"I don't see how folks without very high incomes, will ever get there in some parts of California." I left California in 1973. I presently live on Mobile Bay instead of SF Bay. I drive an old Buick and a Ford Ranger, nothing too fancy but, comfortable.
You seem to have a little latifundia down there in the swamps. Are you on the east or west side of the bay? Our firm has a client who owns a factory in Fairhope.