Sense of Community

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[quote author="SoCal78" date=1226056507]I've heard raves about <a href="http://www.fuzzibunz.com/">Fuzzi Bunz.</a> Today's cloth diaper is nothing like the ones of yesteryear. No more diaper pins are needed. They now come equipped with snaps or velcro. Most don't even need rubber pants over them.</blockquote>


From the Fuzzi Bunz web site:



<strong>"Use a mini-shower toilet attachment to rinse off soiled diapers over the toilet (optional)."</strong>



Uh, that's a hardy no thank you from IPO... Imagine how fun that would be at 2am.
 
[quote author="WestparkRenter" date=1226063673][quote author="PANDA" date=1226063249][quote author="BMP 309" date=1226044374][quote author="High Gravity" date=1226025419]In new home developments, ususally an entire street moves in at the same time so you will likely meet most of your neighbors just from all the moving activity. Also, you will need to get your neighbors to sign off on your landscape plans so this will force you to get to know your immediate neighbors whether you like it or not.</blockquote>


I agree. We are moving to Glenwood in Aliso Viejo. We do not move until December, and have already met so many neighbors that are young professionals like ourselves, many just starting families. I have read the Aliso thread and understand it's not for everyone, and there are many things about the city that seemed to be planned poorly. However, I think Glenwood is a bit different and feels like a little mini city within itself. It seems that all the neighbors are welcoming and really looking for that sense of community. And...on a side note--for some reason (most likely the community being on a golf course) there seems to be a slight breeze that is very nice. Some residents sit on their front porch in the evening and enjoy the cool breeze. I'm sure I'm biased, but I have never lived in a neighborhood that has had a sense of community such as this one, had to put my 2 cents in. ;)</blockquote>


Now, that sounds like Panda's kinda community. I am sure that Glenwood neighbors will greet new comers to the community with Brownies and Chocolate Cakes UNLIKE your neighbors in Woodbury. :)</blockquote>


Does Glenwood has Mello Roos? How about HOA?</blockquote>


Mellos Roos are very high and the HOA is about $180 a month. You should look at the Aliso Viejo thread on Glenwood. There is more than enough information that you need. Don't buy now, I think that prices will drop by atleast $100,000 by 2010.
 
[quote author="acpme" date=1226032755][quote author="PANDA" date=1226022489]

I did not get the impression that when a new family moves to Woodbury, that their next door neighbor will knock on your door with brownies and cake saying, " Welcome to our neighborhood. My name is so and so." Perhaps it is just an Irvine thing. I sensed that neighbors would be more like that in Aliso Viejo.</blockquote>


you wont get the brownie greetings but theres quite a bit of social interaction in woodbury due to the density and young adults. the halloween parade was tremendous. there were several hundred folks out. there's defin certain cliques that have formed in the community. the stroller mommies seem to all know each other, same goes for all the dog owners, etc. it naturally get to know people if you fall into a group, but just knocking on your neighbors door with a strange concoction for them to eat will get you labeled the weird guy on the block.



speaking of which, what happened this halloween anyway? it seemed like the number of trick or treaters just exploded this yr.</blockquote>
Last year the Halloween parade wasn't held on Halloween...also the air was still bad from the fires so I know a lot of parents didn't want their kids out trick or treating. I knew this year would see a huge increase in trick or treaters so I stocked up on candy...glad I did. I live not too far from the Great Lawn so I probably got even more kids than the average Woodbury owner.



Agree with your other comments too...my neighbors are extremely polite and keep to themselves...just the way I like it! I guess I'm a typical Woodbury owner too. ;-)
 
[quote author="SoCal78" date=1226056507]I believe all of the diaper services have gone out of business (if there are any left, they have got to be very few and far between.)



