yet another midwesterner wanting to move out there... with questions

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by pacific2

Location, location, location. Do you know much about the areas where these cheap apartments are located? I can’t tell you which parts of the city are “challenged,” but I understand that Costa Mesa has some pretty rough sections.

Definitely. Low end rent in Costa Mesa means you'd better speak Spanish and like parallel parking on overcrowded streets.

[bhcompy]

Rough is a relative term. A rough area of Costa Mesa is like a decent area in Los Angeles

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by bhcompy

Rough is a relative term. A rough area of Costa Mesa is like a decent area in Los Angeles

Which is why LA sucks.

[DinsdalePirahna]

Originally Posted by jason87x

well I'm from the suburbs of Kansas City... specifically "Johnson County", which has a lot in common with Orange County, but minus the ocean and mountains and with a low cost of living. The snobby materialism supposedly of OC won't be anything I'm not used to already. Technically the area isn't "midwest" but "plains state" region but whatever lol.

I've seen worse materialism in the St. Louis area of Missouri (try Clayton, or Ladue) than in OC.

I lived in Missouri for two of the worse years of my life. I still own property there and I am waiting for the market to go up before selling.

Although I had to take a bit of a pay cut I am much happier in OC that I could ever be in Missouri. The people, the weather, the activities, the opportunities.

[jason87x]

I have too about St. Louis (think Wildwood, Chesterfield).&nbsp; What specifically about Missouri didn't you like?<br>

[masterwood89]

Originally Posted by jason87x

I have too about St. Louis (think Wildwood, Chesterfield).&nbsp; What specifically about Missouri didn't you like?<br>

DinsdalePirahna or DoublePenetration hates everything about Missouri (which I can't blame him) and especially St. Louis. The only way life in Missouri was livable was that he lived in Lake St. Louis so he could boat on the lake thats what he'll tell you because Missourians are just a bunch of backwater rednecks with no culture and DP hates rednecks.

[jason87x]

From my years of living just across the border in Kansas, I have gathered the same about them. Very backwards and redneck. This is coming from someone living in Kansas. And they drive rather poorly too, usually going 20 in a 35 and merging onto the freeway doing 30.

But back about California, yes you're right that the cheaper rents are going to be in bad areas. I also saw a really nice brand new apartment block for only $1k / month. The very obvious catch is that it is in downtown Santa Ana. I would just want something reasonable and affordable on an entry level professional salary so that I wouldn't have to steal and dumpster dive to make ends meet (though the latter almost sounds fun for some reason, in certain cases) or in a place that would make me go through the 91 chokepoint (or is it as bad as they say?). Though in any case my move won't be for a year anyway so the rents of all these places could change wildly (most likely towards up).

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by jason87x

From my years of living just across the border in Kansas, I have gathered the same about them. Very backwards and redneck. This is coming from someone living in Kansas. And they drive rather poorly too, usually going 20 in a 35 and merging onto the freeway doing 30.

But back about California, yes you're right that the cheaper rents are going to be in bad areas. I also saw a really nice brand new apartment block for only $1k / month. The very obvious catch is that it is in downtown Santa Ana. I would just want something reasonable and affordable on an entry level professional salary so that I wouldn't have to steal and dumpster dive to make ends meet (though the latter almost sounds fun for some reason, in certain cases) or in a place that would make me go through the 91 chokepoint (or is it as bad as they say?). Though in any case my move won't be for a year anyway so the rents of all these places could change wildly (most likely towards up).

If you can find a roommate, your housing options will expand greatly.

[pacific2]

If you can find a roommate, your housing options will expand greatly.
EscapeCalifornia

That sounds like a good suggestion. He could get a short term lease in a large apartment complex while he researches Penny Saver, Craig’s List or other resources for a roommate. Another option is to rent a room in a house for under a $1,000/month.

[DinsdalePirahna]

Originally Posted by masterwood89

DinsdalePirahna or DoublePenetration hates everything about Missouri (which I can't blame him) and especially St. Louis. The only way life in Missouri was livable was that he lived in Lake St. Louis so he could boat on the lake thats what he'll tell you because Missourians are just a bunch of backwater rednecks with no culture and DP hates rednecks.

Yes, I pretty much dislike everything about Missouri, so what? I lived in that hell hole for two years and did everything I could to leave the area when ever I could. Most arse backwards, passive-aggressive place I ever lived.

I have no use for rednecks and If I need a fix of Missouri, i can just go to the Orange County Fair when some washed up Country of Southern Rock band is performing.