Orange County

[Rancid13]

Anyone else out there in the OC?? :)

[MommaO]

I work in the OC, does that count? :)

[ocgatita]

Me!

I work and live in the OC! I have lived here my entire life & I really couldn't even imagine going anywhere else. We recently bought our home about a year ago and boy am I glad we bit the bullet!

Anymore OC girls in the house? :p

Judy

[tray622]

I am an OC gal born and raised here :) I work in Downey though! LOL

[stevesbabygirl]

I'm in Lakewood, but I'm close enough :D!

[Cinderz]

I live in Orange County! DH and I moved here last year from L.B. I work in Hawthorne, so the morning drive can be a drag but most of the time it's worth it. :)

[framboise]

Me too! I work near LAX so the drive is really rough. Gotta get a new job asap!

[karilynne_97]

Grew up, live and work in the OC! Grew up in HB, live & work in Southern OC. :p

[Rancid13]

Welcome all!

I was born and raised in OC...have lived in Garden Grove (twice), Fountain Valley (twice), Westminster, and now Los Alamitos (after a brief 1.5 year stint in El Segundo, ick-though I still worked in OC at the time), and have worked in Westminster and now Huntington Beach for the last ~7 years.

I love it here and wouldn't really want to live anywhere else, it's all I've known! I know home prices are crazy and there seems to be traffic everywhere, but it's always been home to me and hubby and I were able to get in on the real estate market in January and I was SO relieved to finally be moving back here from the LAX area. And now hubby is working in Costa Mesa after he transferred from Gardena, so we're OC all the way now. :)

[.: Mrs.Han :.]

Just moved to the Newport/Irvine boarder Memorial Day weekend.
Got married a week ago.
Starting new job at Newport Dunes on Tuesday!

I'm looking forward to getting to know my CC neighbors. :)

[Rancid13]

Welcome and double congratulations!! :D

[Summerseven]

Hi I work in Brea, does that count? :)

[games]

Hi Ladies,

I'll be meeting a friend in OC this Friday and would like to hear your favorite restaurant recommendations. Something with live music would be nice, but we are open to any and all suggestions.

I'm in Pasadena, and she's in Corona.

Thanks!

[Rancid13]

Unfortunately I don't know of any restaurants in Corona...that's Riverside County. :(

But I do know of some great places to eat in northern OC, in Brea and Fullerton. If it's not too far of a drive for you from Corona, I would highly suggest downtown Fullerton for some live music and good eats. There are a lot of cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants that feature live bands and patio seating, it's a lively place to be on weekend evenings. Or Birch Street in Brea, with the movie theatres and several restaurants nearby.

[games]

Hi Jennifer,

(I met you a couple of years ago at the get-together at the Cheesecake Factory in Marina Del Rey.)

Thanks for replying to my post. I don't know why I didn't even think of Brea as a possible meeting place for my friend and me. I like Taps in Brea. I've never been to Fullerton, so I might suggest going there.

-Alex

[L&D Nurse]

bump - we are thinking of relocating to Orange County, and I'd love to know your opinion on the best cities to live in (schools, housing prices, proximity to the beach :cool:, etc.). Thanks!

[BusyBee21]

We live in south OC (San Clemente). I can't say enough about how much I love living here! We moved here 4.5 years ago and absolutely love it. SC is still a small town (65,000 or so--compared to where I cam from--500,000+) and has great schools, is on the beach (we live about 2.5 miles inland), the climate is terrific, crime is minimal (we have a Sheriff's blog in the paper and some of the "crimes" include kids throwing ketchup packets at McDonald's employees). Can't say we don't have crime, but it truly is minimal.

I am not sure where you live, but housing prices in OC are high. Obviously the closer you are to the beach, the higher the home prices. Prices have adjusted here due to the sub-prime fallout, but homes are expensive (I think the median price right now for all of OC is $583,000).

I noticed you are an L& D nurse--Saddleback Hospital in Laguna Woods is an outstanding hospital--we had an amazing experience there with the many nurses who cared for us throughout my pregnancy, labor & delivery. I have also heard good things about Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo.

There are MANY great places to live in Orange County (Laguna, San Juan Cap, Mission Viejo, Irvine)--feel free to PM me if you want more information.

[linekelei]

I also live in South Orange County-Ladera Ranch to be exact. Ladera is a master-planned community in an unincorporated area of OC, sitting adjacent to Mission Viejo (my guess is that it will one day become part of Mission Viejo if it doesn't become its own city). Ladera is a great place to move if you have children-we have our own waterpark, great schools (Capo Unified), a skate park, a dog park, tons of soccer & baseball fields, etc. There is a nice sense of community living there. We are also about 5 minutes away from Mission Hospital, which is where I will be having my baby this September. We are a little bit more inland, though-about 8 or 9 miles from the beach, but you can take the main road, Crown Valley, all the way from Ladera to Monarch Beach (Dana Point/South Laguna area).

