First off, thank you to everyone that gave great advice and information. I took a lot of it into consideration when making my decision today. I unfortunately declined the job offer because it was not lucrative enough to justify making the move to LA area. I will probably now follow my plan B of working 4 1/2 more years then retiring and get a place in the Destin, Florida panhandle area. Me and my girlfriend are going down there is 3 weeks and will check out some properties while vacationing. Thanks again fellow getbiggers!
Hey... As someone who just spent 3.5 years in California, I can totally relate. I just moved back to Florida (still with the same company though).
Aside from rent and overall cost of living. You have to factor in other things... At least for me I was also spending a lot of money travelling back to the east coast to visit family... There were a couple of "emergencies" that also requeired me to make the cross country trip a few more times than I would've liked to. Plus with two small kids it was a pain. California is beautiful, and I would consider moving back again but right now it was not the right time.
Sounds like you followed your gut. Good luck with the plan B. I'm sure it will work out for the best!
