Lake Elsinore: Opinions from a Semi-Resident (Los Angeles, Orange: real estate, skateboarding, renter)

[Sakana]

Introduction:
I'm an individual who's been an on-and-off resident of Lake Elsinore for the last 4 years. We'll just say I'm a mid-20's guy who's enduring the struggles and hardships of making a living in Los Angeles. I moved here, along with my parents in 2004....lived on my own for 3 years, and have recently made the move back here.
Focusing on a Direction:
I can see positive things happening for this city. Lake Elsinore's location alone should almost guarantee its growth. I also applaud the direction in which they "plan" to market the city. Being that California in itself, is a state known for it's love of "extreme sports"(a term I hate to use). It's only natural that Lake Elsinore, considering it's abundance of open land, would further it's efforts towards catering to people all over the world whom enjoy things such as Skydiving, Hang-Gliding, Motocross, Skateboarding..etc..
With that said, I just hope the city doesn't decide to abandon that direction like so many greedy minded city developers end up doing. Trying to building as many residential development's, instead of using an open lot of land to build a skatepark or bmx track.

A City Breaking A Stereotype:
I laugh wholeheartedly at how people still give this city a bad rap. Through my own experiences of employment at Pechanga Casino. I would often get ignorant remarks from co-workers who resided in the Temecula area. It would usually go along the lines of..."Your from Elsinore...Ewww..Isn't it kind of ghetto out there?" ...I would respond by laughing..telling them they live in a bubble.
If I were to describe this city. I would say it's a Blue-Collar Town. A town in which the locals are very friendly, but are also fiercely loyal in defending it. No pretentiousness. Just that small town vibe still. I've never seen any Nazi types whom are blatant about their beliefs. But I'm half jewish...so i do know these people exist undercover.
..And considering Meth Addicts?. Believe me when I say these people exist anywhere and everywhere. Upper Class/MiddleClass/Lower Class, Rural/Suburban/Urban...it doesn't matter. You must be very naive to think a city like Temecula would not have a drug problem with its youth. In all honesty, I wouldn't be suprised if the situation with drugs is twice as worse there. Considering that kids with daddy's money to blow are the prospective buyers. Not some kid living in his trailer buying a $10 sack of crank. Check your own city blocks of temecula..and i'm sure you'll find some Meth lab cooking up somewhere, or some big time cocaine dealer selling to your kids. Open your eyes and quit being so blind.

Crimewise:
You'll still see a rough edged element in certain areas. Primarily around Main St., along Grand Ave. and in certain southern portions at the NorthSide of the lake. It's just your typical working class people in these areas. Their is some gang activity scattered here and there. It is nothing to be fearful of though. The gangs don't run the streets rampant. Nor do they carve an existence in the nicer community blocks. In other words..its like an other city in California. On a side remark, i think the overexaggeration of Fear in this country is insane. But that is a topic of discussion I'll rant on some other day..haha

Closing Statements:
Considering I grew up in a pretty rough neighborhood of Los Angeles named Van Nuys. Believe me when I say, the only reason criminal elements expand through cities is because of the lack of entertainment and/or things to do. All the Gangs, Tagging, Drugs is out of pure boredom(and bad/lack of parenting). Lake Elsinore can seriously curb and reduce any crime that exists by simply putting an effort and focus towards providing for the Youth. Not just focusing on "extreme sports", but by also taking into the consideration of providing Youth Centers, Dance Studios, Fine Arts studios, Concrete Skateparks..etc... Creating a well rounded environment by understanding and getting to know what the Youth wants and needs. And doing the best you can with the resources you have.
This is a city in which a good percentage of its residents are young parents(in their late 20's,early 30's). Many of which have kids whom will grow up to be of age in the upcoming decade. And as long as the city pays attention to this critical factor. Then Lake Elsinore will soon be the city laughing at Temecula/Murrieta and its facade it portrays. Lake Elsinore will leave its bad rap and be the model for all future cities with SMART GROWTH.

[Jehanzeb]

Very well written! And so far, totally true.

I remember living in Mission Viejo and the reaction I would get when telling people about my move to Lake Elsinore.
Almost everyone pointed me south of the 15 (Murrieta, Wildomar and Temecula).

Despite all the 'unrealistic input' I received, I stuck to my decision about buying a home in Lake Elsinore.

