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Waylon M.
housing
Studio apartments in Aliso Viejo -options?
Longtime lurker here, The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Thoughts?
22 upvotes
30 Replies
Ryan White
bump
37 upvotes
Oliver Jackson
accurate
37 upvotes
Jayden
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 7 years. Moved from Seattle for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are average. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Bugs and humidity in summer. Far from beaches/mountains. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in The Heights for 7 years. Moved from Seattle for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are average. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Bugs and humidity in summer. Far from beaches/mountains. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Caleb Baker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Fairview. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in legal. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Fairview. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in legal. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
true_jeremiah92
it depends on the neighborhood
31 upvotes
Savannah Hall
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great BBQ places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
30 upvotes
born_sophie77
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is improving in most areas.
30 upvotes
Mason Kim
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 15 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into running, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I've been here 15 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into running, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Easton T.
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
24 upvotes
portland_jacob
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 2 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
I've been here 2 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Gianna Jackson
bump
18 upvotes
Hannah P.
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
17 upvotes
Ella Allen
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in North. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in tech. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
No regrets on my end..
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in North. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in tech. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
nolan_soul
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
Everly Torres
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The healthcare is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
13 upvotes
Jordan R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
13 upvotes
Claire Rodriguez
100%
13 upvotes
Arianna Patel
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely decent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (East) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely decent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (East) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
12 upvotes
Jaxon Collins
nah I disagree
12 upvotes
Caleb Martinez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Westside. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in finance. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Definitely worth checking out..
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Westside. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in finance. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Everly Parker
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
8 upvotes
Samuel
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely better than expected and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Springfield) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely better than expected and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Springfield) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
8 upvotes
Alexander Alvarez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 41, moved here 2 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Old Town and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- North: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Boston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 41, moved here 2 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Old Town and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- North: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Boston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
7 upvotes
Naomi R.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is excellent in most areas.
5 upvotes
Olivia K.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely solid and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Uptown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely solid and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Uptown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
5 upvotes
Wesley W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 40, moved here 7 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Highland and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Portland, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 40, moved here 7 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Highland and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Portland, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
5 upvotes
Parker Morris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Portland about 14 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Portland about 14 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
5 upvotes
Angel Patel
bump
4 upvotes
Walter D.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely better than expected and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (South) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely better than expected and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (South) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
3 upvotes
Liam D.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 2 years. Moved from New York for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Urban sprawl is real. Homeless population growing downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in The Heights for 2 years. Moved from New York for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Urban sprawl is real. Homeless population growing downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
1 upvotes