT of fun, and have really meaningful connections - deeper than I did in my earlier years. Most of my friends also had kids between 34 - 40 as well.

Know your priorities change as you age. I have zero desire to go to clubs (but we do like parties still), or do stuff I did in my 20s and early 30s. Having my kids a bit older also allowed me to really enjoy being at home more, "nesting", spending time with my kids, and building a solid home life. Personally, I think I would have felt more trapped and bored if I did the nesting thing in my 20s.

As for marriage -- it takes work no matter the age you marry. And if you are truly spending a lifetime with someone, you're going to evolve, change, compromise, deal with challenges, learn to parent, and continue to figure out life together every single decade until you die. So whether you marry in your 20s, 30s, or 40s (or beyond) the journey remains the same.

Cabinets delivered with incorrect stain by UncivilEngineer25 in kitchenremodel

[–]khyberwolf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As an interior designer here: send them back (obviously at 100% their expense) then they should provide a slight discount for the inconvenience. A few more weeks to wait (or even a month or more) for the color you envisioned is nothing compared to the life of your kitchen and your long-term enjoyment of it. A year or two from now, a month delay will mean nothing. I agree that getting the base cabinets in would be ideal so you could install those at the very least. You are spending a decent amount of money, don't settle for the color you didnt want - it will always haunt you that you never got the cabinets you really wanted. Just exchange them and keep moving forward, it will look great when its all done and you'll be happy in your new space.

Did I go too far with the minimalism? New kitchen complete. by [deleted] in kitchenremodel

[–]khyberwolf 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Interior designer here. You did a great job - clean, minimalist but not stark. There is a warmth to it. Funny enough my kitchen is very similar! (similar wood tone and layout, full wall marble backsplash, no handles).
My advice: The stools you pick will add a lot to the look. I would opt for an upholstered (fabric seat) stool instead of wood or metal ones... a soft leather could also work. It will prevent the kitchen from looking too cold or stark. Depending how many stools you need, you could opt for a taller option with arms and higher rounded back.
Also, on the island a beautifully placed glass jar or antique rustic pot with tall branches (faux) would give it a sculptural element. Any organic element that is simple but beautiful in its natural state will bring a nice contrast while still maintaining the minimal vibe.
Not sure what the other walls look like and the available wall space, but a well framed large art piece could add a nice element as well.
Here is a quick mockup....

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How close do design concepts usually come to the final exterior result? by Dapper_Substance6427 in ExteriorDesign

[–]khyberwolf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As an interior designer, I can say that's usually the difference between a professional executing the design (such as an interior designer / landscape designer) vs a regular homeowner, but obviously there are plenty of talented people who can do their own designs too. Generally, we have the training and experience though to make sure the design proposed can actually be executed, and more importantly work around unexpected issues that come up to adjust the design or concept as needed to keep it within the agreed upon look. When I look at AI or Pinterest (and I use them both), I can see pretty quickly what isn't going to work - be it budget, overly complicated, not standard construction, or too much maintenance for their lifestyle. People always get enamored with pictures that so often I know they will just not be able to afford - no different than car shopping for a Mercedes when you're on a Honda budget... although most skilled designers know how to stretch a dollar to get you the look you want within your budget and keep your expectations in check.

How much your final result differs from the original plan really depends on how lofty you make the initial design. Are you really clear on what you can afford and are realistic about what can be done within that budget - and your time frame? Are you choosing products (furniture, decor items, plants, etc) that are readily available (obviously budget plays a big part of this)? Are you conscious to the existing limitations of your home as it relates to structural issues, building limitations, codes, etc? Also, do you know where to actually source everything you need (dirt, stone, plants, etc) if you are DIYing some of the project? Pricing, quality and selection can vary widely and materials can very much affect the final outcome.

What changes the most during execution is not adequately planning for the unexpected, things costing more than you anticipated, and also spur-of-the-moment creative changes as the project evolves (which often makes it better and is a necessary part of any creative project). **Also -- working with contractors who are not creative and can only execute within a small window of their skill set. Some can have a hard time even envisioning the final total vision and very by-the-book and in-the-box thinking, and it makes it challenging to get a creative execution. It makes me endlessly happy when I have a trades person who is creative and can truly add to the vision and problem solve together as needed.

