We're over 60 but not retirees (Irvine, Orange: fit in, condo, townhouse)

[Edhenry]

My husband and I are both over 60. He is considering a job possibility in Irvine with a move for us from the East Coast. We have no interest in a retirement community although we live in a small enclave of "over 55" homes here. However, most people are still working and it is in the same town we've lived in for years, so in no way do we feel like we're retiree types -yet! We also have a slightly disabled 27 year old daughter who would live with us.

My question: All I read about Irvine is how it is a great place to raise kids. I've raised my kids and while I am happy to live in a community with kids, I also would like to see people in their 50's 60's and beyond in my community. My mom had a brother who lived in Leisure World (or whatever it is now called) and we are in no way ready for that. Our house buying budget is somewhat flexible, somewhere between 500k and 1 mil. I'd love a small yard or large patio area, garage, etc. and I would kill for an older house with character, either remodeled to my liking or needing some work (kitchen, cosmetic fixes, not whole house remodel). But mostly, I'm asking where would we fit in, age wise?
Thanks!

[Joe Van Fossen]

Just in reference to older homes with character, I would suggest Tustin or Orange.

[russlancea]

There is a condo community in the westside of Westminster that is not well known, but it's a great complex of a lot of seniors, but also families with kids, singles, etc. I looked there to buy, so I talked with a senior who lived there for years. There are several swimming pools, 2 of which I think are salt pools. There were lots of senior walking around. It was quiet and in a nice area of the city.

I forget the name of the place. Westminster Village Park! It's a condo/townhouse type community though, so you won't get too much of a yard, but it maybe it will work for you

[LuvSouthOC]

Originally Posted by Edhenry

My husband and I are both over 60. He is considering a job possibility in Irvine with a move for us from the East Coast. We have no interest in a retirement community although we live in a small enclave of "over 55" homes here. However, most people are still working and it is in the same town we've lived in for years, so in no way do we feel like we're retiree types -yet! We also have a slightly disabled 27 year old daughter who would live with us.

My question: All I read about Irvine is how it is a great place to raise kids. I've raised my kids and while I am happy to live in a community with kids, I also would like to see people in their 50's 60's and beyond in my community. My mom had a brother who lived in Leisure World (or whatever it is now called) and we are in no way ready for that. Our house buying budget is somewhat flexible, somewhere between 500k and 1 mil. I'd love a small yard or large patio area, garage, etc. and I would kill for an older house with character, either remodeled to my liking or needing some work (kitchen, cosmetic fixes, not whole house remodel). But mostly, I'm asking where would we fit in, age wise?
Thanks!

Dana Point on your budget. You should have no problem and the commute is well worth it.