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Recently some friends came out to visit and wanted to scout out some neighborhoods in Laguna Niguel for a possible relocation from Michigan. We are very familiar with Laguna Niguel having made it a primary search area of our own when we moved to Orange County. Our friends are an older couple with kids about to enter high school. So, carefully considering their situation we pointed them to Kite Hill.

Kite Hill is a more established neighborhood in Laguna Niguel, dating back to the 1970’s with some of its earlier construction. Set on a hill, it offers spectacular views as does many of the newer communities, yet it has much more personality and color than some of the homogenous neighborhoods of stucco houses. The homes here are eclectic architectural mix of single and two story homes in a variety of styles.

It’s not gated, however, it has a distinctive entrance to an otherwise very private community. Just inside the large marble fixtures is an very nice community park replete with all the amenities one would look for – lighted courts and fields, an Olympic size pool, cabanas, walking paths, and a recreational facility.

We have heard that Kite Hill has a very sound HOA and, because it is a more stable community with very little turnover, the fees have remained low relative to other HOAs. One concern voiced by younger families there is that the elementary school is of average quality. This wasn’t a concern of ours because the high school, Aliso Viejo High, is considered to be well above average.

Close to beaches, major shopping, the regional park in the family oriented community of Laguan Niguel, Kite Hill is an ideal location for our Michigan friends.

We have been fortunate to have received an invitation each year to view the Parade of Lights parade from the most ideal location, Lido Isle. With a harbor front home on Vio Lido Soud, our friends have a front row seat to the magical display of Christmas lights floating by their huge bay window. The guests spill out onto their porch on down to their private beach.

Each time I visit Lido Island I always wonder what it would be like to live there if I could afford the million dollar price tags of the homes. It’s an enchanting place with homes of eclectic styles crowded together on curved streets and alleys very reminiscent of a Mediterranean village. I guess that was the intention as many of the streets are named for Mediterranean towns such as Genoa and Barcelona. Many of the homes also follow the architectural style of the Mediterranean.

Located smack dab in the middle of Newport Beach harbor, it is linked to shopping and dining by a bridge. I’m sure the 2000 or so residents enjoy their isolation and privacy and relish crossing the bridge as they escape reality each day.

It is obviously a close knit community with many sailing enthusiasts that converge on the Lido Isle Club House for dining and libations after a day of sailing.

I love visiting Lido Isle each year. I don’t look forward to finding a parking space but I do look forward to a stroll through the enchanting streets. Would I live there? I think I’d like to keep it as a nice place to visit.

When we lived in Coto de Caza, we would often visit some friends in the Robinson Ranch neighborhood of Rancho Santa Margarita. Tucked into the far corner of Orange County, it sits at the entrance of Trabuco Canyon.

It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in RSM comprised of homes built over a couple of decades so there is an eclectic mix of sizes and designs. The landscapes are mature and leafy as compare to other parts of RSM

Our friends have since moved, so we don’t have a lot of reason to drive to Robinson Ranch. I would imagine that, unless you lived there or knew someone who did, you might never discover it. That is probably a good thing for the residents. On the other hand, it is pretty far removed from all points of Orange County.

While it is close to the commercial centers of RSM, my understanding is that it is not considered a part of the incorporated city, so residents can’t access the RSM beach club or community center. The Robinson Ranch neighborhood doesn’t have any community pool or facility.

The concern I would have as a parent is that, there are no local schools nearby. My understanding is that, depending on what part of the community you live in, your kids are assigned out to different schools in other communities.

It is a beautiful setting at the base of the foothills. Dove Canyon borders on one side and a large nursery on the other. For the family that at least wants the feeling of getting away from it all, Robinson Ranch is a great neighborhood.

If it hadn’t been for a wrong turn we made off of the Pacific Coast Highway, we might never have discovered the bucolic little beach community of Surfside in Seal Beach. Just like the magical town of Brigadoon, this peaceful little town seemed to just appear out of nowhere. We really wanted to take a look inside so, when we reached the guarded gate we took a shot at the possibility that there was a house on the market and told the guard we were there to see it.

Once inside we drove through the rows of houses which, were simply named A, B, and C. Row A are the houses that sit right on the beach. Even rows B and C are within a short stone’s throw. We estimated that there were about 400 homes.

The little community has no store or commercial facility. It does have a post office which we thought was interesting. We learned that all of the mail is delivered to the post office and picked up there by the residents
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The houses were of all varieties – small to large, single story and triple story, cottage style and beach mansion contemporary. It appeared that several of the houses were being rented out for the summer. We also spoke with some people who have lived there for many years.

Once we had our bearings we realized that Surfside is just a short drive up and down PCH to the shopping and dining locations of Huntington Beach and Seal Beach.

We were able to spend some time gazing out at the Pacific from the beach that had a crystal clear view of Catalina Island. We counted at least four major naval vessels cruising by as they entered or departed the nearby Naval Station.

