Got the job @ UCI...where the heck do i live?!

[babynurse06]

Hello all, I just graduated and have gotten a job at UCI medical center...and now am looking into apartments and all that jazz to move (i'm moving from PA). Anyways i look at apartments that seem nice go to apartmentratings.com and seems like everybody says they have gang members living in their communities, break ins, etc. I'm a country girl ready for change, but i would like to feel safe. Someone reccomended living at huntington beach...but that doesn't appear safe by the reviews either. Where do i go to be safe and not too far from the hospital?!?! I'm starting to get worried. Does anyone know of a safe, nice apartment complex or even areas or zipcodes to avoid?? Thanks to all!! :uhoh21:

[Heavenward, LVN, RN]

Tustin and Irvine have overall pretty nice areas, as does Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita. The only problem is the rents, but I am not sure what your new range is :)

When you get into Santa Ana, Anaheim, Orange, (honestly no offense to any SoCal people that live there, just from what I have seen), there is a bit of a criminal element.

The thing is, there's always going to be someone who spoils it for everyone else. It's usually kids that are breaking into cars for the stereos and things.

Good Luck!

[fergus51]

You might consider staying in an extended stay or something for a week or a month so you can look around before deciding on an appartment (especially if your hospital is paying for moving expenses). Every city is going to have nice and not so nice places. rent.com is another good website, but nothing is as good as just walking around yourself.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Check out Garden Grove, Westminster, Stanton, or Dana Point.

[SoniaC]

Irvine itself is a really boring city to live in. Anyplace south of Irvine is generally nice (Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Clemente, RSM, Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano). Of course the more coastal areas will be more expensive (San Clemente is probably the cheapest beach city in south OC if you're interested in beach areas, and is not too far of a drive from Irvine). Areas north of Irvine (central & northern OC) are generally more congested, smoggy, and not as nice, except for Newport Beach. Huntington Beach is kind of dumpy-there are much better beach cities in OC, but Huntington is probably cheapest. You'll discover which area you like once you've been there for a little while. Have fun in Orange County. I miss it.

[gingerpeachy]

In Tustin (the town north of Irvine) the Park Magnolia Apartments are very safe (gated), clean, quiet, friendly and conveniently located (about 20 minutes drive from UCI), though the immediate surrounding neighborhood is not as nice as the apartment complex itself. My husband, child and I have lived here happily for the last 3 and a half years. Around $1,000 for a 1-bedroom, $1250 for a 2-bedroom. The office phone number is [phone]. Good luck!

[chuchie, ADN, BSN, MSN, LPN, APRN, NP]

I think the cities around the beach like Dana Point, Huntington beach, Newport beach, and San Clemente are very safe. I agree that if you have your heart set on living close to the beach that HB and San Clemente are your best bets as far as price for renting goes. If you want to live more inland I like Tustin and Orange. In Orange I think it's nice when you're close to the 55 freeway. I know there's a lot of apartments near the cross streets of Lincoln and Glassell. It is close to the Orange Mall, too which is nice. It gets more "ghetto" as you get closer to Anaheim. I wouldn't recommend Stanton, Garden Grove (or garbage grove as the locals call it) or Beuna Park. Placentia is just north of Orange and I think that is also nice. I'm originally from Minnesota, so I know how you feel as far as wanting to move to a safe place in Cali. That was something that I really researched when I moved, because I was also more of a country girl.

[sunny.shine]

Hey I couldnt believe I live in LA but there are some nice areas future nurse named some great ones and orange county is a great place..I would really look at the commutte does that bug you are not...the beach cities are nice because they are cooler and the air quality is usually good ..I think youll like it..look at the hospital..maybe people there have ads up..I would defintly visit before deciding..see what feels good to you..whats home have fun!

[MSUnurse]

I've been obsessing again about moving to California and came across this live webcam of Huntington Beach. Thought you might like to check it out:

http://www.surfcity-hb.org/Visitors/beach_info/LiveBeachCondition.cfm

[nursepearl]

Huntington beach is very expensive to live in. Although the apartments are nice. There are some nice areas of santa ana, such as floral park or near south coast plaza....although it is also expensive. I used to live in orange county and work at UCLA, now I live in pasadena which is my favorite place to live o far. I lived in orange county for 24 years and I never had a probelm with crime nor has my home ever been broken into.

[JaneyW]

I work at UCI. I know of some new grads who live in the apartments between The Block and Crystal Cathedral. They look OK and it is very convenient to walk to and from work. As you will find out, UCI is a horrible place to park!!! I like working there, though, and wish you luck!

[Bala Shark]

The gang thing is made up by people being prejudice...Only thing wrong is that you have a lot of college kids living there who are well to do and want an education..This is a college environment, remember..The crime rate is very low in Irvine but the prejudice is not..