Lake Forest and/or Aliso Viejo (Irvine, Mission Viejo: house, neighborhood, high schools)

[Shannon0201]

I was hoping to get opinions on the two towns? We are a family of four and looking for a house 800k-950k. So schools are really important. The commute is not an issue at all. We want a sense of community, etc. Any opinions or thoughts on the two are appreciated. Thanks

[OCerik]

Both have really good schools. Aliso Niguel & El Toro High Schools are top notch.

Bit of a different vibe between the two cities. Lake Forest is an older community, Aliso Viejo is more recently developed. Aliso Viejo is significantly closer to the beach if that matters to you. Just based off what I've observed, Aliso is filled with younger families and it's residents seem generally more active than surrounding cities.

Just have to explore the two cities and see what you feel fits better.

I'd probably also take a hard long look at Laguna Niguel. Beach close (easy access to Dana Point & Laguna Beach), incredibly safe, great schools, and much cooler summer temperatures (Aliso & Lake Forest get extremely hot in the summer). Price is higher than Aliso & Lake Forest but you would still be able to get a single family home.

[dtran103]

Schools aren’t markedly different among south OC, so I wouldn’t let that be a factor in choosing where to live. In this case, I’d say choose based on the house.

[payutenyodagimas]

Originally Posted by OCerik

(Aliso & Lake Forest get extremely hot in the summer).

not if you are in the old communities where the trees are fully grown, especially those communities in the hills

[loveorangecounty]

I would choose Aliso Viejo due to a newer community and closer to the beach. Just personal preference.

[Teckeeee]

AV is a much nicer neighborhood, less crime, parts of LF are getting gritty/nasty

AV is $$ because of toll roads

If you can afford it choose AV

[mrsltd]

Originally Posted by Teckeeee

AV is a much nicer neighborhood, less crime, parts of LF are getting gritty/nasty

AV is $$ because of toll roads

If you can afford it choose AV

Lake Forest also includes within its borders Foothill Ranch as an option.

Not sure I would call anything in LF gritty or nasty. Maybe only by comparison with, say, Turtle Rock in Irvine.

[LuvSouthOC]

I suggest Laguna Niguel too, but should point out that you certainly won't get quite as much house in that price range, especially as compared to Lake Forest. I would also recommend Mission Viejo where that range might get more for your money.

[payutenyodagimas]

Originally Posted by mrsltd

Lake Forest also includes within its borders Foothill Ranch as an option.

Not sure I would call anything in LF gritty or nasty. Maybe only by comparison with, say, Turtle Rock in Irvine.

maybe because of the old part along el toro

[kgsmith5]

Lake Forest=older homes, typically larger lots
Aliso Viejo= newer homes, small lots, hoa

I'd choose AV from those two but you may also want to look in Ladera Ranch, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel.