Living in So-Cal

[gtforme]

I would like to ask some opinions about my on going quest to get a place in So-Cal

My intention would be to get a townhome in a gated community near or on a golf course or near the water , and i would also like to be in an area where car guys are abundent

I would like to hear from any fellow Canadians that haev made this move to see what the good points are and the bad points of trying to make this happen , I would only intend to spend November to April in So-Cal to get out of the constant rain here in BC

I have made a list below of potential locations to start my search from information taken from a variety of threads here on the forum , can anyone help me narrow my search down based on the criteria noted above

Laguna Hills
Aliso Viejo
Dana Point
Mission Beach
Costa Mesa
Huntington Beach
Pelican Bay
Newport Coast
Coto-De-Casa

Etc.

Thanks

 

[Chris A.]

When considering my move out from the East Coast I took a 2 week trip out and visited towns from San Diego to Ventura.

If you have the time thats the way to do it..... everyone has an opinion......but they won't substitute for your own. All those places you listed are great but they each have their own personality.

 

[tmctguer]

i have lived in Dana Point since 1996 and really enjoy it. it is not as crowded or expensive as Laguna Beach or Newport Beach, but i am 1 mile from the ocean. you will get a bigger home for your money in Costa Mesa, Coto de Caza, Laguna Hills, or Aliso Viejo, but not being by the beach will mean higher temperatures and a longer drive to see the water if that is what you like.

 

[Kingman]

When considering my move out from the East Coast I took a 2 week trip out and visited towns from San Diego to Ventura.

If you have the time thats the way to do it..... everyone has an opinion......but they won't substitute for your own. All those places you listed are great but they each have their own personality.

:agree:
+1

Take your time as each beach town has it's own unique character.

Growing up in the Detroit area, my parents took us on a family trip to SoCal and I was hooked as a teenager. I made several trips west after college when I lived in Wash., DC. My motivations were very similar to yours. There just isn't any substitution for the beach and the car culture that exists here.

 

[HHGT]

Coto de casa would be my vote followed by pelican hills for ocean proximity. laguna beach if you consider alternative lifestyles and flying a rainbow flag to be your thing.

 

[Gulf GT]

Newport Coast would be one of the best spots for what you describe, Newport Beach also has some great gated townhomes. You will get more for your money everywhere else. Dana Point has a couple small gated townhome places close to the ocean. Mission Beach has a few also but totally different atmosphere. Best advice is to personally visit all the locations and see what hits your heart. One will for sure. Dana Point is great, I live on top of the hills in Laguna Niguel above it (Bear Brand), no townhomes here though all large homes, just below us though are many small attached homes. I find this area to be the best of all. No traffic, half way between L.A. and San Diego. Sleepy Dana Point harbor 5 minutes away. Ritz Carlton, Montage, and St. Regis are down the street. By far some of the best beaches in all of California; Strand, Salt Creek, etc. Been here since 1986 and know this area quite well, happy to answer questions (not a real estate agent).

 

[Ed Sims]

SycoGT knows the area well as he lives in SoCal. So does Kendall & others.

I like NorCal the best. I am 90 miles from the ocean/San Francisco, 90 miles from the Napa wine country & 90 miles from skiing/Lake Tahoe. I have the best twisties starting only 30 minutes from my house: Sierra mountains & CA coast. There are 4 road courses within 3 hours or less. Less traffic & expense than SoCal. Lots of GT owners up here also. Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca are fun. Nice weather.

Ed

 

[Lorenzo]

Ed lives in a great part of california. Here is one of the near by points of interest.

 

[Howard]

May I put in a good word for New Jersey!

Howard

 

[dbk]

May I put in a good word for New Jersey!

Howard

Keep fighting the good fight Howard :lol

 

[RALPHIE]

I think Newport Coast is a beautiful area and have friends living there and Corona del Mar. However, if looking at all of Southern California, and if money is no object, I would definitely look at Rancho Santa Fe and La Jolla.

 

[KJRGT]

All the profs for Orange County beach communities are spot on.
I need to put in a plug for another part of the SoCal coast.
Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades and Malibu are also spots you should look at. But I must admit there are fewer gated communities and such that you are specifically looking for.

 

[AtomicGT]

Pelican Bay
Newport Coast

 

[Kayvan]

Outsiders viewpoint:

I just spent 4 days in the area & clearly have an outsiders view....

Newport Beach: very nice, clean, expensive. Somewhat "corporate" with lots of office parks and hotels.
At night 8pm after from mon-Thur it's crickets. Lots of places deserted by 10.
Fashion island is great but mostly shopping chains. Older than others in list

Pelican hill / crystal cove/ newport coast: very nice; more resort feel; bit older too. Seemed nicest of whole area $$$$

Laguna Beach was epic. Views similar to Monaco at Croissette.
Very nice beach town with lots of choices of bars, eating, shops. Didn't see artist /gay vibe....Did see babes

Laguna Niguel: same as Laguna beach; more space and state beaches with access. Had lunch at Ritz, Monarch at st. Regis nxt door

Dana Point was epic as well. Marina was well laid out; nice mix of people. Good access to freeways

Huntington Beach was nice; bit concerned by large industrial / power faculties around. Sure there are gorgeous spots further away from these; seal beach was nice.

Coto de caza was spooky; felt like on set of 70s Stepford Wives movie; thought men's committee was going to step out and cite me for reaching monthly babe limit in first week! Easily saw 10 homes <$600k in one afternoon. It's a huge tract and there are homes worth $5M here; but prefab foot signs for everything gave me assisted living jitters. I may be young!

Overall, thought would see more great cars everywhere; must be a weekend thing....ha,ha. No GTs in 4 days.

I would probably lean towards Laguna Niguel / Dana pt; u can be in Newport or Irvine very quickly. It was like 15 min at 5pm or mid day.

Quality of life / ability to enjoy cars + attractive people makes this area a Win

 

[paul b]

Try SanClemente, I made the move in 95 and never regretted it.

 

[mlane]

I live in Coto (originally from Toronto). Golf course is great, nice gated community. Great time to buy real-estate. Feel free to PM if you have any questions (not an agent either).
Mitch

 

[JJayB]

You really need to check out the communites yourself as you will find there are communities within cities that may fit your needs and style. I find many of the beach communites suffer for overcrowding in the summer months which wears on you if you value your privacy. There are so many exceptions to the generaliztion its not worth mentioning. The coast offers cooler weather and the farther inland the warmer the temps. There are a lot of great places to live in SoCal and consider the high cost of living a weather tax.

 

[mrscape]

Great picture,when was that taken?

 

[Triheart7]

Pelican Bay
Newport Coast

I am biased like Ed Sims, and Lorenzo seconds. I love Northern California. I am going to a resort in Pelican Bay in a month or so and I hear it is fabulous!

 

[HHGT]

Something else to consider about SoCal. No matter what exclusive "Zip Code" you pick to live in, there is crime and trash within 15 miles.