Costa Mesa or Lakeforest ? (Santa Ana, Irvine: sublet, apartment complexes, lease)

[clueless1]

I am going to relocate to OC pretty soon. I heard these two are affordable options. Is it safe to love in that area ? Any comments would be appreciated

[Humanoid]

Lake Forest is a better area, but it cost more than Costa Mesa. Costa Mesa is next to Santa Ana which is so-so. But other areas like Mission Viejo are similarly priced as Lake Forest. When I left the area 6 years ago you could get a decent 1-bedroom in Lake Forest, Mission Viejo etc for around $1000+, they now seem to go for $1250+.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Lake Forest is all good as far as I know. With Costa Mesa, you have to be very careful exactly WHERE in CM you live. If it looks too cheap, there's probably a reason. Avoid the west side unless you're an illegal alien. The rest of the city has nice and bad mixed in.

[Mel2882]

The west side of Costa Mesa doesn't look nice, and may not be AS safe as the rest of Costa Mesa, but it is nothing to be that worried about. Also, there ARE nicer parts of Santa Ana that no one pays attention to...so some parts of Costa Mesa that border Santa Ana may not be that bad.

[rustikens]

I suggest east side Costa Mesa, stay away from west side. There are some really cute places there, and it's not as "cookie cutter" as Lake Forest. I would say Lake Forest & Costa Mesa are equally affordable. They're pretty different places: East side CM is a much more beachy, laid back atmosphere, as newport is fairly close. YOu'll have a mix of families, college students, young people. If you choose wisely in CM, you'd be able to walk to grocery stores, bars, etc. Lake Forest is a bit older-not OLD, but think more like married families, and less students/young singles, and strip malls. You'd not walk as much, think getting in the car for everything (like most of southern ca). Both nice places, just different!

[kturbe]

Costa Mesa Eastside borders Newport Beach and is going thru rehab and has a good mix of people. Lake Forest, close to the FWY is also going thru rehap but Portola Hills, Foothill Ranch are newer areas of Lake Forest that are nice. Personally I prefer South Orange County vs. Central or North but it depends on our needs with work, family, friends, social etc.

[clueless1]

That is some good information. I am going to be working in Irvine, OC and can't afford more than $1300 for rent and utilities. Would I be able to find something to rent/sublet in Irvine ?

[Humanoid]

Would I be able to find something to rent/sublet in Irvine ?

Unless you want to rent a room, then you're not going to find much in Irvine for $1300.

[kturbe]

There are studio's available in Irvine and you may want to look at individual condo's vs. apartment complexes. You might to also want to check out Tustin, Tustin Ranch, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo all about 1/2hr within reach. I just leased for a client 2 bed/2bath/garage in lake forest for $1400.00 as an example on the border towards Irvine Spectrum.

[mp33]

Lake Forest...all areas are nice -- Costa Mesa, not so much.