Moving to LAGUNA NIGUEL from MD...HELP! (San Diego, Oceanside: condos, hotel)

[MovingtoCaLi55]

My boyfriend and I are planning to move to California from Germantown, MD at the end of the month and need some suggestions. My job is going to be in Laguna Niguel and I'm trying to determine if living is San Diego (La Jolla) would still be ok. Is the commute horrible even if I went in really early? Any good recommendations on where to live in Laguna Niguel that's somewhat affordable. We have a dog and would most likely like a two bedroom place. We would also like to be close to the beach. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

Are there any place in between Laguna Niguel and San Diego that are nice?

[amsln]

I live in LN and IMO that commute would be a nightmare!

Laguna Niguel is a beautiful community...we love it here

[DocGoldstein]

You're looking at around 1.5 hours one way in okay traffic. More than 2 hours with any sort of traffic.

[socalinnorcal]

I would not do that commute. I strongly suggest you look into housing options within south OC, which is BEAUTIFUL. Laguna Niguel is gorgeous... there's also: San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita... head a touch north and you're into Irvine and the Newport area. It's personaly preference, but if my job were in LN I wouldn't think of living anywhere BUT south OC.

[MovingtoCaLi55]

Thank you for your replies.

Do you all have any recommendations on how to move my stuff cross country from MD to Laguna Niguel?

[nurserosie]

Hi a moving van?

[MovingtoCaLi55]

Well, I just figured when you calculate gas, hotel, and time...its way to expensive. I wanted to fly and send the stuff. this is not easy.

[moved]

Get rid of everything that you don't need, even if you think you do. Start checking prices for a PODs container.
The company will deliver it to you, you pack it, you call them to pick it up, then it's stored in a warehouse until you get to your destination. When you call and give them your new address, it's delivered to your new residence.

There are other companies besides PODs that do this. I assume that you're driving since you have a dog.

[MovingtoCaLi55]

Great news! Southwest Cargo can ship my things for $360! I couldn't believe it when they told me. Also, my one way flight is only $145. I'm super excited about the move.

now the bigger issue, finalizing where I want to live.

I've heard it all:
-Hunington
-Oceanside
-Newport
-Aliso Viejo

I would like the following:
-safe
-close to the beach
-not far from work
-Close to grocery/shopping
-choices for activities on the weekends
-hiking/biking trails
-economical

Any deciding factors. Again, my job will be in Laguna Niguel. A lot to handle in 2 1/2 weeks.

[Vary]

Hard to hit all those items at once. I'd recommend looking at condos near the area of the Ocean Ranch shopping center, Golden Lantern-Camino Del Avion area. It's a short trip down the road to the beach, the shopping center has everything, and there's a lot of places to walk and bike. The dog park is right there as well.

Can't guarantee price, though, as the closer you get to the beach, the higher the price. Homes between Crown Valley Parkway and the beach will be a little higher than those on the other side of CVP. But all of LN is a great area. And like the previous poster said, don't rule out Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, even San Clemente and Mission Viejo. Do some looking around. The cities in south county are very small; you can go a few blocks and already be in the next city. So things are pretty close together. You'll find yourself doing activities all over the area across several cities.