I know this ain't a diaper thread, but I've been up to my elbows in $#!+ for the last 5 years, so I feel qualified enough to weigh in on the topic. A big part of what will work for you coming out of one end, depends on what's going in the other end. A breastfed baby has much different p00ps than a formula-fed baby. The breastfed baby will poop more often and many times it is explosive. The formula-fed baby poops less often and it's a little more contained. (Don't let this little detail sway you, though. Breast is best for the baby - read up on it.) Some of the brands of diapers work better than others for various babies. It's good to try different brands but that said, when you find one that works, it's good to stick with it else you should end up with an entire case of diapers you'll never use. I've never tried Kirkland but have always used Huggies (still bought from Costco, no less, so you can save money either way.) Some diapers have flexible sides, some don't. Some are gender-specific, some aren't. Some are more thin and papery than others while thicker ones seem to contain the mess better. Some are cut differently than others and will work best for a certain size baby. There is a huge trend now of going back to the old days of using cloth diapers. I've heard raves about <a href="http://www.fuzzibunz.com/">Fuzzi Bunz.</a> Today's cloth diaper is nothing like the ones of yesteryear. No more diaper pins are needed. They now come equipped with snaps or velcro. Most don't even need rubber pants over them.



Happy diaper-ing!</blockquote>


I've let HG Jr. choose her own diapers since she was about a year old. I'd turn her loose in the diaper section at Costco or Target and have her tell me which diaper she wants. Sometimes its "Princess" (i.e. Huggies pull ups), sometimes its "Mickey" (i.e. Huggies regular), sometimes its "Zebra" (i.e. Kirkland), etc.
 
[quote author="WestparkRenter" date=1226063673][quote author="PANDA" date=1226063249][quote author="BMP 309" date=1226044374][quote author="High Gravity" date=1226025419]In new home developments, ususally an entire street moves in at the same time so you will likely meet most of your neighbors just from all the moving activity. Also, you will need to get your neighbors to sign off on your landscape plans so this will force you to get to know your immediate neighbors whether you like it or not.</blockquote>


I agree. We are moving to Glenwood in Aliso Viejo. We do not move until December, and have already met so many neighbors that are young professionals like ourselves, many just starting families. I have read the Aliso thread and understand it's not for everyone, and there are many things about the city that seemed to be planned poorly. However, I think Glenwood is a bit different and feels like a little mini city within itself. It seems that all the neighbors are welcoming and really looking for that sense of community. And...on a side note--for some reason (most likely the community being on a golf course) there seems to be a slight breeze that is very nice. Some residents sit on their front porch in the evening and enjoy the cool breeze. I'm sure I'm biased, but I have never lived in a neighborhood that has had a sense of community such as this one, had to put my 2 cents in. ;)</blockquote>


Now, that sounds like Panda's kinda community. I am sure that Glenwood neighbors will greet new comers to the community with Brownies and Chocolate Cakes UNLIKE your neighbors in Woodbury. :)</blockquote>


Does Glenwood has Mello Roos? How about HOA?</blockquote>


yes and yes
 
[quote author="PANDA" date=1226094369][quote author="WestparkRenter" date=1226063673][quote author="PANDA" date=1226063249][quote author="BMP 309" date=1226044374][quote author="High Gravity" date=1226025419]In new home developments, ususally an entire street moves in at the same time so you will likely meet most of your neighbors just from all the moving activity. Also, you will need to get your neighbors to sign off on your landscape plans so this will force you to get to know your immediate neighbors whether you like it or not.</blockquote>


I agree. We are moving to Glenwood in Aliso Viejo. We do not move until December, and have already met so many neighbors that are young professionals like ourselves, many just starting families. I have read the Aliso thread and understand it's not for everyone, and there are many things about the city that seemed to be planned poorly. However, I think Glenwood is a bit different and feels like a little mini city within itself. It seems that all the neighbors are welcoming and really looking for that sense of community. And...on a side note--for some reason (most likely the community being on a golf course) there seems to be a slight breeze that is very nice. Some residents sit on their front porch in the evening and enjoy the cool breeze. I'm sure I'm biased, but I have never lived in a neighborhood that has had a sense of community such as this one, had to put my 2 cents in. ;)</blockquote>


