Best place to live in Orange County (for a family) if job is in LA

[quizzer25]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

While I wold not ever even consider that commute, the "best" place for your family depends heavily on your preferences. To me, the only place in that area I would consider living is Old town Orange (and maybe some parts of Santa Ana). However that is because I cannot tolerate mind numbing conformity. I want a house, neighborhood and town with character. I can deal with everything else.

Good schools are all over, especially if you can afford private or charter schools. The definition of what makes a school "good" is also going to vary from family to family. Each community has a different character (or lack thereof). You really need to rent for a wile temporarily and get to know some of the communities before choosing a place to settle. You also need to try out your tolerance for that horrid commute. Keep in mind a commute of 1 hour or 1.5 hours in normal circumstances, will take half again that much or twice that on many days. The problem is you never know when, so you have to leave additional time every day and just arrive at work early most of the time. Staying out of rush hour is critical. Go into work before 6:30 a.m. or after 10 a.m., and come home before 4 or after 7:30. It will make a huge difference in your commute.

Very well said about the commute. My new workplace is ok with me to be in seat by 10 AM and I will leave after 6 30 PM.

[dexter14]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

While I wold not ever even consider that commute, the "best" place for your family depends heavily on your preferences. To me, the only place in that area I would consider living is Old town Orange (and maybe some parts of Santa Ana). However that is because I cannot tolerate mind numbing conformity. I want a house, neighborhood and town with character. I can deal with everything else.

Why would you recommend old towne Orange to a family? I seriously doubt their idea of fun is a traffic circle with some grass in the middle and some overpriced antique stores. On the plus side you do have the Filling Station and Bruxie but I digress. old town Orange would be horribly boring for a family. OP-stick with Brea or Anaheim

[TX2OC2LA]

Originally Posted by mbell75

Why would you recommend old towne Orange to a family? I seriously doubt their idea of fun is a traffic circle with some grass in the middle and some overpriced antique stores. On the plus side you do have the Filling Station and Bruxie but I digress. old town Orange would be horribly boring for a family. OP-stick with Brea or Anaheim

Yeah looks like Brea or Anaheim seem to be the best option, I am currently looking at rentals.

Trying to give Yorba Linda a serious look also, I keep getting conflicting opinions.. Only real negative about Yorba Linda seems to be the commute, but looking at the map I don't get why..

Anyone have any experience living and driving in/out of Yorba Linda?

[dexter14]

Originally Posted by TX2OC2LA

Yeah looks like Brea or Anaheim seem to be the best option, I am currently looking at rentals.

Trying to give Yorba Linda a serious look also, I keep getting conflicting opinions.. Only real negative about Yorba Linda seems to be the commute, but looking at the map I don't get why..

Anyone have any experience living and driving in/out of Yorba Linda?

Because you need to take the 91 freeway to get in or out, thats why. The 91 is a terrible freeway in the mornings and evenings. YL is pretty nice but its like its own little island cut off from the rest of OC. You need to drive a bit to get to any real entertainment, not much to do there.