Working remotely from Las Flores CDP (Orange County)
Hello, I'm a teacher here and Homes are going for about $1,068,900 on average. Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. Median household income is $196,250, which feels pretty solid for the area. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Thoughts? Thanks for reading. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
2 upvotes
7 Replies
Aaron Clark
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Lakewood. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in tech. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Italian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
John Turner
wish I knew this sooner
23 upvotes
Reagan M.
underrated comment
17 upvotes
cincydude2020
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 14 years. Moved from New York for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. engineering 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 hit or miss - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited high-paying job options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Ryan E.
underrated comment
9 upvotes
Savannah Gutierrez
seconding this
7 upvotes
Ezra Hill
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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