Now, that sounds like Panda's kinda community. I am sure that Glenwood neighbors will greet new comers to the community with Brownies and Chocolate Cakes UNLIKE your neighbors in Woodbury. :)</blockquote>


Does Glenwood has Mello Roos? How about HOA?</blockquote>


Mellos Roos are very high and the HOA is about $180 a month. You should look at the Aliso Viejo thread on Glenwood. There is more than enough information that you need. Don't buy now, I think that prices will drop by atleast $100,000 by 2010.</blockquote>


When they lowered the prices from 8's and 9's to high 6's and 7's homes sold very quickly, thus they were releasing new phases accordingly. Now, they are releasing new phases VERY slowly, if at all. I think Shea may hold on and not build for a while on some of the land...
 
[quote author="BMP 309" date=1226107316][quote author="PANDA" date=1226094369][quote author="WestparkRenter" date=1226063673][quote author="PANDA" date=1226063249][quote author="BMP 309" date=1226044374][quote author="High Gravity" date=1226025419]In new home developments, ususally an entire street moves in at the same time so you will likely meet most of your neighbors just from all the moving activity. Also, you will need to get your neighbors to sign off on your landscape plans so this will force you to get to know your immediate neighbors whether you like it or not.</blockquote>


I agree. We are moving to Glenwood in Aliso Viejo. We do not move until December, and have already met so many neighbors that are young professionals like ourselves, many just starting families. I have read the Aliso thread and understand it's not for everyone, and there are many things about the city that seemed to be planned poorly. However, I think Glenwood is a bit different and feels like a little mini city within itself. It seems that all the neighbors are welcoming and really looking for that sense of community. And...on a side note--for some reason (most likely the community being on a golf course) there seems to be a slight breeze that is very nice. Some residents sit on their front porch in the evening and enjoy the cool breeze. I'm sure I'm biased, but I have never lived in a neighborhood that has had a sense of community such as this one, had to put my 2 cents in. ;)</blockquote>


Now, that sounds like Panda's kinda community. I am sure that Glenwood neighbors will greet new comers to the community with Brownies and Chocolate Cakes UNLIKE your neighbors in Woodbury. :)</blockquote>


Does Glenwood has Mello Roos? How about HOA?</blockquote>


Mellos Roos are very high and the HOA is about $180 a month. You should look at the Aliso Viejo thread on Glenwood. There is more than enough information that you need. Don't buy now, I think that prices will drop by atleast $100,000 by 2010.</blockquote>


When they lowered the prices from 8's and 9's to high 6's and 7's homes sold very quickly, thus they were releasing new phases accordingly. Now, they are releasing new phases VERY slowly, if at all. I think Shea may hold on and not build for a while on some of the land...</blockquote>


I did not know they have new houses. I thought they were all sold out. I did find one property less than 2000 sqf with 1 acre lot for less than $600k last year but decided not to move forward.
 
I wanted to comment a little on the topic of a sense of community. And this was a big concern between my wife and I. Yes, it a sad norm in Southern California where you could live next to a neighbor for years without knowing their names, and we seen plenty of families where they pull right into their garages, close the door behind them and not see them for weeks. I know most of Irvine comprise of young couples with small children; parents who are usually both working and trying to raise families. Needless to say, we all lead very busy lives, the result which we don't have much energies, time or resources to lend to relationships beyond our own. This was the biggest argument of not to buy in Irvine when the time comes. We have friends in older cities like La Mirada, Buena Park, Tustin or even the South Bay, where cost of living is slightly lower. Where possibly one parent is home and neighborly relationships can have a chance to grow.



