Good/Bad about living in Orange County (Los Angeles, San Diego: how much, house)

[gipper]

These posts are a good source of background on OC living...my wife and I are relocating in the next month or so to the OC, and are mixed on how we feel...we are originally from Detroit, lived in Philly for 6 yrs, and have spent the last, very long year, in Mississippi. The OC was a welcomed parole...
If we looked to live in San Clemente, is that too far of a commute to Irvine (approx 24 miles)? Also, we are looking for communities that are 30-40 yr olds, and not retirees....we would like to get back to our Phillly life whereby meeting people and hanging out in the neighborhodd is welcomed!! Everything else I have read is not a surprise, and is not unexpected...

[Saphyre]

Originally Posted by marlene915

Considering a move to Orange County for a job opportunity. We're from Chicago and have always lived in the midwest. I am mostly concerned about good schools for my kids. (The schools seem large there.) Although I have been to LA several times, I cannot picture living in Southern California. Maybe because I was doing "touristy" things while visiting--it just seems like a difficult place to live. I realize it is expensive too, although Chicago is pricey also. Any other thoughts on what I should consider? Anyone else relocate?

Most of the previous posts talked about the weather, prices, and people of OC. I have to agree with most of it...not all, but most I was born and raised in Anaheim. Older tract homes built in the 50's. Fairly decent "pride of ownership" area. As for schools, you might want to check out the North OC areas of Fullerton, Yorba Linda, Placentia, and surrounding areas. Troy High School in Fullerton was just recently voted on of the top High Schools in the Nation by Newsweek Magazine. I live in Fullerton now. My kids don't go to Troy though We live in the wrong district. If you can afford it, Yorba Linda is really nice for families. Good luck with your move!

[ScooterMama]

Hey, I'm from Chicago, too, and I think the O.C. is wonderful. If you want to hang around the plastic people, that's what you'll find, but there are a lot of real, down-to-earth people here too! I live in Lake Forest, CA, and I'm heartbroken because now we have to relocate to AZ for hubby's job. Yes, the cost of living is high... but there's an awful lot of living to do here! When we moved here, we got a house about 1/2 the size for almost twice the price, but it's more than we need. We spend a lot of time outdoors on our patio, at the beach, etc. Of course real estate prices are high! This is one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. with the best climate. I'm just glad I got to live here for a few years, & I'll never diss it!

[CTjim]

Thinking about excepting an offer to work for a company in Irvine with a 110K salary. Can I afford to live there with my wife and three childern? Thought I would come out rent and check the place out. Then move everyone in the spring but not too sure from what I here. Any advice.

[dusesean1986]

A Major Problem I Have With Orange County Is Many Areas Are Very Monotone...there's Not Housing Tracts But The Houses In Some Areas Look Very Much Alike...go Into The South Part Of Orange County...the Diversity Is A Plus...the Latinos Are Good Respectable People...there Are Expensive Houses In Orange County...there's Perfect Weather..and The Beaches Are Incredible...once You Start Going Inland You'll See That Things Begin To Roughen Out A Little Bit...but Orange County Is Beautiful Ecspecially In Parts...because Some Parts Are Extremely Quiet To Escape Los Angeles Congestion

[DixieInOC]

I'm a native North Carolian. Moved to Irvine for business school two years ago. I saw mostly good things when I first moved here: beaches, weather, palm trees, scenaries, shops, etc. After two years, I'm starting to see the not-so-good things: the 'me-syndrome', absolutely horrible traffic, rotten roads, ridiculous rents, unaffordable housing, the show-off's, materialistic culture...and oh no country radio station!

I also find it hard to make friends (maybe it's due to my southern drawl). People in Orange County are somewhat friendly, but when it comes to deepening relationships and developing true friendships, many seem incapable. I've made a few great friends, I admit. But many times I have tried to reach out to others but it's tough to get any sincere reciprocation.

At newport coast, people will not give you a glance unless you're driving a mercedes. 'Down-to-earth' is not a term to be used in OC.

I'll be moving back home to NC for these reasons:
(1) don't want my 'future' children to be accustomed to the materialistic culture,
(2) buy a nice house with a yard and garden, and can actually enjoy peace in my backyard without hearing traffic,
(3) make more true friends,
(4) have my 'future' children learn true American values,
(5) have country radio stations in my car,

I love the landscapes and weather here, but I'm not paying $400K for a piece of crap.

