Moving to Huntington (Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Irvine: budget, apartment, rental)

[train33]

I'm looking to move to Huntington Beach for the summer. I live in the midwest and I just need to get away for a little while. I'm a teacher in my 20's. Would this be a mistake financially or is this doable. I've been to Huntington several times and love the area, I love the beach life!
I guess my main concerns are finding somewhere affordable to live just for the summer, that is close to the beach. I'm sure I would need a roommate, any good websites to find roommates? I would also need to get a summer job, are good summer jobs hard to find in Huntington?
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[bob-jenkins]

I'm sorry your moving to Huntington.

[train33]

How come you're sorry for me?

[bob-jenkins]

Because its an overpriced dump.

[OC1017]

Wouldnt you rather move to another beach city like Newport, Laguna, San Clemente, Dana Point, or Seal Beach? If they are overpriced, then I suggest you move inland to another city, like Costa Mesa or Irvine. Huntington Beach is not a good place to live, and they are WAYYYYYY overpriced for what you get (a dumpy little apartment or 900 sf house can cost the same as one in other beach cities that are far better than Huntington). It has tremendous problems with crime, and it is definately THE FARTHEST thing from the great beaches you see on those reality shows (because it is such an old, wearing down city).

[missionhome]

I think the hardest thing will be finding a job as a teacher in Orange County right now. Do you have a job offer yet? California is potentially cutting over 4 billion dollars from its education budget and right now most school districts are laying off lots of teachers since they will loose millions of dollars in funding. County wide, over 1,800 teachers are likely loosing their job this year. Most of the cuts are at the elementary school level, so I am just warning you that it may be really hard to find a school district that is hiring, that is if you decide to teach in a public school. If you teach a math/ science subject at the high school level, such as Calculus or Physics, there is usually more demand than supply for those subject types.

[Mel2882]

I believe she said she is only moving for the summer...my assumption was that she is looking for a summer job outside of teaching.

I am surprised by the responses here because I don't think Huntington is a dump at all. Sure it is different than Newport or San Clemente, but it just has a different vibe. I don't think you will find cheaper rent in other beach cities as it has been said. There are a lot of summer rentals you can share with a roommate or two, just check out Craigslist. Huntington was actually rated one of the safest cities in the country (google this, it is documented a few times), so I don't know where the "tremendous" problems with crime comes from. Since you said you have visited many times, I'm sure you are aware that things don't always look as they do on TV. As far as a summer job, I suppose it depends how much you want to make and how much free time you want to save for having fun. I'd say compared to a lot of places, it's not too hard to find a regular retail job (or something)...there are plently of things around. Good luck!

[WannaBNorCal]

lol 'bob'---having a bad day? HB is neat and not overpriced.

OP - Anywhere off EDINGER is fantastic. 3-4 miles from a la playa

[train33]

I'm a bit suprised to at some of the negative responses about Huntington. I know I've only visited and not actually lived there but I always thought it was a nice place, a cool little beach town. I must admit I didn't venture to far from the beach and main street so maybe I missed some other areas of the town that aren't so positive. Never the less, I still love the beach and the main street vibe! And I still want to spend my summer there and get a true Southern Cal experience. I'm not looking to spend the rest of my life there. I couldn't afford it!
Any other comments out there about Huntington that people would like to share. Also, I'm not opposed to being in Newport or Laguna either, are they that much better?
One last thing, so I'm guessing there aren't a ton of summer jobs around other then retail or working at restraunts? Not that I'd mind either one. Are those the types of jobs I should be looking for? If so, maybe I should try to work at the Hyatt in Huntington.
Thanks for the comments everyone, I appreciate it!

[BreaOC]

Originally Posted by train33

I'm a bit suprised to at some of the negative responses about Huntington.

Train,
The thing with bob-jenkins is that he is what is called a troll, or a person who posts with the intention of baiting other users into an emotional response or to generally disrupt normal on-topic discussion. And OC1017 is under the impression that if it isn't upscale it's a dump. To him there is no middle ground. I never understand him, I live in the same community as him (Anaheim Hills) and don't know where the attitude comes from. Basically you've already been there, you know what it looks like and already have an overall opinion of the area. Don't let negative people sway you from doing what you want to do. You may hate it, you may have the time of your life. But don't let someone else make that decision for you.