OC vs San Diego? (Anaheim, Irvine: condo, low crime, homes)

[TERRIE]

I've been contemplating moving to either OC> (dana point,laguna) or San Diego from inland california. Anyone out there that has lived in both areas that can give me your opinion? We make $100,000 per yr. no kids and want to live fairly close the the water. I'd like to hear about traffic,crime,cost etc. thanks!

[Unkllars]

I lived in San Diego before I got married. Upon getting married and her law school location, I moved to North OC. We are looking to move to North San Diego County. I can tell you it is less expensive with nice neighborhoods closer to the water. Traffic is kind of bad during peak hours, but other than that it is quite peaceful.

Let me ask, what are you looking for? House/condo/rental? Nightlife, activities, culture? Also, do you need to be close to anything or any place for work or family? This should give a great idea for myself and others on this forum to help!

[SDLeslie]

I grew up in OC and then came down to San Diego in the early 80's. I have lived in the north san diego area for over 20 yrs and I would never move back to OC. All of my family still lives in Laguna Niguel, Irvine and the Dana Point areas. I am so glad to be living in the best place ever. Email me if you want more info. leslie@northcountysdhomes.com

[TERRIE]

Thanks SDleslie.... can you elaborate on why you wouldn't want to live in OC over SD? Did you find the expense about the same?

[SDLeslie]

Hi Terrie,
OC is definitely more expensive and more crowded! It's a great place to live but I just happen to like San Diego county better!!
Leslie

[jksouthbay88]

Like everyone said above.OC more congested,and more expensive.But it depends what your looking for.OC cities pretty much are low crime(even the rougher parts the way I look at it.)Also it seems like OC has a little more to do than SD but San Diego has more of a "draw" to it.It seems everyone wants to be here.Plus it is very laid back or boring depending on how you read things;I'll call a little of both.I would love to do a 30 day test run to see how it would be to live in maybe the NOC or COC area?Anaheim,Westminster,Fullerton,Tustin.Those sort of seem like they are the place to me.

[Unkllars]

What are your professions? That may also determine where you may want to go. What type of lifestyle are you looking for?

[TERRIE]

Thanks for the replies everyone! My husband works as a finance manager for a car dealership and I am in office management. We love living near the water as we lived previously in HI. He is a surfer,artist type and I love beach, hiking, biking. Moslty we want somewhere with clean air and decent weather. It's important for me to be where theres a ton of green (trees etc.)