looking for cheaper pastures

[Laney Humphrey <laneyh@mbay.net>]

Hi All!
    That octopus Silicon Valley has extended its tentacles
down here to the Monterey Peninsula, almost 2 hours away.  Our housing/land
prices are out of sight, to say nothing of rentals!!! Michelle's $2500
is the going rate here too.  So I'm looking for somewhere that 
normal people (i.e. those that would rather pay to feed and ride horses
than pay the mortgage company) can live a good life.
    I prefer a small town with a larger city not impossibly
far away (i.e., a couple of hours is fine).  Easy access to good trails
is a necessity and fun people to ride with would be a real plus. 
I've been here 14 years so I'm having to dredge up memories of what a 4
season climate is like but I think I can handle one so long as there isn't
too much snow and even less rain (El Nino and his Sister nearly did me
in!).  I'm looking hard at other parts of California, and New Mexico,
Colorado, and Arizona but I'm open to all suggestions, especially those
west of the Mississippi 'cause even though I'm an easterner born and bred,
it would take a lot to get me back there again, mostly because I prefer
trees in small quantities and humidity in low numbers!
    So, fellow Ridecampers, here is your opportunity
to hop upon your soapbox and shout the virtues of where you live, or lived
or hope to live!
    Thanks!
Laney


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