Where should we look for housing in Southern OC? (Pasadena: house, buying)

[JSies11]

There's a British curry house in Fullerton, but I'm sure you wouldn't want to live that far away from Costa Mesa. The commute would just be horrible.
Your husband is going to have to sacrifice the curry house for a bearable commute and good schools for your son.
You may want to look into Huntington if you like a beachy, laid back town. The real estate market is quite unimpressive for what you get. The schools are good, not amazing. Most of the housing is pretty old (built in the 60's and 70's) so don't expect anything like Ladera Ranch.
Newport Beach is the most coveted city in Orange County, and with good reason. There are little boutiques everywhere, there is a huge harbor, and 6.5 miles of sandy beach I believe. Rich people flock here by the thousands. East of the Back Bay is where you want to be. The schools are better and it is more family oriented.
Irvine is consistently recognized for it's outstanding schools and safety. This city will be cheaper than the other two, but it does not contain a beach. Most of the city is divided up into little master planned communities built in different eras. If you're going to live here, expect to have your wallet slowly drained out by HOA fees. This city is the definition of Orange County Suburbia. Consider that about 1/2 of the population is asian. This doesn't really matter because racial tension is never a problem here.

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by JSies11

There's a British curry house in Fullerton, but I'm sure you wouldn't want to live that far away from Costa Mesa. The commute would just be horrible.
Your husband is going to have to sacrifice the curry house for a bearable commute and good schools for your son.

Oh please. Maybe if you're riding a bicycle. Fullerton to Costa Mesa is only 21 miles and about 35 minutes in traffic. You must be a CA newbie if you think that's a rough commute.

[Southern OC Homes]

Thats's pretty funny! Where did you go to school? Yes grew up in a Lutheran family myself..but Dane and Norwegian. Have you looked in Eastside Costa Mesa yet? there are some great deals there right now.

[USCTrojanCPA]

Originally Posted by elsa137

My husband has accepted a position in Costa Mesa and we have 6-8 months to make the move. We are planning on a few relocation visits before we pack up our house and move west, but I need insider advice on where to target so I don't wind up just driving down the PCH like I did last month.

We are moving from Houston Texas where the houses are cheap but the salaries are low so we aren't coming with buckets of money, probably ~$80k liquid. My husband's salary is $160k, and I plan on getting a job too (if I can find one).

We have a 2 year old son who'll need daycare and eventual schooling. We figure we need a place ~ 1800-2200 sf, hopefully with some dirt so we can do a bit of gardening.

After looking at Trulia (painful) and this fine site I've narrowed the area down to the southern part of OC, probably around Laguna / Aliso... can anyone recommend anywhere else we should have a look? I don't want to wander aimlessly next time, so your help will be appreciated.

Other info: husband is British so a local curry house is required; we are no religion but I don't mind Lutherans (for daycare or school); I have never seen RHOOC but will soon so I can have a look at the territory

Other areas that you might want to look at are Irvine, Tustin Ranch, Aliso Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Niguel, and Mission Viejo. I would HIGHLY recommend that you guys rent before even considering buying something. It's a cheap way to check out the area without committing yourself.

[Charles]

Where will O.C. housing strength be? - Lansner on Real Estate - The Orange County Register

[MattClyde]

You could really live anywhere in South Orange County and drive to Costa Mesa, it isn't that bad of a commute. If the I-5/405 freeway is really bad one day you could always take highway 73. Compared to most south orange county schools there are some in Capistrano School District that aren't as good.
This link should help
GreatSchools - Public and Private School Ratings, Reviews and Parent Community

[Erica Svenneby]

Since your husband already will be working in Costa Mesa, I would think Eastside Costa Mesa or the Back Bay area of Newport Beach would be a great place to start your search. I work at Keller Williams Newport Beach and the prices in the area are really starting to come down!
You also dont need 20% down if you are going to buy. There is a new conventional loan that only requires 5% down, has no MI and the rates are only around .125% higher (which is nothing).
Also, Costa Mesa has free afterschool programs to keep down the childcare costs, which is extremely beneficial. Keep that in mind!
Good luck!!

[Erica Svenneby]

Oh, and Ye Olde Ship in Santa Ana and Fullerton has an awesome English menu and great Curry! We have a good friend from England that comes out often to visit. We usually get a big group of us together at the Santa Ana restaurant at least once every time he is out! Great place! Dont forget to check it out!

[robbybee]

I have a 2100 SF house for sale in TUSTIN (4BR, 3 BA, Pool, Hot Tub, Fireplace). I moved here after living in Costa Mesa for 30 years because I felt that the housing prices in CM were outrageous!
City of Tustin, CA :: Homepage

I have been here for 12 years and I really like the town a lot. Redhill Lutheran church / school is less than 200 yards from my front door.
Red Hill Lutheran School

PM me for more info if you like...

[Charles]

Originally Posted by robbybee

I have a 2100 SF house for sale in TUSTIN (4BR, 3 BA, Pool, Hot Tub, Fireplace).

PM me for more info if you like...

Everything about the house is perfect, except that little tree at the corner of the garage is a show stopper.