Local Information for California

California, The Golden State, is the third largest state in the US in terms of area. It is also one of the most popular. It is home to the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Likewise, California is where you’ll find renowned educational institutions, Stanford University, the California Institute of Technology, and the University of Southern California.

One of the things that people (residents and visitors) love about California is its climate. The majority of the state enjoy a Mediterranean climate – something that is envied by those who live in incredibly wintry states. During the summer season, California is flocked by visitors from other parts of the country because of its beaches. There are parts of the state where it snows mild in winter, but this only happens in the high mountains (including Sierra Nevada).

California’s capital is the city of Sacramento. Named America’s Most Diverse City by TIME Magazine in 2002, Sacramento has four neighbourhood groups (central/eastern, southwestern, southeastern, and north of the American River). Another California city that’s as interesting as Sacramento is Long Beach, one of the United States’ maritime centre. Long Beach is known as the Aquatic Capital of America because of its temperate climate that’s perfect for sailing, swimming, diving, rowing, and other water sports. Beachgoers also favour Long Beach during the summer season.

If you want to build a home for your family in California, you may also want to consider Los Angeles. Dubbed the City of Angels, L.A. Is one of the state and country’s most popular cities. It is California’s centre of entertainment, business, media, trade, fashion, technology, medicine, education, and culture, among many others. It is where you’ll find the globally famous Hollywood.

Affordable Housing in California

The California Housing Finance Agency or CalFHA was established to provide assistance to home buyers and renters who are looking for affordable options. This California housing authority was created in 1975 and has since been providing a variety of financing options and programs for individuals and families with low incomes.

CalFHA is a self-supporting state agency, which means it does not touch taxpayer dollars. Rather, it offers low interest rate loans by selling tax-exempt bonds that are repaid by mortgage loans-generated revenues.

California also has a refinancing program for individuals and families having difficulties in traditional refinancing. The Home Affordable Refinance Program or HARP provides more affordable options for those looking for a better mortgage.

Looking for a home in Sacramento is made easier with the help of the Sacrament Housing and Redevelopment Agency. Its priority is to provide assistance to low income communities and residents. In Long Beach, California, the Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach or HACLB manages the city’s housing assistance programs for those with low incomes, and for the elderly and disabled residents. Los Angeles residents, on the other hand, rely on the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles for subsidized housing needs.

Rental Assistance in California

California is one of the states that offer Section 8 vouchers for those in need of rental assistance. Section 8 vouchers, also known as Housing Choice Vouchers, are part of the federal government’s program intended to help low income families, the disabled, and the elderly to find affordable, safe, sanitary, and decent private housing. Under the program, the voucher recipient can choose any type of housing, provided that it meets the program’s requirements.

The PHA or Public Housing Agency of the state administers the Section 8 vouchers. It will issue the vouchers only to those who are eligible as determined by a family’s size and annual gross income.  Once the individual or family finds a home, the program pays for the housing subsidy on behalf of the voucher recipient. The individual or family, then shoulders the remaining amount, which is the difference between the actual rent total and the amount subsidized by the Section 8 program.

Your dream of living in California is about to come true. All that you need to do is find rental assistance online and you’ll get things moving in the right direction. Pretty soon, you and your family will be enjoying your new home in fun and sunny California!