Hey all. I got into UCI and I'll be getting the heck out of Antelope Valley as soon as possible. I still don't know cali for the life of me and I was looking for suggestions on where to live once I move. I'm broke as hell, but don't want to live in another hell hole like I am now. (They don't pay you too much to be a student) Any opinions or advise on where to move or areas relatively close to UCI would be great.

 

Overall Irvine area rent is bit higher compare to all neighboring cities. I would recommend looking for places in Costa Mesa, Orange, Tustin, and some parts of Santa Ana.

 

just move with me Adrian

 

Overall Irvine is a hellhole. I lived there and went to that overpriced school for 5yrs and seriously rejoiced the day I finally graduated and moved out. Everything in Irvine literally closes at 10pm, except for a couple boba places. The DnB at the spectrum no longer does late happy hour from what I heard, and that was seriously the only local hangout drinking spot in the area. Rent was insanely expensive since everything is monopolized by the irvine group. Expect to pay 2300+ for a 2 bedroom 2 bath apt if you want to live anywhere close to school. You are better off looking for a room to rent in a privately owned house. Costa Mesa isn't that much cheaper since it's still close to the beach. If you want that area, your may as well spend the extra grand and rent a beach house in Newport. You may want to check out Garden Grove/Fountain Valley. Its a 10-15min drive from school, but you get reasonable rent, & better food.

 

Everyone is telling me New Port, but I'm a disabled vet. They don't pay me much. LOL This is going to be one heck of a challenge...

 

Everything in Irvine do close at 10pm, rent is extremely high, have almost no crime, can walk around at night with out fear, and that's the way we like it...

All joking aside, you can find pretty good deals just gotta look hard. Costa Mesa around 405 / 55 area are usually cheaper. If you don't mind live a little further, Orange, Tustin, Anaheim all a fairly reasonable.

 

I like the no crime part. People kill each other once a week up here. So sick of living surrounded by scum...

 

Gotta look for low income programs. Irvine company does that. Tustin on the east side near Irvine is nice. Around John Wayne will b a lil cheaper too. Costa Mesa is filled with hipsters and meth.

 

Seems wide division on the concept of "hell hole," lol. My personal choice is to live someplace quiet and safe, within reasonable reach of places to party when I choose. Hanging at home should not be an adventure. YMMV.

Problem with all UC campuses is that they attract so many people with rich parents that rents near campus are rediculous high for what you get.

I don't know the mid-south parts of OC all too well from a residence standpoint - - I work in Anaheim, live in Chino Hills because it's cheaper and quieter - - but the general cost attractors are safe = $, near a campus = $$, near the beach = $$$

You need to scope things out with your own eyes, see what looks like a tolerable neighborhood to you. Within a 20 minute drive from UCI you'll find everything from gated communities, to communities that they oughta builda gateless wall around.

If you plan to use public transit to get to/from school (saving much money 7 allowing studying while commuting), you need to take routes into consideration, too.

 

Mike and I lived in Costa Mesa near Orange Coast community college and Vanguard university. IMO pretty nice and affordable area for college students.

 

Should b able to fine a family renting out a room in irvine area with no problem. If not, i think everybody else said enough about where to look for a place to live.

 

Irvine has always been a nice place when I'm there for training.......