Quality of life in Irvine vs. Tustin Ranch

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I lived in Irvine and Tustin Ranch as well. They were both equal as far as me being able to go for a run and being safe and whatnot. And I do mean equal in that UCI had the "Panty Man" who broke into the on campus housing to steal underwear from the laundry rooms, yet my IAC apartment in Tustin Ranch was broken into and hardly anything was stolen (weird...they didn't even take my roommate's weed).



Irvine bored me to tears. Granted, there are more places to shop and even more Mexican restaurants now, but the chains and the sameness drove me crazy. That, and I have noticed the "Irvine tax" (my term) in regards to housing. Rents were always a little bit higher for the same thing in Irvine as compared to the surrounding cities, and I see a similar thing in housing prices.



I lived within healthy walking distance of the Marketplace when I lived in Tustin Ranch. I still miss that now that I have moved away. It was nice to have a reason to walk somewhere and not be a lazy American and drive there. I also liked the establishments in Old Towne Tustin. It had character that was lacking in Irvine. Tustin Ranch looks just like Irvine, and you have the amenities of Irvine in one direction and the character of the rest of Tustin and even Santa Ana the other direction.



I call Tustin Ranch the winner.
 
[quote author="new_to_irvine" date=1240633286]We are new to Irvine and Orange County in general. While renting in Woodbridge at the moment we are looking at Irvine and Tustin Ranch neighborhoods with the intent to buy within a year or so. I noticed that Tustin Ranch areas are somewhat less expensive and are with bigger yards. In terms of schools, Tustin Ranch has one of the best OC middle schools, very high scored elementary schools, etc. Is there a catch somewhere? What is the advantage of living in Irvine vs. Tustin Ranch if there is any? I've been reading this blog for a few months now and enjoyed all of your opininos about different neighborhoods in the area. Thank you all!</blockquote>


My opinion: best value right now is to buy an older house in Irvine. Only get one loan to purchase the house. When you have money, remodel it on the cheap, maximize whatever you need (rooms, backyard, kitchen, must set your priorities, cant have it all). I am not that familiar with Tustin but have been there millions of times, and I know that in the past 10 years they have improved significantly, but more room for improvement. North Tustin is gorgeous but its so new, and anything west of the 55/newport ave is crammed up claustrophobia trash. <a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=33.684639,-117.784424&spn=0.206261,0.413704&t=h&z=12">See satellite map for details.</a>





The house doesn't matter the LAND matters. You can remodel a house for $100 per sqft if you are willing to hire a contractor and have the time to stand there all day and watch what he does. My opinion: UP is the best part of Irvine, landwise to house age ratio. Land is great, houses... needs improvement. Not <a href="http://www.redfin.com/CA/Irvine/2-Angell-St-92612/home/4697876">this kind</a> of improvement, but good ol fashion Irvine natural blending with curves home improvement. But im not exactly 100% sure if they own the land in UP so do your research!



Tustin is better than before but Irvine is Irvine.
 
[quote author="LoudRoar" date=1241236503]Not <a href="http://www.redfin.com/CA/Irvine/2-Angell-St-92612/home/4697876">this kind</a> of improvement, but good ol fashion Irvine natural blending with curves home improvement.</blockquote>


there's nothing wrong with this house!



<img src="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/46/bigphoto/196/S553196_0.jpg" alt="" />









i know many of my friends would love to live there. for example, any of these guys...

















<img src="http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/Dunechaser/Music/the_decemberists.jpg" alt="" />
 
[quote author="LoudRoar" date=1241236503] North Tustin is gorgeous but its so new, and anything west of the 55/newport ave is crammed up claustrophobia trash. <a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=33.684639,-117.784424&spn=0.206261,0.413704&t=h&z=12">See satellite map for details.</a>

</blockquote>


Did you look a the map? Because west of the 55 isn't even Tustin. LOL.
 
[quote author="LoudRoar" date=1241236503]The house doesn't matter the LAND matters.</blockquote>


Absolutely. The cliche "Location, location, location" is actually valid. If it wasn't, why would the same size house cost $1.2 million in Irvine, $400k in Riverside, and $150k in San Jacinto?
 
[quote author="asianinvasian" date=1241254807][quote author="LoudRoar" date=1241236503] North Tustin is gorgeous but its so new, and anything west of the 55/newport ave is crammed up claustrophobia trash. <a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=33.684639,-117.784424&spn=0.206261,0.413704&t=h&z=12">See satellite map for details.</a>

</blockquote>


Did you look a the map? Because west of the 55 isn't even Tustin. LOL.</blockquote>




did you look at the map? there is a small part of tustin west of the 55 fwy.



