Moving Back To SoCal: Easier Said Than Done

Many Southern Californians find the grass isn't greener elsewhere, and the very housing market they cashed in on to finance an out-of-state move is now making a return back home much more difficult.

1 minute read

March 14, 2006, 7:00 AM PST

By David Gest


Chased away by perceptions of growing traffic, taxes and living expenses, and the enticing possibility of cashing in their home during a fast-rising real estate market, a number of Southern Californians sold their homes recently and relocated out of state. While most do not regret their moves, some have found hidden costs -- both financially and culturally -- and wish to return. Yet many are finding the road back home a bit bumby:

"Beset by mortgage woes and congested roads, David and Ricki Drake -- like so many other Californians -- went east.

The Drakes and their two young daughters moved from the booming French Valley area in southwestern Riverside County to a quiet Colonial town outside Durham, N.C., where they could buy 'twice the home for half the price.'

But less than a year after the move, the Drakes -- deflated by a higher-than-expected cost of living and the area's lack of cultural diversity -- say they can't wait to return to Southern California."

Yet "Those returning to California often are stunned by how quickly home prices have gone up."

"'They move...and pay cash (for a new home). When they decide to come back, they can't afford to come back,' said Theresa Lino, a real estate agent with Prudential California Realty in Moreno Valley."

Thanks to g edward freeman

Sunday, March 12, 2006 in Riverside Press-Enterprise

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Hot air balloons rise over Downtown Boise with the State Capitol building visible amidst the high rises.

The Five Most-Changed American Cities

A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.

April 23, 2025 - GoodMigrations

People biking along beach path with moored ship in San Diego, California.

San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan

The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.

May 2 - SD News

Sleeping in Public

Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts

Organizations that provide housing assistance are tightening their purse strings and making plans for maintaining operations if federal funding dries up.

May 2 - KSL

Conductor walks down platform next to Amtrak train at station in San Jose, California.

Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement

An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.

May 2 - Streetsblog USA

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Senior Manager Operations, Urban Planning

New York City School Construction Authority

Building Inspector

Village of Glen Ellyn

Manager of Model Development

Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO