questions for the O.C. coming from D.C.

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Fragnetic_IHB

New member
First time poster here, long time lurker and fan of IHB :)



My wife and I are 30, no kids, and we rent a townhouse (been locked in at $1400 for years which is a steal around here) in an affluent suburb of Washington D.C. We have a combined income of $125K with no loans, credit card, etc debt, except a car payment for one of our cars. She has long been enamored of the O.C. and I love being near water, beach etc. We have visited there, but only doing the touristy thing. Having lived in this area all my life I know it like the back of my hand, and maybe its a mid-life thing but I am itching for change, especially climate-wise! I read alot about the housing market there, and I see a fair amount of griping about the "preceived" OC lifestyle, whatever that is. So I guess Id love some opinions, such as...



1) What would be the hardest part of life there for east coast converts?

2) Everything points to cost of living being more expensive there than in D.C. Where does the above income fall into the normal spectrum there?

3) Where are good websites to look for home rentals in the area there?

4) Lastly, what is your favorite aspect of living in Orange County?



Any additional insights are welcome of course!
 
1) Having relocated from NYC, my biggest shocks were a. no cultural activities (or a drive to LA), b. truly suburban-family focused lifestyles (people don't generally go out after work to bars/restos), c. lack of diversity/really republican

2) costs are about the same as DC. you will be in upper third, but not upper tenth

3) IAC if you want corportate Irvine/ NPB, but if you want else, then craigslist, but since you are new to the area, I would recommend a realtor for house rental/background check.
 
Architecture and the definition of seasons are gorgeous in DC. You will be trading the charm of DC for OC Tick Tacky stucco boxes, evergreen trees and excellent climate here. Grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
 
If you are looking to rent another townhome, can check out the IAC (Irvine Co rental apartments). Bit pricy, but at least you don't have to worry about foreclosures.

<A href="http://rental-living.com">http://rental-living.com</A>



Best thing about living in OC - getting to go Trick or Treating in any costume, with neighbors lingering to talk - no rain, no snow, warm enough for pants & a short sleeve shirt.
 
[quote author="freedomCM" date=1228186520]1) Having relocated from NYC, my biggest shocks were a. no cultural activities (or a drive to LA), b. truly suburban-family focused lifestyles (people don't generally go out after work to bars/restos), c. lack of diversity/really republican

2) costs are about the same as DC. you will be in upper third, but not upper tenth

3) IAC if you want corportate Irvine/ NPB, but if you want else, then craigslist, but since you are new to the area, I would recommend a realtor for house rental/background check.</blockquote>


Thanks for your thoughts...coming from NYC I can see the suburban thing being a larger shock to the system. We are pretty much like that already, since we dont work in D.C. proper but only going there on occasion for a night out. The political leanings sure sound different than Montgomery County Maryland though. In general, a move of this magnitude (thousands of miles away from friends and family) should have some major bonuses to offset the cost and potential isolation. Right now I guess we are itching to try someplace new and for some reason always gravitate back to SoCal. The whole adventure sure would be more compelling if we already had a work transfer setup or some other ready-to-go source of income there.



Outside of the housing related economy there, are things stable from a job-seekers perspective?
 
[quote author="bkshopr" date=1228186919]Architecture and the definition of seasons are gorgeous in DC. You will be trading the charm of DC for OC Tick Tacky stucco boxes, evergreen trees and excellent climate here. Grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.</blockquote>


The architecture really doesnt do much for me (out in suburbs, everything is a "colonial"). Now the seasons thing is a real irony. On one hand I do love the sense of season, with things like Christmas defined by snow, etc. That being said, I love warmer climate and find it hard to imagine becoming tired of it there. Its definitly a major difference though!
 
[quote author="Fragnetic" date=1228184871]First time poster here, long time lurker and fan of IHB :)



My wife and I are 30, no kids, and we rent a townhouse (been locked in at $1400 for years which is a steal around here) in an affluent suburb of Washington D.C. We have a combined income of $125K with no loans, credit card, etc debt, except a car payment for one of our cars. She has long been enamored of the O.C. and I love being near water, beach etc. We have visited there, but only doing the touristy thing. Having lived in this area all my life I know it like the back of my hand, and maybe its a mid-life thing but I am itching for change, especially climate-wise! I read alot about the housing market there, and I see a fair amount of griping about the "preceived" OC lifestyle, whatever that is. So I guess Id love some opinions, such as...



1) What would be the hardest part of life there for east coast converts?

2) Everything points to cost of living being more expensive there than in D.C. Where does the above income fall into the normal spectrum there?

3) Where are good websites to look for home rentals in the area there?

4) Lastly, what is your favorite aspect of living in Orange County?



Any additional insights are welcome of course!</blockquote>


Have you considered the beach cities of LA County? By your demographic, you sound like you might be a good candidate for the South Bay (Manhattan/Hermosa/Redondo Beach). Those areas are very vibrant with a great social scene --- and a large number of younger professionals. Plus you have much better access to the broader LA job market. Drawback is that they are very expensive --- but so are the best areas of OC. Until you have kids, you may also want to put those areas on your radar --- although I will also say that OC is not as devoid of social life as you might see portrayed by some on this board.



And as far as my favorite aspect of OC? Well, everything. The weather is fantastic. There is an never ending list of things to do in So Cal. I work for an accounting firm where I could move anywhere in the country I wanted --- but I can't think of anywhere else I would want to live. Diversity in cultures and all that affords is amazing (although DC isn't too bad either) --- but what I love is that you can experience all of these cultures while not in a gritty core city setting. I love the suburban feel of OC. And on the few occasions that the cookie cutter suburbia just becomes too much, LA is right there. Good luck.
 
I've lived on 3 different continents and this is by far the best climate I have ever lived in...to give you an example, it's Dec 1st and I'm sitting outside a Coffee shop in a T-Shirt...



I guess it depends what you do but the Job market is horrible, my wife is in healthcare and has been laid off twice this year and has been out of work for the past month so in my opinion, finding a job that will enable you to live in a decent part of the OC will be your biggest challenge...



Your best bet is to come over for a week and we will give you a tour...



Bottom line is, if you can afford to live in a nice part of the OC it's awesome...if not, it can really suck....
 
[quote author="PeterUK" date=1228190028]I've lived on 3 different continents and this is by far the best climate I have ever lived in...to give you an example, it's Dec 1st and I'm sitting outside a Coffee shop in a T-Shirt...</blockquote>


Exactly. Its Dec 1st here too, but miserable in the 40's and raining steadily :(
 
[quote author="Fragnetic" date=1228188321][quote author="bkshopr" date=1228186919]Architecture and the definition of seasons are gorgeous in DC. You will be trading the charm of DC for OC Tick Tacky stucco boxes, evergreen trees and excellent climate here. Grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.</blockquote>


The architecture really doesnt do much for me (out in suburbs, everything is a "colonial"). Now the seasons thing is a real irony. On one hand I do love the sense of season, with things like Christmas defined by snow, etc. That being said, I love warmer climate and find it hard to imagine becoming tired of it there. Its definitly a major difference though!</blockquote>


I love DC for this reason.



<img src="http://www.rudymayer.com/featuredprop/6main/exteriorLG.jpg" alt="" />



I hate OC for this reason.



<img src="http://www.irvinehousingblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/63-copper-leaf-front.jpg" alt="" />
 
I might move to OC for this reason:



<img src="http://irvinerealtorsite.com/ocschools.JPG" alt="" />



I might avoid DC for this reason:



<img src="http://irvinerealtorsite.com/dcskools.JPG" alt="" />



<em>source: <a href="http://www.greatschools.net">www.greatschools.net</a></em>
 
What affluent suburb are you from? I'm also from the DC area. Moved here less than 2 years ago. I'm from Montgomery County the fiance is from Fairfax. Almost everything is more expensive here than both of those counties (housing, car insurance, TAXES, tolls, eating out, groceries). Best thing about the OC is by far the weather.
 
Fragnetic,



Do you live in McLean? If you like it there then you will love OC. PF Chang, Tiffanys and LV and etc. I am not the sporty type who enjoy outdoor activities thus good weather has no impact on me. I do like history, culture, arts and Planned city. DC out numbered OC in all of the above. Georgetown and Alexandria are two of the most admired towns in America. Mount Vernon the home of our founding father is just amazing. The museums, Capitol, Library of Congress, and memorials are the best in the world. It is an amazing city. OC has great weather, beaches, Disneyland and you can wear short all year round.
 
[quote author="IrvineRealtor" date=1228194873]I might move to OC for this reason:



<img src="http://irvinerealtorsite.com/ocschools.JPG" alt="" />



I might avoid DC for this reason:



<img src="http://irvinerealtorsite.com/dcskools.JPG" alt="" />



<em>source: <a href="http://www.greatschools.net">www.greatschools.net</a></em></blockquote>


No kids yet though, not even sure when theyll be on the radar. And whereas DC proper suffers from a poor public school system, where I live (near Potomac and Rockville) has excellent schools...15 out of the top 100 high schools in the country are in the area (my current residence would be in the area of #60 listed here: <em>source: <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/id/39380">link</a></em> ) But schools wouldnt be a major deciding factor at this point. Good to know though.
 
[quote author="Fragnetic" date=1228195849][quote author="IrvineRealtor" date=1228194873]I might move to OC for this reason:



No kids yet though, not even sure when theyll be on the radar. And whereas DC proper suffers from a poor public school system, where I live (near Potomac and Rockville) has excellent schools...15 out of the top 100 high schools in the country are in the area (my current are would be at #60http://www.newsweek.com/id/39380) But schools wouldnt be a major deciding factor at this point. Good to know though.</blockquote>


I was feeling the need to defend the greater DC area public schools so thanks for saving me the trouble!
 
[quote author="NewToOC" date=1228195617]What affluent suburb are you from? I'm also from the DC area. Moved here less than 2 years ago. I'm from Montgomery County the fiance is from Fairfax. Almost everything is more expensive here than both of those counties (housing, car insurance, TAXES, tolls, eating out, groceries). Best thing about the OC is by far the weather.</blockquote>


You're just the person to talk to then :) Im in North Potomac...work across the river in Tysons Corner, so used to hellish commute. You say everything is more expensive, are salaries comparably adjusted? Outside of your income, are you all happy there?
 
[quote author="Fragnetic" date=1228196163][quote author="NewToOC" date=1228195617]What affluent suburb are you from? I'm also from the DC area. Moved here less than 2 years ago. I'm from Montgomery County the fiance is from Fairfax. Almost everything is more expensive here than both of those counties (housing, car insurance, TAXES, tolls, eating out, groceries). Best thing about the OC is by far the weather.</blockquote>


You're just the person to talk to then :) Im in North Potomac...work across the river in Tysons Corner, so used to hellish commute. You say everything is more expensive, are salaries comparably adjusted? Outside of your income, are you all happy there?</blockquote>


Tyson Corner is very similar to OC environment. You will find OC very attractive as most of the planned area are orderly and new.
 
[quote author="bkshopr" date=1228195645]Fragnetic,



Do you live in McLean? If you like it there then you will love OC. PF Chang, Tiffanys and LV and etc. I am not the sporty type who enjoy outdoor activities thus good weather has no impact on me. I do like history, culture, arts and Planned city. DC out numbered OC in all of the above. Georgetown and Alexandria are two of the most admired towns in America. Mount Vernon the home of our founding father is just amazing. The museums, Capitol, Library of Congress, and memorials are the best in the world. It is an amazing city. OC has great weather, beaches, Disneyland and you can wear short all year round.</blockquote>


bk-- I dont live in Mclean, but I work right down the road in Vienna/Tysons. But having lived my entire life in and around the beltway, I don't have any problem with your depiction of Mclean. But after 30 years, all the pluses of the area you mentioned I have done over and again. Everything gets old after a while. I Feel the need to go someplace new, and why not completely different!



While my wife and I LOVE a good restaurant, we have no desire for overpriced items like LV and prefer to look (almost) as good for much less (bargain shopping). That may be anathema there in the OC, I dont know.
 
[quote author="Fragnetic" date=1228197041][quote author="bkshopr" date=1228195645]Fragnetic,



Do you live in McLean? If you like it there then you will love OC. PF Chang, Tiffanys and LV and etc. I am not the sporty type who enjoy outdoor activities thus good weather has no impact on me. I do like history, culture, arts and Planned city. DC out numbered OC in all of the above. Georgetown and Alexandria are two of the most admired towns in America. Mount Vernon the home of our founding father is just amazing. The museums, Capitol, Library of Congress, and memorials are the best in the world. It is an amazing city. OC has great weather, beaches, Disneyland and you can wear short all year round.</blockquote>


bk-- I dont live in Mclean, but I work right down the road in Vienna/Tysons. But having lived my entire life in and around the beltway, I don't have any problem with your depiction of Mclean. But after 30 years, all the pluses of the area you mentioned I have done over and again. Everything gets old after a while. I Feel the need to go someplace new, and why not completely different!



While my wife and I LOVE a good restaurant, we have no desire for overpriced items like LV and prefer to look (almost) as good for much less (bargain shopping). That may be anathema there in the OC, I dont know.</blockquote>


I understand your feeling. OC is very stepford and you will be bored in 3 years. Keep your option open for other places in SoCal. Hollywood and LA would be more appropriate for you when you want to experience other facets of a 30 something life. OC is boring and it will get old very quick. Residents with family emphasis chose OC for 3 reasons: good schools, safety, and proximity to professional jobs. You do not fit this demographic. Living in LA allow you to benefit a greater cultural diversity and promity to venues that enrich the facets of life that you do not experience in DC.
 
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