Relocating from FL to SoCal (Huntington Beach, Orange: apartment complex, hotel, home)

[jsilv]

I am in the process of planning a move from Jacksonville, FL to the Orange County Area as part of a promotion at work. My company's office is in Costa Mesa, right across the street from South Coast Plaza. I have been in town for the last week and have had a chance to look at about a dozen apartments, and Ive narrowed it down to two. The first is in the Huntington Beach area, near the intersection of Bolsa Chica & Heil. From driving around the area appears to be mostly SFH with TH and apartments scattered throughout.

The second apartment Im considering is in the South Coast Metro area, at the instersection of Sunflower and Flower. Its about $150 per month less expensive, and only a mile from work so I would plan on walking to work. I drive a full size pickup, so it should save me a good bit on fuel costs.

Does anyone have any input on either of these two areas? Ive visited both properties, but its hard to really get a feel for an area walking around an apartment complex for an hour. Any input would be appreciated!

[GregHenry]

Originally Posted by jsilv

Does anyone have any input on either of these two areas? Ive visited both properties, but its hard to really get a feel for an area walking around an apartment complex for an hour. Any input would be appreciated!

In evaluating an apartment complex, sit in the lot for a while after dark.

[Coldjensens]

Originally Posted by GregHenry

In evaluating an apartment complex, sit in the lot for a while after dark.

I tried this in the past, it does nto usually tell you anythig. Most nights there is no one around.


I like the South Coast Metro area. It is excitign and fun. Lots of good places to walk to, but the walking is not super pleasant, you are mostly on the sidewalk right next to heavy traffic. In general, it is a nic enough area with more young singles than many parts of OC. Ther is a little big of nightlife in the area, mostly hotel bars or places int he mall Biroporettis and the like (still there? Have not been in a while). Still there are some neat places.

I do not know the other area you are consdiering.

One thing I can tell you with certainty. In OC (and probably all of S.C.), the shorter your commute, the better your overall quality of life. Once I discovered this I either moved my home, or convinced my business to move to a place near my home. Best time ever, I was less than a mile from work and could walk or ride my bike. I could also be at my desk in less than half an hour after getting out of bed.

[DewDropInn]

Go to the nearest grocery store and see who shops there.

Those are your future neighbors.

If you don't like what you see, don't live there.

[1200RT]

Originally Posted by DewDropInn

Go to the nearest grocery store and see who shops there.

Those are your future neighbors.

If you don't like what you see, don't live there.

[Avalon08]

I lived in Huntington Beach for two years and loved it, but it's a HUGE city -- as in, lots of people, very spread-out and lots of traffic even though there are six-lane streets all over the place. (Welcome to CA!) Anyway, some of the more "inland" areas of HB can be sketchy and I don't recall that specific area (Bolsa Chica/Heil) but I see there's a Starbucks on the corner. To me, that's always a good sign. Sorry I can't be of more help, but congrats on the promo and move to CA -- exciting!

[jsilv]

Thanks for the help everyone. One of my new co-workers has a friend that lives in the apartment complex near Southcoast and was happy with the place so considering the proximity work I went with that. In back home in FL now, can't wait to get back out west.