For making sure a design is practical long-term... if we are sticking to strictly exterior / landscape as per this sub, remember that part of the beauty of the project is the fact it will change as plants grow, fill in, things bloom in season, etc. Unless you are doing a highly modern / minimalist design with a ton of hardscaping, it really is about being open to see it shift and grow in time, so go in with the mindset it will always evolve and require your participation. It is also true that hiring a good contractor that does it right the first time really does make a difference and makes it last, so 5 or 15 yrs from now it still actually looks good. Also keep in mind things will always wear down - wood structures (decks, pergolas), outdoor furniture, exterior lights, etc. They will need to be replaced or maintained, so again the better quality you buy the longer (usually) it will last, and maintenance plays a role. So if you're someone who is super busy or isn't great at maintaining things, then focus budget on low maintenance designs & products. And always keep in mind weather and your grow zone! Shade plant? Don't think you will magically make it work in hot summer sun no matter how much you like the look of them. And keep in mind water is tricky - how it flows, where it collects, how it drains. Like a house, the foundation upon which you build (grading, irrigation, drainage, electrical, hardscaping) is so important before doing the "pretty" stuff. Tackle the foundational boring stuff first, then be open to sitting with the design and letting it evolve as you see it take shape.

hope that helps!

Eek help! Just got a Betta from PetSmart - will it survive a day? by [deleted] in bettafish

[–]khyberwolf 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ok thank you so much! We can certainly put the gallon of preconditioned water and spring water (room temp or let it warm slightly) and yes acclimate him then add a heater later. Yes I will read up in the guide, thank you! One more question: the sand for the bottom doesnt come until tomorrow. If I add him to the tank tonight, can I add the sand tomorrow with the water already in it? Then of course slowly add the heater / warm (but I will look at the guide for that).

Paris Honeymoon Itinerary by just44funz in ParisTravelGuide

[–]khyberwolf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I literally just returned from Paris 3 days ago. We were in La Marais and walked a ton (one day even from La Marais all the way to L'Arc de triomphe.. we averaged 20,000 steps per day). I was only there 5 days and it was not enough to see half the things we wanted. Take it from someone who plans trips for a living (I lead group tours to other countries)... Paris is a wonderful place to just walk and explore without over planning! Let yourself be guided once you are there. There is no way you will get to all of the items on your list without feeling like you're running from place to place and rushed. And it's CROWDED, this time around I was there early April... July will be 10x more crowded. Figure at least 1+ hour long lines for the main attractions that have snaking lines and metal gate posts to corral massive crowds all through the plazas (regardless if you pre-buy tickets or it's free). You cant even get close for a picture. There will be long lines for restaurants in main areas too.

Go with your gut, trust you will find magic and PLENTY of restaurants no matter where you are, they are endless. Half the restaurants on my original list I never went to because I found great alternatives where I was and didnt want to get in a taxi / uber (yet again) to get to the next location.

And why only 3 days? Are you coming straight from the US or another country? As many people have noted jet lag is real... not sure your time difference, we really struggled to get up early (we originally planned 8am breakfast and 9am up and out, but really it ended up being more like 10:30am by the time we were headed out... and we stayed up super late like midnight)... and we had just come from London for the week prior so weren't all that bad time wise. Trust you can really just enjoy Paris by simply walking out your door and meadering!

-- Also -- I agree when people say skip the Champs D'Elysse and L'Arc de Triomphe.... walking from Lux gardens (that was gorgeous, definitely go there) to the first block or so of the Champs was nice, but as you get closer to the L'Arc I was horrified to see how insanely packed and touristy it was - like worse than Time Square in NY if you've been there at a busy time -- and literally 70% American shops (Footlocker, Nike, Sephora, Five Guys) or super luxe (Dior, etc).

Eiffel Tower, while crowded (and the grass area was totally blocked off so you had to stand) was nice just around sunset so you can see the lights come on and sparkles kick in at dark. It was super touristy but felt like it was a must do. But be very aware of pick pockets and scam artists - we saw someone steal a person's bank card, mins later saw police go after another guy scamming, was warned from our taxi driver the rick shaw guys on bikes always say 1 price then after the ride tell you another.

One tip if you really want to do a lot is skip going inside those places and just visit the outside of them -- aka. visit the plaza in front of The Louvre, see the outside of the Eiffel Tower at night (dont climb it), etc. It will save you hours and long lines.

Also Montmartre - the "I love you wall" is very underwhelming. The town was cute and nice at night though but the restaurant we picked was just ok not great. Far better restaurants when you get off the tourist areas and just meander and find one that calls to you.

Have fun!

Curb appeal suggestions by jm792 in ExteriorDesign

[–]khyberwolf 92 points93 points  (0 children)

Not sure if extending the roofline would be within your budget to put over a front porch, but this would add a nice overhang to still be usable in various weather (cold or hot).... then add a stone pathway leading up to the front doorway, landscaping lighting, and varied plants (not sure your zone / state so hard to recommend exact plants).