You will find that the beach communities are insanely expensive, even in this slow real estate market. You cannot find a decent family-sized home in Newport or Laguna for less than $1 million. Irvine prices have dropped some and while I really like Irvine for its convenience, home prices are still higher in Irvine than other suburbs like Mission Viejo, Ladera, Rancho Santa Margarita, etc. Also, I don't know that much about North OC, such as Brea, Orange, Fullerton, etc., but those areas are typically cheaper to buy in than mid and South OC (and they are also more like 30 minutes from the beach).

[L&D Nurse]

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[linekelei]

Home prices have dropped significantly in the past year. We bought our house in 2004 and it is now worth the same as (or probably even a little less) than what we bought it for. You can also get some great deals on short sales and foreclosed homes in our area-seems like there are quite a few of those, as many people in Ladera worked in the mortgage/real estate industry and can no longer pay their mortgages.

How big of a house are you looking for? I'd say average price for a detached 3 bedroom/2.5 bath, 2000 square foot home is in the high 500s/low 600s. Our house is 2350 sq. ft., 3 bed/2.5 bath w/a separate workout room, and the same model just sold in a short sale on our street for $540. The people who bought it got a really great deal because we payed (and still owe) a lot more on our house. :eek: But if you look around, there are definitely some great deals to be found in Ladera. And even though our house value has dropped (like much of OC), we really do like living there.

[L&D Nurse]

How does one buy a foreclosure? My husband did some research and said something about bidding on the steps of city hall?

[linekelei]

I'm not really sure, but I've seen several homes in the area with "For Sale" signs that also say "Bank Owned" on them. Also, short sale homes are listed on the MLS, as are bank-owned homes. If you want to see what's available in Ladera, most Ladera homes are listed on www.homeseekers.com. The zip code is 92694 and you should put both Mission Viejo and Ladera Ranch as the search cities. That will give you a good idea as to what's out there.

[Rositabean]

L&D nurse

It sounds like you are talking about a Tax sale...homes for auction due to property tax delinquencies. There aren't too many of those but you can check on the county website for info on when the next auction is and what the opening bids are for the properties in question.

Foreclosures are just bank owned homes and you would buy them the same way you would buy another home. Short sales are another story, and I think there is a thread on them in the home buying thread here in CC.

I am a native OC gal, so when I was growing up most of South County was just pretty, undeveloped space. There was not too much going on between Santa Ana and San Clemente excepting the beach towns along Pacific Coast Hwy. Most of South County is newer and some folks really love the master planned tract housing. I have never been able to get into the sameness of it all. To me, the houses in each of the newer communities look the same or there is a choice of 3 house styles alternating up and down the block. The lots tend to be tiny and you can almost reach out and touch your neighbor's house.

I personally favor other parts of OC, the older parts. The homes are more unique, the land feels more open, and lots are larger. I live in North Tustin, and my home is on 1/2 acre and there is variety in the homes around me. Other nearby areas I like include Villa Park, large homes on large lots, Orange Park Acres, an equestrian community, Floral Park in Santa Ana, has some simply amazing historical homes but you have to send your kids to private school since Santa Ana schools suck, and I think Fullerton and Brea have some lovely communities that are hilly/canyon like.

[BusyBee21]

L & D Nurse,

sorry for the delay, I have been traveling for work. San Clemente is about 25 minutes from Laguna Beach along Pacific Coast Hwy (PCH for the locals). Everything is dependent upon traffic of course. During the summer months it can take longer with all the tourists wandering about and gawking at the ocean (how dare they! :p), but in the winter it takes less time. SC is the southern most city in Orange County--south of us lies Camp Pendleton, in San Diego County. We are about an hour north of San Diego Zoo, 30 minutes north of SD Wild Animal Park, and 45 minutes south of Disneyland.

We do live in one of the "master planned tract housing" communities (Talega) that Rositabean referenced. We moved here because our close friends (our "adopted parents') live here, and they love the area. We fell in love, too. The community is very active, the golf course is fantastic (if you or DH like to golf), lots of hiking trails, and the beach is two miles away. In the summer the HOA sponsors a beach cruiser for all residents that will take you to and from the beach all day for $5. The Village Center just recently opened, with a new grocery store, lots of shops, and 4 new restaurants to open before year end. You can check out the community at www.talega.com. There is an elementary school and junior high within walking distance, SC High is about two miles from here. All are nationally top ranked schools. The downside to living in a new community near the beach is the cost of living is higher, there are HOA dues, and the property taxes are a bit higher than most areas. The upside is everything is new, all common areas are well maintained, we have several pools in the community, lots of planned activities at the Swim Club, the area is incredibly safe, and the community is close knit.

I have a great realtor who lives in Ladera and specializes in South OC properties; he is very well versed in the real estate market (he's a mortgage broker and his wife is a realtor--they own their own RE company). If you want their information, let me know. He can tell you all about buying a foreclosure v. short sale, etc.

