Moving from Philadelphia to Los Angeles area (Long Beach, Huntington Beach: car rental, apartments)

[diggity801]

I work as a Field Engineer for an IT company, so I can work from home and randomly travel to other states. My company is willing to transfer me to the Los Angeles area and I was wondering where I live decently on 60 to 65k a year (they haven't decided how much of a cost of living raise I'll get yet).

I was thinking the Irvine area, but that might be too expensive. What are some nice areas in Orange county that I could pay rent and save some money at the same time? I want to be somewhat near the ocean and south.

I have no debts. No credit cards. No student loans.

Your help is extremely appreciated!

-David

[robbybee]

One thing to bear in mind. Orange County is not Los Angeles - even though from outside the local area we are all lumped into one geographical region. There is a different mind-set between LA County and Orange County - despite what Arte Moreno might think, lol

If you are a young dude you might consider City of Orange or Fullerton as options to Irvine. Both are College towns with lower rents than the coastal cities. But if you want to be closer to the ocean there are certainly other places to consider such as Costa Mesa, Seal Beach or Long Beach.

Huntington Beach has some affordable areas but parts can be a little sketchy, as can parts of Long Beach and even parts of Costa Mesa.

If you are open to having a roommate you will be able to get a much nicer pad in a more desirable area.

One suggestion, though, apply for a credit card - even one with a low credit limit. Even a secured Credit Card would be better than none. It will really help you on applications for apartments or for a car rental, should the need ever arise.

[diggity801]

What's the difference? I imagine LA the city is crowded while Orange County is more spread out.

[DinsdalePirahna]

Originally Posted by diggity801

What's the difference? I imagine LA the city is crowded while Orange County is more spread out.

Geographically and Physically there is really no difference. Both LA and OC are Sprawls.

There is a clear difference in attitudes. You'll notice it when you arrive. Hard to describe

[OC Investor2]

Originally Posted by diggity801

What's the difference? I imagine LA the city is crowded while Orange County is more spread out.

I made the same move you are looking at 15 years ago.

One big thing that is different - The Philadelphia area is an area with suburbs surrounding a core urban center. LA/OC is not like that. it is one big sprawling, well, sprawl. You can drive down the 405 freeway and have no idea where one city/town begins and the other ends.

Not saying there are not difference among the cities, but density is not really one of them. Things may get slightly less dense -Imagine a range from Downtown Philly/Rittenhouse Square a the densest end but the least dense area is like Ardmore or City Line Ave area. It never gets real thin like a Chadds Ford or Bucks County. One of the biggest differences I noticed moving here is the density of people. You will never get away from people here. You always compete for space, wait in lines and there is always the constant din of human activity - cars, trucks, planes whatever. You are never truly physically isolated here. Sounds weird, but for someone who spent time growing up in Chester and Delware county it took time to adjust.

As for your original question, someone moving into OC at your salary, I would reccomend Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, or inland Like Fullerton. Something a little quieter would be Tustin (Tustin Ranch neighborhoods) or Yorba Linda. South County (OC from Irvine south) is very family oriented and is basically one big Middle-Upper Middle class bedroom community. North Coastal OC like HB has more stuff for singles.
Good Luck!

[CA4Now]

Originally Posted by diggity801

I was thinking the Irvine area, but that might be too expensive. What are some nice areas in Orange county that I could pay rent and save some money at the same time?

If you like Irvine, try Tustin...it's a little less expensive. L.A. may overwhelm you, being originally from Wisconsin. And anything near the ocean will cost an arm and a leg in either LA or OC.

[PROFJOAN]

It all depends on your priorities (i.e. near a freeway; schools etc) Most importnt to take some time out here to get the facts. Much depennds opn your life style and the kind of neighborhood you would be happy in. You will make your budget IF you can minimize transportation costs. i.e metrolilnk etc.

[jksouthbay88]

Originally Posted by robbybee

One thing to bear in mind. Orange County is not Los Angeles - even though from outside the local area we are all lumped into one geographical region. There is a different mind-set between LA County and Orange County - despite what Arte Moreno might think, lol

If you are a young dude you might consider City of Orange or Fullerton as options to Irvine. Both are College towns with lower rents than the coastal cities. But if you want to be closer to the ocean there are certainly other places to consider such as Costa Mesa, Seal Beach or Long Beach.

Huntington Beach has some affordable areas but parts can be a little sketchy, as can parts of Long Beach and even parts of Costa Mesa.

If you are open to having a roommate you will be able to get a much nicer pad in a more desirable area.

One suggestion, though, apply for a credit card - even one with a low credit limit. Even a secured Credit Card would be better than none. It will really help you on applications for apartments or for a car rental, should the need ever arise.

THANK YOU!!!right off the bat you stated that you guys are not Los Angeles.I don't even live in Orange County(but love my Angels and going to HB/714 area) and I can't stand when people either link LA&OC together or they think it's one big place.Also def some good real advice after that statement too.

[pacific2]

There is a different mind-set between LA County and Orange ...

But if you want to be closer to the ocean there are certainly other places to consider such as Costa Mesa, Seal Beach or Long Beach.

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Originally Posted by jksouthbay88

THANK YOU!!!right off the bat you stated that you guys are not Los Angeles.I don't even live in Orange County(but love my Angels and going to HB/714 area) and I can't stand when people either link LA&OC together or they think it's one big place.Also def some good real advice after that statement too.

Long Beach is in LA County.

[robbybee]

Originally Posted by pacific2

__________________________________________________ ___________



Long Beach is in LA County.

Yes. Yes it is - but just barely.
And it feels more like Huntington Beach or Seal Beach than Santa Monica...