Need apt. advice in the Laguna Beach/Aliso Viejo area
 

Okay, so I hope it is okay that this isn't car related, but wasn't quite sure where else to put it.

Anyway, I will hopefully be starting a new job in Aliso Viejo soon and the company is flying me out for a couple days to meet them in person and allow me to apt hunt.

Any recommendations on apartments in the area (or nearby) that I should check out?

Thanks!

What are you looking for? I.e. single, double BR, big complex with pool privately owned, are you only considering Aliso or other nearby cities, budget? I can point out several but without knowing what you are looking for I would be shooting in the dark. There are plenty big ones to choose from, the fancy in Aliso would be City Lights. Its the newest with indoor shared parking. Others like Barcelona have garaged for 2+ bedrooms and carport for single... Etc... If you are looking for cheap, head north past Irvine like Costa Mesa or south by the beach in San Clemente for studios n such.

Here is one thing to consider if you are not residing in Aliso but work there. Commute options 133 canyon (canyon), 73 (toll), 5 (traffic). Anyways. Good luck. Don't get pedal happy in Aliso, there is a police station in town.

Ah good point. I should have mentioned that... :bonk:

Looking for a single BR, with pool and such. Preferably something with somewhat of a nightlife on the weekends (not really a requirement, just would be nice as I am still kinda young at 25 :P). I will be working in Aliso Viejo, but am not opposed to living somewhere nearby--provided the commute is reasonable during peak traffic hours. My budget would be around 1200-1500 w/o utilities (obviously, the lower the better) and I would prefer something around 700 sq ft. or more.

After some hunting, there seems to be a ton of options in this range. I have seen the city lights and barcelona that you have mentioned, but the barcelona seems to have terrible reviews. In the end, I have no idea what I am really looking at online and really need to be there in person. I am heading out there on thursday, so will have a couple days to hunt, but really just wanted to see where I should start. Have you heard anything good about any of the apts. fitting my requirements?

Thanks!

Hmmm that's very handy news. I was also told to avoid... um... 405 (I think?) like the plague as it is very toll heavy. I was told that I can generally avoid the tolls if I take something called El Toro, albeit it will take some extra time due to traffic. I was told to drive it during peak hours while I was out there to see if I found it reasonable.

I was also told to check out Lake Forest, Huntington Beach (Bolsa Chica?), Mission Viejo, and Irvine.

What are your thoughts on this areas?

Try oakglen apartments in irvine. My sister and her husband lives there.. Its a good spot about 10miles from aliso. I myself work in aliso viejo but i live in costa mesa. You dont wanna drive 20+ miles one way.

el toro sucks. its expensive to live here and i dont have any advice as i am in a similar situation. worth it though imo

Do you know if utilities are included? They look nice, but are a little over my budget.

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My sister said utilities not included.. 1500-1600 for 1 bedroom. Kinda pricey but its nice.

Hmm.. Thats at the upper end of my budget, but might be doable. Do you mind asking your sister approx. How much she pays per month in utilities?

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Not too long ago I lived in Costa Mesa 3Br Tri-plex (privately owned 3 unit apartments) with 2 car garage - 1750 and plenty night life in range. If you're into the young crowds, night life and scenes you either head south to Laguna/San Clemente beach arrears or Costa Mesa and north. From Irvine to Laguna Niguel it is mostly suburbs.

A bad rating on an apartment here in Aliso is still 10times better than you would find in many of the cities I've traveled in my career. Not sure where you are at, but all of the complexes in Aliso are fine. Check out Aventine. I lived there, it was great and if you snag a 3rd floor with a balcony scene you're set ;-)

405 North is a nightmare from Irvine to North OC from 4-6ish. If you're in Costa mesa you can avoid with the toll road, although $5 each way isn't fun. Irvine is a good center location to highway avoid traffic with lots of big side streets.

Huntington is great too, but you're stuck with the 405, period. You should really drive to each city and see what you're in for. Big differences Aliso to HB for example. All depends on what suites you. You can score a good studio/1BR in HB or Costa Mesa for 800 easy. Aliso and similar cities might be starting around 1100 and up.

When I used to be in apartments, a closed garage with power was always a requirement for me so I can work on cars haha. Something to keep in mind.

Good luck. Do rent a car and go city to city.

One more FYI - you can scope out highway traffic with Sigalert app for Android iPhone during rush hours. Good info to know when deciding.

Thanks! And yes, a closed garage would be a nice thing to have, but im not seeing mention of them anywhere but the barcelona. I'll def check out the Aventine while I am down there. Does it offer a closed garage?

Also, i will have a rental car while over there, so i plan to do some scoping of the various roads.

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It sure does. Not sure about 1BR. Do find out though.

Craigslist is your friend
 

@jonbonazza Consistently found better housing on Craigslist than most Apt websites. Here's a few searches for you. (Criteria - Max $1500 & a Picture)

Costa Mesa - 10 min from beach, younger town, good prices.
South Coast Metro - 15 min from beach, great shopping, younger town, very good prices

Tustin - 20 min from beach, good food
Irvine - 15 min from beach, expensive

Mission Viejo - 25 min from beach, very good prices, sleepy town
Aliso Viejo - 15 min from beach, suburban

Laguna - Its the beach, artsy, expensive

I just texted her.. I'll let you know asap once she responds. Where in aliso are you working at if you don't mind me asking?