So far I am loving it here and enjoying the small town feel of this city.

Good to see someone else shares my view

[Sakana]

Yea. I wanted to give a balanced viewpoint, as person who doesn't entirely hold allegiance to this city.

Lake Elsinore may not be the greatest city on earth. But it is a good place to raise a family.

It just seems the stigma of it's past still remains with some people. All the Lake Elsinore posts on here always end up with someone bashing it, when they aren't even a resident(usually someone from some temecula real estate =P).

So it's always good to let others judge if Lake Elsinore works for them. And i believe the good far outweighs the bad for me.

But glad to hear you enjoy it here too =)

[WaterLiving]

I just read your post. Good reality and I'm sure it will all work out in Lake Elsinore. Just beware of that church they built on the hill. I think it's called Mountain Ministries, not sure of the complete name. That is a "cult" and they came from La Habra. That pastor has been married 3 times, and has around 8 kids. SCARY!

[cwcivicgrl]

I am from Lake Elsinore and I find everything the poster said to be true. The real problem lies though with people like me. I lived in Canyon Hills with my parents then moved to my own place in Downtown Lake Elsinore, where I also work. My house is new built in 2006 and the neighborhood is OLD not rundown. So I rented, 1st weekend of being there a huge party filled with Latinos next store, in my house sounded like I was in a subwoofer. So cops were called by pretty much every neighbor. Following that code enforcement was called and they mowed picked up trash but their behavior still continues. Example: Loud Music at 1 am or 5am, they pee in the streets bushes where ever they can when their drunk, and they through beer cans, caps, and beer boxes any where they want including in my backyard. Cattie corner to my house another neighbor who plays loud music at 1am or 5am. Characteristic of this, Latinos! How do I a concerned resident and employee in Downtown Lake Elsinore fight this and give Lake Elsinore Police Dept. a definate reason to put an end to this????

[SoCal Bottom Rider]

Yeah blame it on the Latinos. Give me an f-ing break. How bout all those white meth punks that hanging out downtown? Still there? Place like Lake Elsinore and Moreno valley, they have stereotypes for a reason. You knew that when you moved there. What? did you think you could change it by overpaying for a home in 2006? please.

[phillyfrank]

We are considering moving to a 2006 home in lake elsinor. Its located on santa cruz street but dont have any idea about whether this is a good neighborhood or good area to buy in. If anyone has any knowledge about this we would appreciate your reply. Thanks.

[cwcivicgrl]

Originally Posted by SoCal Bottom Rider

Yeah blame it on the Latinos. Give me an f-ing break. How bout all those white meth punks that hanging out downtown? Still there? Place like Lake Elsinore and Moreno valley, they have stereotypes for a reason. You knew that when you moved there. What? did you think you could change it by overpaying for a home in 2006? please.

We are definately not overpaying, we have done considerate research on want rent runs for in the City of Lake Elsinore. I did not mention "characteristics, Latino" as an insult or as a stereotype. I have talked to many people about my loud neighbors and each time I mentioned that they were of a Spanish decent, any of my friends that were Mexican said it was typical that Mexicans usually do play there music all the time and loud. In my particular neighborhood white people are the minority so no there are no white meth punks, try Hemet or Orange County for white meth punks or even Machado St. I did not know my neighbors would be loud when I moved in nor did I know my area I moved to would be how it is, I lived in Lake Elsinore for 4 years before I moved to Downtown Lake Elsinore and my neighborhood was completley fine not one problem ever until now in my new house. You can do as much research as you want but the landlord is not going to tell you anything negative, they want a renter in there property and it was quite when we viewed our home with the landlord.

[cwcivicgrl]

Originally Posted by phillyfrank

We are considering moving to a 2006 home in lake elsinor. Its located on santa cruz street but dont have any idea about whether this is a good neighborhood or good area to buy in. If anyone has any knowledge about this we would appreciate your reply. Thanks.

My recommendation is mapquesting the house and go look at the house and the neighborhood. Go look at it at different times in the morning and at night, neighbors tend to change there demenor according to rather or not they are a morning or night person. Try talking to people in the neighborhood, they are your best indication to what your getting yourself into, I sure wish I did that. But you live you learn, right?

[Lakewooder]

I don't understand why the police just can't enforce the law.