Is Living in Orange County really worth the hype? (Los Angeles: renting, insurance)

[denverian]

Originally Posted by Charles

I'm 98% with you (also, besides weather: parents, friends, some ethnic food conveniences, no Trader Joes, etc.)

Colorado instead Midwest.


Had the best of both worlds:

LA: single in my 20s and 30s, clubs, chicks, camping, fishing, parties, beaches, skiing, bands, sports, etc.

Colorado: married in my 40s, four kids, excellent schools, housing less than $150/sqft, plenty of jobs in both Colorado Springs and Denver, no traffic, equivalent weather (actually better, not as hot) May through November, more interesting weather December through April (still just as sunny as SoCal).

Here are examples of the interesting weather (and these pictures aren't reversed):

Denver in May


Denver in December

If it snows like that in May, (I've personally never seen snow like that in May in Denver), it makes the national news. But when it's 70 and sunny in Denver on Christmas (as in 2005), the rest of the country doesn't hear about it. Of course if it snows in May, it's gone very fast, I'd assume. Even April snows melt in a day.

[denverian]

Originally Posted by BreaOC

OK. I grew up in OC, my family moved to the Midwest and after living in a couple cities up there I couldn't stand being away from OC. Like everyone has said there is horrible traffic and it is very expensive. A recent report I read stated that if you are planning on renting, the average renter needs to be making at least $15.37/hr to live somewhat comfortably. Of course that's an average, and areas such as Irvine will require higher pay to live, but your pay should be adjusted to compliment that. Try to get a home or apt near where you are working if possible. Irvine is very mundane, as in everything looks the same, but that is because Irvine is one of the largest planned communities in the nation. It's basically a big housing development that got to call itself a city. However, being a planned community your never far from everything, that's how it was planned. Close to shopping, schools, etc. True OC isn't a city, it's a county duh. It has traffic because it's part of a metro of over 17.7 million people. It's not crammed together like NYC, that's why we live here!!! Plus, beaches, shopping, sunshine, comfy temps year round. It's great, but not every area is for everyone. Give it a try, if you don't like it I'm sure your business has other locations you can transfer to. Best of luck!!!
P.S.- I've included a lil write up that may quench your OC thirst LOL:

Despite what some popular TV shows and films may want you to think, there's more to Orange County than beaches, shopping malls and beautiful people (although truth be told, there are plenty of all three here). And believe us when we tell you that nobody here calls it "the O.C." Orange County (named for the groves of oranges that used to grow here) is a diverse area made up of 34 cities that range from large and bustling to small and downright sleepy.Orange County has a lot of variety to offer those searching for jobs, apartments for rent and a new place to call home.
It's not hard to live the good life in Orange County, where 42 miles of beaches afford visitors and residents year-round opportunities for swimming, surfing and boating, plus tide pools where you can get up close and personal with marine life. Orange County is probably most famous for the Disneyland Resort, which includes the ever-popular Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. Lots of locals buy an annual pass and visit the theme parks as often as they like. Other attractions in the county include Knott's Berry Farm (another theme park with scream machines galore), Balboa Island, the Crystal Cathedral and the Discovery Science Center. History buffs will appreciate the Mission at San Juan Capistrano as well as the Richard Nixon Library. Ready for more of the good life? Go shopping in one of Orange County's huge shopping malls, like the South Coast Plaza, which sells a mind-boggling $1 billion worth of products each year.

Do you write marketing material for the chamber of commerce?

Pesonally I found the beaches to be beautiful, but the water is cold and not very clear. And November through May is rather chilly in OC, so unless you're wearing a wet suit or have a heated pool, swimming is out. It's not like Hawaii or the tropics. And then when it's warm enough for the beach, there's no parking and it's very crowded.

And I'd hardly call the Crystal Cathedral and Tricky Dick's coffin any big tourist draws. South Coast Plaza - eh - it's ok. It's showing its age and definitely nothing special. I think Denver's Cherry Creek Mall is just as good, as far as malls go. Fashion Island is at least interesting looking.

[Coldjensens]

If you are between 20 and about 33 years old, I think that OC is one of the best places on earth to live. (San Diego is better).

The weather is almost always nice. You are close to beaches and not too far from mountains and deserts. There is always something to do or somewhere to go. Every kind of restaurant imaginable is very close. There are dozens of very nice malls if you are into mall shopping. There are more movie theaters per capita than anywhere else. It is a great place for year round outdoor activities (although it may be hard to escape crowds).


