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Old 04-29-2007, 05:17 AM
 
113 posts, read 1,312,740 times
Reputation: 134

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I am an American/Californian currently residing in the UK (small town just outside of London) just moved here 5 months ago after marrying a wonderful Englishman last year. I was only to eager to leave California: sick of the horrible traffic, complained it was too hot, too sunny(ha! never again after experiencing the English winters) too crowded,etc. Now after living abroad I realize that I took my beautiful state and country for granted! In California we have great weather, friendly people (in England you never get a smile or hello from a stranger, Americans are also much more open about sharing emotions and feelings, in England its considered a weakness), we have so many great shops, restaurants, parks, all of that is very limited here unless you live in London (not a good option for us, it's like living in LA, very crowded). We are so more advanced in technology, service industry (even though some of our friendliness and good service is sometimes a bit fake and over the top, I'd rather have that than a grumpy english waitress who dismisses me if I ask for more bread or ketchup).

My husband is willing to move to California with me as long as we can live in a sunny beach town, so I am thinking the OC is a good option for us, wish we could afford West LA where I grew up but unfortunately Santa Monica is out of our price range. I have read here that there are many brits in Laguna Niguel and think my huband would like to be somewhere where there are other brits, english pubs, football games, etc. can anybody tell me what living in Laguna Niguel is like?

I apologize to any brits that might take offense at my post, England is avery rich in history, culture, a beautiful country, just not my cup of tea!

Can't wait to get back to California!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am a reformed "hater" and for all of you native Californians haters, I suggest moving away to truly realize what California has to offer.

Thanks for any ideas, recommendations, on places to live in OC.
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Old 04-29-2007, 07:46 AM
 
4,610 posts, read 11,082,559 times
Reputation: 6832
I'm with you!

I moved from California to Texas 2.5 years ago and I can not wait to come back to Calif. I took Calif for granted and I never will do that again. You don't know what you got until it's gone.
I know that Hamish on here is from Scotland and they are moving to Laguna Niguel. I bet he can help you also.

Good Luck!
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Old 04-29-2007, 09:52 AM
 
20 posts, read 69,235 times
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I own a home in Lake Forest now, but rented in Laguna Niguel. It's a well-maintained, clean city with newer shopping centers. Most of the homes are between 10-15 years old and the predominant architectural style is mediterranian with tile roofs.

You'd be close enough to the coast to enjoy the marine layer. Remember though- may-june you're socked in with June Gloom! Even though Laguna Niguel is closer in air miles to the beach, the actual drive takes a long time- sometimes 30 minutes or more, depending on traffic.

I know how you feel about missing California. I had to live in Dallas for 3 1/2 years while my husband was in college, and I was literally on a plane back to California the day after he graduated!
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Old 04-29-2007, 03:15 PM
 
Location: scotland & california
10 posts, read 32,042 times
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you can tell your hubby that there is also a 'jock' and a norwegian (the wife) living in laguna niguel - and tell him he will not miss his footy, as cox cable carries a great tv channel 'fsc' that shows all the premiership games, live...

not sure about 'english' pubs, as i much prefer the laid back beach life style, but i have noticed that everyone is very friendly, loads of dinner parties, and great communities/neigbours.

laguna niguel is quite spread out, but we are moving into a house that is only 2-miles to the beach (monarch beach), so all we need to do is stroll down 'salt creek' and leave the car at the house...
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Old 04-29-2007, 07:20 PM
 
77 posts, read 631,598 times
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welcome back .


Quote:
hamishmacbrown:

not sure about 'english' pubs,
There's one on Crown Valley & Golden Lantern in Laguna Niguel .
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Old 04-30-2007, 03:05 AM
 
113 posts, read 1,312,740 times
Reputation: 134
Thank you all for replying and for the info, I wish you all the best of luck!
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Old 04-30-2007, 06:56 AM
 
Location: London
142 posts, read 442,051 times
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Although i appreciate that Britain is not to everybodys liking. To say that the only place to find decent restaurants, shopping or parks is in London is far from accurate as are your comments regarding technology and the rudeness of the people (although i do concede that in general the British are more reserved than Americans).
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Old 04-30-2007, 07:29 AM
 
113 posts, read 1,312,740 times
Reputation: 134
Sorry Chris82 I do apologize in my first post as I don't mean to offend any brits, but I live in Essex and that's my opinion from what I have experienced living here. I am sure there are exceptions but in general I feel that in certain areas England is sorely lacking but I also concede that California is far from perfect, it's just perfect for me
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Old 04-30-2007, 08:35 AM
 
Location: London
142 posts, read 442,051 times
Reputation: 214
Quote:
Originally Posted by bornagaincalifornian View Post
Sorry Chris82 I do apologize in my first post as I don't mean to offend any brits, but I live in Essex and that's my opinion from what I have experienced living here. I am sure there are exceptions but in general I feel that in certain areas England is sorely lacking but I also concede that California is far from perfect, it's just perfect for me

Now you've said you're in Essex i can see why you're so keen to get back

Good luck for your move back to California
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Old 04-30-2007, 09:01 AM
 
113 posts, read 1,312,740 times
Reputation: 134
Thanks Chris!
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