where to move in California?

Honestly, if you're a city person, I would suggest living either in the Bay Area (where I know you are from) or Los Angeles. If you like more of a relaxed and natural surroundings, then I would suggest the Monterrey/Salinas area, which actually still has some affordable housing and is a fairly safe area (at least near Monterrey).

If you are really open to living anywhere that is safe, nice, and has plenty of amenities and things to do I would also suggest looking into the Palms Springs area of southern california. The housing prices there are surprisingly cheap, its not too far from LA, and the area is beautiful - although it does get pretty damn hot. The schools here are good too, particularly in the Indian Wells, Desert Palms, and Palm Springs area.

If its very cheap housing you are looking for, then you probably know that the best thing you can do is really just leave california for Nevada or even better for Arizona or New Mexico - where many Californians are having to move.

Hope this helps and good luck with all your decisions and with your plethora of children that you have to factor into each decision.

It depends where you're moving from and what part of California you are moving to. If you are moving to the Los Angeles area: Housing prices in and around Los Angeles are incredibly high. Public transportation is horrible and having a car is a must. In the San Fernando Valley, temperatures often reach 110F for at least a week or so every year. It's cooler on the west side, and costal areas. The hottest months are August and September, which is also officially fire season. Winters are mild but it can drop into the high 30's on some winter nights. It snows in the local mountains and sometimes in the high desert. Santa Anas are a yearly weather phenomena of very strong, warm dry winds which can star in September and continue off and on through January. They will chap your lips, make your skin itch, and make you afraid to touch anything metal that isn't gounded. Rain typically comes in April but we sometimes get rain anywhere between November and May. Summer storms are very rare. San Francisco bay area: Housing prices aren't much cheaper than Los Angeles, but the city has really good public transportation. It still helps to have a car though. The weather in San Francisco is a lot cooler and wetter than in Los Angeles, but San Francisco has a lot more variation in it's microclimates. One part of the city can be cold and foggy and the other part can be warm and sunny. California is a large state and there are a lot of little towns and suburbs with just about any climate imaginable. The only thing I can really say, no matter where you live in California, is keep your flashlight and slippers near your bed and a supply of water in case of an earthquake. Oh yeah, and DON'T MOVE TO NORTH HOLLYWOOD!

You should take a look Folsom California. A great place to raise kids plenty of parks bike trails hiking trails not far from the river.You're about two hours Northeast of San Francisco just above Sacramento. Crime rate hears the lowest in the country.I t's grown quite a bit in the last ten years.Nothings far away a lot of grocery stores restaurants shopping. Places like Target, Wal-Mart, Cosco, Sam's Club.Their even building a major mall by the freeway off Highway 50. You're about a half-hour from downtown Sacramento and about an hour and a half from Lake Tahoe. The best part of it is the air is clean.

After living in Needles, any place will seem wonderful.

Move towards the coast in some capacity. There are more jobs and possibly a higher quality of life.

Let's see, I'll be specific, just to take the weight of making this decision off your shoulders: move to Maricopa.

I live in the Bay Area. I personally love it here! There are so many little great cities that are a great place for kids to live in. San Ramon, Danville, Walnut Creek, Livernmore, etc. They are all so kid oriented also. So many sports you can play and play other Bay Area teams, great shopping and parks and gyms and tons of places to eat out and etc. Movies, i could go on forever! Settle in the bay area, you wont be dissapointed!

I certainly understand why you do not like Needles, ca. It is way toooo hot. Since you grew up in Sonoma county, why not look there. I live in Napa county, just over the hill and either place is a great place to live.

Too many variables.

Why did you go to Needles? What don't you like about it? What do you like/not like about Santa Rosa? What do you do for income? What kind of weather do you like/not like?