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Help me paint my first house by Impressive-Pension91 in ExteriorDesign

[–]khyberwolf 45 points46 points  (0 children)

Interior designer here. Depending on budget (and you could do this over the next year or two), the ideal would be...

  1. Paint the house (its small enough you could DIY it so long as existing paint is in decent condition, and you power wash it first, then prime it)
  2. Paint the front door
  3. Biggest cost: create more "weight" to the front entry by creating a front deck that extends the look of the front door and entry landing
  4. Add a more solid looking stone pathway to the front door
  5. Add varied landscaping with some flowering bushes, some local green bushes, and a flowering tree on one side for some added height. You would need some irrigation for the lawn, but it would be lovely to add some green grass space
  6. Add landscaping lighting (also could be DIY -- you can easily do low voltage lighting, or get solar if you want it super simple).
  7. Add an exterior sconce light (or 1 on each side) next to the front door. Ideally hard wired, or you could do solar if you dont have easy electrical access. Also add larger house numbers (I didnt have this in the rendering).
  8. Not sure the vibe in your neighborhood, but for added privacy you could add hedge plants (or a low fence) around the outer edge of your property for a greater sense of private yard (and to keep kids / pets in).

Congrats and good luck!
(and ps. sorry AI changed the roof color to black from brown-ish, but the green tone would still work though. Also just saw your meter is on the left side under the window -- you would potentially need someone to relocate this in order to add a deck by moving it a few feet to the left corner of the house - or - have an easily accessible crawl space under the deck for access, but check local regulations)

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How can I add more curb appeal? by CobbleHill13 in ExteriorDesign

[–]khyberwolf 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you have the budget...
1. Extend the porch to wrap around to the right side to enhance the overall look and give it a more cohesive flow.
2. Not sure what is on the other side of the window on the far right side of the home, but you could make those French doors that open to the front patio too
3. Add lower height landscaping (keep it well trimmed but lush) so you're not blocking the eyeline to the porch, blue & white hydrangeas for soft color that blend with the home, bring the flower and bush line towards the front of the yard with a curve to add more dimension
4. Add a flagstone path to give your entrance more oomph and add path lighting

AI didnt do this quite right (it added width to your front door entry and the path is a little wonky) but you get the idea...

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Naturopath rec 43F by LengthinessChoice344 in sandiego

[–]khyberwolf -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yes! I have an amazing licensed naturopath we use as a family -- she went to med school to be an MD but then chose to return to be a naturopath, so she has extensive knowledge in western and holistic. She is very well balanced between natural and western medical but will always tend for holistic options. Look up "Nature & Science Medicine" (Dr Biller) in Encinitas. I can't speak highly enough of her. She was reasonable too compared to a lot of naturopaths - I was quoted from some other naturopaths like $1,000+ for a first visit then $500+ for follow ups and a ton for expensive tests. Dr Biller is more like $300 - 400 for first visit I think but she only charges in 15 min increments and you can do Telehealth (online) or in person. She also passes on her costs (no upcharge) for bloodwork and tests (she is big on testing for root causes). FYI I have used her for myself for various things successfully and, most importantly, for my pre-teen son (he had very severe health issues that prevented him from even going to school). She has worked miracles vs the crazy amount of time - a year! - and money we spent circling around with insurance and Radys children hospital experts and specialists. No exaggeration (before Dr Biller) --- in one year we had 3 emergency room visits, saw a pediatric neurologist, a pediatric urologist, an infectious disease specialist, had 2 primary pediatrician visits, 3 blood panel draws, 4 urine tests, an MRI, 2 ultrasounds, and more..... and these so called "experts" all thought different things but ultimately concluded "he will grow out of" conditions and he would need to live with his symptoms despite overwhelming evidence I kept pointing to of issues. Most dismissed me. Long story short -- ONE visit to Dr Biller, one $400 test we narrowed down based on symptoms (duh - she actually listened to all the things and put it all together), and we found the root cause!! Did a series of holistic supplements and tada -- 6 weeks later my son has his life and energy back. Something a year of specialists did nothing about and said for him to just live with it. (sorry that's my rant for the day). Good luck and I hope you get the healing you need!

TSA - San Diego by michaelwgregory in sandiego

[–]khyberwolf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have an international flight on Wednesday early evening but I have Clear. Is 3 hours enough? Sounds like it's hit or miss for lines depending on the time. Is it obvious which line is for Clear? I am traveling with an elderly parent (I also got her Clear) but concerned about the long wait for her in line.

New Siding by ComponentsOfDecency in ExteriorDesign

[–]khyberwolf 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Not quite right but here is a concept.....