When we lived in Newport Coast we frequently drove through the Turtle Rock, a secluded community secluded in the San Joaquin Hills, in order to get to other parts of central and south Orange County. Set among rolling hills, it’s obvious that Turtle Rock was envisioned around nature preserves and hiking trails. .We often took advantage of the wonderful trail system that weaves through Turtle Rock. The trails would lead to secluded hilltops with panoramic views and also take us from one park in Turtle Rock to another. It is really an amazing trail system.

At one time we did explore the neighborhoods of Turtle Rock as a possible place to live. The location is ideal as it sits right at the center of Orange County and has great access to the 73 Toll Road and the 405 freeway. The only downside we saw was that there was not any immediate access to any significant shopping center.

We were impressed with the number of parks that were built in the community. The largest, Turtle Rock Community park is very inviting and somewhat secluded so it seems to only attract the locals. Each neighborhood is anchored by a smaller park several with community pools and picnic areas.

It seems that Turtle Rock, a community with several neighborhoods, was designed for pedestrian travel between the neighborhoods. There are several tunnels that link the trails with different neighborhoods. Even the schools can be easily accessed by the trails.

Situated on east side of the 5 freeway in Irvine away from the center of things, Northwood is a community that we haven’t visited often. I had the occaission to visit the neighborhood on a recent visit to a friend’s house. Compared to many of Irvine’s newer planned communities, Northwood exudes an established and homey feel which is very welcoming. The shady streets are lined with huge eucalyptus trees and the foliage is lush and leafy.

The homes, mostly of 1970’s vintage, sit on large lots (at least they are larger than those found in the newer Irvine communities) and the neighborhoods are all anchored by one of the many parks.

The Northwood Community Park sits near the center and is full of amenities that attract residents of all ages every weekend. We took our kids to a cute park that had a huge cinder block castle and several play structures sitting among picnic areas and play fields. We couldn’t tear our kids away from this park.

My friend lives in the Park Place neighborhood which has its own community pool and clubhouse. Her kids have just one short block to walk to Santiago Elementary school, on five highly ranked elementary schools in the area. The main reason my friend moved to this area was because of the schools which have earned many accolades for their high scores on the API. Her kids will be attending Northwood High which was listed by Newsweek as one of the top high schools in the nation.

I always look forward to a visit with my friend who lives at one of the highest points of Mission Viejo in the gated community of Canyon Crest. His is one of the many large homes that line the hillside that overlooks Lake Mission Viejo. At his height you can also get a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean horizon – you don’t see much of the water but you get the full beauty of an ocean sunset.

He lives about a block from the very impressive clubhouse facility and, when I can talk him into it, he gets me inside so I can enjoy the state-of-the-art fitness center and large spa. We’ve brought our kids there several times for a swim in one of two large pools or for a game of basketball.

With full access to the recreational facilities of Lake Mission Viejo and the sports park just outside one of the west gate, there is no shortage of local activities for his family to enjoy. At the base of the community is Florence Joyner Olympic Park (Flo Jo Park) which was a favorite of my kids when they were little.

Across the street from the park, he has most of shopping needs met with an Albertsons, a True Hardware, and several specialty shops. One of our favorite outings is to take the kids to dinner at the Chinese restaurant located there.

Canyon Crest is very centrally located in Mission Viejo to get to the freeways, the toll road and any shopping destination.

If you would like the amenities of nicely planned, quiet suburban community set close to nature, then Painted Trails of Mission Viejo may be what you’re looking for. Located at the northern part of Mission Viejo, Painted Trails, a composite of 4 small neighborhoods, is set against the wild landscape of the foothills with Oso Reservoir at its door step.

Having passed this half-hidden community about a hundred times on my commute on the 241 Toll road, I decided to take look inside. It’s a small, lusciously landscaped community with mostly larger family homes.

What struck me immediately was that within a few short blocks there were at least a couple of good size parks that seemed to be linked by a system of trails. I explored Painted Trails Park and was impressed with its offerings of sports courts and field, a community pool and spa area, and picnic areas. Its companion, Wandering Park, looked to offer similar amenities.

I drove up to the Sienna Ridge neighborhood overlooking Upper Oso Reservoir and was treated to some amazing view of city lights and mountain vistas.

The one thing I noticed was that there were no schools in the immediate area. I later learned that the kids actually attend schools in other towns such as Rancho Santa Margarita and Lake Forest. While these are great schools, it would seem to take away from the community aspect when your kids are spread out in schools outside of the area.

The community is somewhat isolated from the main shopping pockets and there are no commercial offerings inside of the community. This may not be all bad and they do have quick access to the Foothill Ranch Town Center in one direction and the El Paseo Shopping area of RSM.

If I was ever to actually live in coastal community it would have to be Capistrano Beach. This is a beach community that is a throwback to the time when small beach towns weren’t full of commercial clutter and throngs of tourist. In fact, it’s the only beach community I know where there is great beach access without having to fight huge crowds. Capistrano Beach, amazingly, remains a well-kept secret.

The beach is also pleasantly different than those found further north. You can still find quiet spots along the long and narrow beach, or you can plant yourself closer to the action near Doheny State Beach.

