About the only way the bankruptcy affected me was in the really weird library hours they had. Yes it's expensive but as The Master Of Thrift, I managed to get by quite well for a modest sum- haven't done the numbers lately but I probably spent $800-900/mo for everything. The nicest parts are the ocean, the beach, and the weather. Too bad I wasn't out there 60 years ago, before the human infestation became so great.
P.S. The best part was being able to be FUNCTIONAL outside without battling the elements and 4 layers of clothing. That's like 6 months more productivity per year.
Oh, and quite unlike home, it's the national epicenter for artistic and cool hot rod activity- much fun for gearheads!