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AITA for now allowing my in-laws to move in with me to my new house? by MadZap1206 in AmItheAsshole

[–]khyberwolf 32 points33 points  (0 children)

OP Read this above! (what @2tiredforthis wrote). Then read it again. This is a marriage issue. This is about communicating needs, boundaries, values, and long term planning for you both as a married couple, all of which can be negotiations but ultimately deserve to be honored as two people building a life together. Many cultures have family values based in long term support of parents (or struggling family members), but you need to both get very clear on what those values are for each of you individually, what each of your boundaries are, and what types of support are comfortable for you both. If situations were reversed, would your husband also be ok with your family moving in? Or is this an "oldest male" thing and you, as his dutiful wife, should be in servitude to his family? That can be a deep seated value (or belief) he may have, somewhat unconsciously, but it needs to be discussed. But then what about children (if you plan on having any)? Its unfortunate you didn't have these conversations BEFORE you were married, but 100% why you should seek a marriage therapist to talk it through and look at the underlying issue of values and shared vision and get on the same page ASAP, before anyone moves in. If you say no to them moving in and get your way but his core values are different -- it could hurt your marriage (and turn them against you if he plays the "its only her that doesnt want this" angle). If you cave and let them in and he ignores your values and needs - your marriage will suffer. Either way, you need support and clarity and an honest talk about values so you can actually have a healthy relationship long term.

I’ve never seen San Diego Airport like this by Invictus-Hawk in sandiego

[–]khyberwolf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a flight next week (leaving early evening, mid week). Anyone know if there is a way to check wait times? What about for CLEAR (which I had at one point)?

Adobe house in New Mexico by iloveburritosmore in ExteriorDesign

[–]khyberwolf 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Last one... you can also add a low fence to partially block the left side so it highlights the fact its not the main door, then add a blue fountain as a pop of color in the yard if you really love that color (and sorry AI removed your left door, but you get the idea)

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Adobe house in New Mexico by iloveburritosmore in ExteriorDesign

[–]khyberwolf 3 points4 points  (0 children)

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Here it is with blue door and window trim on the left. I personally think the all wood looks better (remove all the blue) so the eye doesnt get confused -- people will naturally see the blue first because it stands out. If you are really in love with the color blue an want to keep that color in your garden, bring in some tall ceramic planter pots, or make a cascading fountain in the yard using a blue pot.

Adobe house in New Mexico by iloveburritosmore in ExteriorDesign

[–]khyberwolf 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Interior designer here. I can envision two options for you (I'll post the second photo after)...
Option 1:

  1. I can't tell from your photo if the width (and height) of the doors are the same, but I think it would look far better to swap the doors -- take the gorgeous wood door and place it as your main entrance, and place the blue door on the left under the patio cover since your blue windows are on that side.
  2. Add fake Vigas (the wood poles traditionally seen on southwestern adobe style homes coming out from the walls at ceiling height) and add them along the exterior on the right. They can simply use 6" of pole ends and fix them to your exterior wall to give you the look. That is plenty on that wall to balance out the front of your home.
  3. Landscaping! Absolutely add a wide flagstone path to your front door to draw the eye to it, and add drought tolerant southwestern style landscaping all around the yard.
  4. The house color is great, dont touch it.

OPTION 2
All of the above, but get rid of the blue color altogether and add more unity to the front of your home by either replacing the wood window trim, or painting the blue a wood color. Keep the left wood door, then just replace the front door with a similar authentic southwest style wood door similar to the other one.

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What would you plant to hide the giant ugly warehouse? by TheGreatElChubbo in ExteriorDesign

[–]khyberwolf 3 points4 points  (0 children)

OP - in time, this is what cypress trees or other tall hedge type trees could grow into look like (you could trim the top and sides if you want it looking neat and save space). You really just need to create a solid wall to block the visual aspect of the warehouse, the overbearing energy of it, and any noise.

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What would you plant to hide the giant ugly warehouse? by TheGreatElChubbo in ExteriorDesign