Wanting to escape the crowds and expensive rents of a Newport Beach summer rental, we chose to vacation in Capistrano Beach. We rented a small house up on the bluff near Pine Park on Calle Fortuna. There was a path that led right down to the beach just across Pacific Coast Highway.

Everything we needed for beach fun was available right on Capo Beach. There were surf boards, roller blades and fishing gear could all be rented. We brought our own bikes so we were able to explore the beaches from Dana Point down to San Clemente.

Dana Point and the Harbor and the multitude of restaurants kept us busy in the evenings, however, my favorite spot was back in Capistrano Beach on PCH called Olemedi’s, a great Mexican restaurant.

Some nights we took in a sunset right on the beach. I enjoyed the view from Pine Park where the setting sun washed through the pines and the water appeared as a much deeper blue.
Capistrano Beach is the best of beach community and small town flavor.

In the past, the only things that brought me to Santa Ana were a court appearance and a trip with my kids to the Bowers Museum. Recently, I took a side trip into the Floral Park neighborhood which I have long heard of but never visited. If you’ve lived in Orange County for any length of time you have heard of this magical neighborhood of pristine, vintage homes, leafy, tree-lined streets and luscious landscapes. So, I was thrilled to be able to explore this place of a bygone era.

I began at the northern part of Floral Park on a street called Memory Lane (very apropos) and slowly made my way down the tree-shaded streets. I marveled at the huge lots and the variety of architecture of these homes that were obviously loved by their owners. I saw some big stately Gatsby style mansions casting shadows over smaller tutor-styled homes. There were some farmhouses that sat among some huge hacienda style homes. At every turn stood stark reminders of the past, gloriously preserved for our enjoyment.

At one home, I saw what looked like a group tour, which I know are scheduled all of the time. I was very tempted to ask the guide when the next tour is scheduled. That would be a great weekend activity.

I came across a magnificent park called, Jack Fisher Park which is named for a hero of World War I. I could tell that this is a major gathering point of the community. There were several playgrounds and a venue for summer concerts. By the look of the posted bulletins, it looks to be a very active place for organized community events.

I’m going back to Floral Park. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon.

When I first tried to look for the community of Rossmoor there was some confusion as to whether it was actually a part of Los Alamitos. I learned that Rossmoor is actually an unincorporated community, much like my own community of Ladera Ranch. It neighbors the cities of Los Alamitos and Seal Beach. The 3,500 home community is encased in a distinctive red brick wall visible from the 605 freeway, so it can be easily located.

Once inside the walls I discovered a beautiful and secluded world in of itself, fully self contained as far as schools, parks, shops and many other amenities. The homes were mostly of early 1960’s tract style, but very neat with luscious landscapes. Many of the homes have been renovated or even rebuilt with more contemporary designs.

Rossmoor is home to the blue ribbon Los Alamitos High Schools and also the Orange County School for the Arts. There are at least five elementary schools scattered throughout the community.

It has a small town feel with its tree lined streets, yet it sits among many big town entertainment venues such as the Los Alamitos Race Course and the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. Heck, the week before our visit, there was a filming of the TV show, Glee in one of the neighborhoods. With the beach just 20 minutes away and the South Coast Plaza freeway close, everything seems to be at their doorstep.

Rossmoor residents needn’t travel far for their shopping needs because they have the Rossmoor Shopping Center and Rossmoor Village Shops right within their community, a walking distance for many.

When we first moved to Orange County, we were drawn to the coast-side community of Laguna Niguel, especially the Marina Hills area. We spent a lot of time in the Monaco neighborhood and, if it hadn’t been for the fact that our money could buy a little bit more house further inland, I think we’d be living there today.

The first thing that struck us about this neighborhood was that nearly every street is a cul-de-sac. And, with every street located so close to the crest of the hill, it was easy to enjoy the beautiful views of the canyon, the ocean and the city lights from just about anywhere.

What we really like about this neighborhood is how it is situated among an amazing number of amenities. The beautiful recreation center, with its Olympic size pool, championship tennis courts and many venue choices for community activities, is unparalleled. The sports park is a great family destination offering up several courts and fields for just about any sport.

There are several trails that lead to all parts of the canyons and to the beach. And there is great running route that takes you on a serious but very scenic 8.5K run around Marina Hills.

You couldn’t do better with the schools that located within or very near Marina Hills. George White elementary, Niguel Middle, and Dana Hills High are all highly acclaimed. Of course, its proximity to the coastal pleasures of Dana Point and Laguna Beach cannot be topped.

I’m always amazed at the hidden neighborhood gems we find when we turn off the busy Orange County freeways in places we’ve never visited before. This one, called Green Valley, is located just off the 22 freeway near the 405 freeway, and we would have never known about it until we were invited to a graduation party given by our friends for their daughter.

I was a little concerned because our GPS route was taking us very near a massive industrial park, but the neighborhoods were well secluded by attractive concrete walls.

As we neared the entrance of the community, it appeared as a small oasis of newer family homes surrounded by some older tracts. The community was bustling with families and small children making their way to one of four playgrounds or one of the three pools.

