Moving out of Los Angeles, I Considered Moving to THESE Cities

Private Highlight from episode 345. Watch full episodes of The Minimalists Private Podcast: / theminimalists
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[@TheMinimalists]

Are you considering moving? If so, where to?

[@jessicaburns1391]

I want to move to Denver. When I first visited Colorado I immediately felt like it was home. Denver has everything I want, big city conveniences with small town mountain feel.

[@blessedmamags7796]

Outside of Houston TX 😃

[@mom2peaches]

I would love to move into a smaller community in Illinois. Definitely need to move out of Chicago. Love my city, but now looking for a community such as you described. Sounds lovely. 🙂

[@abbeyrebeccacarter]

I live in Sydney Australia and dream of making my move to the blue mountains. I cannot wait to be up there living my intentional, minimal lifestyle and immersing myself in my presence in such a beautiful environment

[@reginaraab1523]

Moved from Danville CA. To Sonora Ca.SF Bay Area born n raised but loving being away from the crowded maddening crowd!

[@dinamarie6646]

I grew up in Houston TX. I moved to Bismarck ND 5 years ago. I'm never moving back to TX. In 2020 I moved out of Bismarck (the state capitol) to a small town. I drove around to all the small communities surrounding Bismarck, and check affordable houses. Found an amazing community of less 1000 people. Has a grocery store, diner, pharmacy, hardware store, bowling alley, coffee shop / bakery and swimming pool. People are so friendly and they remember you. Absolutely LOVE it here.

[@blessedmamags7796]

Awesome 😎 I'm in Houston 💓

[@dianaoneall677]

I live in forman nd but hate it

[@joannego856]

Still in Houston (Bellaire). Happy for you!!

[@blessedmamags7796]

@@joannego856 Bellaire has cool houses, we're in Cypress

[@priusa8113]

Why do u dislike houston?! Got married there and my in laws live there. Besides the humidity lol what is bad there in your opinion?!

[@CrankyAsF]

I'm a third generation Angeleno, and what saddens me the most, aside from the staggering homeless situation, is the many people who come here to "realize" their dream in Hollywood, but never really consider this is someone else's backyard, too. And as a result, they do very little to contribute to the community before moving back home after things don't work out. At least plant a single tree, please, or pick up a Starbucks cup in the street. Anything.

[@gregz1235]

I'm sure the taxes he likely paid weren't enough? I do agree if we all do something small here regardless and there it will all add up

[@DanceMotherSuperior]

My husband and I left LA county for a small community in another state. Unfortunately, I am back in LA city to care for my parents in a home where they have been hoarding for over 50 years. I am so grateful to find your channel as encouragement as I deal with their health and their home in the most loving way possible.

[@quorrakai]

We have lived in Arizona for the past eight years. Love it, we wouldn't be anywhere else. In 2020 we bought a house in a smaller town, it's amazing. Quiet, that star filled country sky at night, like minded people, great neighbors. We have always lived below our means and our mortgage is crazy low. Used vehicles. And now with inflation and gas prices etc, we are completely fine. 😊

[@ProductivePM]

I grew up in Southern California, went to USC, and we decided to move from So Cal over 30 years ago and went east. We have moved back 4 times and each time the cost of living just kept driving us away. We finally settled in North East Florida and could not be happier. Community feel is just awesome.

[@marymarker5703]

I'm glad you like FL. We did not have same experience and moved back to CT. FL's oppressive political climate, and now its bounty on women seeking healthcare, reminds us of North Korea. Best wishes down there, Greg.

[@ConniBiesalski]

Good for ya! We're currently moving to a small surf town in Portugal. We're still somewhat close to Lisbon, so big city infrastructure is closeby if we need it. Stoked for the slow life.