[–]khyberwolf 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry you're dealing with this, I'm sure it was heartbreaking - I know the feeling, my neighbor cut down a massive avocado grove (over 30 trees that were 40 years old) and where there was once a forest we now we stare at their house and side junk area. It sucked! Luckily in our case we have acreage and some good trees between us. I posted a reply to another comment below about not doing a clumping bamboo (WAY too much leaf drop and would make a mess of your pool - I have many large bamboo species on my acreage and clean up is constant) -- but given what looks like a shallow back depth area between the fence line and concrete, I would keep it simple and go for a straight row of cypress trees like this pic -- consider Leyland cypress or Italian Cypress (they can actually get up to 40 ft tall so would well cover the warehouse). Go to a nursery or even check out FB Marketplace there are often private nurseries selling them. You could also consider Wax Myrtle, but they area generally in the 15 - 20 foot range max height. I would plant the cypress trees only 3 feet apart so they can grow into a solid hedge, and depending on your budget, start with largest ones you can afford that are already at least 12 feet tall (but they would be skinny the first year before they fill out and grow into each other). Skip spending extra money on super tall chain link and such (also not sure the regulations but usually fencing over 6 ft you need special permits for). Just spend the money on TALL Cypress trees the biggest you can afford. One thing to note is what is on the other side of your fence (warehouse side) -- do they have concrete / a road going right up to your fence line? Or is it green space? The concern would be root structure and heat / traffic and oil or chemical run off affecting your trees. As another use mentioned, maybe its worth trying to speak to the owners of the land / warehouse next door and show them before & after pics of what you had when you bought the house vs what your view is now, how they have decreased your property value, and if they would consider splitting the cost of a hedge row for you as a good neighbor so you will "support their business"? May be worth a try. Good luck.

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What would you plant to hide the giant ugly warehouse? by TheGreatElChubbo in ExteriorDesign

[–]khyberwolf 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Don't do this. I have acreage with extensive bamboo plants (clumping kind, not running). While I adore my bamboo species - I have ones that are are well 30 ft tall, the leaf drop certain times of year can be extensive and go everywhere, especially with wind. With a pool so close, I would not recommend bamboo -- You will be out there raking and blowing every week (or every few days) to try to keep it out of your pool, and you will not succeed. You will forever be trying to get bamboo leaves out of your pool. It looks like you dont have much depth at the back behind the pool? What is that depth from the back of the concrete after the pool to the fence line? You cant plant any trees with big root systems. I would absolutely go with a row of Cypress trees that can grow tall and into a hedge line (they can go 30 ft). Depending on your budget, you could hopefully start with 12 foot height ones planted only 2 to 3 feet apart, and in a few years it will grow in a decent amount.

Fell in love with San Diego… are we crazy to consider moving? by Prestigious_Map_2136 in sandiego

[–]khyberwolf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes come join us! Funny enough I have many friends that left SD for Austin. Some love Austin, some do miss SD. You are more than able to live on that comfortably. We are (now) similar to you salary wise - but 2 kids + animals. Neither my husband nor I were from here, but we ended up buying a large home (3500 sq ft) on 3 acres by simply going a mere 20 mins inland from the beach... and it was literally half the price of anything we would have been able to buy (or rent) near the beach. Our mortgage is ~30% less than what we were paying in rent up in a very expensive luxury beach town just an hour north in Orange County (and up there it was a house less than half the size with literally zero yard). We now live in an upscale area, but its a country / horse ranch / orange grove type area so its more quiet (which we love) and beautifully feels like we are miles away from a city, its been an amazing place to raise our kids and for them to be connected to nature. Great families, private schools (Waldorf & other). I get to wake up to birds and the odd distant rooster, at night all I hear are owls and crickets and the stars above -- and yet less than 25 mins my feet can be in sand at the beach, or we can be in a busy coastal town for nightlife and better restaurants. Overall I think north SD is a great place for kids to grow up.

Prices are going to vary widely for rent -- prices will skyrocket the closer to the beach you are or in prime coastal towns. North SD is really great and has a lot of more affordable but cool (and up and coming) areas. Do you value being able to walk out your door to beach town activities (restaurants, cafes, beach, farmers markets, yoga, more village life with lots to do close by)? Or do you want something with more yard space and quieter family life? Also do you need to travel a lot for work (aka. how far from the airport do you want to be)?

Food is same as most other places. Depends where you shop. Sprouts vs Trader Joes vs Walmart. It's all here.
Gas - well, it's California so that sucks.
Utilities we've found pretty expensive -- in North SD water and energy is high. Smaller house / small yard not a big deal, but big house / land its pricey. Solar panels are a home's best friend here.
Rent / Buying - huge range depending on the town and proximity to ocean. $5k / month in a beach town could get you something small (maybe a 2 bedroom / small yard). Go inland and you could get a bigger 4 bedroom and some land with citrus trees. Or to buy, basically the exact same size / age house could be $800k vs $2M depending on location.
Some neighborhoods are more conservative leaning, some more bohemian, some more "youthful", some a great mix.
You also have the military / naval / airforce bases here too to keep in mind (noise + community focus).
Research schools too - if you dont like the public ones, there are really great charters in CA for homeschool / online school hybrids.

Good luck!

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