Homes with good aesthetic.

1) Rolling Hills 2)Signal Hills 3) Fullerton 4) Rowland Height/ La Habra Heights

5) Hollywood Hills/ Griffith Observatory 6) Newport Coast 7) Mt Baldy 8) Brentwood/Pacific Palisade
 
I remember seeing similar houses in Pasadena, South Pasadena and San Marino. My favorite ones were in the chapman woods.. lovely houses.

Anyway, I spent 10 years managing box buildings and live in a cookie cutter house. So much for being an architect (okay, no license, yet)
 
[quote author="Cubic Zirconia" date=1244717358]I remember seeing similar houses in Pasadena, South Pasadena and San Marino. My favorite ones were in the chapman woods.. lovely houses.

Anyway, I spent 10 years managing box buildings and live in a cookie cutter house. So much for being an architect (okay, no license, yet)</blockquote>


Chapman Wood is westward on California Blvd/ Rosemead Blvd. Large homes with circular drive lined both sides of the street. IHO would think this is a terrible neighborhood because it has no sidewalks. tot lots and frontal garages.
 
I love the little tudor homes - or storybook homes as I call them. They have so much charm and character. If the landscaping is done right, there is nothing cuter than one of these homes. There are some sprinkled into Floral Park and Pasadena neighborhoods. We also saw some of these (brick-fronted) neighborhoods in Omaha, NB. I wish there was more of a selection in the OC.
 
[quote author="So" date=1244785022]I love the little tudor homes - or storybook homes as I call them. They have so much charm and character. If the landscaping is done right, there is nothing cuter than one of these homes. There are some sprinkled into Floral Park and Pasadena neighborhoods. We also saw some of these (brick-fronted) neighborhoods in Omaha, NB. I wish there was more of a selection in the OC.</blockquote>


The folks designed the original Disneyland were designers trained in the 20's. Their storybook Snow White cottages, castle, and New Orleans architecture are timeless. Disney updated all other sections many times while the well designed buildings remain to be the classic for many generations to come. I view houses the same way.



Homes in Garden Grove and Anaheim were once in high demand and trendy. Architecture was fairytale ranch houses. During that era the now decayed neighborhoods were highly sought after in the 50's like Irvine today. Looking back at newspaper microfilm articles both suburbs had very good schools, safety, and major employment centers. I look at these neighborhoods today executed by suburbia formula did not endure the test of time and learned the folks who once owned them migrated to South County like Irvine and Mission Viejo.



For the last 100 years I studied the life cycle of neighborhoods and my observations and conclusion are often very accurate. Lacking a HOA is not the reason for decaying neighborhood. We do not need HOAs to babysit homeowners like kids. HOA is not only a financial burden but the root of neighbor animosity.



It is the pride and neighborhood identity that maintain good neighborhoods and not controlling HOA that cite how and where you should park your car and store in the garage. Someone we know will be a big violator. Some may say HOA prevents neighbors from doing bad remodels. I laugh at that because the voting volunteered members often are laymen who can't even read drawings, roof plans, architectural details and know nothing about good elevation aesthetic other than convenient floor plan functions. The best enduring communities have an art jury committee of architects just like Rolling Hills, Palos Verde, and Rancho Santa Fe.



In most cases, attractive homes prevent neighborhood decay. Some very nice neighborhoods were ruined by government's eminent domain program by mixing in too many transient housing, mixed zonings, high traffic public road, highway arteries, and industries.



Good schools and safety can come and go just like Garden Grove and Anaheim during the mid 50's era when Disneyland had just opened. The homes and neighborhoods were just ugly people still flocked to the new suburbs for brand new homes, good schools and safety.



After many years of research I could not find a single cookie cutter neighborhood from the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70's with at least 4 decades of history that is highly sought after other than some by the coastal locations.
 
