Trying to learn about where to live in California (Irvine: real estate, houses)

[mickey mouse is dead]

Can somebody tell me pro's and con's of this places?

Thousand Oaks, CA

Lake Forest, CA

Chino Hills, CA

I read these cities are very safe and nice. I want to know how close are they from metro areas, could I live here if I work in L.A., if not, where could I work if I live in any of these cities???? I would appreciate any help. Thanks.

[Winston Smith]

Originally Posted by mickey mouse is dead

Can somebody tell me pro's and con's of this places?

Thousand Oaks, CA

Lake Forest, CA

Chino Hills, CA

I read these cities are very safe and nice. I want to know how close are they from metro areas, could I live here if I work in L.A., if not, where could I work if I live in any of these cities???? I would appreciate any help. Thanks.

Thousand Oaks is safe, around 25 miles from the San Fernando Valley and 45 or so miles from LA downtown. TO is basically a bedroom community where most people work elsewhere, mostly in the LA area, though a smaller population commutes to Santa Barbara, aprox 60 miles o/w. Purportedly, schools are good.

Thousand Oaks' cons, IMHO: it's total suburbia, over priced, a tad snooty, and one-hundred percent car based. For my tastes TO lacks the mix and buzz needed to make it anything more than boring. Again, IMHO.

One pro: TO borders the Santa Monica Mountains, great hiking and natural beauty immediately to the south. Travel over the mountains and you're on the awesome north Malibu coast.

[Jenali]

Lake Forest is in sOC ,that is around 50mile from LA ,it will take you 1 to 1.5hr in the rush hour to get to LA.

Lake Forest's pros:it is a suburbia, not a big city (might be a con for you,I dunno ).
LF has very nice areas ,and a beautiful lake,very safe,weather is very moderate ,very close to Laguna Beach (around 10-15miles)..you only need to take El Toro to end up in main beach ,LB.Lots of restaurants ,shopping centers ;very close to the mall in Laguna Hills ,and the one in Mission Viejo .Many activities for families with kids.One of the best thing about LF is that it is close to Irvine .
LF is the most racially diverse city in sOC ,most of the hispanic population live in sOC ..live either in LF or in SJC .

Cons:Almost nothing to offer if ur single.There are some bad areas in LF (and some very beautiful parts,but more expensive),and by bad I don't mean dangerous or have gang probs ..there is not such a thing in sOC,they just don't look nice (flat topography/no views/old houses).Real Estate is expensive (but still more affordable than the rest of OC ).