Moving to So cal advice
#18
Re: Moving to So cal advice
Hey,
This is my first post on this site, Im Scottish my husband is Irish and we've been living in Boston MA for 1 1/2 years. We are both early 30's with no kids as yet but hoping to have a family very soon.
We are moving to So Cal as my husband has been relocated with work to Irvine.......Ive got a couple questions.
In Boston there is a large British ex pat community that converses through social media. Can anyone recommend some for So Cal.
Im quite afraid of natural disaster probably after watching one too many movies but what should we be looking for in terms of safety when viewing flats to rent.....also areas that are considered toast should the Big One happen would be appreciated. Scary.
We haven't heard the best things about Irvine in terms of culture and things to do, while we still don't have kids we would like to be able to go out and socialize but were not super into exercise so wouldn't want to meet people to do sports, more into music and restaurants.
We had thought living slightly closer to LA may be good in terms of keeping us entertained but the commute is supposed to be soul crushing....any tips on good areas for bars, restaurants and cafes to live by but still be able to commute about 45 mins to Irvine would be appreciated. so 45 mins in any direction from Irvine.
I won't be working for the first while so lets not go crazy and mention places where we would be eating pot noodles to survive while living in a cute neighborhood
This is my first post on this site, Im Scottish my husband is Irish and we've been living in Boston MA for 1 1/2 years. We are both early 30's with no kids as yet but hoping to have a family very soon.
We are moving to So Cal as my husband has been relocated with work to Irvine.......Ive got a couple questions.
In Boston there is a large British ex pat community that converses through social media. Can anyone recommend some for So Cal.
Im quite afraid of natural disaster probably after watching one too many movies but what should we be looking for in terms of safety when viewing flats to rent.....also areas that are considered toast should the Big One happen would be appreciated. Scary.
We haven't heard the best things about Irvine in terms of culture and things to do, while we still don't have kids we would like to be able to go out and socialize but were not super into exercise so wouldn't want to meet people to do sports, more into music and restaurants.
We had thought living slightly closer to LA may be good in terms of keeping us entertained but the commute is supposed to be soul crushing....any tips on good areas for bars, restaurants and cafes to live by but still be able to commute about 45 mins to Irvine would be appreciated. so 45 mins in any direction from Irvine.
I won't be working for the first while so lets not go crazy and mention places where we would be eating pot noodles to survive while living in a cute neighborhood
I live just next door to Irvine in Lake Forest. You are right, there isn't much culture in Orange County. For interesting neighborhoods with bars, cafes, etc you would want to be closer to the beach. Unfortuantely, being near the beach means higher rents. If you decide to live in Irvine I would consider finding a place close to Irvine Spectrum. It is a large outdoor shopping center with a movie theatre, lots of restaurants, shops, a fitness center, etc.
I live on the lake in Lake Forest. It is a man made lake so you can't swim it in but we do have a community center with 11 tennis courts, 4 swimming pools (one is an adults only), a fitness center, a bar, etc. which is a fun place to hang out and meet people.
Good luck with your move, happy to help if you have any more questions!
#19
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 198
Re: Moving to So cal advice
Take a look at downtown Orange. Lots of bars and restaurants and a good nightlife. University town and some level of public transportation, but you'd likely still have a commute to Irvine. Wouldn't be my first choice for an area with kids but that's not an issue for you. It's also cheaper than the beach areas.
#20
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 417
Re: Moving to So cal advice
Earthquakes in the OC and San Diego can be bad but would not drop us into the ocean. The Tsunami threat is also small due to the nature of the faults along the California coast.
#22
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 198
Re: Moving to So cal advice
Wouldn't drop us in the ocean for sure, but just because the San Andreas is not in OC doesn't mean a quake there's impact wouldn't be felt. This is a good simulation of how it might ripple through.
https://youtu.be/blTx92TuWHA
Always in the back up of your mind but not something to worry about al the time. Certainly not enough to consider moving to, say GA. :-)
https://youtu.be/blTx92TuWHA
Always in the back up of your mind but not something to worry about al the time. Certainly not enough to consider moving to, say GA. :-)
#23
Re: Moving to So cal advice
I have only ever experienced one earthquake in my lifetime and that was when I was living in Boston!
#24
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 11
Re: Moving to So cal advice
My questions are more concerned around would people factor this in when looking at buying a home.....say near a hill side because of landslides....things to look out for for home structural integrity etc.
#25
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 11
Re: Moving to So cal advice
Thats interesting, I think its more the imminent arrival of a huge one that is scary. Im sure they have been saying its due for a very long time but its so unpredictable it does make you pause for concern.
sorry this was reply to Alan17
sorry this was reply to Alan17
Last edited by birdy123; May 1st 2017 at 7:16 pm. Reason: not quoting
#26
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 11
Re: Moving to So cal advice
thanks! this is basically what I was interested in.....also wether to avoid the bottom of hilly areas as they have said something about landslides and what to look for in building structures that make them better suited to residing near a fault line.
Not having any experience of the area its hard to know what is scaremongering and what is something to be genuinely mindful of.
Thanks again ScousePete
Not having any experience of the area its hard to know what is scaremongering and what is something to be genuinely mindful of.
Thanks again ScousePete
Last edited by birdy123; May 1st 2017 at 7:17 pm. Reason: not quoting
#27
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 11
Re: Moving to So cal advice
Hi Birdy,
I live just next door to Irvine in Lake Forest. You are right, there isn't much culture in Orange County. For interesting neighborhoods with bars, cafes, etc you would want to be closer to the beach. Unfortuantely, being near the beach means higher rents. If you decide to live in Irvine I would consider finding a place close to Irvine Spectrum. It is a large outdoor shopping center with a movie theatre, lots of restaurants, shops, a fitness center, etc.
I live on the lake in Lake Forest. It is a man made lake so you can't swim it in but we do have a community center with 11 tennis courts, 4 swimming pools (one is an adults only), a fitness center, a bar, etc. which is a fun place to hang out and meet people.
Good luck with your move, happy to help if you have any more questions!
I live just next door to Irvine in Lake Forest. You are right, there isn't much culture in Orange County. For interesting neighborhoods with bars, cafes, etc you would want to be closer to the beach. Unfortuantely, being near the beach means higher rents. If you decide to live in Irvine I would consider finding a place close to Irvine Spectrum. It is a large outdoor shopping center with a movie theatre, lots of restaurants, shops, a fitness center, etc.
I live on the lake in Lake Forest. It is a man made lake so you can't swim it in but we do have a community center with 11 tennis courts, 4 swimming pools (one is an adults only), a fitness center, a bar, etc. which is a fun place to hang out and meet people.
Good luck with your move, happy to help if you have any more questions!