<blockquote>In most cases, attractive homes prevent neighborhood decay. Some very nice neighborhoods were ruined by government?s eminent domain program by mixing in too many transient housing, mixed zonings, high traffic public road, highway arteries, and industries.</blockquote>






BK,Can you share any examples of classic neighborhoods that were successful in turning back the clock? In other words, neighborhoods that were once beauitful then suffer neighborhood plight but had a successful rebirth. What causes a Renaissance of a neighborhood?
 
[quote author="Mcdonna1980" date=1244794331]<blockquote>In most cases, attractive homes prevent neighborhood decay. Some very nice neighborhoods were ruined by government?s eminent domain program by mixing in too many transient housing, mixed zonings, high traffic public road, highway arteries, and industries.</blockquote>






BK,Can you share any examples of classic neighborhoods that were successful in turning back the clock? In other words, neighborhoods that were once beauitful then suffer neighborhood plight but had a successful rebirth. What causes a Renaissance of a neighborhood?</blockquote>


Floral park, Old Town Fullerton, Old Town Orange, Arroyo Seco, Echo Park, Silverlake, Crescent Height Hollywood and many others were once a part of a blight due to its decaying downtown resulted in having too many government social services, porno theatres, drug users, prostitution, loitering, sleazy bars, liquor stores, pawn shops and transient housings.
 
[quote author="bkshopr" date=1244797098][quote author="Mcdonna1980" date=1244794331]<blockquote>In most cases, attractive homes prevent neighborhood decay. Some very nice neighborhoods were ruined by government?s eminent domain program by mixing in too many transient housing, mixed zonings, high traffic public road, highway arteries, and industries.</blockquote>






BK,Can you share any examples of classic neighborhoods that were successful in turning back the clock? In other words, neighborhoods that were once beauitful then suffer neighborhood plight but had a successful rebirth. What causes a Renaissance of a neighborhood?</blockquote>


Floral park, Old Town Fullerton, Old Town Orange, Arroyo Seco, Echo Park, Silverlake, Crescent Height Hollywood and many others were once a part of a blight due to its decaying downtown resulted in having too many government social services, porno theatres, drug users, prostitution, loitering, sleazy bars, liquor stores, pawn shops and transient housings.</blockquote>


I'm more asking what are the major contributing factors that cause a rebirth?
 
[quote author="bkshopr" date=1244790032][quote author="So" date=1244785022]I love the little tudor homes - or storybook homes as I call them. They have so much charm and character. If the landscaping is done right, there is nothing cuter than one of these homes. There are some sprinkled into Floral Park and Pasadena neighborhoods. We also saw some of these (brick-fronted) neighborhoods in Omaha, NB. I wish there was more of a selection in the OC.</blockquote>


The folks designed the original Disneyland were designers trained in the 20's. Their storybook Snow White cottages, castle, and New Orleans architecture are timeless. Disney updated all other sections many times while the well designed buildings remain to be the classic for many generations to come. I view houses the same way.



Homes in Garden Grove and Anaheim were once in high demand and trendy. Architecture was fairytale ranch houses. During that era the now decayed neighborhoods were highly sought after in the 50's like Irvine today. Looking back at newspaper microfilm articles both suburbs had very good schools, safety, and major employment centers. I look at these neighborhoods today executed by suburbia formula did not endure the test of time and learned the folks who once owned them migrated to South County like Irvine and Mission Viejo.



For the last 100 years I studied the life cycle of neighborhoods and my observations and conclusion are often very accurate. Lacking a HOA is not the reason for decaying neighborhood. We do not need HOAs to babysit homeowners like kids. HOA is not only a financial burden but the root of neighbor animosity.



It is the pride and neighborhood identity that maintain good neighborhoods and not controlling HOA that cite how and where you should park your car and store in the garage. Someone we know will be a big violator. Some may say HOA prevents neighbors from doing bad remodels. I laugh at that because the voting volunteered members often are laymen who can't even read drawings, roof plans, architectural details and know nothing about good elevation aesthetic other than convenient floor plan functions. The best enduring communities have an art jury committee of architects just like Rolling Hills, Palos Verde, and Rancho Santa Fe.