Hope this is helpful! :o

[taffers]

L&D Nurse: I highly recommend OC! I was born and raised here (as was my dad- we're lifers!). I grew up in Irvine in a community called Turtle Rock, and I now live in North Irvine in a community called Northpark. Our development is one of I think two developments in North Irvine that is guard-gated, which is nice to help retain value when the market is crazy like it is now! Please let me know if you have any questions...I'm a cheerleader for this area! :)

[L&D Nurse]

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[BusyBee21]

L & D Nurse, Let me know if you want a real estate broker for the area. Our friends own their own company and I have referred all family and friends in the area to them. He does mortgages, and she does real estate. Congrats on your DH landing a job out here! There are many great areas to live--when are you going to come out for a visit? I can tell you a lot about south county, and Irvine, but not much about anywhere else. PM me if you want specific information. Good luck!

[L&D Nurse]

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[linekelei]

Are you talking specifically about Laguna Beach or Laguna Niguel/Laguna Hills? The reason I ask is because Laguna Beach is a beach community and the price of a home in Laguna Beach is going to be much higher than Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, or Laguna Niguel. I believe some communities in Aliso Viejo might have mello roos tax (much like Irvine, Ladera, and other OC planned communities), and Laguna Beach typically does not. However, because home prices are so much higher in Laguna Beach, overall your house taxes will be higher, even without the mello roos.

It's my understanding that the school systems are good in both. Basically, anywhere from Irvine to South OC, you are going to find excellent public schools.

[taffers]

Congratulations! There are a few homes for sale in our neighborhood. Our zip is 92602 if you want to look on realtor.com or something. Usually the descriptions will say "Northpark".

It is my understanding that Irvine has one of the best, if not the best, school districts in California (maybe the nation?). There is supposedly one elementary school in North Irvine (not in my neighborhood) that is a top national public school, but I don't know the name...sorry, we don't have kids so I'm not very up to speed on this! ;)

I don't know anything about the school districts in AV or LB, but taxes aren't going to be much different. Property taxes will differ, but the biggest difference will probably be whether the home has Mello Roos or not. LB is older so homes there do not, whereas most homes in AV will. Most homes built after 1987 are subject to Mello Roos. It's basically an extra tax that supports, schools, parks, streets, etc. Property taxes can kill you in OC...ours are over 13k a year! So definitely take that into consideration when you buy. :)

[ladybug777]

I live in Rancho Santa Margarita (which is right next to Ladera Ranch/Mission Viejo). I've lived here 16 years and LOVE it. Also a great place to live if you have a family/young children.

What city you should look at really depends on what you're looking for in a house. If you want a large lot with a large yard, you'll have a hard time finding that in the newer communities (unless you shell out $$$$) like RSM, Ladera Ranch, Aliso Viejo.

Also, like the others mentioned, our property taxes out here are expensive and some areas have Mello Roos.

As far as schools, you really can't go wrong w/ the school systems in South O.C.

[BusyBee21]

I agree with the PP's--the school system in south OC is excellent (also due to the higher property taxes and Mello Roos most of us pay). And ditto home prices in Laguna Beach vs. Laguna Niguel--VERY different. Aliso Viejo is a very nice area, too. We have several friends that live there.

One word of advice I wish I had listened to, especially with gas prices the way they are these days: limit your commute as much as possible (I know this seems obvious, but apparently it wasn't so to me). My work is 30 minutes from my house--we take the 73 Toll Road every morning ($3.75 each way), then the 405 on the commute home (no toll fee, but it adds another 15-20 minutes on to my commute).

The toll roads are very expensive and fees really add up; thankfully DH's commute is now 5 minutes from home. So, when you are looking at houses, keep in mind where you and DH will be commuting...just my two cents.

Welcome to the OC! :)

[meaneygal]

cross post:

anyone know of good residential neighborhoods within commuting distance to santa barbara, ca? two biggest requirements are nice, quiet neighborhood and great schools.

tia!

[BusyBee21]

SB is a good 2 hour drive from the OC, at least 2-3 hours from south county--I don't think that is commuting distance, really. I don't know if you are familiar with traffic in the LA area, (not trying to be snarky at ALL), but frankly, it sucks. Any given day a 30 minute commute can be a two hour one, due to rainy weather (we can't drive when it rains), or any sort of an accident. My girlfriend drives to SB quite often, and literally it can be a 2.5 hour drive, or a 5 hour drive. :(

[meaneygal]

busybee - sorry, i didn't mean OC neighborhoods. i was wondering if since you ladies are from california in general, you may be familiar with the santa barbara area.

so i am looking for recs of very nice areas near SB, not OC. it's a long shot, i know...

[BusyBee21]

Meaneygal, No worries! I used to commute from Santa Barbara to Oxnard every day, which wasn't that bad of a drive (about an hour each way, IIRC). Ventura, which is slightly north of Oxnard, is actually a VERY nice town to live (I lived there for two years after SB) and is about 45 minutes from SB, give or take. You may want to try there. Great beach town, but I have no idea what the school system is like, since I was happily single at the time I lived there. ;) Good luck!

[meaneygal]

busybee - thanks, i will check out ventura!

if anyone else has rec's, please pass them along :-)