Moving to Newport Beach

[DinsdalePirahna]

Originally Posted by moving2cali

How racist is racist? I am minority and considering moving to Huntington Beach? Will it be unsafe to walk at night because of skinheads, tough to pick up girls, or tough to get into a bar, or will I get treated poorly in a restaurant?

Only if your an arsehole. Skinheads are nothing to worry about.

But there seem to be a lot of MMA "bro culture" tapout types looking to start trouble. Hopefully they will soon find a new place to stink up.

[mazzyb]

Costa Mesa bar crawl, La Cave, Detroit Bar, The Lab, Downtown HB, Sharky's, there is alot out there to experience

[turbo1992]

I realize this is an old blog but i'm moving to the OC area towards the end of December. Im running out of time and having a hard time weeding through all the information. i will be working in Fashion Island so I would like to live very near by and not pay more than 1600//mo. I've looked at Mediter. Village, Archstone, Barcelona, Seaside, City Lights, and Via Verde. I believe these places have openings in dec. (very hard to find vacancies at this time). Does anyone have any thoughts about these places? I'm bringing a small dog as well. I need upgraded or modern appliances (not old), need a referigerator included (odd to request this). Also, what is the deal with certain building allowing dogs or smoking. I though you couldn't smoke in California.

Please reply with info as to these apt. they are in costa mesa, huntignton, aliso viejo and fountain valley, i think. Also, any reputable moving company cross country. I will be moving from florida

[pacific2]

Originally Posted by turbo1992

I realize this is an old blog but i'm moving to the OC area towards the end of December. Im running out of time and having a hard time weeding through all the information. i will be working in Fashion Island so I would like to live very near by and not pay more than 1600//mo. I've looked at Mediter. Village, Archstone, Barcelona, Seaside, City Lights, and Via Verde. I believe these places have openings in dec. (very hard to find vacancies at this time). Does anyone have any thoughts about these places? I'm bringing a small dog as well. I need upgraded or modern appliances (not old), need a referigerator included (odd to request this). Also, what is the deal with certain building allowing dogs or smoking. I though you couldn't smoke in California.

Please reply with info as to these apt. they are in costa mesa, huntignton, aliso viejo and fountain valley, i think. Also, any reputable moving company cross country. I will be moving from florida

I know people who have lived in Archstone and Barcelona in Aliso Viejo, and they never had any complaints. They are nice places. Just an aside, Barcelona is right across the street from Town Center, so a lot of people who live there walk to the grocery store.

City Lights is an interesting place in that it's very attractive, right across from a small park (good for dog walking) and within the Town Center area, so you could walk to the grocery store, etc.

On the downside, it seems to attract a lot of party animals and appears to use up more than its share of police calls; fairly minor things, but calls never the less. Still, many love living there.

Regarding dogs, many apartments limit them to 25 pounds or less, if they even allow them. Smoking is permitted in apartments in California. Some larger complexes have smoke -free buildings.

Since you are considering Aliso, I would recommend Alicante on Aliso Creek Road. They are very dog-friendly (with breed restrictions due to liability issues) and even welcome large dogs.

There are separate buildings for smokers and nonsmokers. You didn't ask, but Alicante offers month-to-month, or yearly leases. In all, it's a very safe, friendly, well-maintained and convenient apt. complex. It's a great place to meet people if you are new in town, on temporary assignment, or just trying to decide where to permanently settle. It's also not bad for long stays.

I'm fond of videos. so here goes:

Alicante Apartments | Aliso Viejo, CA | Sequoia Equities - YouTube

[turbo1992]

Originally Posted by pacific2

I know people who have lived in Archstone and Barcelona in Aliso Viejo, and they never had any complaints. They are nice places. Just an aside, Barcelona is right across the street from Town Center, so a lot of people who live there walk to the grocery store.

City Lights is an interesting place in that it's very attractive, right across from a small park (good for dog walking) and within the Town Center area, so you could walk to the grocery store, etc.

On the downside, it seems to attract a lot of party animals and appears to use up more than its share of police calls; fairly minor things, but calls never the less. Still, many love living there.

Regarding dogs, many apartments limit them to 25 pounds or less, if they even allow them. Smoking is permitted in apartments in California. Some larger complexes have smoke -free buildings.

Since you are considering Aliso, I would recommend Alicante on Aliso Creek Road. They are very dog-friendly (with breed restrictions due to liability issues) and even welcome large dogs.

There are separate buildings for smokers and nonsmokers. You didn't ask, but Alicante offers month-to-month, or yearly leases. In all, it's a very safe, friendly, well-maintained and convenient apt. complex. It's a great place to meet people if you are new in town, on temporary assignment, or just trying to decide where to permanently settle. It's also not bad for long stays.

I'm fond of videos. so here goes:

Alicante Apartments | Aliso Viejo, CA | Sequoia Equities - YouTube

Thanks for the info. That helps a lot! I looked at the video and will give them a call. The only problem I'm finding with shorter lease terms is that the rent goes up quite a bit. But, I'll see what they can do. If you get this today, do you know if they have upgraded appliances, countertops and cabinets at Alicante? I don't know what model it was in the video. And, any moving companies you can recommend? My friend mentioned American Van Lines. I saw Moving on Up/Nationwide.

[pacific2]

Originally Posted by turbo1992

Thanks for the info. That helps a lot! I looked at the video and will give them a call. The only problem I'm finding with shorter lease terms is that the rent goes up quite a bit. But, I'll see what they can do. If you get this today, do you know if they have upgraded appliances, countertops and cabinets at Alicante? I don't know what model it was in the video. And, any moving companies you can recommend? My friend mentioned American Van Lines. I saw Moving on Up/Nationwide.

You're welcome. Alicante offers regular yearly leases, as well as short term ones. I completed my application on line, signed the lease once I arrived and moved in. It was all hassle-free.

It's been several years since I lived there and I don't know the age of the video, but Alicante tends to be current. Appliances are most likely up to date; and a washer and dryer are included, but you have to supply your own refrigerator. I moved here from Manhattan and found the whole "bring-your own-frig" thingy to be odd, but it's the norm in SoCal. They will arrange a rental if you don't happen to have one in your luggage.

Regarding moving companies, I can't really help much in that department because I used a nationwide mover and was very much dissatisfied with them. Hopefully, someone else will pitch in with a recommendation.

Parking is easy and residents have a one car garage plus an assigned stall. I'm pretty sure that people with garden (first floor) apartments have direct garage access from the apt.

Gated balconies are a nice feature for the end units. I had one and my dog loved staying out there in the afternoon. It was about 100 sq.ft. and a great place to have a small terrace garden, as well.

There is something else worth noting about Alicante, they are very big on customer service. I was supplied with colorful brochures and maps fully detailing city and other local amenities. They provide a monthly calendar of social events sponsored by Alicante; and it's not unusual to be offered a Cup o' Joe and a pastry on your way out in the morning.

[pacific2]

BTW, I had my car shipped and flew here with my dog. Again, there were no hassles ( except for my brother not meeting me and my dog at LAX, but that's another story ) and my car was delivered on time and dent-free.

Of course, the car hauler was too big to easily maneuver around the Alicante lots, so they met me right in front on Aliso Creek Road.