Where to Buy a Second House in California

Are you thinking about buying a second house? Purchasing another property can be a great investment for your future. You can opt to rent out your second home, or you can use it as a place for holiday get-togethers. However, before you start looking for a house, you will want to determine where you want to live. Demographics, surrounding schools, amenities, the local culture, and other things can all impact your decision. Now, if you have already made up your mind and want to buy a second house in California, our moving company Los Angeles residents recommend can give you a few useful recommendations.

Best CA places to buy a second home

California has a lot to offer, and it is indeed challenging to choose the best place to buy a second house. However, there are a few places that stand out, such as:

1. San Dimas
2. Costa Mesa
3. Alhambra 
4. Diamond Bar 
5. Los Angeles

San Dimas is a perfect place for families and people who prefer a slow-paced lifestyle

Those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles City may want to consider a small place like San Dimas. It is located in Los Angeles County and has a population of around 30,000. San Dimas is a perfect choice if you are in dire need of a peaceful place to raise a family. Unlike huge cities, suburbs often have houses grouped together, and everyone has lots of space. What’s more, when you live in a place like this, it can be much easier to connect with your neighbors and make new friends. Many neighborhood gatherings and parties are happening around, and making new friends is safe and convenient, unlike in big, congested areas.

San Dimas is surrounded by nature and beautiful scenery. It offers a peaceful and clean environment with lots of green areas, playgrounds, and sports fields. There are many parks and places to have picnics in. Those are Briggs Point Park, Civic Center Park, Horsethief Canyon Park, and more. If this seems like a perfect place for you, know that there are reliable movers San Dimas CA locals gladly turn to that can give you a hand if you decide to buy a second house in California. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them.

Real estate in San Dimas

The median home value stands at $715,400, notably higher than the national average of $281,900. This reflects the area’s desirability and market conditions. For renters, the median rent is $2,202, again surpassing the national figure of $1,268. The area offers a dense suburban feel, providing a balance between urban amenities and suburban comfort. Despite the home values rising above the national average, homeownership dominates in San Dimas, with 71% of residents owning their homes compared to 29% who rent. This statistic underscores a strong preference for home buying in the area, influenced by factors like location, lifestyle, and investment potential.

Costa Mesa will take your breath away

Costa Mesa is located in Orange County, between Los Angeles and San Diego. It’s a lively city, and you will definitely never be bored here. The great thing about this city is that it’s positioned near the fabulous Huntington Beach. From downtown Costa Mesa, it takes roughly 10 minutes to reach the latter by car. The place is trendy among surfers, so it’s no wonder that it’s widely recognized as the Surf City. The area hosts many sporting events, such as beach volleyball and surfing tournaments. In addition, there are numerous restaurants and stores along the beachfront.

Costa Mesa is also an excellent place for shopping lovers. The one place that is most attractive to women is probably South Coast Plaza. Believe it or not, it offers the most extensive number of luxury brand stores in the United States. Visitors can shop in 250 different boutiques, enjoy many modern amenities, and they can also enjoy meals in various award-winning restaurants.

The city is widely popular because it overlooks the Pacific Ocean, but it also has many beautiful parks. One of them is Fairview Park, the biggest one in the region, with 195 acres of open space. The park consists of vast meadows, rolling hills, a peaceful forest, and a lovely beach. There are also many trails perfect for hiking, walking, biking, or running. You can also find many quiet picnic places in the area with tables for relaxing and enjoying nature. As you can see, California has many unique and famous places. Suppose Costa Mesa seems like the place you would like to move to. If so, don’t forget to check the movers Costa Mesa offers. They have everything you need to make your moving day easy and fast.

Costa Mesa real estate

High property values and rental costs characterize Costa Mesa’s real estate market. The median home value in Costa Mesa is $959,800, significantly higher than the national average of $281,900. This high value can be attributed to its desirable location and quality of life. Similarly, the median rent here is $2,268, well above the national average of $1,268, reflecting the area’s demand and lifestyle. Costa Mesa offers an urban-suburban mix, appealing to those who enjoy city amenities combined with suburban comfort. The housing market shows a greater inclination towards renting, with 60% of residents renting their homes while 40% own their homes. This distribution suggests a dynamic and versatile housing market catering to diverse living preferences. So, even though the median home value goes way beyond the national average, consider investing in real estate property if you want to renovate it and further sell it or simply want to rent. 

Alhambra – a place in California known as “the Gateway to the San Gabriel Valley”

Another place you may want to take into consideration if you are planning on buying a house in California is Alhambra. It is a place with a  population of around 84,000 people, located in Los Angeles County. Also, its nickname is “the Gateway to the San Gabriel Valley.” It is considered one of the best places to live in California since residents of Alhambra enjoy a combination of urban and suburban living. There are numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and parks in the area. Additionally, it is also home to a large number of young professionals. So, if you are sick and tired of the busy lifestyle of The City of Angels, you may want to move to a more peaceful environment. At the same time, you will be close to downtown LA.

