BR vs Serrano Summit vs Meadows in LF

[newhomebuyerscared101]

Hello!

Looking at Baker Ranch vs Serrano Summit vs Meadows to buy a SFR. Would anyone be able to recommend one community over the other or warn against any of these places? Heard about the warehouse project coming to the Meadows so that definitely makes me apprehensive.

Thanks!!!

 

[CalBears96]

Baker Ranch is the clear winner. BR and Meadows are both Toll Brothers, which is much better than Lennar.

Personally, I don't like Meadows because it's built inside a crater. The community itself is nice, but I just don't like the fact that it's lower than the surrounding streets.

Serrano Summit is Lennar, so there's that.

 

[newhomebuyerscared101]

Thanks! Any thoughts on that new warehouse/manufacturing project coming to the area next to the meadows? Worried that it’s going to affect air quality and maybe future resale value also!

 

[CalBears96]

Personally, having warehouses nearby is a turn off for me. My wife and I prefer actual residential area, which is why we bought at Portola Springs instead. We looked at Serrano Summit and Meadows before deciding on PS. We liked a couple of Meadows models, but really hated the site. We got on the waitlist when Meadows launched and had to make a decision even before they had the model homes. We went to check out the site and decided to wait for Bluffs at PS instead.

 

[yluser45]

Baker Ranch, Meadows, and Serrano Summit are all nice areas in Lake Forest. Just depends what kind of home or floor plan works best for you. Serrano Summit is next to Lake Forest City hall. Some of the Lennar homes have a split style garage that I didn't personally like. Baker Ranch is the more established or older of the three communities you mentioned. Homes in BR are around 8-12+ years old. Meadows is the newest with buildout on the last few homes still being completed. All three communities have HOAs around ~$200-300, pools, no Mello-Roos, and LF tax is about 1.07%. As far as the warehouse on bake parkway it is an existing warehouse that is going to be rebuilt. It won't essentially be much different than what is already there.

 

[sleepy5136]

As a resident in LF I recommend you drive around each area and see the vibes. Talk to the neighbors and do walks around each area. Identify pros/cons in each area.

As a heads up foothill ranch will have a new Costco coming up to replace the old movie theater as well.

 

[newhomebuyerscared101]

Ooh good to know. Thank you guys for the feedback. Really like the homes in The Meadows but that new warehouse and manufacturing coming next to it is a big turn off.

 

[ThirtySomethingWEquity]

I live in Baker Ranch, and it's pretty great. It's very family friendly, tons of parks to walk to that have kids and families anytime between 9-7 pm.

The cons of Baker Ranch are the older homes (compared to the other communities), and some of the houses are near warehouses etc. so be aware of the location/neighborhood. I'm in the central area close to the park, so it's rare to hear trucks when i'm out in my backyard at night, but for folks on the outskirts of the neighborhood, there are frequent noise complaints being close to some warehouses/factories.

For the money I am so much happier having wide streets, a large driveway, a backyard, and street parking, where in Portola Springs, for 2 million you're looking at a detached condo without street parking!

Cons of the meadows: as the above commenter mentioned, being 'lower' than the surrounding area (probably more pollution because of that), less of an established community and less parks/pools from what I can tell.

One pro of the Meadows: If you're getting a 5 bedroom and money is no object, having a downstairs office + downstairs bedroom is pretty great. Even the largest houses (Summit) in Baker Ranch don't have that.

 

[yluser45]

You're definitely getting less space in Portola Springs and having to pay Irvine tax.. Technically Portola Springs is next to the active landfill (Frank R. Bowerman Landfill).

I guess if the old Panasonic office building/warehouse or pacific commercentre business remodel is a concern then parts of the Meadows and Baker Ranch will be out of your consideration. Not all homes will be facing that direction or in view of the update business center.

I am not sure about the amenities at Baker Ranch but the Meadows has two pools, two spas, pickel ball courts, volleyball, basketball, small pocket parks for children, and a clubhouse with private study or work rooms.