I saw a guy riding yesterday and it was 38 degrees and raining! Just a leather jacket and no helmet! I guess it all depends on how tough you are. If the sun is shining and its not too windy, Im good down to 50 degrees but thats about it

 

Stockton is a great place for all year ridding. The Sierra's are a short ride away with great ridding through the mountain passes. The traffic is bearable. About the same as Minneapolis. The beaches are also in easy reach. Modesto HD has one of the best HOG groups around. For motorcycle ridding, you will not be dissapoibnted.

 

Thanks for the heads up, but we are not *too* worried about sticker shock. We live near downtown in Minneapolis and although one might not think that's expensive, it's comparable to some places we have checked out, albeit briefly. Minneapolis is one of the higher rental markets in the US, save for your SF, NYC, etc. It's the other little things that I think will add up, like higher taxes (although MN is quite high there as well), gas, food, etc. Obviously we won't be getting a place in DT SF or on the beach in Santa Barbara, but hopefully something decent. We won't move unless it makes sense. If not CA, places like Austin, Charlotte, and Phoenix are on the table too.

 

San Jose is a place where both the incomes and housing prices are sky high. Lots of good riding areas, but anything near the San Francisco multiplex is plagued with bumper to bumper traffic.

San Diego is a mecca for motorcycle riding. Fantastic combination of the worlds best climate and no bugs. For many, the no bugs thing is even more appreciated than the mild weather.

Little rain (except maybe this year when El Nino is expected to bring more than usual). The back country roads are fantastic. Depending on your mood, a day trip can take you into mile high mountains, wide open deserts, beautiful beaches or just cruise over to any of the 6 local Harley dealerships.

Emissions not an issue for bikes, as there are no testings. California Harleys are the same as everyplace else, except for a small carbon canister that traps evaporating fuel for reburning.

Housing prices are higher than other states, but in line with other big cities. San Francisco can be twice as expensive, but there are nice houses in most price ranges. If you want the best areas, you are going to pay through the nose, but everybody gets the same riding climate no matter what your rent.

Couple buddies and I will be going for a ride tomorrow. Will be in the 70's and sunny in Temecula. This is a winery area, North of San Diego, with great restaurants and beautiful surrounding. Will be thinking of you guys

Certaintly worth checking out.

 

My gf is going to focus her search on NorCal due to the better job market for school psychs and Spec Ed administrators. That being said, we both know if something comes up near SD or it's feasible, we are likely there.

 

The best areas I know of, that would provide what I'd consider the best balance between access to the city while having a minimum of density would be Ventura County in SoCal (with the exception of Oxnard). I think the city of Ventura is probably the last affordable coastal city of significant size left in California. I lived in Thousand Oaks for about 12 years and really liked that, but it may be out of the Minesota type price range. The city and area around Santa Rosa in NorCal would be worth a look. Check with Trullia, RedFin or other Real Estate websites and then use Google Maps to see what the area looks like and also to see how traffic works during commute hours.

 

In Texas, I've lived in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Any of those 3 cities could provide year round riding.

But IMO, Austin / San Antonio area is going to have better riding - more hills and good riding roads. Being close to Houston- I have to get really far away from the city for decent riding. But I'm in the medical field, and Houston is a great place for that industry.

Best of luck!

 

One thing for sure stay away from Northern Illinois, but I bet you knew that already.

 

Haha.....yes, I was aware to keep that area of the list!

What is the exception with Oxnard, OP?

 

If you can handle a chit load of people, a chit load of political bullchit, and have the means to make a good living then come to Cali. If not, I'd stay out lol