single mum and going to OC (Santa Ana, Huntington Beach: apartments, rental, condo)

[singlemom]

Hi there. I am from the UK, but lived in Bucks County for 2 years. Going to do Masters in Argosy Uni this fall and have 7 yr old with me. I know that Irvine is nice and safe (we would rent), but can you suggest some other places that are perhaps not so expenssive but also safe. Also since I will be going to Santa Ana for classes, I am now concerned about the crime some people were talking about. Is it really that bad? Should I worry going to and from Uni? Very concerned after reading posts about Santa Ana.

Thank you.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Santa Ana is OK during the day. Just don't go there at night and for God's sake, don't live there.

[singlemom]

Thank you for this fast response. No, I wouldn't go anywhere at night for that matter. I would like to live in Irvine, but don't know if I can afford to rent an apartment there. After reading the coments about SA I started worrying about travelling to and from the campus which is at 3745 West Chapman Ave.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by singlemom

Thank you for this fast response. No, I wouldn't go anywhere at night for that matter. I would like to live in Irvine, but don't know if I can afford to rent an apartment there. After reading the coments about SA I started worrying about travelling to and from the campus which is at 3745 West Chapman Ave.

Oh that's actually in Orange, right by UCI Medical Center and The Block (outdoor mall). Its an OK area. Much better than Santa Ana.

[singlemom]

That was the address on my student pack but when I look at the site and "directions" it points to 3501 West Sunflower Avenue...Have no idea where the campus is. Perhaps one is admin place and another the actual campus. Thank you so much for this input. Feel quite lost at the moment. I settled fine here in Bucks County when I came from London, but for some reason feel a bit concerned about going to OC.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Ok, the campus is at the Sunflower address. I've been past it a hundred times. That's not a bad area either. Its very close to the 405 freeway. The drive from Irvine wouldn't be bad if you're going against traffic or during an off-time. The worst traffic through that area is south in the morning and north in the evening. Look at apartments in Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach too. Fountain Valley is right in between. I live there and its a nice city, but honestly, the few apartments there aren't the greatest.

[singlemom]

you are so kind, thank you. I feel better now. I was looking at the apartments right now and one bed goes from $1300 and up...Well, just have to find some work to support that.

Nice to know that someone is there. I really want to be in Irvine because of schools as I can't afford private school now that I am back into education and I heard that Irvine schools are good and no need to pay for private elementary.

[singlemom]

If it gets too expenssive I may look for another single parent and get a larger apartment or house to share. But looking forward to be a "mature student". I already have a PhD but want change of direction. Going to do Forensic Psy Masters with Argosy as they have exactly what I want and a lot of online classes. Now with this knowelegable forum about the area, I am feeling more comfortable in settling in.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by singlemom

you are so kind, thank you. I feel better now. I was looking at the apartments right now and one bed goes from $1300 and up...Well, just have to find some work to support that.

Nice to know that someone is there. I really want to be in Irvine because of schools as I can't afford private school now that I am back into education and I heard that Irvine schools are good and no need to pay for private elementary.

Irvine schools are very good but so are Fountain Valley's. Beware though that parts of the city of Fountain Valley are served by other school districts. You want to live in an area served by Fountain Valley School District. I don't really care for the apartments here, but you might be able to rent a small townhouse/condo from a private owner in FV for a somewhat reasonable cost. Look on Craig's List. There's also a free ad paper called The Pennysaver that comes with the junk mail once a week and has a rental section.

[singlemom]

The problem is I am in PA at present, going to UK for a week as soon as the school breaks up in June, and will be coming to OC hoping to get somewhere to live fast. So all this is very helpful. I am hoping to get there, stay in a hotel for a few days and book appointments to view before I get there. Very big rush. And not easy with small kid.

Escapecalifornia, how long have you been in the area if I may ask?