Many questions regarding move to OC (Irvine, Corona: salary, to live in, restaurants)

[IMidwestMom]

Ohhhhh, you think they will like my hot dish casseroles??? I'll introduce them to the one made with tater tots. I'm certain that it will be a HUGE hit.

Sorry tho I just can't stomach the lutefisk, I'll bring lefse instead.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by robbybee

"People, I just want to say, you know, can we all get along?"

With this statement, a criminal thug was made out to be the 1990s version of John Lennon.

[MQHP40]

[quote=Plastic_Lemons;17627007]To give some more details, I am considering a move to Orange County in the near future. I've got a few questions that I'll list below, and help on any or all of them is greatly appreciated!

1) I currently live in Boston (been here all my life). I HATE the cold. Am I going to be culture shocked (I'm expecting laid back lifestyle, nice weather, beach, and similar costs to living in Boston)?

Yes, you will experience culture shock. In CA people are opportunistic. In Boston people have friends with long-established ties and aren't too keen on letting in newcomers. In CA meeting people might be easier but losing those ties if just as easy if something better comes along. In Boston there is more emphasis on education. There's plenty of educated people in L.A. but it's not as intellectually sophisticated. In Boston there's a lot of old money that's not 'in your face.' In L.A. it's show-offy.

2) I will be commuting to night school at UCLA. I know CA traffic is horrendous. What am I really looking at for a commute to LA (leaving OC at 2 PMish, reverse commute)? It will only be twice a week.

You're crazy commuting to UCLA from O.C. You should move to L.A., not O.C. UCLA does have a very good on-line education program, check that out if you must live in O.C.

[sirinyat]

There are plenty of people who commute to UCLA from Orange County. I can't say if they do it *happily*. That said, the University operates an extensive network of vanpools, most suited for those who have the ability to arrive early, work a full day, and leave early. The vans from Orange County are very popular, and many of those routes have waiting lists. A commute from the northern parts of Orange County may be tolerable if it isn't a permanent arrangement.

[JohnG72]

Well post is outdated, but I have experience with this commute...at least HB to Marina Del Rey.

Your commute from OC to UCLA at 2pm on weekdays will be at minimum 1 1/2 hours. Thats from HB near PCH up to the actual parking at campus. That includes a 15 minute drive to get to the 405, traffic slowdown going into the 710, then the 110, then from the 105 through the 10 fwy, then surface streets to UCLA parking.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by JohnG72

Well post is outdated, but I have experience with this commute...at least HB to Marina Del Rey.

And that would be the fast part of the trip. Once past the 90 northbound on the 405 it crawls even at 2PM.

[LisainCali]

LOL. Crazy idea to commute to UCLA from OC every day, or even 4 days a week.

Move to LA and Get out of school FAST!

I live in Dana Point and my daughter lives in W. Hollywood, near Sunset and the 101. It often takes 2 1/2 hours to get from here to there, or there to here. Doesn't seem to matter. She complains about how long it takes her to get here and I complain, maybe louder, about how long it takes me to get THERE.

It was easier when she lived in Dallas!!

And BTW, if you aren't spending FIVE HOURS on the freeway every day, you could be studying more and getting out of school sooner.

[THANKGOODNESSIMFABULOUS]

I have lived in the OC most of my life, and most people that I know who come from other states, California has been a culture shock for them. No part of OC is without its problems. The closer you move towards the beach the more expensive it will be. Tustin and Irvine are nice cities to live in, but it would make your commute to UCLA longer. Almost every city here has a good area and a bad area. Downtown Fullerton has an old city charm with good night life surrounding it.
Part of the culture shock will be here so many different languages spoken. I was raised here and I am still not used to it. I hope you like Mexican and Chinese food. I would start looking at apartment websites, and then find a site that tells more about the neighborhood and its pros and cons.

[THANKGOODNESSIMFABULOUS]

I also just want to say that when you move some where from another state or even country dont complain about it. No one is keeping you from leaving. If I moved from California to New York, I would expect to have to get used to their way of life because I am sure it is different from ours. But if you dislike it so much do complain, just get out.

[DinsdalePirahna]

Originally Posted by THANKGOODNESSIMFABULOUS

I also just want to say that when you move some where from another state or even country dont complain about it. No one is keeping you from leaving. If I moved from California to New York, I would expect to have to get used to their way of life because I am sure it is different from ours. But if you dislike it so much do complain, just get out.

Actually the California to NY transition is very easy - especially if you are moving from Long Island to Orange County.
OC is a guido-free version of Long Island with nice weather and palm trees.