Possible relocation from Bay Area to OC

[CaliforniaNative2]

Thanks, we put San Clemente on the list to check out.

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

San Clemente, both original (beach) side and new side (Talega AKA East San Clemente).

[CaliforniaNative2]

Thanks! We would not buy a house that backs up to a hill primarily due to safety, and secondary due to insurance. When I say private yard, I am referring to being able to hang out in backyard without neighbors having complete visual access. Our current lot is 7,500 and we have privacy due to thoughtful layout/positioning of home, plus multiple trees.

Originally Posted by saibot

I'd be cautious about the "large private backyard" in most of south OC. Very often, these yards are large because they back up onto hilly wilderness areas with a major wildfire risk. If nothing else, this can make your homeowner's insurance very expensive. Wildfire hazard is definitely something to be aware of in general throughout the area.



Rancho Santa Margarita is pretty much built out, actually. I'm not seeing any new developments around here. Since the OP asked, the Mello-Roos in our tract expired last year, but are still in effect in other tracts. You need to look up each neighborhood individually to find that out. RSM also has an HOA fee of $66/month, which covers parks, community pools and lakes, common landscaping, community events, etc.

In my opinion, both RSM and Aliso Viejo are superior to some of the older communities (Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, etc.) in terms of amenities for young families. These cities were planned differently (and, in my opinion, better) than the older ones. We raised our three kids in RSM and highly recommend it for families. Our particular location has a park, playground, tennis courts and a community pool right around the corner (two minutes' walk), the lake is a pleasant half-mile walk away, an entrance to O'Neill Regional Park is also within a stone's throw, and a lot of shopping including Trader Joe's is just a couple of blocks away.

Ladera Ranch, although also newer, is not a favorite of mine. It looks pretty to drive through, but the houses are extremely close together, it's really not walkable at all, and yards can be nonexistent (there are "common areas" instead).

[CaliforniaNative2]

Over 25% of the listed homes are $1.1m and under. Simple search goes a long way, if capable.

Originally Posted by NORTY FLATZ

The OP has a budget of $1.1. How are they going to get anything in Cota? Now, if they "sweetened" their budget to say $10-11, then you might be onto something.
Rancho Santa Margarita might be a better alternative, due to their budget. RSM is growing tho...

[Finper]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaNative2

Over 25% of the listed homes are $1.1m and under. Simple search goes a long way, if capable.

That’s true my friend lives in a regular 4 bdrm tract type house there. A girl I went to college with bought a condo there. There’s a lot of different type of housing there.

[Gaylord_Focker]

Originally Posted by Electrician4you

Imo don’t try to see a bunch of homes at once. You’ll get the features mixed up. I tried that. By the time I got home I was exhausted and all the noises were basically one big jumble.

Correct.

[goozer]

For $1.1M on a larger lot and some privacy you might check out some North OC neighborhoods. I’m a big fan of North Tustin!

[recycled]

Better yet, forget about buying a home in the first 6-12 months if moving to OC for the first time. If you are new to the area, find a place to rent and spend some time on the ground and in everyday life, to get to know the area better. I am a native of San Francisco that lived in Lake Forest from 2000 to 2017. I had never lived in OC and did not know it very well when I arrived. Renting was a no-brainer. A person not familiar with an area can make a terrible real estate decision if on a rushed schedule like the OP appears to be. A huge red flag is the OP's statement of having just one afternoon to drive around and look at multiple cities in south OC. One afternoon to make a $1M+ decision on where to live? Wow.

[CaliforniaNative2]

Originally Posted by goozer

For $1.1M on a larger lot and some privacy you might check out some North OC neighborhoods. I’m a big fan of North Tustin!

Thanks! I did a search, only a handful of 4 bedroom houses in our price range,
a couple were nicely remodeled.

[CaliforniaNative2]

Originally Posted by recycled

Better yet, forget about buying a home in the first 6-12 months if moving to OC for the first time. If you are new to the area, find a place to rent and spend some time on the ground and in everyday life, to get to know the area better. I am a native of San Francisco that lived in Lake Forest from 2000 to 2017. I had never lived in OC and did not know it very well when I arrived. Renting was a no-brainer. A person not familiar with an area can make a terrible real estate decision if on a rushed schedule like the OP appears to be. A huge red flag is the OP's statement of having just one afternoon to drive around and look at multiple cities in south OC. One afternoon to make a $1M+ decision on where to live? Wow.

Thanks for responding. No rushed schedule. In-laws are retired in SD county, and have plenty of space to host during interim while between homes. If we decide on OC, then we will make sure to visit often before deciding on city / making offer. Also, my husband has many family members and colleagues throughout southern OC so he has some familiarity, but mainly limited to Laguna Niguel and Mission Viejo which is great, but we’d like to see more.