Beach City Vs. Inland (Santa Ana, Huntington Beach: transplants, HOA, houses) - Orange County - California (CA) - City-Data Forum

ChescoPA · 11-17-2011, 01:43 PM

My husband has accepted a transfer and will be working in Corona. We have a daughter in high school and would like to move to Orange county. We are moving from the Philly area and would like: A walking community, good schools, at least 1500 sq. ft home. We realize the commute will not be ideal, but perhaps if we stay to the south, he can minimize traffic issues due to the reverse commute. Our budget is 800K - 900K. I like the idea of living near the beach and we feel if we do once my husband is home we would not have to drive much with restaurants, shopping etc. nearby. I know in Orange County we wont get it all in our budget and will have to prioritize. I'm just trying to figure out what we are willing to give up. Also, I would like some input on Dana Point's Lantern village district. It seems like a community with some character, nice houses next to not so nice which I am ok with, but in reading older posts it seems like there may be some issues with crime. Is this area on an upswing or down?

BRinSM · 11-17-2011, 02:13 PM

although OC to corona is a reverse commute, dana point to corona is a loooooooooong way. the coast is definitely a nice place to live, but look further north if you must live near the coast. there are also plenty of nice inland neighborhoods with plenty of dining/shopping options that are considerably closer to corona. luckily you'll have plenty of housing options in your price range. if i was in your shoes, i'd probably live in the nicer parts of fullerton. the beach is great and all, but unless you go there often, it's hard to swallow the premium price it demands. the amount of fog along the coast can also be a turnoff for transplants looking for constant sunshine.

Avalon08 · 11-17-2011, 11:18 PM

I lived in Huntington Beach from 99-01 (relocation from Philly). The weather is gorgeous, no question about it. Their version of "fog" is not like Philly's. The day might start off overcast and you think it's gonna be a bust, but by noon the glorious sun comes out. The month of June can be sketchy ("June gloom"), but even at that, it's a sun-fest.

HOWEVER, as much as I understand the appeal of living by the beach, you cannot expect your husband to commute 43 miles from Dana Point to Corona. Or really, any beach town. Have you been there and seen the traffic? It's a huge deal. There are many nice areas of OC that are closer, but even at that, I don't know what the commute would be. Orange? Tustin? I'm sure the locals will chime in with the possibilities. Enjoy SoCal -- I miss that weather!

Fontucky · 11-18-2011, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChescoPA

We realize the commute will not be ideal, but perhaps if we stay to the south, he can minimize traffic issues due to the reverse commute.

Not a reverse commute as long as you're northbound from South OC during morning drive.

If you do that commute, factor in daily toll road costs.

ChescoPA · 11-18-2011, 07:45 AM

Thanks. His commute here in Philly is 1hr 15min each way, but he was hoping to cut it down somewhat. He has been checking Sigalert daily and it has been showing a 47 minute drive to Laguna Niguel at the times he would be commuting but I'm worried that many days he'll be back to the stress of the long commute. Checked out Fullerton, Old Orange, and Costa Mesa online. Does anyone have any other ideas for good schools, walkability (at least to a few restaurants, some shopping and a good coffee shop?) Here in PA we have a few planned communities that have incorporated retail and restaurants with residential. Anything like that out there?

Charles · 11-18-2011, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChescoPA

Thanks. His commute here in Philly is 1hr 15min each way, but he was hoping to cut it down somewhat. He has been checking Sigalert daily and it has been showing a 47 minute drive to Laguna Niguel at the times he would be commuting but I'm worried that many days he'll be back to the stress of the long commute. Checked out Fullerton, Old Orange, and Costa Mesa online. Does anyone have any other ideas for good schools, walkability (at least to a few restaurants, some shopping and a good coffee shop?) Here in PA we have a few planned communities that have incorporated retail and restaurants with residential. Anything like that out there?

Coffee shops and restaurants are a dime a dozen. I wouldn't make a $900K decision with those in my top 10 criteria.

Schools are very important however, you mentioned she is in high school, but if only one or two years left and no other kids, then private is an option though often communities with mediocre schools are often mediocre in other ways too.

Check this out:

Note the schools are great in north Tustin and Yorba Linda and that isn't a bad drive and, considering years down the line for "Plan B" jobs they are reasonably located to commute to other places in Orange County and south LA County.

California School Performance Maps

Fontucky · 11-18-2011, 08:02 AM

Definitely check Yorba Linda.

radiojunkie2006 · 11-18-2011, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChescoPA

Thanks. His commute here in Philly is 1hr 15min each way, but he was hoping to cut it down somewhat. He has been checking Sigalert daily and it has been showing a 47 minute drive to Laguna Niguel at the times he would be commuting but I'm worried that many days he'll be back to the stress of the long commute. Checked out Fullerton, Old Orange, and Costa Mesa online. Does anyone have any other ideas for good schools, walkability (at least to a few restaurants, some shopping and a good coffee shop?) Here in PA we have a few planned communities that have incorporated retail and restaurants with residential. Anything like that out there?

Irvine is a planned community as you mentioned; very safe but somewhat boring. You may have to pay HOA dues plus Mello-Roos. I used to commute from north Santa Ana to Corona via freeway and it can be a long ride but not a killer. I was always going the opposite direction of the heavy traffic. Living in one of the beach cities is a dream but they can get congested during the warm weather months and the novelty may wear off for your husband having to drive that distance to Corona. Good luck and welcome!

Podo944 · 11-18-2011, 09:56 AM

"800K - 900K. I know in Orange County we wont get it all in our budget and will have to prioritize."

I think you'll find something livable! Have fun!

Podo944 · 11-18-2011, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChescoPA

Does anyone have any other ideas for good schools, walkability (at least to a few restaurants, some shopping and a good coffee shop?) Here in PA we have a few planned communities that have incorporated retail and restaurants with residential. Anything like that out there?

Non teasing response here...

Foothill Ranch in South Orange County might be an option... it's quite "developed", but it's a good family neighborhood with restaurants, shopping and a Cinema nearby.
There's a food court there and during the summer, local talent is often seen playing guitar and entertaining people just hanging out. There's also a popular hiking trail nearby, just look out for the local wild life!
Some people don't like such an environment because it's "too safe" or "bland". But it's a very pleasant family area, and you can certainly find something very nice in your price range. Heck you may even find something way below budget and have lots left over for travelling!
As far as the commute goes, it's right near the 241 toll road. You'd be paying for tolls, but the ride, especially on a reverse commute, would be pretty smooth, and actually very pretty!

Good luck!