My argument still comes down to what your priorities are, is it to work 70+ hours a week. Come home all stressed, tired and grouchy or to really scale down our lifestyle and to really invest in the important things of life, mainly relationships. Indeed, a sense of community is truly hard to come by. It does take personal vulnerability, risk, hard work, and time. We can't simply rely on the HOA to simply plan events and hope you get invited to a BBQ or two. That sense of community can exist wherever you live, whoever you are. All it takes is a decision. When our family finally buys, "affordability" will also have to mean: taking a day off to help a neighbor move; taking someone to the airport; watching their pets when they are away; hosting get together; basically being there for someone who lives near me. That is truest sense of the word community; I like to use the term: ?Giving someone the permission to interrupt?. Community to me means, giving someone permission to interrupt my agenda and that could happen anywhere you live.
 
[quote author="roundcorners" date=1226113204]I wanted to comment a little on the topic of a sense of community. And this was a big concern between my wife and I. Yes, it a sad norm in Southern California where you could live next to a neighbor for years without knowing their names, and we seen plenty of families where they pull right into their garages, close the door behind them and not see them for weeks. I know most of Irvine comprise of young couples with small children; parents who are usually both working and trying to raise families. Needless to say, we all lead very busy lives, the result which we don't have much energies, time or resources to lend to relationships beyond our own. This was the biggest argument of not to buy in Irvine when the time comes. We have friends in older cities like La Mirada, Buena Park, Tustin or even the South Bay, where cost of living is slightly lower. Where possibly one parent is home and neighborly relationships can have a chance to grow.



My argument still comes down to what your priorities are, is it to work 70+ hours a week. Come home all stressed, tired and grouchy or to really scale down our lifestyle and to really invest in the important things of life, mainly relationships. Indeed, a sense of community is truly hard to come by. It does take personal vulnerability, risk, hard work, and time. We can't simply rely on the HOA to simply plan events and hope you get invited to a BBQ or two. That sense of community can exist wherever you live, whoever you are. All it takes is a decision. When our family finally buys, "affordability" will also have to mean: taking a day off to help a neighbor move; taking someone to the airport; watching their pets when they are away; hosting get together; basically being there for someone who lives near me. That is truest sense of the word community; I like to use the term: ?Giving someone the permission to interrupt?. Community to me means, giving someone permission to interrupt my agenda and that could happen anywhere you live.</blockquote>


Round Corners.. Good stuff. Thanks for taking the time to write this.
 
In my continued search for a neighborhood with a sense of community, I decided to scout out the local parks in a few of my favorite neighborhoods. We stopped by at the Chapparal (sp?) park in TRock. There were a couple of siblings playing. We then went to a park at Paseo Westpark but there were no children playing there.



We then decided to drive North and end up at the main park (by the Commons) at Woodbury and to my surprise, there were many kids at the park (at least 15 kids). I was surprised since I've never seen that many kids at a park in Irvine.



This made me look at Woodbury closer as a potential place to buy. Woodbury has a brand new school and am curious to see what the experience has been for parents with kids at the school. I usually look to greatschools.com for information (particularly the parent reviews). The majority gave very good reviews and there were a couple of so so reviews.



I would appreciate any feedback on Woodbury elementary, especially if there are any parents out there that may want to share their thoughts.
 
Hi, Kay. That is a wonderful park there in the Woodbury Commons. We visit too... drive from P.S. just to play there. Being the largest of the parks in Woodbury, I have noticed it is a hot-spot. Everyone is so friendly. Last time I took my boys, three fathers were there with their kids and right away they started up conversation. It is a nice social atmosphere. I don't have any direct experience with that school but I do visit the greatschools website a lot. Just keep in mind people usually only take the time to post a review if they have something negative to vent.
 
HI SoCal78:



yes, the park is really nice and people were friendly there. I struck up a conversation with two moms in the neighborhood. As to the school, I like the value based approach to education at Woodbury elementary (as noted on the school website) and the fact that most of the reviews by parents were very good on the greatschools site. Just curious on any additional feedback on the school.
 
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