In most cases, attractive homes prevent neighborhood decay. Some very nice neighborhoods were ruined by government's eminent domain program by mixing in too many transient housing, mixed zonings, high traffic public road, highway arteries, and industries.



Good schools and safety can come and go just like Garden Grove and Anaheim during the mid 50's era when Disneyland had just opened. The homes and neighborhoods were just ugly people still flocked to the new suburbs for brand new homes, good schools and safety.



<strong>After many years of research I could not find a single cookie cutter neighborhood from the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70's with at least 4 decades of history that is highly sought after other than some by the coastal locations</strong>.</blockquote>
So the question needs to be asked...will Irvine follow that same fate?
 
El Camino and Walnut Village are pushing 40. Are both trophy communities? Both are surrounded by good schools and safety.
 
[quote author="Mcdonna1980" date=1244800635][quote author="bkshopr" date=1244797098][quote author="Mcdonna1980" date=1244794331]<blockquote>In most cases, attractive homes prevent neighborhood decay. Some very nice neighborhoods were ruined by government?s eminent domain program by mixing in too many transient housing, mixed zonings, high traffic public road, highway arteries, and industries.</blockquote>






BK,Can you share any examples of classic neighborhoods that were successful in turning back the clock? In other words, neighborhoods that were once beauitful then suffer neighborhood plight but had a successful rebirth. What causes a Renaissance of a neighborhood?</blockquote>


Floral park, Old Town Fullerton, Old Town Orange, Arroyo Seco, Echo Park, Silverlake, Crescent Height Hollywood and many others were once a part of a blight due to its decaying downtown resulted in having too many government social services, porno theatres, drug users, prostitution, loitering, sleazy bars, liquor stores, pawn shops and transient housings.</blockquote>


I'm more asking what are the major contributing factors that cause a rebirth?</blockquote>


Get rid off most of above and city revitalization. Old Town Pasadena is one example. Kick the sleaze out of the city and replacing pawn shops with Pottery Barns. Replace boarded up bars with bistros. Create a walking town with safety and a lot of visual interests.
 
[quote author="usctrojanman29" date=1244801135]

So the question needs to be asked...will Irvine follow that same fate?</blockquote>


I think you could say in parts of Irvine it's already starting to happen. The neighborhoods built in the last decade get a considerable amount of attention from posters as being the desirable place to live. Conversely, older parts are deemed "fugly" by many and are less in demand with the exception of Turtle Rock. Home prices certainly reflect this. I don't know if the post Donald Bren Irvine can stand the test of time. I think one of the biggest obstacles for Irvine's future is the disposable nature of it's inhabitants. The turnover rate for Irvine houses is significant. I'm skeptical how neighborhood pride can be maintained with a constant influx of new owners. Intuitively it just doesn't make since.
 
[quote author="bkshopr" date=1244802574]



Get rid off most of above and city revitalization. Old Town Pasadena is one example. Kick the sleaze out of the city and replacing pawn shops with Pottery Barns. Replace boarded up bars with bistros. Create a walking town with safety and a lot of visual interests.</blockquote>


I feel like Downtown Fullerton would take off if it got some brand name shops such as Pottery Barn or Whole Foods, etc. However, I quite like the independent shops and I'm saddened when they get squeezed out by the chains. The Bay area seems to have more success in the coexistence of Indy & chain stores. I'm not sure why that is.
 
[quote author="Mcdonna1980" date=1244802980][quote author="usctrojanman29" date=1244801135]

So the question needs to be asked...will Irvine follow that same fate?</blockquote>


I think you could say in parts of Irvine it's already starting to happen. The neighborhoods built in the last decade get a considerable amount of attention from posters as being the desirable place to live. Conversely, older parts are deemed "fugly" by many and are less in demand with the exception of Turtle Rock. Home prices certainly reflect this. I don't know if the post Donald Bren Irvine can stand the test of time. I think one of the biggest obstacles for Irvine's future is the disposable nature of it's inhabitants. The turnover rate for Irvine houses is significant. I'm skeptical how neighborhood pride can be maintained with a constant influx of new owners. Intuitively it just doesn't make since.</blockquote>


Irvine will always be very attractive. Homes are excellent investment. Seniors represent a very small segment of Irvine's population because homes were never intended to target this aging demographic. The lack of single story homes is a primary reason. Many families lived in Irvine only for the duration of sending their kids to public schools and sold their homes in pursuit of their real dream home by cashing in their place.