If you are into an urban environment, OC cannot offer that except in Santa Ana. It is crowded. Traffic is horrid. The general atmosphere tends to be very shallow and pretentious, but there are a lot of nice people there who are not that way. Just don't get caught up in the whole pretense thing, and you will be fine. It is crowded and expensive. Family and moral values are not priorities in the general society. (Again there are a lot of moral and family oriented people there). Many people tend to be caught up in their own perceived self-importance. Many people are harried and under a lot of pressure. It is very very expensive to live in OC.

We loved living there for 18 years. However we felt it was not a good place to raise children. Two years ago, we moved back to Michigan for family proximity and for a more wholesome, slower paced place to raise our children (plus better public schools). We certainly met those goals, but there are still some things that we miss about OC.

[BreaOC]

Originally Posted by denverian

Do you write marketing material for the chamber of commerce?

Pesonally I found the beaches to be beautiful, but the water is cold and not very clear. And November through May is rather chilly in OC, so unless you're wearing a wet suit or have a heated pool, swimming is out. It's not like Hawaii or the tropics. And then when it's warm enough for the beach, there's no parking and it's very crowded.

And I'd hardly call the Crystal Cathedral and Tricky Dick's coffin any big tourist draws. South Coast Plaza - eh - it's ok. It's showing its age and definitely nothing special. I think Denver's Cherry Creek Mall is just as good, as far as malls go. Fashion Island is at least interesting looking.

LOL I know the last part of my post was really gimmicky, but like it says it's from a website. If I came up with that I think rent.com owes me some $$. Denver is OK, not dogging it believe me, but OC is home. And don't hate on South Coast Plaza, that is my version of church! Please, Armani Exchange, Rolex, Chanel, Co-op Barneys, H&M, Dolce & Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Fendi, Gucci, DKNY, Jimmy Choo, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Giorgio Armani, Versace, OMG the list goes on and on!!! It makes my mouth water everytime i walk in there! See now I sound like I'm writing marketing material. Fashion Island is beautiful, the views, the breeze coming from the ocean.

[cowboy45]

[quote=cityx;1422855]

Originally Posted by missionhome

Paul,
I second you. San Clemente is the true hidden paradise of Orange County beach communities.

I third that. San Clemente rocks! Clean air, mild weather, beautiful vistas, nice people, significantly less traffic, and you're pretty much 50/50 between San Diego and Los Angeles if you ever crave a "big city" night out on the town. But who would want to leave though?

San Clemente has a high number of drug rehab homes. At starbucks on PCH its a hang out for them. They are all smoking cigarettes and tattooed up. You hear them all talk about the program.

[Donna7]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

If you are between 20 and about 33 years old, I think that OC is one of the best places on earth to live. (San Diego is better).

The weather is almost always nice. You are close to beaches and not too far from mountains and deserts. There is always something to do or somewhere to go. Every kind of restaurant imaginable is very close. There are dozens of very nice malls if you are into mall shopping. There are more movie theaters per capita than anywhere else. It is a great place for year round outdoor activities (although it may be hard to escape crowds).


If you are into an urban environment, OC cannot offer that except in Santa Ana. It is crowded. Traffic is horrid. The general atmosphere tends to be very shallow and pretentious, but there are a lot of nice people there who are not that way. Just don't get caught up in the whole pretense thing, and you will be fine. It is crowded and expensive. Family and moral values are not priorities in the general society. (Again there are a lot of moral and family oriented people there). Many people tend to be caught up in their own perceived self-importance. Many people are harried and under a lot of pressure. It is very very expensive to live in OC.

We loved living there for 18 years. However we felt it was not a good place to raise children. Two years ago, we moved back to Michigan for family proximity and for a more wholesome, slower paced place to raise our children (plus better public schools). We certainly met those goals, but there are still some things that we miss about OC.

We moved back to NE OH (close to Michigan) 23 years ago for the same reasons you did. Now, I'm going nuts with the winters, weather, lack of economic opportunity, astronomical college costs, education cutbacks; just basically fed up and ready for a change. Looking at OC and SD again. Have a job interview in February at Orange Coast College; still not sure what to do.

Wishing you the best.

[SilverSurfer167]

Originally Posted by bigd8200

I recently received a job offer in Irvine, CA (Orange County). As great as the weather is and the proximity to the beach and mountains, I really wonder..... IS IT WORTH IT? Many people I talked to want to get out because it is expensive, traffic sucks, overcrowded, etc.

