Don't know what city to live in please help! (Irvine: renting, big house)

[dieselthedog]

Hello, my husband and I plan on moving to California and I'm not sure where to go. Both will have bachelor degrees in communications and will be looking for jobs. We are looking to get into a house 2-3 bedrooms min 2 baths. I know Orange County is costly, but is there anywhere that will not break the bank? My criteria is: 1. safe area 2. good schools (plan on having kids within 2 years) 3. parking 4. close to mall and places to eat. (I don't want to drive 20 mins to places) I have not been to Orange County before only LA area, but people tell me this is the place to go. Keep in mind, I am married though I am young and if there was a city with elderly people in it, I would move there. My husband hasn't quit is partying days so the farther away from bars and clubs would be great!

[bhcompy]

buying or renting? budget?

[dieselthedog]

Originally Posted by bhcompy

buying or renting? budget?

Buying. My budget would be $700,000.

[bob-jenkins]

Try Placentia, great schools, extremely safe (in the north part of city) and a big house can be attained in your budget. Tustin or Orange might also be a good option for you. If you are looking to be coastal, Fountain Valley, but you might compromise space that you wouldnt have to compromise in a place like Placentia.

[bhcompy]

you'll be fine on a 700k budget

tustin would put you close to the spectrum and not too far from south coast plaza

costa mesa would put you very close to south coast plaza

los alamitos/seal beach/rossmoor would put you in a great district close to lots of entertainment

cypress area has good family neighborhood with respectable schools and is next to los alamitos.

both of those previous areas are close to long beach town center, marina pacifica, and westminster mall.

honestly, there are a lot of nice places in the 700k price range so good luck on your search

[OC1017]

Rossmoor might be a bit expensive on a $700K budget b/c those homes are way overpriced.

I dont think you will have a problem at all, the median home price in the county is lower than $700K, so half of the listings are affordable for you.

Have fun, and I hope you find something you like!

[missionhome]

I would recommend Mission Viejo also. Nice safe clean area in the rolling hills of South Orange County. Mission Viejo and neighboring cities of Rancho Santa Margarita, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, and Laguna Niguel will have enough houses to choose from that fit your budget. Many people work in the Irvine Spectrum area which is a close drive.

[Kiki Jensen]

Laguna Niguel is safe and close to the beach. A wonderful place to raise a family!

[Kiki Jensen]

Warning: Lake Forest is CHANGING for the worst.

[Unkllars]

So, no bars, but what are you looking for in a city/neighborhood? My wife and I like North Orange County, besides the fact that its close to our universities. I'm 25 and she's 27, so we can give a young opinion. We too are looking to have children (well, she'll have the children, I'll just help) in two years. Depending on what your desired surroundings, size house and lot, and entertainment/activity wants are, each city offers its unique qualities. That is one neat thing about Orange County.