Irvine for years have been an equity spring board for families to moving up to the "ridge", "coast" or "canyon". The post bubble years will dampen the elasticity of the platform and render less upward mobility. We will see older folks staying put in Irvine and the homes with a larger bedroom down stairs with a full bath would be worth higher in value ratio.



The importance of low maintenance gardening space is crucial for this aging population. In the last decade Many Asians bought homes and Asian businesses expanded greatly. Caucasians are also appreciating the unique Asian food culture in Irvine and accepting it with open arm that led to even greater success. The aging Asian population is here to stay which is another un-chartered future home market.
 
[quote author="bkshopr" date=1244806189][quote author="Mcdonna1980" date=1244802980][quote author="usctrojanman29" date=1244801135]

So the question needs to be asked...will Irvine follow that same fate?</blockquote>


I think you could say in parts of Irvine it's already starting to happen. The neighborhoods built in the last decade get a considerable amount of attention from posters as being the desirable place to live. Conversely, older parts are deemed "fugly" by many and are less in demand with the exception of Turtle Rock. Home prices certainly reflect this. I don't know if the post Donald Bren Irvine can stand the test of time. I think one of the biggest obstacles for Irvine's future is the disposable nature of it's inhabitants. The turnover rate for Irvine houses is significant. I'm skeptical how neighborhood pride can be maintained with a constant influx of new owners. Intuitively it just doesn't make since.</blockquote>


Irvine will always be very attractive. Homes are excellent investment. Seniors represent a very small segment of Irvine's population because homes were never intended to target this aging demographic. The lack of single story homes is a primary reason. Many families lived in Irvine only for the duration of sending their kids to public schools and sold their homes in pursuit of their real dream home by cashing in their place.



Irvine for years have been an equity spring board for families to moving up to the "ridge", "coast" or "canyon". The post bubble years will dampen the elasticity of the platform and render less upward mobility. We will see older folks staying put in Irvine and the homes with a larger bedroom down stairs with a full bath would be worth higher in value ratio.



The importance of low maintenance gardening space is crucial for this aging population. In the last decade Many Asians bought homes and Asian businesses expanded greatly. Caucasians are also appreciating the unique Asian food culture in Irvine and accepting it with open arm that led to even greater success. The aging Asian population is here to stay which is another un-chartered future home market.</blockquote>


I find you response contradictory. One one hand you criticize Irvine neighborhood aesthetics and argue neighborhood aesthetics promote longevity and pride. Here I interpret your post to say that Irvine's longevity will be attributed more to economic factors. Can you elaborate? I'm not clear on your point.
 
[quote author="bkshopr" date=1244806189]



Irvine will always be very attractive. Homes are excellent investment. Seniors represent a very small segment of Irvine's population because homes were never intended to target this aging demographic. The lack of single story homes is a primary reason. Many families lived in Irvine only for the duration of sending their kids to public schools and sold their homes in pursuit of their real dream home by cashing in their place.



Irvine for years have been an equity spring board for families to moving up to the "ridge", "coast" or "canyon". The post bubble years will dampen the elasticity of the platform and render less upward mobility. We will see older folks staying put in Irvine and the homes with a larger bedroom down stairs with a full bath would be worth higher in value ratio.



The importance of low maintenance gardening space is crucial for this aging population. In the last decade Many Asians bought homes and Asian businesses expanded greatly. Caucasians are also appreciating the unique Asian food culture in Irvine and accepting it with open arm that led to even greater success. The aging Asian population is here to stay which is another un-chartered future home market.</blockquote>


I already know where I will live after my kid graduates from HS and it is not in Irvine. However, that does not in any way diminish my appreciation for living in Irvine now. I know what you mean about Irvine springboards, all the houses I have bought in the last few years throughout So Cal, including a very expensive one during the bubble (not in Irvine), the down payments for them can be directly traced back to a little Cal Pac detached condo (thanks BK) I bought in 2000.
 
