Investor · Southern California · Member since 2011 · 155 posts · 13 votes
Hi, BPers, I am finally officially moving to Orange County now. I am looking for a place to rent for a year for my family with a one-year old baby. I am seeking recommendations on areas to consider and areas to avoid, especially in Irvine, as that is the place eventually I will buy in for my family. And hopefully in a year I will be familiar with the local market and have formed my own preferences on local communities. Any recommendations are welcome!
Real Estate Consultant · New York, NY · Member since 2017 · 33 posts · 13 votes
8y
Also depends what kind of style you are looking for. I love it in Huntington Beach, which is still safe and has good schools, but it is definitely a more beachy atmosphere.
Chino hills, CA · Member since 2018 · 33 posts · 9 votes
8y
There are nice and bad areas everywhere, I believe you should avoid parts of Santa Ana for sure. There are more nice areas than bad areas in Orange County, I think its just based on your budget.
Attorney · Orange County, CA · Member since 2017 · 242 posts · 99 votes
8y
@Aaron Xie, there are more expensive and less expensive parts of Irvine to rent. Most of Irvine will be more expensive though than surrounding cities. But, Irvine is a great, safe city with good schools and community.
Rental Property Investor · Irvine, CA · Member since 2016 · 21 posts · 3 votes
8y
Irvine is definitely the ideal place for the amazing schools, though it is definitely up there in both rent and house prices. I would look into more south OC in Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and Aliso Viejo with pretty amazing schools still but with slightly more affordable rents. All these are very safe areas.
Costa Mesa is even more affordable with decent schools, especially southeast area of Newport Blvd closer to the Newport Backbay but it is definitely closer to the lesser safe parts of the OC (northwest of Newport Blvd).
Santa Ana is getting a lot better in terms of crime, a lot of downtown gentrification near Main and 4th. Though there are still some pretty bad areas south of downtown and a bit above South coast Plaza. School there are mediocre/bad compared to Irvine of course.
Real Estate Consultant · New York, NY · Member since 2017 · 33 posts · 13 votes
8y
Also depends what kind of style you are looking for. I love it in Huntington Beach, which is still safe and has good schools, but it is definitely a more beachy atmosphere.
Foothill Ranch, CA · Member since 2016 · 34 posts · 8 votes
7y
Hi Aaron first off, welcome! and second, I live in Foothill Ranch, CA (a couple miles southeast from Irvine) and I would highly recommend for a family. There is little traffic in Foothill (crazy right?) and it has great schools and is still very close to Irvine and the hub that it has become. Baker Ranch neighborhood is about 5 miles from the Irvine Spectrum and brand new!
Lender · Irvine, CA · Member since 2018 · 71 posts · 15 votes
7y
Welcome to OC! I don't live but work in Irvine. I agree with pretty much what everyone has said. But I'll add this, considering the property prices in Irvine, the rent isn't THAT high. I believe ROI/CAP isn't that great here, which is good for renters.
You can find condos in good neighborhoods for a decent price. I assume Woodbridge High area(best school in the area) won't be necessary for your baby yet. Good Luck!
Real Estate Agent · Spokane, WA · Member since 2013 · 123 posts · 66 votes
7y
I just moved down here to Marina Del Rey, I'm not in the OC but I've heard Huntington beach is very nice! I believe that's considered Orange County! :P