How nice it must be located within a couple of blocks of a highly regarded high school (Pacifica) and elementary school (Enders) that will be attended by their 3 young children.

The graduation party was at the clubhouse which was big enough to host the 80 guests who showed. Our hosts timed the party so that we would all be treated to a display of the Disneyland fireworks that light up each summer night.

Our friends invited us back for one of the free summer concerts that are held in Eastgate Park which we had to decline. But I know will be back for a day of family fun right there in the Green Valley community.

Reluctantly, we agreed to attend the Cypress Community Festival with our friends who live near there in the Sorrento neighborhood. I had never been to Cypress before and I was very pleasantly surprised by the community and the lifestyle that our friends have enjoyed for many years.

The Sorrento neighborhood seems to be located right in the heart of Cypress, easily accessible from the 605 freeway. It’s newer, planned community that sits among some older neighborhoods. It seems to offer the ideal lifestyle for our friend’s family. We were impressed with the lush, beautifully manicured landscapes of the common areas and parks. The homes are set in a curvy and cozy pattern of streets that brings character and safety.

More impressive is that our friend’s house sits dead center between three very highly regarded Orange County schools, Lexington Middle School, Landell Elementary and Oxford Academy. This was the major draw for our friends as they have one child at each school.

We actually rode our bikes to the Community Festival, about a mile and a half away. On the way they showed us site of the summer concert series where they took in an evening of classic rock the previous Saturday. Right across the street is the Skate Plaza and we spent a few some time watching one their kids performing some skateboard maneuvers in this pro-style skate park.

My friends seem to have it all there in Cypress. Who would’ve thunk it.

We don’t get to Buena Park very often, so when we were invited to a friend’s home we looked forward to exploring more of the town. Our visit took us to an amazing neighborhood, actually a gated community called Lakeside. And, as the name implies there was a lake.

As we followed the GPS directions to our friend’s house, our route took us right by the lake where we saw paddle boats and duffy boats out on the lake. There was also a good number of people trying to reel in the evening’s dinner. We were told later that the lake is well-stocked with bass and catfish.

We passed by a complex that included a clubhouse and an Olympic-sized pool. For a small community (350 homes) it offers a ton of things to do. Who needs Disney Land (just 15 minutes away) when this is all at your doorstep.

To top it off, our friend, who lived right on the lake, had his own boat dock and small paddle boat that we took out for tour of the community.

The community is a little close to the Fullerton Airport on one side (the planes are small and few) and a fairly large warehouse park on the other. You don’t really notice either. It sits at one end of the Los Coyotes Golf Club which is a beautiful setting.

On our way home we drove through downtown Buena Park and marveled at its revitalization and the excitement it exuded with new shopping and dining spots that have opened there. That looks like another worthwhile trip for us.

For most people living or driving in Orange County, the Anaheim Hills are viewed from a distance as they rise up in the eastern part of the county. Comprised of mostly high end homes and small estates, Anaheim Hills have always seemed like the exclusive domain of the affluent.

On a recent drive in the foothills, we discovered a quiet neighborhood in a hillside setting that wasn’t short on great views but seemed more approachable for us as suburban dwellers. It’s called Sycamore Canyon.

As we explored the neighborhood near dusk, we were enchanted with the panoramic views it offered of both the hills and the city lights below. There is no shortage of parks and golf courses and its location is ideal for access to many of the entertainment and shopping venues of Orange County. With the 91 freeway and the toll roads close by, it seemed as if anything of interest like Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Angels Stadium and South Coast Plaza were all within a 20 to 30 minute drive.

We made our way to a local shopping and dining strip on Weir Canyon Road and were pleasantly surprised by the dining choices, from a great looking Mexican diner, El Taco Nazo, to a Mediterranean Café called Rosines. We also had our choice of Starbucks and Baskin Robbins for an after dinner treat. We took our Starbucks drinks to the nearby Sycamore Park for a leisurely walk with the dog.

Being so nestled in the hills, and with the knowledge of the low crime rate in Anaheim Hills, we relished in the safe and comfortable feeling that Sycamore Canyon gave us.

In the past, my visits to downtown Fullerton have been few and far between, but that is going to change. On a recent visit I was startled by the new life that has been breathed into this once sleepy town. While it has always been a place to enjoy a good dinner, martini or enjoy some jazz music, suddenly it has taken on the energy of real neighborhood.

The sidewalks were full of people, young, old, couples and kids and, with the influx of new, quality housing in and around downtown, I suspect that many of them were locals enjoying the amenities of their neighborhood.

The number and variety of restaurants and shops seems to have expanded over night. The old standbys lie The Kettle and The Keg, the Tuscany Club, the Continental Club and Stubrick’s seemed more vibrant and appealing alongside of the newer upscale restaurants and bars.

My girlfriend was tickled at the sight of a whole downtown street devoted to vintage clothing stores. Out of Vogue made us feel as if we were perusing the aisles of an old time department store. She loved Second Avenue with all of its consignment clothing.