I would like to know from those who are living in Orange County or who have lived there in the past if it is truly worth LIVING and WORKING there! Defend the place you live or vent your frustrations. I want to know the good and bad to living and working there. Some people talk like it is paradise while others say it is overrated for numerous reasons (cost of living being a major factor).

When I interviewed in Irvine, I fell into the "southern california mystique" as most non-Californians do. I want to make an educated and wise decision before I decide to move out to "paradise."

Let me preface this by first stating that I'm originally from back east. I moved to San Diego for a job in 1999. Absolutely loved it and lived there until December 2004, but then was more or less forced to move to Orange County for reasons beyond my control. That said, traffic ::SUCKS:: it's ::OVERCROWDED:: and cost of living is ::OUTRAGEOUS:: in both places. You'll find that unless you live in Bumble**** Humboldt County that the majority of California falls into the above referenced.

I stay here for one simple reason: the weather and the opportunity, but I recognize that I have to sacrifice a lot in order to live here. For e.g. Unless I become an executive officer of a corporation with a seven digit salary, inherit a fortune or marry either, I will never be a homeowner in either Orange or San Diego counties because the cost is exorbitantly prohibitive.

Rent is no better. I live in a 1 BR, 794SF apt. and the rent just got jacked up to $1308.00/mo. That's not including anything but the apt. Utils, food, gas, and other living expenses are fast becoming prohibitive as well. Landlords and property mgt cos are out to ********* anyway possible. If you work in law as I do, then this won't be a problem for you. However, notwithstanding the warts, I continue to stay for above referenced reasons. BTW - San Diego is a lot better in terms of weather and community. Orange County is Stepford, IMO and I find that there are very few people that I like here. The prevailing mindset is that life is about how much money you make, your clothing, and what you drive. But I've never been a follower and really could care less about keeping up with M/M Jones in their stretch Hummer and their overprivileged children, Chad, Taylor and Bailey, so the 'tude doesn't really bother me.

My advice to you: If you aren't like me and willing to sacrifice for beautiful weather, or if you ever want to be a homeowner and support a family, then don't move here.

[oc2eire]

Well, I've lived here for a pretty big fraction of my life, and I'm actually very lucky to live here, even though Orange County is not exactly my style (sprawling, suburban paradise). I prefer wide open spaces and historical architecture, but that's the reason why I'm moving to Ireland.

Somethings about the county I'll miss, I mean the food and shopping here is amazing, but even though they have that in Ireland too, I'll still miss In-N-Out and other great food.

I'm friggin tired of this weather, even though the past week it's been nice and rainy, after that it's just gonna go back to dry, blinding sunny days like always, not fair!

No matter how polluted, culturless, characterless, or whatever LA/OC is considered, it's still home to me, and I'll miss it when I'm across the pond no matter what.

[CHERRYBLUE83]

I'm a black girl, 24, and I just moved to the OC from NC for my job. I didn't do any research on the area before hand, because I thought OC was the HOT SPOT....WRONG....Anyway, I'll be here for at least a year for my job before being able to transfer. I know there is only 1.7% blacks here, but can anybody tell me a good place to hang out to find them??? It's not like I don't love white people and Latinos/Asians. I work with them all day. I love them. I love diversity altogether.....Please help!! I'm so homesick

[cowboy45]

Originally Posted by bigd8200

I recently received a job offer in Irvine, CA (Orange County). As great as the weather is and the proximity to the beach and mountains, I really wonder..... IS IT WORTH IT? Many people I talked to want to get out because it is expensive, traffic sucks, overcrowded, etc.

I would like to know from those who are living in Orange County or who have lived there in the past if it is truly worth LIVING and WORKING there! Defend the place you live or vent your frustrations. I want to know the good and bad to living and working there. Some people talk like it is paradise while others say it is overrated for numerous reasons (cost of living being a major factor).

When I interviewed in Irvine, I fell into the "southern california mystique" as most non-Californians do. I want to make an educated and wise decision before I decide to move out to "paradise."

Don't believe the hype. Plenty of other nice places to live in Southern California. But I would advise anyone from moving to Southern if it can be helped. The state had a net loss of Native Californians last year.

People that live in Orange County have no ideal that there is life outside of it. Los Angeles has much more culture and the people are not as rude. The only thing many people now about LA is the airport and Staples center. Los Angeles get bad press. Its not as dangerous as some would have you believe.