Living in Orange County

[California Kid]

BigD8200... I didn't see if you are Single / Family, but with the Salary informaiton you indicated, probably best you stay put. I relocated from out-of-state in 1989 when housing prices were averaging $140 +/- per square foot. We were fortunate and bought a home and later sold in late 2005 during the peak period. My company has moved me back into California and could not imagine trying to buy even with my salary without a huge downpayment (like 50-75% down). If your in no hurry, I would wait through 2007 to see which way the housing market heads....at this time, the market has a lot of indicators that the OC housing is in trouble. This may also lead to some serious issues with employment since their are many people who depend on the real estate sector.
Good Luck

[Des_Demona]

Hey you're very welcome BigD. I'm glad you found a place and job you like in San Antonio. I think you made the right decision. Just think, with all the money you'll be saving living there, you can come vacation to California and only experience the good stuff! If you were living here, you wouldn't be able to afford vacations and overtime might become your middle name. And you're right, that $779 a month is very expensive for there! I bet you could find something cheaper and save even more money. Best of luck to you!

[kimyart]

rancho santa margarita is track home hell. It gets incredibly hot in summer and it takes forever to get there from the freeway. You can find affordable houses in Capistrano beach and dana point right on the ocean, which is why you should move to california in the first place. The pennysavor is the local mailer that everyone reads to find roomies or rentals. Rooms rent from $700. - $1200. for a studio or private entrance type. As you go south from Irvine, rents get cheaper. Capo is about 15 - 20 minutes down the freeway. My roommate works there and loves it here because it reminds her of santa cruz. Old 50's cottages. Our rent runs about $2000.00 for a 3 bedroom with a large garage. Hope this helps.

[ScooterMama]

Simple solution to gas prices: Get yourself a scooter! 60-70 mpg & fun on top of it. Cost of living is high here, but there's a lot of living to do. Someone said it'll take an hour to get to the beach from RSM. Maybe, if you do it at noon or 1pm, but if you drag your lazy booty outta bed & hit the road by 9, less than 1/2 hour. If I were single here, I would definitely need to have a room mate. I've noticed there are lots of condos with 2 master bedrooms... maybe that's why! Good luck!!!