When is 1000 Square Feet Better than 3000?

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California Beaches

We did it! We’ve moved back to southern California and it’s glorious. It’s like living on permanent vacation. We sold our 3,200 sq ft house and moved into a 1,000 sq foot apartment yet I never felt like I had so much space. When your backyard is all of southern California, 1,000 square feet is defiantly better than 3,000!  

We’re still settling in so the post will be short but here’s a glimpse into my new neighborhood. In the last week, I’ve been outside exploring more than a month anywhere else. With daily temperatures in the high 70s and sun all day long, it’s impossible not to fall in love with California all over again.

Front Gate at City Lights

City Lights, Aliso Viejo

Pool at City Lights, Aliso Viejo

Dusk at City Lights, Aliso Viejo

Laguna Canyon, CA

Laguna Canyon, CaliforniaHuntington Beach California

129 thoughts on “When is 1000 Square Feet Better than 3000?”

      • In Cal. it is Torrey Pines State Park. Park along the beach, hike up the road to the trailhead, hike out on the upper cliff trails, meander, and find the trails to the beach for the hike back to the car. Not a long hike but invigorating.

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  10. My husband and I currently live in a two bedroom townhouse and we have tossed around the idea of buying a much larger house, but I keep going back to the freedom of living life a little smaller- less to take care of, less stuff to worry about. I’d rather live in a smaller space and have more money/free time to travel and get out into the world.

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  22. Congrats on the move! It looks absolutely stunning.

    And I know what you mean – I live in a small studio / house on the edge of the Lake District in England, and I feel like my house expands exponentially in the summer months, when it’s light / dry enough to explore the whole national park right from my doorstep.

    Looking forward to reading more about your explorations!

    http://www.secondhandhedgehog.com

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  30. When I was a corporate executive, we lived in some humongous houses. We soon realized that we lived in the great room and slept in the bedroom. Other than the bathrooms, the remainder of those houses were largely unused. In retirement we chose a comfortable and cozy cottage that fits like a favorite slipper. Our back yard is everything around us. It’s a great lesson to learn.

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  35. Inspiring article for someone who thinks often of returning West after a decade back on the East coast. It’s true that you really don’t need such a large house there since you spend do much more time outside!

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  41. You know what is funny…………..my husband and I are considering a job opportunity there and here in TX we had the same over 3000 sq ft of space, and that was a big consideration. But we thought that probably the smaller house if he gets the job, would be ok but this post came at a great time when we were looking at our options. So thank you. If I do end up moving there, would love to do a “blogger” meetup too!

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  44. We are planning on making the move from the Midwest to Southern California. We have never been there, but after seeing your pictures it doesn’t maktter…we are moving!!!! Thanks for posting 🙂

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  45. My husband and I were just in San Diego on vacation–and after a tough winter in MN may be considering making a move! Are you from CA? Do you miss the seasons living there? I think that would be the biggest adjustment for me.

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    • I’m actually from eastern Canada originally and just grew too tired of the cold and the snow. I thought I’d miss the seasons but I didn’t at all; only at Christmas time did I even notice. It was a little odd seeing Christmas lights on palm trees 😉

      San Diego is always rated in the top places in the world to live. Are you thinking about moving there?

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      • My brother-in-law moved there for work last Spring, and my hubby and I have been playing around with the idea…we’d have to find jobs, of course, but with no kids yet and no mortgage, it seems like a good time!

        That’s good to know about the seasons…and at least we can always go home for Christmas.:)

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  47. Awesome photos! I’ve been enjoying your blog quite a bit. My daughter and I just got back from SoCal after visiting friends, amusement parks, and the beaches. Being from Washington State (and being water rats ourselves), we actually went swimming at Manhattan Beach on Thursday. A bit chilly but still better than cold, wet Seattle this time of year. She wants to move to SoCal or to Kauai. I sometimes couldn’t agree with her more! If I had known you were in SoCal, I would have loved a Blogger Meet Up. Maybe next time! Congratulations on the move!

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    • Swimming?! The weather is great but the water must have been extremely cold! Did you just run in and out or stay in for a swim? We wear wetsuits this time of year 😉

      Great photos of you and your daughter. It’s amazing that she went on all of those roller coasters. Did you have a favorite?

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  49. Very nice, I’m a little envious of your weather 😉 here in Norway it’s wet, grey and cold, still ways away from spring. If you wouldn’t mind sending some sun and warmth our way, we sure wouldn’t mind accepting it 😉

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  50. Lesley, you are really an inspirations for thinking about a decision and action on it without reservations. I’m sure there were a few but it looks like you are in the place you need to be in and California is beautiful. Your view from the hills are magnificent and the tree is broad and green. Here in New England, there is not much green but your post gives me hope for spring. Congratulations to you and your family and may your new home shelter you all from life’s storms.

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