Young retirees in San Clemente or Laguna Niguel? (Carlsbad, Newport Beach: real estate, crime)

[labluvr]

My husband & I just retired this year and we are craving a better climate. We live in the high desert and are sick of the weather (too hot, too cold, too windy), and have had enough of the gang problem. My husband retired from law enforcement and I from the court, no kids, just 3 loveable labs. So, we have narrowed down our search to San Clemente or Laguna Niguel (maybe Carlsbad). We have been there with a realtor and driven around several times by ourselves. Does anyone know of a neighborhood that has a few young retirees? What's the scoop with Talega? Thanks for any input on either area.

[BearLaker]

Originally Posted by labluvr

My husband & I just retired this year and we are craving a better climate. We live in the high desert and are sick of the weather (too hot, too cold, too windy), and have had enough of the gang problem. My husband retired from law enforcement and I from the court, no kids, just 3 loveable labs. So, we have narrowed down our search to San Clemente or Laguna Niguel (maybe Carlsbad). We have been there with a realtor and driven around several times by ourselves. Does anyone know of a neighborhood that has a few young retirees? What's the scoop with Talega? Thanks for any input on either area.

My partner and I are in the same boat, doing about the same thing, except we are two men so our choices have to consider that.

There seem to be quite a few aging demographic maps on the internet. You can google those.

REDFIN.COM has a nice feature that dicusses age demographics as well as EVERYTHING else (house prices, etc) by zip code or neighborhood. Here is a link for one neighborhood in San Clemente: 430 Camino Flora Vis, San Clemente, CA 92673 | $779,995 | Talega Real Estate | S548148 then go to the bottom of the page and choose Neighborhood Demographics. You can do this for any property/area.

We crossed San Clemente off our list because you have to get the freeway to get to/from there every time. Plus the area is heavy red, politically, which was too much for us.

We are looking at Laguna Niguel seriously. It's a little easier to get to other places in OC and seems to have a little more diversity and active lifestyle.

Good luck!

[labluvr]

Thanks for the response & for the link- it should help. I'm drawn to San Clemente because of the walking trails and the apparent slower pace. Hubby likes LN for the proximity to restaurants, shopping etc. You can get more for your $$ in Carlsbad, but not clear on the crime problems there. Maybe the best way to determine the flavor of the 'hoods is to take our dogs and walk the streets- have you tried that?

[BearLaker]

Originally Posted by labluvr

Thanks for the response & for the link- it should help. I'm drawn to San Clemente because of the walking trails and the apparent slower pace. Hubby likes LN for the proximity to restaurants, shopping etc. You can get more for your $$ in Carlsbad, but not clear on the crime problems there. Maybe the best way to determine the flavor of the 'hoods is to take our dogs and walk the streets- have you tried that?

No, we haven't tried that. We rented in Laguna Woods last year which was fine...nice quiet area and nicely landscaped...but it is a retirement village.

Normally we take our dog to the off leash dog parks. San Clemente has one on the north side if I-5, but it's only so-so.

The best dog park is on Laguna Canyon road just north of Laguna Beach.

We will be checking out neighborhoods this winter, too, so at this point I don't have much insight for you.

But Good Luck!

[karenh7]

My husband and I are thinking of retiring to So Cal in the next few years and are considering the south OC and northe SD region. We have spent some time with my brother in Blboa Island/Newport Beach. Weather is great not too hot as long as yo are near coast but pricey. We'd like a walking town on the smaller side.