Family-oriented people will be happy to hear that there are many fantastic education opportunities in Alhambra. Many supportive schools make buying a house in the area worthwhile. So, if that and moving happen to be on your mind, explore the services of movers Alhambra CA has to offer to find the ones that provide the best moving solutions at affordable rates. That way, you’ll get to be a part of the local community before you know it!

Alhambra real estate

The median home value here is $766,000, considerably higher than the national average of $281,900. This indicates a strong market with strong demand. The median rent in Alhambra is $1,788, surpassing the national median of $1,268. This higher rent is reflective of the area’s appeal and housing quality. Alhambra’s urban-suburban mix provides a diverse living experience, combining city-like amenities with a suburban atmosphere. The housing situation is almost evenly split between renting and owning, with 59% of residents renting and 41% owning their homes. This shows a balanced real estate market catering to different housing needs and preferences.

Diamond Bar is one of the best places to buy A Second House In California

Diamond Bar stands out as an excellent choice for buying a second house in California. The median home value in Diamond Bar is $829,000, a figure that eclipses the national average of $281,900, signifying its high market value and desirability. This higher value is indicative of the area’s appeal and the quality of homes available. With a median rent of $2,332, significantly above the national average of $1,268, Diamond Bar also offers potential for rental income or a luxurious getaway. The area’s sparse suburban feel provides a peaceful retreat from the bustle of city life while still maintaining easy access to urban amenities.

The majority of residents, 77%, own their homes, which highlights a stable and invested community, ideal for those looking for a second home. This strong sense of ownership and community, combined with the area’s attributes, makes Diamond Bar a prime location for purchasing a second property in California. Thus, hire movers Diamond Bar offers and become a part of the ownership community.

No list of the best places to Buy A Second House In California can go without LA

In Los Angeles, a prime spot for buying a second home in California, the median home value is impressive at $822,600, far surpassing the national average of $281,900. This high value underscores LA’s status as a sought-after location with a powerful property market. The median rent here is $1,791, particularly higher than the national median of $1,268, indicating strong rental demand. LA’s urban character provides a rich and diverse living experience, with easy access to numerous amenities and cultural hotspots. The housing market leans more towards renting, with 63% of residents renting their homes, compared to 37% who own.

This dynamic environment makes Los Angeles a tempting choice for those looking to invest in a second house, offering both lifestyle and financial benefits. So, if moving to LA is your dream and if you don’t mind the high home value, hire local movers Los Angeles offers and move in a fast and safe way.

Useful tips for buying a second house

When you decide to buy a second house in California, you may want to consider certain factors and make a detailed strategy. Here are some things to think about:

• Budget Planning: Assess your finances to determine what you can afford. Consider not only the purchase price but also ongoing expenses like property taxes, maintenance, and insurance. Explore financing options, including whether to use cash, take out a mortgage, or leverage equity from your primary residence.
• Consult real estate agents: Engage with local real estate agents who have in-depth knowledge of the area. They can provide valuable insights into market trends, property values, and potentially even off-market opportunities.
• Define your goals: Understand your purpose for buying a second house. If it’s for vacations, look for properties that offer the leisure or amenities you desire. If it’s for rental income, consider the property’s appeal to potential renters and the local rental market.
• Area visit: Spend time in the area where you’re considering buying. This helps you get a feel for the neighborhood, understand the local lifestyle, and identify any potential issues or advantages of the location.
• Qualifying for a second mortgage: Research the requirements for obtaining a second mortgage, as they can be stricter than for a primary residence. Lenders may require a higher credit score, a lower debt-to-income ratio, and a larger down payment.
• Consider additional costs: Be aware of extra costs associated with purchasing a second home. These can include higher interest rates on second mortgages, additional property insurance costs (especially in areas prone to natural disasters), and potentially higher property management fees if you’re renting the property out.

Only after considering these can you proceed to hire moving companies Los Angeles County offers.

Are you ready to make an investment?

We won’t lie; deciding where to buy a second house in California isn’t going to be simple. After all, with areas that range from coastlines to mountains, the Golden State offers a range of choices for homeowners. That said, it’s essential to consider both the present market conditions and future prospects when deciding where to invest. Whether it’s for relaxation or investment, doing your research will help you make the right choice. Ultimately, finding the right spot to buy your second property is all about balancing preferences with practicality. And after you buy a second house, think about arranging it properly. To move your items safely to a new location, hire our moving services Los Angeles residents frequently use. Ensure the safety of your valuable belongings. Contact us today, get your moving quote, and move without any hassle.

San Dimas, CA. (n.d.). Niche. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/san-dimas-los-angeles-ca/#real-estate

Costa Mesa, CA. (n.d.). Niche. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/costa-mesa-orange-ca/#real-estate

Alhambra, CA. (n.d.). Niche. https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/alhambra-los-angeles-ca/#real-estate

Diamond Bar, CA. (n.d.). Niche. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/diamond-bar-los-angeles-ca/

Los Angeles, CA. (n.d.). Niche. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/los-angeles-los-angeles-ca/#real-estate