Maybe all of these stores were here on my last visit several years ago, but there didn’t seem to be enough reason to linger around to actually see them. The Fullerton downtown neighborhood has suddenly become a destination worthy of weekend day.

We had a chance to look at some of the new housing and our jaws dropped at the upscale quality of the above street apartments that would be attractive to young families, couples and business professionals. Downtown Fullerton is worth another look by anyone who hasn't been in awhile.

When friends or relatives visit Orange County for the first time a trip to San Juan Capistrano is always at the top of the list. It is really the only town of historic consequence and it's only 10 minutes away. I never tire of the standard tour that starts with brunch in the patio of the Cedar Inn followed by a lingering visit at the mission. After a few moments at the train depot, I then guide my guests across the tracks into what many of them have called "a trip back in time" - the Los Rios Historic District.

The whole scene of a narrow road lined with small, ancient adobe and wood frame house brightened with flower boxes and gardens. Each step down the road reveals another reminder of its past until we reach the Ramos House, famous for its exquisite lunch and bloody mary both of which we sampled. The casual patio engulfed in a luscious garden of flower vines, always frames a lasting memory.

If there are kids in our group, we never miss going to the petting zoo across the way. The pungent odors of farm animals reaches us well before the entrance to the zoo.

At this point I am usually ready to head back to the car, but on this trip I took more notice of the small homes that lined the street and continued our walk into the neighborhood. Realizing that some of these house were over a hundred years old and most at least 80 or 90 years, I became absorbed in the real history of the neighborhood. The pride of the residents of Los Rios was clearly on display. It's the neighborhood that is truly historic and the residents that provide the link to the present in way that is very respectful of the history.

I have several friends who live in the Las Flores community of Rancho Santa Margarita. For each of them, the decision to move there came down to the economic realities of the runaway real estate market of 2005 in Ladera Ranch, its neighboring community. Not knowing too much about Las Flores, I had read that as "settling for less" but, after visiting the community, I think they made a very good decision.

It's a small community and so geographically removed from RSM that you'd think it should stand on its own. Yet, there are no community services based within its borders. It has one (very good) elementary school, and there doesn't seem to be any real community center. I suppose this is main reason why people feel that Ladera offers so much more from a community standpoint, which, in terms of amenities and community-based resources, it does.

Another look at Las Flores and you notice that the neighborhoods that meander over curved streets are very close knit. The families have access to the best of RSM with its central park, lake and skate park as well as Ladera Ranch and its big sports park. But none of these are within a short drive of Las Flores so the families and neighborhoods do more to create their own fun and activities which is what community is all about.

You couldn't ask for better access to the neighboring towns for services and shopping, not to mention its proximity to the 241 Toll Road. Highway 5 is just a straight 15 minute shot up Oso Parkway.

If I were looking again in the RSM, Ladera and Las Flores area, I would give Las Flores a much closer look. It's my idea of real family community.

A friend of mine who lives near Boston was researching place to live in Orange County and was really interested in the Pacific Hills community of Mission Viejo. As I live very near there, I told him I would conduct some close hand research myself. I do remember that Pacific Hills was once voted as the Best Neighborhood in Orange County (based on the OC Register's Best Of survey).

I pass by Pacific Hills almost every day in my commute home on Oso Parkway. It's not hard to notice the palm lined streets of Mediterranean and Spanish inspired homes that rise up the hill above the Pavillions shopping center.

I had visited some homes there and found that, while they were generally larger homes, the lots were smaller and appeared crowded. One home had a small strip of a backyard that barely contained a small lap pool. The home's floor plan, however, was spacious and the design included many luxury upgrades.

I can remember one night when I drove into the neighborhood to drop off my babysitter, my headlights caught the startled eyes of dozens of wild rabbits feasting on a corner green, It kind of freaked me out. I don't mind a few rabbits, but my own experience with cleaning up rabbit pellets in my own yard made me a little leery.

I remember reading about a series of robberies that took place over a few months period, so I asked a friend who is a Mission Viejo police officer, and he said that it had blown over. Pacific Hills generally enjoys the same low crime rate that has put Mission Viejo on the map for saftey and security.

My friend was hoping to have access to a community pool, but I could find no evidence of one or of any community support facilities. The offset to that is the community's access to the wonderful Lake Mission Viejo and its beaches and boating activities.

Pacific Hills is a great location, sitting at the crossroads of Oso and Marguerite which provides convenient access to all city facilities, the Shoppes at Mission Viejo,the fabulous medical complex, and the 5 freeway.

I gave Pacific Hills a thumbs up, but also thought my friend ought to explore some other neighborhoods.

Through a short stretch of southbound 241 Toll Road, a number of landmarks pop up beginning with a large shopping center anchored by WalMart. Then the huge Saddleback Church complex rises up and, if you don’t blink, you can catch a quick glimpse of the Etnies Skate Park. Off to the left on a hill, the gothic inspired structure that is home to Oakley Sunglasses ominously appears above a whole complex of industrial buildings. And then you’re on the final stretch of 241 where it will eventually end near Coto de Caza. What many people don’t realize is they just passed through the community of Foothill Ranch.

