Good/Bad about living in Orange County (Los Angeles, San Diego: condominiums, mobile home)

[Zandar]

Originally Posted by saguarodave

"3. It is important to look good in Orange county. That means you have to look after yourself. Orange county will not allow anyone to neglect their body and demand a high pay. It is not going to happen."


I've seen some pretty silly stuff posted on these boards, but that one takes the cake (so to speak). I know several people in O.C. making good money who are not exactly "slim and trim". Or do you think the first consideration when the bank hires a new president is how he/she looks in speedos or a bikini? Get real, you are just parroting some ridiculous (and untrue) SoCal stereotypes!

I'm sorry to say this stereotype has been true in my experience (lived in OC a looong time). It's not that people are refused jobs for their weight problems or lack of aesthetic appeal, but they are definitely looked down on in general society. Ditto if you don't have money (money covers a multitude of sins, in OC morality).

Not everyone is like that; it's just the prevailing culture. I believe it's what you get when everyone is out to either be rich or look rich. Body sculpting (gym and plastic) is huge out here, but in a very subtle way. I don't mean to colour all Orange Countians (Orangs Countyers?), but I've found it to be the prevalent cultural theme. Saying otherwise sounds a bit naive, if you've been here for longer than ten years to get a feel for the trends. Hey, people think Southerners are all sweetness and light, right? And that the Japanese are really polite, right? A lot goes on behind people's backs, in OC at least as much as anywhere else.

[FROMCATOGA]

Originally Posted by gmb

I am a native Californian and it just boggles my mind that new people are still wanting to relocate here. It also cracks me up when people say they are moving here from pricey locations like Chicago or Boston. Don't get me wrong, I understand they are costly cities to live, but it won't be like anything you have ever seen if you move to CA. It is so out of control expensive here and for over $600, 000 you will be getting a crappy house in an ok neighborhood. I am trying my hardest to get out of here because I am tired of living paycheck to paycheck when we make over $90, 000 a year. It makes me sick and it is impossible to enjoy our great weather if you are house poor. Unless your husband will be getting a huge raise, you are going to be in for a real shock.....

And I second that!


SoCal is not the place to be if you have a "regular job." When I mean by "regular job," I am talking about making anything less than $150K a year.

Seriously think about this... If you are house poor, and drive a decent car ($500 a month note, plus insurace), you have to consider the insane high gas prices that we have out here. Right now the gas is at $351 to $373, at least where I live... My point is life in general costs, and with a family in an already psychotic expensive area, it's going to take some major $$$$ to live month to month, and still save money and invest money for the future.

Only very successful business owners/people, and celebrities, truly live great in SoCal, because they have the funds to do so.

[socalcanuck]

I'm wondering if anyone has moved to Socal from Toronto? I would think the cost of living couldn't possibly be higher in OC except of-course the housing market. Has anyone compared the income tax, sales tax, property tax, groceries, child care etc to Canada? We are working till August for the government here and the rest is what we get to keep for ourselves. Everything cost 30% more here even though the CDN $ is almost at par now. Even our housing costs are not too far out...500-800K for 2500 Sq. house and rents are around 1000-1500/mo.

I'm exploring moving to OC but based on some of the messages on this board, am having second thoughts. Wondering if everyone is comparing the high cost to places like Tx or Nc??

Thanks for your thoughts.

[dtran103]

The thing is, the salaries tend to be higher in places like Orange County to offset the high price of living.

[PortlandGirl]

I lived in Orange County for 10 years, and I enjoyed it. My issue was personal space. This is the imaginary circle you draw around yourself. If someone steps into that circle, you feel like stepping back, you know? My personal space was Texas personal space when I first moved to Orange County. I was from a place where the person per sq mile number was much lower. It took me a few years to figure out why I was so stressed out in Orange County and kept trying to back up all the time. It felt like there wasn't much oxygen-probably a claustrophobic response. Fewer trees. Was always bumping into everyone, and saying "excuse me" for some reason.
It's crowded compared to my previous home city, so I was more careful in picking my current home. If you are used to a less crowded area, it can take some getting used to. Also I think the traffic can be challenging until you get the hang of it. Buy a Thomas Map! It helps one adapt quickly.
It's a fun place to live.

[Sal Monella]

The good thing about OC is leaving it.

The bad is that it will still always be there.

[phoenixxphyre]

Originally Posted by FROMCATOGA

And I second that!


SoCal is not the place to be if you have a "regular job." When I mean by "regular job," I am talking about making anything less than $150K a year.

Seriously think about this... If you are house poor, and drive a decent car ($500 a month note, plus insurace), you have to consider the insane high gas prices that we have out here. Right now the gas is at $351 to $373, at least where I live... My point is life in general costs, and with a family in an already psychotic expensive area, it's going to take some major $$$$ to live month to month, and still save money and invest money for the future.

Only very successful business owners/people, and celebrities, truly live great in SoCal, because they have the funds to do so.

I keep seeing people siting gas prices as a huge reason not to live in CA, but gas prices in OH (where people tend to make a lot less in general) really aren't that far off yours. Last time I got gas, it was 3.65, and that's about half my hourly wages a gallon. The cost of rent is what makes me nervous to move to OC (a move I'm considering to get into editing since there's nothing around here for that). Here I pay 395 for a one bedroom and it seems like there three times that would be considered 'typical' so I'd have to make three times what I do to make it just an even transition. But then typical rent around here is 600-800/mo and typical rates I've seen in OC 1200-1600, which makes it about double. Considering that until recently I made 7.50/hr and a lot of the jobs I've seen out there for similar work pay 15/hr, while it would certainly be more comfortable to be making more than 15 (and I'd be leery to move even just to start off with 15/hr), it seems like it's pretty relative.

[tikbj]

well I think you all should move to wisconsin one hour from chicago I live on over an acre lot 2300 sq foot home 12 minutes from downtown milwaukee all white neighbors and I paid 210,000,00 last year. I been reading all the responses and this is making me really scared to move to orange county. I for one today talked to my sweetie and all I could here in the backround is people talking vietnameese in the backround it was so annouying! Sorry If I am offended anyone I am hispanic myself born and raised in wisconsin, But it just would really get on my nerves to live in united states and feel like I am in asia!

My idea always of california was 90210 beautiful trendy but the more I read the post I am started to realize it does not even seem like part of the USA I mean here in the midwest I feel american.

Tess

[nevercoldcall]

Originally Posted by Zandar

Body sculpting (gym and plastic) is huge out here, but in a very subtle way.

So now going to the gym and caring about your health is somehow bad? Man, you anti-OC people are NARROW-MINDED and SHALLOW.

I work out because it makes me feel good and improves my health. If you have a problem with that I'm guessing you're 400 pounds and live on potato chips and beer. Because there's no other explanation. Sorry if you're jealous and envious that we're happy and healthy here.

[Caliguy2007]

I honestly don't see anything wrong with working out and looking good and healthy.

Originally Posted by nevercoldcall

So now going to the gym and caring about your health is somehow bad? Man, you anti-OC people are NARROW-MINDED and SHALLOW.

I work out because it makes me feel good and improves my health. If you have a problem with that I'm guessing you're 400 pounds and live on potato chips and beer. Because there's no other explanation. Sorry if you're jealous and envious that we're happy and healthy here.