Lompoc or Santa Maria ? (Anaheim, Orcutt: rental, houses, landscaping)

[scubashawn68]

We will be moving to the area within a month 1/2. and looking for a rental home. Then, eventually buy. Its been yrs since I have been to the area.
Which city would be better ? We have a 9 yr old son that plays youth basketball.

Any help or suggestions would be great !

[CA central coast]

Bang for you buck would probably be Lompoc. If it was between the two, I'd go Orcutt. If you go with Lompoc, search out Vandenberg Village.

[nevergoingback]

http://www.city-data.com/forum/searc...archid=9765535

The search function is our friend.

[scubashawn68]

Anyone has any suggestions ? The search thing didn't come up with that much. Loking for answers from local residents. Thanks

[nevergoingback]

Orcutt is for sure you're best bet. I would not put my 9 YO son in SM schools. As for Lompoc vs SM, I would say neither, it would be a toss up. I personally like SM more, but since you have a kid, I'm not so sure. If you didn't have to put him in the SM school district (there are ways around it), Santa Maria would be better than Lompoc. Orcutt is the only way to go. Hope this helps,

I'm not sure why the link I posted doesn't work. I searched "santa maria, lompoc" and a bunch of stuff came up. Good Luck with your move.

[scubashawn68]

Originally Posted by nevergoingback

Orcutt is for sure you're best bet. I would not put my 9 YO son in SM schools. As for Lompoc vs SM, I would say neither, it would be a toss up. I personally like SM more, but since you have a kid, I'm not so sure. If you didn't have to put him in the SM school district (there are ways around it), Santa Maria would be better than Lompoc. Orcutt is the only way to go. Hope this helps,

I'm not sure why the link I posted doesn't work. I searched "santa maria, lompoc" and a bunch of stuff came up. Good Luck with your move.

Can you describe for me what's wrong with the SM schools ? I grew up in Anaheim...so I would imagine SM would have to be better than that.... I also went to high school in Santa Ynez for a year. It's been along time since I lived in the area, but I don't remember any of the area's being particularly bad.
What area do you live in ? Just trying to get a locals point of view.
Thanks again!

[nevergoingback]

Originally Posted by scubashawn68

Can you describe for me what's wrong with the SM schools ? Thanks again!

Alot of them have < 25% proficiency in english and math. MHO is that any school with a very high ESL population is going to suffer setbacks as far as learning proficiency goes. If 80% of the kids are not learning what they need to, that leaves a less than challenging environment for the other 20%. Orcutt schools are some of the best in the state while SM are some of the worst.

Santa Ynez is one of the nicest places to live period, to try and compare SY with SM is, well, not even in the same ball park. I never really thought Anaheim was all that bad either, SM kind of sucks if you are accustomed to even a remotely large city. ( I know that now)

I grew up in Orcutt and eventually moved to SM (north east) It was not that bad at all, although the areas kind of vary street by street even, it is kind of weird. NW SM is definitely not good. I was single so the schools were not a problem.

Just so you know I did move out of state 2 years ago. I did live in that area for over 25 years though, and I also stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Can't beat Orcutt!!

[CA central coast]

All in all the areas or schools aren't that bad, and probably safe, compared to some inner city area. But hte locals here are going to say Orcutt, because that's where we'd feel most safe with our kids. Orcutt is where I'd be with the kids.

One thing I found interesting the other day, and maybe nevergoingback can comment. I drove around the neighborhood, right across the street from Santa Maria High School. I've always assumed Santa Maria HS was in a bad area, and probably had the worst element in kids. Maybe it does? But you should see the neighborhood right next to the school. I was blown away. It is one of the most beautiful areas I've seen on the central coast. Mature street trees, manicured lawns, beautiful landscaping, gorgeous houses. That neighborhood is stunning.

[scubashawn68]

Originally Posted by CA central coast

All in all the areas or schools aren't that bad, and probably safe, compared to some inner city area. But hte locals here are going to say Orcutt, because that's where we'd feel most safe with our kids. Orcutt is where I'd be with the kids.

One thing I found interesting the other day, and maybe nevergoingback can comment. I drove around the neighborhood, right across the street from Santa Maria High School. I've always assumed Santa Maria HS was in a bad area, and probably had the worst element in kids. Maybe it does? But you should see the neighborhood right next to the school. I was blown away. It is one of the most beautiful areas I've seen on the central coast. Mature street trees, manicured lawns, beautiful landscaping, gorgeous houses. That neighborhood is stunning.

I really appreciate all of your comments and info. I take it you live in Orcutt ?
So far, Orcutt does sound the best. Although Lompoc doesn't seem to bad either. I guess I will just have to see when I go house hunting. We will be renting for awhile until we have a better look around, etc...
I will be doing the house hunting trip in Jan...with a move in Feb.
I'm sure Santa Maria really isn't that bad....there are usually bad area's in every city around the world.
Not sure if I mentioned this but , I am originally from CA and lived there for almost 30 yrs of my life. I also lived in Solvang during high school...so I remember all of the area's.
I have to say that nothing can be as bad as were I lived in Savannah, GA. Most area's are bad and the school's are among the worst in the US. Most working people do not send their kids to public schools there.
I am sooo looking forward to moving to the central coast !

[CA central coast]

No, I live in Los Osos. It's about 45min. north of Orcutt. I personally wouldn't having any problem living in any of those communities. It's just that if I had to live there and raise children, it would be in Orcutt.