A relatively new community, its name still doesn’t come up on some maps today. Rising up the sloping foothills just beyond the 241 Toll Road, Foothill Ranch is one of the fastest growing communities in Orange County. The many tract neighborhoods feature newer homes that cover the spectrum of condominium, apartment, and family style living.

It’s a very family oriented community with several large parks to accommodate family activities and community events. The largest park, Foothill Ranch Community, houses a sports complex along with ample picnic facilities and playgrounds.

The big attraction for me is that Foothill Ranch is the gateway to the Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park. To me, this is the place to hike or bike among the many scenic trails and streams. The canyons and rock formations seem to change with every trek. Some of the trails are easy and kid friendly, but most are a little more difficult.

As you travel on Highway 5 near Oso Parkway, you can’t help but notice the large hill dotted with big homes to the west as they peer directly down on you. That’s the Nellie Gail community of Laguna Hills. Just after you exit on Oso heading west, you come across the welcoming Nellie Gail sign and the very inviting entrance marked by a small tree studded park.

Even a passerby would be drawn into this rustic, but elegant, setting of beautiful custom homes and rolling, leafy hills amid equestrian trails. The homes range in size and character from modest ranch style up to stately custom and their beauty adds to the peace and tranquility of the natural setting.

You wouldn’t even think that Nellie Gail is a planned community, however, the planners had a vision that included a wealth of parks and community-based recreational facilities. Amidst the many smaller parks that house play areas, sports fields and courts, fitness trails, picnic areas, you’ll find the a swimming club, a nationally recognized equestrian center, and an extensive youth sports facility. Inactive people would probably not be very happy in Nellie Gail.

An interesting side note: The sports complex and community center was built on a large and very rich fossil site. I found this out when I asked a park attendant about the prehistoric theme for the large playground.

Nellie Gail is the primary feeder of the top ranked Laguna Hills High School which has one of the lowest student populations in the county. Nellie Gail is home to many of the medical professionals that staff the nearby Saddleback Hospital and the many medical facilities located around Laguna Hills.

Huntington Harbour, a waterway community of multi-million dollar homes located in the northern part of Huntington Beach, is one of those places that may be out of reach for most of, financially, but is always welcoming especially during the Christmas holiday season. That’s when they open up their community to the holiday gawkers who are as interested in viewing the magical display of lights as they are peering into the houses and backyards of the residents.

The Cruise of Lights is truly a magnificent event as the residents that line the waterways dress their opulent homes to the hilt in lights for the pleasure of thousands of people crowded onto boats and ferries. I was lucky enough to also view the Harbour Boat Parade, a scaled down version of the Newport Boat Parade, from the backyard of a friend of a friend.

It really is a wonderful marina community and reminds me of some coastal European communities where waterways link together to form the only means of transportation and inland access. There are five islands are connected by a network of channels and, for the most part, inter-community travel would be quicker by boat. I have kayaked through the channels on a few occasions and rowed onto a couple of the small beaches there.

Bordered by a national wild life refuge, the Bolsa Chica ecological reserve and the Pacific Ocean, life on Huntington Harbour could seem to be somewhat isolated, which, I’m sure, is the preference of the residents. The nearby Huntington Harbour Mall is the primary shopping venue, but the community is somewhat self-contained with several stores and restaurants that cater to the residents.

As a member of the Monarch Bay Club, a private beach club inside the gates of Monarch Bay, I have been visiting this community long before the appearance of the majestic, posh St. Regis Resort. The club was a place for me to entertain clients with an exquisite lunch or brunch while the waves lapped up on the beach just outside of our window.

Many times I’ve walked the long, pristine beach that stretches down to the Ritz Carlton. And, while I love the high energy of its Salt Creek Beach, I prefer the quiet part of the beach at the foot of Monarch Bay Club.

I always marveled at the community and as I drive down Monarch Bay Drive on the way to the club, I never cease to envy those who lived there. My visits to the club are about the only way I could afford to join in on their life on the beach. I don’t envy the traffic that one must endure to get to the community, but once you’re inside, it seems as if all the noise and congestion is a world away.

Right across the Pacific Coast Highway is the wonderful Gelson’s grocery store in which I never fail to visit while I’m down there. If I’m not eating at the club, I make the Salt Creek Grille a stop for dinner. The regulars are a bunch of the friendliest people I’ve ever met.

The nearby communities of Laguna Beach and Dana Point offer all of the night life and dining pleasures one could possibly need.

Every December I make a point of visiting the city of Brea. The main draw has always been the magnificent display of lights put on by the community of Eagle Hill located just off the Imperial Highway. It’s a must see for rejuvenating the holiday spirit and, every year, for the last 5 years, we’ve bundled up the kids and walked, with hot chochlate in hand the many streets lit up like magic.

This last year I spent a little extra time getting to know this very attractive community and all that Brea has to offer the families that live there. Eagle Hills is considered to be a very desirable family community. Just a few decades old, this community is very active in volunteering and community activities.

