Possible relocation to OC from East Coast - any advice?

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by mikieguns

Thanks, I am talking about renting though.

That is right. You might also consider Orange.

[Electrician4you]

Your best time to rent and have a better chance of getting picked is October November December January into February. Because by March the competition gets fierce. By May usually stuff rents within days.

[DinsdalePirahna]

rents in OC are getting crazy, what used to be $1500 18 months ago has skyrocketed to $2500 today.

that being said, where on east coast are you from (I'm from the Mid Hudson River Valley, via Long Long Island and had to problem adapting to Southern California).

I live in the Huntington Harbour area and there are two 3 bedroom units in our condo complex available for about 2200-2400.
I work in the Irvine /Tustin /Santa Ana area and it takes me about 20 minutes to get to work, and a 45 minutes to get home.

if you are looking for East Coast-type small town in your targeted price, think about Seal Beach, Old Town Orange, Fullerton. Maybe Huntington Beach.

Most important is thing about your own lifestyle. if you are an active person: welcome to southern California! you will definitely find your niche here.
but you'll have to choose between Mountain Communities. Beach Communities, Boating Communities.

[mikieguns]

Thanks all! Coming from NJ.

[mikieguns]

Hi all. Well I visited for a few days and got a flavor for some of the areas. Overall I was impressed, but also overwhelmed! Our goals would be to rent a place not too far from work (I do not want to sit in traffic for hours each day, I would like a 30 min or less commute) as well as a very area with good elementary school as well as not terribly far from the beach! (15 min or less would be ideal). Being close to town center / shopping is key too.

So far I like Irvine, Aliso Viejo (a little further from the job and a toll road though it seems), and parts of Newport and Corona del mar (not sure if we would fit in though, seems very wealthy area). But still lots more research to do! Leaning toward renting a condo or townhome in one of the complexes with lots of amenities. Any further thoughts / suggestions? thanks!

[pacific2]

Originally Posted by mikieguns

Hi all. Well I visited for a few days and got a flavor for some of the areas. Overall I was impressed, but also overwhelmed! Our goals would be to rent a place not too far from work (I do not want to sit in traffic for hours each day, I would like a 30 min or less commute) as well as a very area with good elementary school as well as not terribly far from the beach! (15 min or less would be ideal). Being close to town center / shopping is key too.

So far I like Irvine, Aliso Viejo (a little further from the job and a toll road though it seems), and parts of Newport and Corona del mar (not sure if we would fit in though, seems very wealthy area). But still lots more research to do! Leaning toward renting a condo or townhome in one of the complexes with lots of amenities. Any further thoughts / suggestions? thanks!

Of those choices, Aliso rentals are the least expensive. So, you are more likely to find something within your budget here. I'll give you some information about AV and let others fill you in on the other cities.

The Aliso Viejo to Santa Ana commute is a relatively easy one and you don't have to take tolls. You would, however, have to time your drive to avoid the heaviest traffic because the 5 can become quite clogged. That could, for example, mean leaving home 10 minutes earlier.

Schools are good.

You should be able to get to the beach in about 15 minutes. TIP: Go during the least popular times, especially during the summer when traffic into Laguna Beach can backup into Aliso Viejo.

There are also parks everywhere and the city has about 23 of them.

It might be hard, but not impossible, to find a 2-3 bedroom townhouse/condo here for $2500. Maybe a realtor could help you with that. My hunch is that the 2 bedrooms probably start at about $2500.

There are apartments in close proximity to Town Center. For example, the newly opened Vantis is right up the hill from it, an easy walk:

Shea Apartment Living

City Lights is even a bit closer:
City Lights in Aliso Viejo | Aliso Viejo Apartments

St. Moritz is right across the street from Town Center:
Aliso Viejo Apartments | St. Moritz Resort Apartments

Search "Aliso Viejo" on C-D and you should be able to find a lot of information. Still, let me know if there is anything else that you are curious about.

[pacific2]

Regarding 2 bedroom apartments in Aliso Viejo, check around because there are a number of communities here besides those I listed, which are the closest to Town Center and perhaps the most expensive.

Even with these, you would not be more than 2.5 miles away from Town; not walking distance, but a short drive.

Alicante is one such place and comes highly rated. Incidentally, I stayed there years ago when I first moved to OC from Manhattan. Maintenance is tops, the staff is friendly, big dogs are welcome and it is easy to meet people there:
https://www.elevatetosequoia.com/apa...artment-homes/

[mikieguns]

thank you much!