[@melissagrayson4844]

Thank you for promoting shopping w local small businesses. ❤️

[@hollyfagan8201]

Get your daughter to the public library. A feast of entertainment for free and a great connection to the community. Enjoy yr home

[@michelleadams5609]

I remember when you all first moved out here, we were cheering you on, but I was always hoping you'd find a place hidden away and see the diverse landscapes of California where one can live on the beach, in a suburb, the city, the desert. Like your wife, Becca, I too cook a lot and would want a garden, farmers market, community. The great thing about going a bit out of the city is you see the farming, ranches, small towns that comprise the "real CA". My family has been here for multiple generations, rarely go into LA (for concerts, art and great food) but three times a year, but the majority of life is spent out in nature. I've been anxious to hear about your new house and the reasons why you chose to buy and now. Thanks and welcome neighbor!

[@DaGenius86]

What areas are just out of LA county that r decent in terms of safety n crime but that one can drive or take public transit to dtla or Culver city within 30 min to 60 min? Oh and that r ot far from the coast

[@emsisrbc]

Congrats JFM! I hope you love your new home and community. And thanks for mentioning Frank the minimalist architect in Tucson. I want to build my next home, and I want to use a minimalist architect.

[@smallfootprint2961]

Looking for a place in Rogue River, Oregon. It's getting expensive, though. I like the tiny towns too, and not doing electronics at home is something to really think about. Thanks for the great talk. Good luck with your new life, Josh.

[@oliviacogswell6702]

@The Minimalists I have a sandisk mp3 player where I can download music and listen to it without the distraction of a phone or tablet screen. There's a tiny display, but it goes dark 90 seconds into the first song to intentionally remove any visual distraction.

[@PanelsUpSolar]

I was born and grew up in Ventura County, and lived there my whole life. It's grown quite a bit, but it's still a great little community. It almost sounds like you may have bought in Ventura County. :) Best of luck!!!!

[@KathySierraVideo]

I lived most of my life in California… Manhattan Beach, then up to Thousand Oaks, SLO, and finally Santa Cruz. I loved the central coast and assumed it would be my forever place, but… I have 6 horses. It wasn’t the costs of California that finally did me in (although it was a constant struggle). it was the wildfires and droughts. Two fire evacs with horses in Santa Cruz was just too much. Took me years to find the place I was willing to leave California for, and it is the San Juan islands. It’s a microclimate, with the same average rainfall as Santa Cruz. A 40-minute ferry ride to the mainland, and not far from Seattle, but a world away in terms of rainfall. That said, the gray winters are rough coming from a life of California (and a 10-year detour to Boulder Colorado which is even *sunnier* than Santa Cruz). Still worth it though. If water for large animals and a hay farm are essential, and fire evacs are daunting (because horses), California is no longer a place that feels safe for that. 😢

[@KathySierraVideo]

@F F I was in the Northridge quake and it terrified me, but I’ve lived in earthquake country most of my life so 🤷🏼‍♀️. And I’m still in it way up here, *but* we specifically bought a property that was outside the tsunami zone 😳, just in case…

[@maryshaffer3801]

I hope you appreciate that you have moved to an area of great environmental sensitivity where there are unique ecosystems. The San Juans are a precious significant area. It made my heart jump and my stomach hurt to see your summation of it based on temperature and commute. The next thing californians usually do here is start cutting down all those pesky trees and start building such big houses that their neighbors end up with their runoff. Please get to know and appreciate what is there and how incredibly lucky you are to live where many native Washingtonians could never afford to buy.

[@chrisoulalakkas7935]

He who. can suppress a moment's anger, may prevent many days' sorrow. Chinese Proverbs

[@kimchininja]

I live in NJ where property values have gone through the roof, traffic has become so stressful, and walking/biking is too dangerous. This is something I have been thinking about. I hate the heat so south is out of the question. (Tried Florida and HATED the heat) But I want to live close enough to get my needs met and good medical care, I want friendly people, organic gardens, nature, coffee shops, small book shops, hiking, and an Asian market. I just have no idea where to go. I'm glad you found a place.

[@danielleblacketer1872]

I love this! my family has made the choice to only eat at local restaurants and it has been wonderful we have found some amazing dishes.

