Info on moving to OC

[ocm]

You might want to check out Rancho Santa Margarita- Coto de Caza and Dove Canyon (both near RSM) will have homes to rent in your price range and will have a country feel with amenities nearby. A nice small town feel. Ladera Ranch is also nice. All very family friendly.

[cleoneo]

Would like to add on to the thread if anyone's still interested in participating -
we are also moving to southern OC, have 2 toddlers so need an area w/ good school system. Spouse works in Irvine close to Santa Ana so would preferrably be close to 5.
Ladera Ranch - looked there, beautiful place, really nice neighborhoods, but to purchase a home the mello roos is really high
Rancho Santa Margarita - high mello roos, close to the 241 which is a toll road, prefer the 5
Irvine - we hear about the stellar reputation of the school district, but do you think it is healthy competition? I wonder if it's too competitive/ stressful? Want a well-rounded experience for my kids

How would you compare Lake forest vs. Mission Viejo vs. Tustin? These seem like really nice areas. Close enough to things for hubby and I, but still suburban feel for kids?

[Teckeeee]

Originally Posted by cleoneo

Would like to add on to the thread if anyone's still interested in participating -
we are also moving to southern OC, have 2 toddlers so need an area w/ good school system. Spouse works in Irvine close to Santa Ana so would preferrably be close to 5.
Ladera Ranch - looked there, beautiful place, really nice neighborhoods, but to purchase a home the mello roos is really high
Rancho Santa Margarita - high mello roos, close to the 241 which is a toll road, prefer the 5
Irvine - we hear about the stellar reputation of the school district, but do you think it is healthy competition? I wonder if it's too competitive/ stressful? Want a well-rounded experience for my kids

How would you compare Lake forest vs. Mission Viejo vs. Tustin? These seem like really nice areas. Close enough to things for hubby and I, but still suburban feel for kids?

You will get better responses by starting your own thread.

[AbbyVonK]

Many southern Orange Cities are excellent destinations for your family. Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, San Clemente and Dana Point as mentioned in the previous threads, are worth considering. Each city is unique. Each area of a city is also unique. Climate varies within cities, as well as traffic patterns, amenities, school districts, etc. Irvine has an outstanding reputation for schools, however, all south Orange County cities have excellent public and private schools. One of the main differences in the south county areas is coastal versus inland location. Communiting distance to work varies even if you choose to live in the same city of your workplace. I definitely recommend a preliminary visit. If you have specific requirements, it would be great to know what's on your list.