The neighbors with whom I spoke, were all involved in one or more of Brea’s community based organizations including the large, new sports park and the local community theatre. In fact many were preparing for a children’s production that was to be performed that evening at the Curtis Theatre.

That evening we treated ourselves to an evening in the revitalized Brea downtown which bristled with night life and dining pleasures. As we walked through the downtown, enjoying the young architecture of renovated businesses and downtown residences, the sounds of their local symphony filled the streets with Christmas music which made us wonder if all of the happy faces were just the norm here in Brea, or were they just getting into the spirit of Brea.

I love visiting the Mesa Verde community of Cost Mesa. Any opportunity to visit a friend or attend an event at the beautiful Mesa Verde Country Club is welcomed. It’s a well established community, built up in the last 1960’s and 1970’s and the homes range from big and stately in and around the golf course, to nice, family-sized tracts. The streets are blanketed with mature trees and foliage that add wonderful color all year round.

My friend lives on Nevis Circle in a neighborhood bordered by the lovely Estancia Park. We spent an afternoon picnicking there and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Estancia Adobe at the park where I learned so much about the history of Costa Mesa and Orange County. A lot of family activities and community events are held in the park.

They have a family membership at the country club, just a few blocks away, which is actually a very affordable way to enjoy the club’s activities. It's the site of many holiday gatherings and family oriented events.

Mesa Verde is bordered on the south by Fairview Regional Park, so there is no shortage of access to activities and natural surroundings. Of course, with the 55 freeway nearby the beach is also right at the door step and with the Santa Ana River Trail so close, a beach bike ride is easy. With the 405 freeway just a few minutes away, trips to South Coast Plaza and other Orange County destinations are very convenient.

The Kensington community of Aliso Viejo is representative of the quality neighborhoods that have sprouted up all over the city in just the last 20 years. A gated community, Kensington offers privacy and security in a hillside setting at the western edge of town. My last visit to this community was with a friend who purchased her home, new, in 2000. I was amazed to learn that the homes in this area, all large (2,500 to 3,400 square feet) have held their value do well even in the face of the blanket declines in the county.

There is no homeowners association and there are no community pools. Still, all of the properties are well manicured and the neighborhood exemplifies that obvious pride that the homeowners take in their gated community. My friend couldn’t stop talking about the friendliness of her neighbors and the cohesiveness of the families in and around her street.

Sitting at the corner of Wood Canyon and Park Place, Kensington has quick and easy access to the main amenities that Aliso Viejo offeres. It’s a quick 5 minutes to Aliso Viejo Town Center where all of her shopping needs are met by Ralphs, WalMart . The center includes the expansive Edwards Theater complex as well as an eclectic selection of dining options.

Just 5 minutes down Wood Canyon and she’s at the gateway of Aliso Viejo Regional Park and its many trails. She often stops in at the beautiful campus of Soka University for a hike or run around the campus. The 73 Toll Road is just 8 minutes a way which provides easy access to all other points of Orange County.

Any review of Ladera Ranch would not be complete without a plug for the Sarasota neighborhood in the heart of the Oak Knoll Village. That’s where “Candy Cane Lane”, comprised of the streets of Walden, Bramford and Bancroft, lights up at the holiday season. The neighborhood is a worthy multi-year winner of the holiday decoration prize with an almost over-the-top display of lights and figures that leaves no house in the dark.

The festive neighbors extend their collective urge to celebrate well into the other seasons with numerous block parties and spontaneous family activities. Conveniently located just behind the massive Oak Knoll community pool and clubhouse, the neighbors have access to all that the village offers in amenities and family fun.

The neighborhood is within walking distance of the main shopping center that includes a Pavillions and CVS along with numerous specialty stores and services. Restaurant choices include Beachfire, Infusion and Picante and Z Pizza. The Town Center Green, site of concerts and outdoor movies is just on the other side of the shops.

At the other end of the village there is another shopping center with an Albertsons, another CVS and a host of family restaurants including Lamp Post Pizza, Togos, and Taco Mesa. That covers just about everybody’s appetite and shopping needs.

The fabulous Cox Sports Park, with over 14 sports fields, is a regular family meeting spot during the year round sports seasons. The more venturous kids have a whole wilderness park at their doorstep with hiking and biking to last the whole day.

I was attracted to the Beacon Hill area of Laguna Niguel by its name. Having lived in Boston, I was hoping to find the same allure and charm that I enjoyed as a resident of its historic Beacon Hill. The two Beacon Hills of these seaside communities couldn't be further apart (literally) but both offer their own brand of charm and attraction that are hard to resist.

I wouldn't expect to any area in Laguna Niguel to resemble the antiquity of old Boston, but I found the Beacon Hill of the west to be as equally captivating. The drive up the long, curvy Beacon Hill Way increased my anticipation and my curiosity peaked at the same point the road did. Through the dense foliage of eucalyptus the expansive view of the Pacific Ocean was a feast for the eyes.

The particular home I was interested in, on Sentry Hill, another familiar New England name, which sits near the crest of neighborhood. I don't remember much about the house itself, but the view from the backyard was unforgettable. It was an expansive, unobstructed view that took in the coastline from Dana Point to Emerald Bay. It was absolutely breath-taking.

