Priced out artist
I am an older (40-something) artist who sells moderately, and I need to move to a more affordable area. Is there anywhere in California that I should be looking at besides the obvious (LA)? Sonoma County? Santa Cruz County? San Diego? I have art-related particulate sensitivity so I am looking for somewhere without high pollution. Thanks!
Feb 10, 2018
Parent Replies
Shasta County and Mono County come to mind... or Bishop, just south of Mono County. My stepmother in law, a watercolorist, retired to Bishop and found much scope for her art there in the mountains, as well as a nice little artist community.
Crockett or Port Costa!
I would consider Santa Fe, NM. A friend of mine just moved there and ended up with a lovely historic condo four blocks from the Plaza. Prices are much lower across the board than California, the food is incredible, they have about 320 days of sunshine a year (the winters aren't bad), and real estate is a bargain -- it doesn't see me to have caught up to many other desirable places to live. Most importantly, that community is vibrant with artists -- Meow Wolf is the most jaw dropping art installation I have ever seen, and people come from all over the world to experience it. There are many concerts and festivals, they have an opera house and great art house movie theater (financed by George R.R. Martin, of Game of Thrones fame), and they have an airport. What they do not have is many big box stores. -- I know, bummer, right?
We have a lovely home in the Berkeley Hills, pure paradise, but I came away from my peek into my friend's life thinking, "I could live here."
The more affordable areas of Los Angeles tend to be inland, where particulate levels can be high. So pick your prospective area of LA carefully and review historic pollution levels. San Diego is worth a look but with their increase in traffic, again review the air pollution levels. The central California coast is cute, but pricey. It's happening everywhere. If you can, buy rather than rent to stabilize your housing expenses long-term. Good luck!
Humboldt County has many artists.
https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/Vibrant-arts-scene-thrives-behind-the-redwood-2571492.php