[@neilfletcher4951]

Keeping everything local is very important especially when local businesses disappear living in a small community with great neighbours is what we did and next to protected countryside that links miles of woods fields and protected habitats and its a tiny Bungalow with a large garden to grow vegetables as I wanted to cut our actual stuff so buying a house that is a size I feel is right after our children grew and left just two of us seemed right somehow.....

[@JoanSilva52]

Yes, I did enjoy this stand alone segment. I am a Patreon member already, however, this short one was enjoyable to listen to as well.

[@tierneycreates]

Bend Oregon! I lived there for 14 glorious years (but now I live in glorious Colorado)! We visited friends there in 2005 and a month latter had sold our house in Seattle and moved to Bend. Lived near Pilot Butte and walked it every day. I used to visit the last Blockbuster store. Now unfortunately Bend, OR is super expensive and my little house I bought there in 2005 is now worth $300,000 - $400,000 more than I paid (for a 1300 sq ft house). Congrats to J on his new home and community and it was awesome to see Podcast Sean (Shawn?) on the video!

[@lindaw140]

Smooth moving! Thank you for the sacrifice and great role model for us all

[@sarahlockridge7879]

You can make the large walk in closet into an office or a "prayer/meditation" room. I use mine for this. It's very peaceful. I stretch too.

[@brittneyonetti]

Whitefish, MO and Breckinridge, CO are definitely my top 2 places where I could see myself living forever. The communities are beyond amazing, mountain views, hiking, mountain biking… all of the things we love.

[@krisvenema]

Breckenridge is unaffordable unless you are wealthy.

[@courtneyglasco2216]

Nice to meet Podcast Sean.. never seen him before.

[@themusiccitylife]

I'm a Lifestyle Consultant/Realtor in Nashville. My passion in my business is to help people find their tribe and their place in the metroplex. It is the most important aspect of living with peace and purpose in someone’s life. It all starts at home... Congrats to you for finding yours!!!

[@IlikemyprivacyNN]

SLC is well designed! The numbered streets help so much. I love a walkable city. Portland is a no for sure. I’m cracking up about “The Last Blockbuster” because all I can think is it can’t be watched in Josh’s home. 😂 texting my son to tell him we should watch it.

[@jordanh4127]

First! 🥰 I would have a hard time with city life. I was born and raised in Utah and just moved a little further south for cheaper housing. Still was more than I wanted but it still was in budget and I was able to custom build. Good luck on the new home!! I am so glad to hear someone else has given up technology also. I gave up my tv 6 years ago and I won’t go back!

[@geoffreyyoste45]

Amen Jordan, I’m in Mississippi were the Housing Markets pretty cheap unless you live in Oxford, Starkville,, Madison, Harrisburg or any of the other suburbs of the bigger cities. I work in a small town hospital an hour away from home and I hate to say it but it’s great. Yes I’d love to make about 30,000 more year but having peace is priceless!!!!!

[@magma9138]

Congratulations! Smart move.

[@ConsiderateCommunities]

All the best for your new adventures! Let's hope the govt doesn't screw over the farmers like is currently happening in the Netherlands! Boycott the WEF. This organisation is more sinister and more anti-citizen than most realise.

[@ritasicari7518]

Happening in Canada, too.

[@pilatesyogataichifit]

Yes, the bidding ABOVE the asking price has been a feature here in the UK for the last 2 years too. Never used to happen before.

[@jj1982ify]

Neighbours can change though!

[@jeremytorgersen]

Congrats on the new place! Salt Lake City is mixed, I have lived there almost all of my 39 years. (By the way, it was great to see you guys on tour in SLC last fall) In my opinion, spring and fall here are excellent times, summer and winter have their pros and cons with inversions being one of the downsides. I am looking to sell my house and be a nomad in search of land near a small town.

[@saragibson1504]

I love this so much

[@MichaelLudden]

How does "electrosmog" hurt you?

[@katieee962]

Are you moving to Ventura County? You describe that you’re close to LA, close to the beach, and the mountains.

