Although rent is high in Orange County, it has remain rather steady for the past 10 years.
Owning, on the other hand, had skyrocketed in the past 5 years.
I can see why it would be a good idea to rent for the next 2-5 years - rent is much more affordable than owning.
But I can also see why it would be good to buy in the next 1-3 years - prices really have dropped significantly.
I think age matters. If you're 20, rent. If you're 25, rent. But if you're 30+ and are considering starting a family, buying seems like a good thing.
I have a 30 year old friend and a 40 year uncle who are both planning to buy by the end of 2008.
Both have good incomes and really want to own a home. I suggested to them that they can simply rent a really nice home for 2-3 years then buy.
However, both insisted that they want to be in a home for at least 5-10 years. Moving is not an acceptable option for them.
Personally, I want to settle down in an area too. I want to establish some roots. I've lived in Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Tustin, Irvine, Westminster, and Fountain Valley in the past 10 years. I don't want to be so mobile anymore.
I want to settle down near Irvine or Huntington Beach. Costa Mesa would be right in between, but I don't like their schools. Newport is too expensive. So I guess Fountain Valley would be ideal.
As for my 30 year old friend, he intends to move to Irvine. To him, having a nice looking home is priority. For my uncle, he insists on Huntington Beach. He desires the beach weather.