Santa Ana areas near South Coast Plaza (Fairview: apartments, leases)

[outsider1]

Can anyone please share their opinion on the area near South Coast Plaza in Santa Ana's 92704 zip code? I'm particularly interested in the older(form 1970ies) condo complexes along Sunflower between Fairview and Bristol. I've noticed that 2bed, 1.5 ~ 2bath condos are selling for as low as $189K. Is there a reason why it's that low? Crime statistics listed for that zip code don't seem that bad. Is it something else? Would it be a risky purchase?

By the way, is Spanish fluency a requirement for a comfortable everyday life in that area?

Also, is it true that once upon a time a significant number of Russian-speaking folks used to live(still living??) in that area? I've heard that there's still a Russian grocery store nearby.

Thanks in advance for any info and comments!

[bhcompy]

That area is pretty good. You do not need Spanish fluency. Don't know anything about Russians

[OCinvestor]

My sister lived in that area 5-ish years ago. Condos were fine, mix of middle class residents. I always felt it was a "pocket" of middle class normalcy in a sea of immigrant nieghborhoods. Ok if you have no kids that would need the local schools. Spanish is by no means required, but venture about .75 miles north or west into Santa Ana and it is.

[Talyssa]

the area is fine, but I think I know what complex you mean and I have to say I didn't like the complex much. It was basically apartments that you own. No washer dryer, horrible, HORRIBLE parking situation (I looked at a 3br2ba condo and it only had ONE carport).

I would guess that the low prices have nothing to do with the neighborhood (which is fine) and everything to do with that particular complex being none-too-appealing. Its not actually BAD in terms of upkeep and stuff, its just HUGE and has very little parking, no nearby overflow, and a laundry room onsite but no w/d hookups in the units themselves. Also a lot of places in this area don't have AC - and it does get pretty hot there.

They were selling for a lot during hte boom because during hte boom most places like this were bought by speculators who didnt' really think practically about whether the living conditions there are any good.

I think the prices they are going for now actually make sense, considering they're basically 'so so' apartments in a good location.

There are also some places around that are land leases, check those CAREFULLY, a lot of them expired or are expiring soon and may be/come insanely high.

But assuming you've looked into all that and are fine with it, then yes, the neighborhood is just fine. I lived there and was very happy with the location.

[fipster]

it's a decent area. doesn't have very good schools though. very close to restaurants and shops though. better for adults, but not so much for kids.