[@adrianrackham9807]

I have considered moving , I am at a time of life where I am mortgage free , I have been for 3 years now . I love the access I have to the coastal area ( 20 mins ) local beauty spots ( 10 mins drive ) , if I do move ,I will throw everything into a financial hat , even being mortgage free I will not pay excessive bills ( utility) transport costs , everything has to be checked thoroughly.

[@judysbakeryandtestkitchen1654]

We moved back to Southern California after living in Tennessee. I think people who move from Southern California will feel like Alice in through the looking glass. It’s very different and most want to come back. Have you tried Ventura County? Near hiking trails and the beach. Where is that what you’re talking about? Also next to Los Angeles

[@priestswife]

Pismo beach? A favorite... Close to paradise cove

[@evalina98000]

Great childhood n LA area, w/suburbs & farms, San Gabriel mountain views, safe neighborhoods. Den farms paved over, smog covered mt views, unsafe experiences walking, driving & bike riding. Santa Monica mountains no longer safe cuz of murders. As a teen decided didn't want that lifestyle. Moved 2 years after high school. Best young adult decision I made 🙌🏽

[@buzzyanderson4131]

Why did you ever leave Missoula? You can do your business exactly the same! I always wondered why you left…

[@jzen1455]

I agree. LA is the antithesis of minimalism.

[@username00009]

They talked about this when they were leaving. If I recall correctly, there were networking advantages to being in L.A. at the time to help grow their brand.

[@navigator72]

Come to Maine. There is a new house being built across the street from my house. You could help me minimize my stuff.

[@SLCAMBUR8]

I live in SLC UT and there is a housing shortage here. I bought a house 18 years ago, so I can sell my house for at least 3 times what I bought it for. SLC is great in many ways (farmers market, outdoor concerts, a broadway theater), yet we have a major homeless problem and high crime rate. Unless you can spend 1M + on a house on the east side, I wouldn't recommend moving here. SLC has the worst air pollution in the nation in the winter. It's harmful to one's health. Sorry to sound so negative. I'm currently looking for a smaller town to move to...

[@TheEmmalucia]

Biding over asking has been the norm here in Seattle for a really long time.

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

Oh do you like have to take the 27 to the 1 and then hop on the 10 and or the 405 to get to work EVERYTIME ? Cause traffic and gas prices have become legit harsh😞 Congrats on the home🖤

[@michelleadams5609]

Btw, We're all sending you digital houseplants and well wishes. God bless!

[@Mcgernica]

Where will you record the podcast now?

[@thisvagabondlife7132]

In some countries the norm is the asking price is the starting price and prices go up from there not down…. Maybe we’re just backwards

[@ReachingTheFinishLine]

Many people are leaving California for the reasons you stated among others. I just posted a video about it. What a happy coincidence!

[@mossyoakmom8880]

It’s sounds like he’s still in California, just not LA county.

[@mimi1o8]

He didn’t leave California

[@heatherz.rothstain6021]

I think he mentioned Ojai or Ventura which isn’t far from LA

[@aimeew2762]

Yes. I’ve moved out of Vegas 4 times now and starting to feel like it’s time to let go and stay permanently in CO. Have any pointers on when it’s time to move on from a place, that you’ve lived in most of your life? Thanks!

[@IlikemyprivacyNN]

I live in south henderson and grew up in Colorado. Where are you thinking of moving there?

[@judyeades2214]

What do you think of tiny houses?

[@carimatthews3223]

Have you actually been to Portland in the past two years?? It’s literally full of homeless living in an open drug market. You have to step over then to get to your favorite coffee shop which is likely boarded up anyway.

[@dpayne1943]

Welcome to the world of Martin v Boise

[@sandranewinggriffiths3556]

There is a new housing bubble and it wasn't that long ago the last bubble burst. Don't over-extend. Buy what you can afford.

[@annaalm18]

Congratulations :)))

[@natutz]

Is Ryan moving as well?

[@IlikemyprivacyNN]

I always wonder who rents Redbox now. Gas alone makes it unreasonable 😂

[@jb2940]

lol i live in Azusa, 30 min from LA

[@eandrgoodwin]

Oh, Hi!

