Recent content by JackTamkin

Logged in just for this. Great memories eating at Oriental Kitchen twenty years ago. My cousins were in frats/sororities back then and we ate there all the time. I remember the gruff Korean owner well.

Interesting NY Times article today about the UC system, which still offers the "masses" the best value and opportunity for a high quality education. NY Times created their own "College Access Index" a measure of economic diversity. The index is based on the share of students receiving Pell...

Hmm... those are good points about the community. Will have to check out Vista del Verde. I was trying to stay as close to 57 as possible - plan would be to catch train either at Fullerton or Industry stations. For my schedule, Industry station works better.

Been busy with work, meant to reply earlier. We went to see the models in August as well.  I also wanted dimensions on brochure, but since I had my laser measure, I was able to jot down some numbers. Thought the floorplans were great, only minor quibbles (one secondary bedroom has a small...

I was/am affiliated with a few universities in the top 50. Really disappointed to see USC at 49, only a spot ahead of UCI. Maybe fundraising will change the rankings:http://news.usc.edu/26529/usc-to-launch-largest-fundraising-campaign-in-higher-education-history/

Wow - that's pretty impressive! I haven't seen this in my circle of friends in OC who purchased homes around 2000-2004. Most are still in their first or second homes, and sitting on a bunch of equity. They plan on helping their kids with college. Or moving elderly parents to OC (buying a second...

I really like Irvine, it's a nice community, and the new homes feel more "upscale" compared to homes built 10-15 years ago. But I feel setbacks are smaller than ever. I hope your friend has more "breathing" space than the typical Irvine lot. La Canada is really nice, but a little remote for us...

If I could refine my question a little, I think that Irvine is attracting a lot of 2nd generation Asian Americans who are looking for a nice home (not needing too much maintenance), good schools, safety, and access to culture (after school language classes, etc). Also, space for the extended...

Without revealing too much about my friends, most/if not all, have made over six figures for over a decade. However, we're mostly living in pretty modest places (in nice towns). So, what happens at the LA/OC border?! Do expectations/spending habits just change?? Of course, an irvinehomeshopper...

Sure, it's my personal experience & anecdotes - I got that. I grew up & have lots of family in LA, and I get why people love Irvine - nice new homes, good schools, and safe. When I see a brand new model home, it's easy for my family to imagine living there. Maybe this has been beaten to death...

Don't get me wrong - I'd love to live in Irvine. Lots of beautiful neighborhoods. I love parts of Turtle Rock, and also checked out Orchard Hills. I have a large family and many contacts, and I just find it hard to believe that so many haven't taken the plunge. If it's because of fiscal...

I'm really puzzled about the strength of the Irvine buyers. My demographics are quite similar to many on this thread, and I know many physicians, lawyers, and engineers. Amongst my group of friends and associates, only a small handful own a home over $1.5mm, and that person's net worth is well...