Irvine vs. Costa Mesa (moving from Chicago) (Santa Ana, Orange: apartments, lease)

[Katherine5]

My boyfriend and I are moving from the suburbs of Chicago to the Orange County area in the end of July. His job is in Irvine, and I am still looking for a job. I need to transfer my teaching certificate but for now I’m looking for a nannying job. We are trying for a 2-bedroom apartment around $1800/month, since I don't know when I will have a job. We are willing to live in a 1-bedroom if necessary.

We both like the Park West apartments in Irvine, but I kind of wanted to stay away from the Irvine company, based on what I’ve read here ?
I found an apartment in Costa Mesa that I like that seems to be in a good location- within walking distance of Newport Beach restaurants, close to the beach, etc.
I also like that their pet deposit and pet rent is cheaper than in Irvine. I have two small dogs.

If you have any suggestions I would really appreciate it!

[Katherine5]

and by "trying for a 2-bedroom" I meant LOOKING for...long day

[kwong7]

My wife and I rented an apartment at Pinnacle at MacArthur Place from Bre Apartments for 4 years (we initially signed a 6 month lease, thinking that we'd buy a place soon). They are located right at the 55, 405, and 73 fwys in Santa Ana. 1 mile to Costa Mesa, .5 mile to Irvine, and 1.5 miles to Newport Beach. The apartment was about 15-25% priced under anything from Irvine Co and the apartment was 30% larger (we had an 819 sq ft 1bd/1ba with storage). The management and tenants were very courteous and the complex itself was unusually quiet. You share a swimming pool, spa, bbq, and clubhouse with a community of townhouses (they pay $300/month in HOA). We lived equidistant from two elevator banks, so we never had people walk past our apartment unit. Unfortunately that became our gripe when we moved out...it took 3.5 hours to move our stuff out, but only 1 hour to move our stuff into our new house.

I suppose you should prioritize a list of characteristics that you require or is high on your wish list. I can't recommend Irvine over Costa Mesa unless I know what you're looking for.

[woodrough]

I'm not sure what's wrong with Irvine Company. I have never lived in their places, but I have several co workers who do or have, and they seem to like it. I don't get the impression that they're worse than any other large property management company (which of course does come with drawbacks). But I can't personally vouch for them.

[nurserosie]

Katherine. Please remember that our teachers are being laid off left and right. So don't count on a teaching job

Also helps is you are bilingual Spanish

Nanny jobs might easier to find.

Good luck

[Katherine5]

Kwong, I will look into that area. Thanks!
Nurserosie- I did hear that about teaching, unfortunately. I have a Spanish minor but I am not certified to teach in a bilingual classroom, which is the reason I didn't get hired in Illinois either! I had been looking into getting that certification before I found out we would be moving. Hopefully I will be able to find a nanny job! I have applied for several.

We aren't very picky about apartments...we just want a safe area that isn't ridiculously expensive. My boyfriend wants to be close to Irvine since he's going to be working there. Close proximity to the beach would be a huge plus.
Maybe I misinterpreted some things people have said about the Irvine company. I just wanted opinions from all of you, since you are familiar with the area!

Thank you for the info!

[winniethepwn]

Nothing wrong with the Irvine Company.

Expensive, but not criminal.

Which complex did you like in Costa Mesa? Most of them look pretty darn good in the pictures, but are hell in person.

[OC Investor2]

Originally Posted by Katherine5

My boyfriend and I are moving from the suburbs of Chicago to the Orange County area in the end of July. His job is in Irvine, and I am still looking for a job. I need to transfer my teaching certificate but for now I’m looking for a nannying job. We are trying for a 2-bedroom apartment around $1800/month, since I don't know when I will have a job. We are willing to live in a 1-bedroom if necessary.

We both like the Park West apartments in Irvine, but I kind of wanted to stay away from the Irvine company, based on what I’ve read here ?
I found an apartment in Costa Mesa that I like that seems to be in a good location- within walking distance of Newport Beach restaurants, close to the beach, etc.
I also like that their pet deposit and pet rent is cheaper than in Irvine. I have two small dogs.

If you have any suggestions I would really appreciate it!

The Irvine Co. is not bad, they are just corporate. As long as you remember they love your money and not you, and don't let yourself get fooled into thinking otherwise, you'll be fine. That said, I have nit heard alot of good things about Park West over the years and alot of bad about the noise level and some of the other shenanigans there.

That said, one of the reasons people pay more to live in Irvine is because the schools are great. You don't sound like you have kids, so why pay a premium for a service you won't use? Costa Mesa is a good alternate. Huntington beach is another alternative, but may require a longer drive south - 30-45 minutes each way - for your guy. CM and HB are usually the go to recco's for young singles.

Having said all that, be very granular in your research on CM apartments. There are some pretty run down areas in CM with largely poor immigrant populations in the city. Another area you may wish to consider is the area called South Coast Metro right around the south coast plaza shopping center. Its right on the CM/ Santa ana border with complexes with adresses in both cities, but its close to Irvine and some nice amenities. Again, another somewhat economically mixed area, so be granular in your research, but may be worth checking out.

Good Luck!

[Katherine5]

Thank you for your input, OC Investor 2. That is an excellent point about paying for good schools when I don't even have kids!
There is an OC realtor working with my boyfriend's company and she nixed one of the CM apartments I suggested, but said the other one was good. I liked it mainly because the pet deposit and rent was cheaper, and I have to pay for that by myself.
My boyfriend wants to stick to the Irvine area, so we will see!

[bigdaddy5]

+1 getting a Spanish credential. Since Santa Ana is just up the fwy, you will need it. I understand your pain finding work, my wife is a school teacher (20 years tenure) and survived several layoffs. Her friends with 10 years tenure are getting axed. Good luck!