[quote author="not a realtor" date=1240461699][quote author="Goofy" date=1240459503][quote author="AVRenter" date=1240407092]I'm not particularly fond of LR due to its climate, distance from work, and architecture but there's a solid chance we'll end up there. There is nowhere in OC I've seen a larger population of young uppity families with toddlers. The place is overrun with diaper-shitting tykes; perfect for my <2yr-old and future shitter. Checking it out at Christmas, it was ridiculous the family and neighborhood participation. Some things are worth the sacrifice, I suppose.
That being said, LR is still waaay overpriced and many/most families extended themselves too far for a piece of the action. There's still a lot of bloodshed to be had. The HOA and MR is atrocious and needs a heavy discount. Without appreciation all those climate, power line, commute, and landfill shenanigans will factor more and more into the price. It's still has some nice neighborhoods, good schools, safe, etc. but I'm in no hurry to put my money on the line - just so long as the spousal unit stays off the pipe.</blockquote>
I agree completely. This forum has too much emphasis on making every last penny of profit from your investment of your home. If you have small kids and want to surround yourself with people just like you, there are only a few places to live. Despite this forums preference, they aren't necessarily the TIC properties, or Irvine at all. LR was built with skimpy little saplings for landscape, and some odd architectural decisions. But driving through there today, those little trees are now big and the whole area has turned out very nice. People I know that live there are extremely happy with their decision. Its not my decision due to where I work and where my extended family live but I would recommend it. A few years ago people were spending 1.5MM for homes that are now worth 850k and dropping. About 1 year from now would be a great time to pick up a decent mcmansion is Covenant Hills for 650-700k. The prado homes would be my target if I were in that market.</blockquote>
the problem is that most of the people who bought in ladera are so focussed on appearing wealthier than they are it's hard to argue that is a good place to raise children. I prefer areas where the middle class are ok being middle class. That eliminates most of south inland oc I guess but ladera is probably the worst.</blockquote> Most people? You guess? What is your basis for making such broad-sweeping, speculative, stereotypical statements about ONE south OC city in order to conclude that it's therefore a bad place to raise children? Do we not, every day, read a Blog post about HELOC abusers in Irvine? Do we not read forum posts about HELOC abusers in other OC cities? I don't disagree that there are people in Ladera who are focused on appearing wealthier than they are, but, it's certainly not something that is unique to Ladera, or Orange County. Generally, America has become a credit-dependent society, and some depend on credit to appear wealthier then they are. I'm a Ladera homeowner, and I would still be driving an 11-year-old car had it not been stolen.