<strong>FAIL.</strong>
 
[quote author="freedomCM" date=1241320960][quote author="asianinvasian" date=1241254807][quote author="LoudRoar" date=1241236503] North Tustin is gorgeous but its so new, and anything west of the 55/newport ave is crammed up claustrophobia trash. <a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=33.684639,-117.784424&spn=0.206261,0.413704&t=h&z=12">See satellite map for details.</a>

</blockquote>


Did you look a the map? Because west of the 55 isn't even Tustin. LOL.</blockquote>




did you look at the map? there is a <strong>SMALL</strong> part of tustin west of the 55 fwy.

</blockquote>


You got that right. Are you trying to be a dumbass or were you born that way?
 
[quote author="asianinvasian" date=1241335968]You got that right. Are you trying to be a dumbass or were you born that way?</blockquote>


Dude, you were being well behaved for quite a while, don't blow it now by calling names. It will lead to trouble.
 
[quote author="tkaratz" date=1241331131]So this brings up an issue that's been really bothering me. What's the deal with asianinvasion? Are comments that he/she posts on this forum intentionally ignorant and idiotic or is that just what he does? Totally serious question.</blockquote>


Please, no negative personal characterizations or name calling. asianinvasion is who he is; accepting that is part of being a member of the forums.
 
[quote author="IrvineRenter" date=1241340007]Please, no negative personal characterizations or name calling. [...] accepting that is part of being a member of the forums.</blockquote>
Oh sure... where were you a couple of threads ago?



I know... I know... everyone loves to watch a "good" efight. [winky emoticon thingy]
 
[quote author="irvine_home_owner" date=1241342036][quote author="IrvineRenter" date=1241340007]Please, no negative personal characterizations or name calling. [...] accepting that is part of being a member of the forums.</blockquote>
Oh sure... where were you a couple of threads ago?



I know... I know... everyone loves to watch a "good" efight. [winky emoticon thingy]</blockquote>


I am sure I have missed plenty, but I saw this one. It needs to stop.
 
Sure, i'll play by the rules and i'll apologize and take down the post, but it was an honest question. I've noticed he/she posts fairly often. Furthermore, no one "regular" responds to the numerous posts. I was just curious if it was someone trying to hijack a thread.
 
[quote author="tkaratz" date=1241361155]Sure, i'll play by the rules and i'll apologize and take down the post, but it was an honest question. I've noticed he/she posts fairly often. Furthermore, no one "regular" responds to the numerous posts. I was just curious if it was someone trying to hijack a thread.</blockquote>


I can only speak for myself, but I try not to respond for the same reason I don't give my son a cookie when he's making a scene in public.
 
Hii, Are you still looking for a place to rent , I'm in search for good tenants for my 4bed/3 bath home in Columbus Grove community in the Tustin Ranch , ..The home is available as furnished too ..Pls contact me if you are interested ..
 
[quote author="socalnian" date=1241526140]Hii, Are you still looking for a place to rent , I'm in search for good tenants for my 4bed/3 bath home in Columbus Grove community in the Tustin Ranch , ..The home is available as furnished too ..Pls contact me if you are interested ..</blockquote>


Don't mention Columbus Grove, there are a lot of haters here because even though it's outside of Irvine they still can't afford it.
 
[quote author="socalnian" date=1241526140]Hii, Are you still looking for a place to rent , I'm in search for good tenants for my 4bed/3 bath home in Columbus Grove community in the Tustin Ranch , ..The home is available as furnished too ..Pls contact me if you are interested ..</blockquote>
thank you for the offer. I you are referring to me - than no, we are not looking to rent. We are already renting and hoping to buy something when the lease is up.
 
[quote author="new_to_irvine" date=1242451441]What do you think of this house and the community it's located in?

http://www.redfin.com/CA/Tustin/2226-Wilcox-Dr-92782/home/4758203

This community is called Alicante and I was wondering if anybody lived in it and had any comments about it.

Amenities? Kid's playgrounds, pools, etc. ?

Thank you!</blockquote>
Looks very nice and even comes with a decent with a decent sized lot...however, it is a short sale and will most likely be bid up by the people panicking to buy because of that good price. To get to any amenities you will have to cross Tustin Ranch Road.
 
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