[BellaTerra66]

After having spent almost 30 years living there, I retired nine months ago and moved to New Mexico. I came to hate Orange County over the years I lived there. Too many people, too much traffic, and boring weather (nice weather -- but it really doesn't change) but ALL THAT SMOG ALMOST ALL OF THE TIME. The values are terrible: where do you live, where do you work, how much money do you make, what kind of car do you drive -- and every Sunday morning people worship at the cathedral of The Gym (ya gotta have a great bod!). I never went skiing in the winter because a one-hour drive in or out of the mountains could take 3-4 hours. Never went to beach because I couldn't find a parking spot. (I did go to the beach on weekend mornings about 5-6 a.m., because that was the only time I could find a parking spot and because the beach was relatively quiet at that time.) And as for finding a job: If you LOOK great and ACT great, you MAY find a job. Rarely went to LA's culture scene because traffic was terrible and prices were ridiculous. (I did go to OC's Performing Arts Center, usually on Thursday nights, because it had some great performances, at much lower cost.) I AM a little bored in NM -- after all, southern CA is the playground capital of The US. HOWEVER, every time I get a little homesick for CA, I remember all of the people and all of the traffic and the fact that I didn't quite fit in because I wasn't rich, young and gorgeous. Here in NM people pretty much accept you for who you are. However, watch out: a lot of older CA transplants (like me but who are very rich) are invading NM.

[lagunatic]

I moved to Laguna Niguel from San Jose in 1986 and bought an ocean-view home for $265. I commuted to Redondo Beach, an hour away, and loved the city of LA and living in the OC. Then I moved to Atlanta for years, got home sick, and move back to Laguna Niguel in 2000. I bought a townhouse in Marina Hills for $265. I am now living in Boulder, CO. I am again home sick, but discovered my townhouse is now selling for $750. A 2 bedroom/ 2.5 bath attached duplex home. That is insane. I am now thinking of moving back to Atlanta or Portland. I love and miss the OC, but until the big one hits (earthquake), I will not be able to afford it.

[newportbeachsmostwanted]

Originally Posted by BellaTerra66

After having spent almost 30 years living there, I retired nine months ago and moved to New Mexico. I came to hate Orange County over the years I lived there. Too many people, too much traffic, and boring weather (nice weather -- but it really doesn't change) but ALL THAT SMOG ALMOST ALL OF THE TIME. The values are terrible: where do you live, where do you work, how much money do you make, what kind of car do you drive -- and every Sunday morning people worship at the cathedral of The Gym (ya gotta have a great bod!). I never went skiing in the winter because a one-hour drive in or out of the mountains could take 3-4 hours. Never went to beach because I couldn't find a parking spot. (I did go to the beach on weekend mornings about 5-6 a.m., because that was the only time I could find a parking spot and because the beach was relatively quiet at that time.) And as for finding a job: If you LOOK great and ACT great, you MAY find a job. Rarely went to LA's culture scene because traffic was terrible and prices were ridiculous. (I did go to OC's Performing Arts Center, usually on Thursday nights, because it had some great performances, at much lower cost.) I AM a little bored in NM -- after all, southern CA is the playground capital of The US. HOWEVER, every time I get a little homesick for CA, I remember all of the people and all of the traffic and the fact that I didn't quite fit in because I wasn't rich, young and gorgeous. Here in NM people pretty much accept you for who you are. However, watch out: a lot of older CA transplants (like me but who are very rich) are invading NM.

I have no idea which beach you are going to. I have NEVER had a problem finding a parking space at at any OC beach. I am a surfer and go to the beach ALL the time. You just need to know where to find them. You just can't expect to park right on the beach in downtown Laguna on a 80 degree Saturday! Be realistic. But still park a few blocks down at any beach for FREE and walk. God forbid people walk in OC.. Oh man that would be a sin!

[Sarahdo]

All I can say is don't do it.

We are originally from the Midwest too (Michigan). We moved to South Orange County (Aliso Viejo) for a job opportunity in Irvine. We have regretted it ever since.

The people here are NOT nice and the drivers are worse. As bad and dangerous as the Freeways are the parking lots are a complete hazard. No one looks before the hit the gas around here.

We thought that after the intial move in costs we would be able to afford living out here - we were so wrong. We have been living paycheck to paycheck for the entire year we have lived in CA. We went from a two bedroom two bathroom apartment to a one bedroom hole in the wall and we pay MORE than double what we did back home for less than 1/2 the space. My husband makes a lot of money here, but it still isn't enough for us to live comfortably. My husband is paid bi-weekly and our rent takes up one complete paycheck, then we have our additional bills on top of that.

And now I am pregnant (due in March) we are desperate to move back to the Midwest. Once the baby comes I will have to stop working because we can't afford daycare out here.

If your honestly looking to move out here my advice is to REALLY evaluate what your being offered. Negotiate your salary, try to get as much as you possibly can. All of those cost of living calculators are not true to life and your value of life will definately take a hit.