Move from UK to California (Huntington Beach, Irvine: condo, how much, house prices)

[ian6479]

I am from England, and live here with my wife (from the mid-west). She wants to move back to the States (bad weather/family etc), and we have pretty much decided on OC. We were out in Huntington Beach in August looking around and loved it. Probably considering Irvine also, due to jobs, location etc. We have however, been put off by the house prices, traffic etc pretty much all the bad points that you read on this forum.

Is the quality of life really that good? Is the commute from HB to Irvine possible? I am a supermarket manager and don't expect to 'walk' into a high paying job, but if we made salaries of around $70/80k between us, could we survive? how much would we need to earn (ball-park) to get a mortgage, with say a $20k deposit? also, what about vacation time there.. whats the average??
There are so may posts of people leaving california, but surely it can't be all bad?

Sorry to ask for so much info, but it would be great to get some info from people who can give a realistic picture of living in OC rather than visiting there.

Many Thanks

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by ian6479

Is the quality of life really that good? Is the commute from HB to Irvine possible? I am a supermarket manager and don't expect to 'walk' into a high paying job, but if we made salaries of around $70/80k between us, could we survive? how much would we need to earn (ball-park) to get a mortgage, with say a $20k deposit? also, what about vacation time there.. whats the average??

With 70-80k income you are looking at a very modest 1BR condo in a good area or a larger condo in a not-so-good area.

Vacation times in the US are typically something along the lines of 15 days paid time off + 9 vacation days. Most US workers do not take all of their vacation time, especially professionals. It's not like Europe where everyone takes August off :-)

As a supermarket manager you may be a union worker and could expect better treatment.