For heaven's sake, if it's so awful, why do you
leave your poor mother there?
My father just died last year. She owns the house free and clear. It has been her home for the last 44 years. Trying to move her anywhere else in San Diego would cause her immediate financial insolvency. As is, her financial condition is stable for more years than she will probably live. She just turned 77 Jan 2nd. Her neighbor across the street checks on her daily. My sister lives out by Valhalla High school. She visits twice a week.
Mom's fixed income and the protection afforded by Proposition 13 are key reasons to stay put. The house priced at $400,000 was purchased for $16,000 in 1961. Her annual property taxes are about 10% of what most people pay for a single bedroom apartment EACH MONTH in the San Diego area.