Recloating to Costa Mesa.

[JensLauren]

Originally Posted by Vinsanity

The South Coast Metro area, though, is mostly apartment complexes. So is Tustin Ranch, for that matter, unless you want to pay $3,000/mo to rent out a single family unit. This is the reason I haven't suggested Newport Beach. If you don't want to live in a big apartment complex, prepare to shell out some $$$. Otherwise, Newport should be to your liking.

Thank you - I appreciate it. Yeah, the more I learn about living down in Southern California, the more I realize it'll be quite a shock to my system.

[USCTrojanCPA]

Originally Posted by Vinsanity

The South Coast Metro area, though, is mostly apartment complexes. So is Tustin Ranch, for that matter, unless you want to pay $3,000/mo to rent out a single family unit. This is the reason I haven't suggested Newport Beach. If you don't want to live in a big apartment complex, prepare to shell out some $$$. Otherwise, Newport should be to your liking.

Not really, you can find private condo rentals that are larger than the Irvine Company apartments for about the same price in Irvine.

[USCTrojanCPA]

Originally Posted by JensLauren

Thank you so much! That helps a lot!

We'd rather stay away from apartment complexes. Usually there is better construction on complexes not built specifically for rental purposes (not as loud, nicer appliances, more pride in one's space, etc) and they feel more homey.

No problem at all. I work with renters as well as buyers and sellers because the better private rentals are listed on MLS versus on craigslist. You are correct about apartment complexes, the quality of the construction compared to private condo/townhouses is worse (thinner walls and cheaper upgrades).

When in August are you guys looking to make the move here? If you PM me with your e-mail address and your basis search parameters (price, sf, bedrooms, etc), I can e-mail you all the active rental listings on MLS that hit the mark.

[Vinsanity]

Originally Posted by USCTrojanCPA

Not really, you can find private condo rentals that are larger than the Irvine Company apartments for about the same price in Irvine.

True, for Irvine. But I was referring specifically to Tustin Ranch, which seems to be made up entirely of: 1. a golf course, 2. half of the Marketplace, 3. Irvine Co. apartments, and 4. gated McMansion communities

[NeutralZone]

Moving from downtown Portland to anywhere in Orange County is going to be culture shock. You're just not going to find anything comparable. The closest that you'll get to a neighborhood where you are in walking distance to cafes, pubs, restaurants, etc and also a neighborhood that has some character to it is Laguna Beach or downtown Huntington Beach. They both have older, quaint housing, somewhat compact downtowns, easy to walk or bike, with lots of places to eat. The downside is that both are extremely expensive. They are predominately single family homes, and while no doubt you can find one to rent, prices are probably triple what you would pay in Portland.

[Reivax]

If you're going to visit first and look around, you might like the area in Costa mesa/Newport Beach around 17th street. 17th is not really a big downtown street, but it has plenty of restaurants and stores. If I'm reading you right, you might find something in there that suits you and shouldn't cost arm and leg in rent.

[ferretstew]

A couple people before me have recommended Eastside Costa Mesa, and I agree you may want to look into it. That's the area east of Newport Blvd and the 55 freeway, and west of the Back Bay. The neighborhood is a mix of small apartment buildings and older single family homes. Rents are steep but nowhere near $4000 for a 2-bedroom. It is centrally located in coastal Orange County and has some character and walkability depending on what part of the neighborhood you choose. It lacks the "prefab" feel common to some other parts of OC. My wife and I are around your age and moved here last summer from San Francisco. We live not too far from the main commercial strip, 17th Street. Most of what we need is a walk, bike ride, or very short drive away.