[quote author="Mcdonna1980" date=1244809775][quote author="bkshopr" date=1244806189][quote author="Mcdonna1980" date=1244802980][quote author="usctrojanman29" date=1244801135]

So the question needs to be asked...will Irvine follow that same fate?</blockquote>


I think you could say in parts of Irvine it's already starting to happen. The neighborhoods built in the last decade get a considerable amount of attention from posters as being the desirable place to live. Conversely, older parts are deemed "fugly" by many and are less in demand with the exception of Turtle Rock. Home prices certainly reflect this. I don't know if the post Donald Bren Irvine can stand the test of time. I think one of the biggest obstacles for Irvine's future is the disposable nature of it's inhabitants. The turnover rate for Irvine houses is significant. I'm skeptical how neighborhood pride can be maintained with a constant influx of new owners. Intuitively it just doesn't make since.</blockquote>


Irvine will always be very attractive. Homes are excellent investment. Seniors represent a very small segment of Irvine's population because homes were never intended to target this aging demographic. The lack of single story homes is a primary reason. Many families lived in Irvine only for the duration of sending their kids to public schools and sold their homes in pursuit of their real dream home by cashing in their place.



Irvine for years have been an equity spring board for families to moving up to the "ridge", "coast" or "canyon". The post bubble years will dampen the elasticity of the platform and render less upward mobility. We will see older folks staying put in Irvine and the homes with a larger bedroom down stairs with a full bath would be worth higher in value ratio.



The importance of low maintenance gardening space is crucial for this aging population. In the last decade Many Asians bought homes and Asian businesses expanded greatly. Caucasians are also appreciating the unique Asian food culture in Irvine and accepting it with open arm that led to even greater success. The aging Asian population is here to stay which is another un-chartered future home market.</blockquote>


I find you response contradictory. One one hand you criticize Irvine neighborhood aesthetics and argue neighborhood aesthetics promote longevity and pride. Here I interpret your post to say that Irvine's longevity will be attributed more to economic factors. Can you elaborate? I'm not clear on your point.</blockquote>


"Attractive" is a vague term that could mean aethetically, financially, or functionally. Many find Irvine attractive because the environment is clean, pleasing, orderly and so on. The most attractive part of Irvine is home prices depreciate less than many OC cities because of the TIC's interest in protecting its future lands. I am honest in how I feel aesthetically but I am fair at the same time for commencing the excellent work that TIC has done in protecting property values.



TIC's planning and marketing have done a great job in branding their villages, retail, apartments, office parks, and hotels. TIC just does not have a tight leash on the home builders and has let the home builders get away with mediocre products, aesthetic and poor construction execution. However, I do give a lot of credit for the planners for planting the multiple layers of trees along the perimeter to hide the anticipated bad house elevations. Providing the medicine before the disease is an excellent strategy that worked very well.
 
[quote author="High Gravity" date=1244848800][quote author="bkshopr" date=1244806189]



Irvine will always be very attractive. Homes are excellent investment. Seniors represent a very small segment of Irvine's population because homes were never intended to target this aging demographic. The lack of single story homes is a primary reason. Many families lived in Irvine only for the duration of sending their kids to public schools and sold their homes in pursuit of their real dream home by cashing in their place.



Irvine for years have been an equity spring board for families to moving up to the "ridge", "coast" or "canyon". The post bubble years will dampen the elasticity of the platform and render less upward mobility. We will see older folks staying put in Irvine and the homes with a larger bedroom down stairs with a full bath would be worth higher in value ratio.



