Dear Permies:

We live in an ocean view canyon at the upper edge of the banana belt, at about 1200 feet. We haven't seen frost in years. It's 15 minutes drive, 1 hour bike from SB. About 70% of the communities's water needs were met by gravity flow spring water last year.  The swimming hole at the creek is guaranteed satisfaction on the hottest day of the driest drought.

The proportion of home ownership is unusually high, and turnover low.

However, it seems that there is currently a window of opportunity opening up, as there were just recently multiple homes rented, and now four cabins are on the market or otherwise potentially available for purchase.

Prices have come down substantially. Though still a stretch for first-time buyers, it might be possible now.

There are two other cool families that just moved in, so this could be a real trend. Anything we can do to help like minded folks move in here, we're down for it.

Here's some info on the properties:

Two bedrooms, 1 bath, nice shop 1140 ft2, 0.44 acres, currently offered at $610,000

http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Santa_Barbara/158542.php

Two bedrooms, 2.5 bath, tiny lot, crazy beautiful view, really nicely rebuilt in 1992, borders our property... currently offered at $995,000

http://www.santabarbaraconnection.com/listing/09-3314/10-san-marcos-trout-club/

A fake green home, not very cozy and overpriced, don't be distracted by this one... currently offered at $1,360,000

http://www.gtprop.com/index.php?action=listingview&listingID=6439

Six bedrooms,  rebuilt in 1992, across the street from our property... offered at $1.1M, no takers, not on the market now, currently leased out but probably open to offers.

http://www.dreamhomesmagazine.com/home.cfm?id=143917&map=true

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hxbWixtu8E

It could probably be had for $1M, the owner might carry financing, and it has six bedrooms, so it could potentially be

A) bought by a group for only slightly more than they are paying in rent now

B) bought by someone who greatly reduced their monthly by renting out rooms.

good luck!

Art Ludwig