[@katasticone]

I know it's sounds crazy, but Cleveland is the nation's best kept secret. We have everything any renowned big city has, but it's one of the cheapest cities in the country and has some of the nicest people you'd want to meet. If you're not into being in the city, the burbs are 20 minutes away from downtown and can feel like the country if that's your thing.

[@danimalhood]

Hmm...8,000 people, mountains, close to beach, local shopping, friendly community...ojai.

[@IndigoWisdom1]

I love LA. But it has degraded during the pandemic. I hope it revitalizes, in all spectrums of community.

[@jzen1455]

LA is a great place to visit but not to live. It's waaaay to spread out, traffic is epic, it's filled with too many narcissistic people in the industry, cost of living is exorbitant, homelessness is insane, etc.

[@deannawirtz5827]

Bend is awesome but we are growing to fast

[@jzen1455]

It's nice but it's infrastructure is bursting at its seams. It feels like a playground for yuppies not unlike Boulder or Aspen.

[@perrybelcourt5441]

Vermont is one of the cleanest and safest state in America and they don't gerrymander their state and has three political parties and politicians in Vermont listen the people of Vermont Vermont has alot of guns and alot of small businesses family farm produce to restaurants and grocery stores and shops and products made in Vermont Bernie pushed employees ownership years ago Republican governor could trade with other states wines beers maple syrup chabot cheese ice cream and product made in Vermont

[@wornout3499]

Now you can go to home depot. It's a home owner trap.

[@IlikemyprivacyNN]

Totally! I love Lowes and it loves me!

[@JelenaVeronika]

I live in a sort of community and all the dirt comes out eventually. All the clutter lol

[@mamabear2167]

Get ella a record player

[@bjwilliams]

Ella will watch TV and go online at a friend's house, 😂.

[@mother5361]

I looooove u

[@jzen1455]

Why did you guys move there in the first place?

[@Queen.of.Darkness.]

“Up and coming neighborhood.” No, we don’t want more transplants.

[@jzen1455]

Portland is a decent place for Minimalist. But people can be very judgemental if you aren't woke enough or if your too much of a neurotypical. People also tend to be quite hedonistic here as they attempt to fill the unfillable void with polyamorous relationships, excessive drinking/drug use, getting inked, etc.

[@theironforce3000]

I'm still shocked that you live in LA all this time. I was born and raised there . It's all I ever knew . but I had to leave. it was a world i no longer can relate to. left right at the end of 2020. The covid shit was the final straw. ( as it was for several thousands of others) home is now down in the East Coast. A more simpler quality of life. now when I look at news articles regarding the sinking ship that is CA, I just laugh and nod in disbelief.

[@jzen1455]

LA is a stressful rat race. I too am shocked they relocated there.

[@bjwilliams]

@@jzen1455 y'all forgot about northern California?? In the Valley near Sacramento 🌴. Been here 35 yrs from San Diego (10 yrs),from Ohio from Kentucky(born aised).\ Josh will need internet in his home-Pandora has all music. No TV for the Josh family- just laptops.\ I just purchased 50 inch smart TV..love it..😘-no cable needed.

[@meton875]

This is giving conspiracy theory vibes

[@wallst4fun1]

LOL 😂😂😂

[@paulswanson8926]

I was appalled at your casual conversation about the myopic view of places you’d be willing to live: most were highly red states. I can’t believe you’d put your preferences for weather over politics, although I heard discussion about California and outside LA. A suggestion was made about central Oregon but nothing about joining the moral rot of a red state. Where is your morality?

[@paulswanson8926]

And I don’t believe the convenient fallacy of “Austin is a blue dot in a red state” or “Our state is turning purple.” Do not put love of environment, climate, etc. above the immorality of moving to a red state. Get over your preference for a sunny day

[@username00009]

Political leanings are not the same as morality. Don’t fall into the trap that the media is creating by trying to make everything about “us vs. them.” If you actually have respectful and curious conversations with people who hold different political view, you may find that they often hold the same values and goals as you, but believe in a different path to embody those values and achieve the same goals.