The importance of low maintenance gardening space is crucial for this aging population. In the last decade Many Asians bought homes and Asian businesses expanded greatly. Caucasians are also appreciating the unique Asian food culture in Irvine and accepting it with open arm that led to even greater success. The aging Asian population is here to stay which is another un-chartered future home market.</blockquote>


I already know where I will live after my kid graduates from HS and it is not in Irvine. However, that does not in any way diminish my appreciation for living in Irvine now. I know what you mean about Irvine springboards, all the houses I have bought in the last few years throughout So Cal, including a very expensive one during the bubble (not in Irvine), the down payments for them can be directly traced back to a little Cal Pac detached condo (thanks BK) I bought in 2000.</blockquote>


Wisteria, Aldea, or San Simeon?
 
[quote author="bkshopr" date=1244857599][quote author="High Gravity" date=1244848800][quote author="bkshopr" date=1244806189]



Irvine will always be very attractive. Homes are excellent investment. Seniors represent a very small segment of Irvine's population because homes were never intended to target this aging demographic. The lack of single story homes is a primary reason. Many families lived in Irvine only for the duration of sending their kids to public schools and sold their homes in pursuit of their real dream home by cashing in their place.



Irvine for years have been an equity spring board for families to moving up to the "ridge", "coast" or "canyon". The post bubble years will dampen the elasticity of the platform and render less upward mobility. We will see older folks staying put in Irvine and the homes with a larger bedroom down stairs with a full bath would be worth higher in value ratio.



The importance of low maintenance gardening space is crucial for this aging population. In the last decade Many Asians bought homes and Asian businesses expanded greatly. Caucasians are also appreciating the unique Asian food culture in Irvine and accepting it with open arm that led to even greater success. The aging Asian population is here to stay which is another un-chartered future home market.</blockquote>


I already know where I will live after my kid graduates from HS and it is not in Irvine. However, that does not in any way diminish my appreciation for living in Irvine now. I know what you mean about Irvine springboards, all the houses I have bought in the last few years throughout So Cal, including a very expensive one during the bubble (not in Irvine), the down payments for them can be directly traced back to a little Cal Pac detached condo (thanks BK) I bought in 2000.</blockquote>


Wisteria, Aldea, or San Simeon?</blockquote>


Originally Wisteria, then after 2 yrs, followed friend and car pool companion over to San Simeon for 2 yrs, then followed girlfriend (now mrs.) to west LA.
 
[quote author="High Gravity" date=1244860103][quote author="bkshopr" date=1244857599][quote author="High Gravity" date=1244848800][quote author="bkshopr" date=1244806189]



Irvine will always be very attractive. Homes are excellent investment. Seniors represent a very small segment of Irvine's population because homes were never intended to target this aging demographic. The lack of single story homes is a primary reason. Many families lived in Irvine only for the duration of sending their kids to public schools and sold their homes in pursuit of their real dream home by cashing in their place.



Irvine for years have been an equity spring board for families to moving up to the "ridge", "coast" or "canyon". The post bubble years will dampen the elasticity of the platform and render less upward mobility. We will see older folks staying put in Irvine and the homes with a larger bedroom down stairs with a full bath would be worth higher in value ratio.



The importance of low maintenance gardening space is crucial for this aging population. In the last decade Many Asians bought homes and Asian businesses expanded greatly. Caucasians are also appreciating the unique Asian food culture in Irvine and accepting it with open arm that led to even greater success. The aging Asian population is here to stay which is another un-chartered future home market.</blockquote>


I already know where I will live after my kid graduates from HS and it is not in Irvine. However, that does not in any way diminish my appreciation for living in Irvine now. I know what you mean about Irvine springboards, all the houses I have bought in the last few years throughout So Cal, including a very expensive one during the bubble (not in Irvine), the down payments for them can be directly traced back to a little Cal Pac detached condo (thanks BK) I bought in 2000.</blockquote>


Wisteria, Aldea, or San Simeon?</blockquote>


Originally Wisteria, then after 2 yrs, followed friend and car pool companion over to San Simeon for 2 yrs, then followed girlfriend (now mrs.) to west LA.</blockquote> Where in West LA. Mrs BK and I love the AMC at Century City. We only watch movies there.
 
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