Captivated by the Pacific Ocean view, we hardly noticed that the northern part of the neighborhood was bordered by the hills of a regional park which meant that it was nearly encircled by views of natural surroundings.

There were many other reasons to consider this part of Laguna Niguel for a home. From its coast proximity to its many superior amenities and services, there are few communities that offer more. The problem for us was that the price of that modest sized home was based as much on the view as it was for the square footage. I mustered the discipline and prudence to walk away so I can find more home for the money, but I know I'll return to Beacon Hill some day.

Before I bought a house in Coto de Caza, I flirted with the small, Newport Coast community of St. Laurent located on the ridge near Newport Coast Dr. and San Joaquin Hills Rd. These are beautiful homes and the community is very quaint with its French country architecture and small cozy streets. I was attracted to the size of the home (2400 sq ft) and its proximity to all points north, south, east and west. With the addition of the toll road nearby it became almost too accessible.

But, when I walked through the house out to the backyard I was held spellbound as my gaze followed the beautiful Newport Coast cliffs and hills all the way down to the Pacific Ocean. With the Pacific Coast Highway just down the hill, the possibilities for beach, biking and other activities were endless.

Just across the the way a very nice shopping center was being built, anchored by Pavillions with all of the essential shops and services, such as Starbucks and CVS included. A couple of blocks away is a nice-sized park that includes playgrounds, softball diamonds and plenty of kite flying space. Fashion Island and the shops of Corona del Mar are a short drive down San Joaquin Hills Rd.

I decided against St Laurent mainly out of consideration of my yet-to-be-born kids. The community, while quaint,, and obviously very secure was a little too small, so I wound up in the wide open hills of Coto. But, I would return to the ridge on Newport Coast many times to soak in the magnificent views.

Every summer my boss entertains all of his employees with a swim and barbecue party at his home on Redlands Avenue in Newport Beach. His half acre backyard is no ordinary setting for a backyard party. Designed as a park for his many kids and grandkids, it starts from the back of his guest house, set upon a bunch of big boulders and slopes down to a tree-covered green highlighted with a gazebo.

The pool, made from rocks and boulders is small but it is really only a receptacle for kids (and adults) who brave the long water slide. The bigger kids (and adults) enjoy the challenge of diving from the boulders of varying heights. A large cooking and dining area separates the pool area from the quiet green at the bottom of the property.

The neighborhood, considered a part of "old" Newport Beach, is comprised of individually built homes, many of which are of the large, custom home ilk while most are tract-home sized. Lot sizes vary but most are more than a quarter acre.

The greater area is bordered by the Toll Road and the Santa Ana Country Club on east, the Pacific Coast on the West, the Costa Mesa Freeway to the north and the Upper Newport Bay on the south. So, the Redlands Avenue neighborhood, while it seems like a world-away, is actually very centrally located to all of the trappings of Newport Beach life.

My boss enjoys his meals out and his favorite destination is PCH with his very eclectic choices all sit within a mile of each other. From the old Arches to the haughty Balboa Bay Club there are about a dozen restaurants that can satisfy any appetite.

Irvine has always been considered to be one of the first and largest planned communities in the country. The Woodbridge Community is exemplary of the many planned neighborhood communities that comprise Irvine. A biking buddy of mine lives on Rushing Wind, a small street of cute family homes that borders the South Lake. My visits there never cease to stir up my envy for the great life the he enjoys there.

His is typical of the many small, tree-lined streets tucked away in cozy, tightly knit neighborhoods that ooze Americana with their frequent street cookouts, block parties and family activities. The neighborhoods are intricately linked through several elementary and middle schools and two high schools.

Woodbridge is a large community that extends from near the San Diego Freeway across Baranca Parkway, which separates the South and North Lake, on up to Irvine Center Drive. In between are a slew of community parks and pools and, at the heart of the community is a shopping, dining and entertainment complex (which are within walking distance of my friend's house).

What isn't found right inside the community is located just outside the Yale Loop which encircles Woodbridge. Woodbridge residents are at the center of the best that Irvine offers in medical facilities, quality schools, and a law enforcement agency ranked among the top 5 in the country community safety and security.
As one of the more established planned communities, Woodbridge has comfortably grown into a luscious oasis in a sprawling city of want-to-be communities.

Freshly divorced and out on my own for the first time in a while, I began my search for quality living on a budget and wound up on Saphir Way in Aliso Viejo. First of all, having lived in many parts of Orange County, I discovered that Aliso Viejo is a great money-stretcher town. Great values in real estate as compared to some its neighboring towns. It's also a relatively young community, very well-planned with easy access to all of the amenities a town offers.

When I was looking for the La Mirage condos on Wood Canyon Drive, I missed the street turn because I couldn't tear my gaze away from the magnificent spectacle of Soka University that lay nestled against the hills of Aliso Regional Park. The architecture is so unique and peaceful which made sense when I found out it was Buddhist college.

The condos at La MIrage do offer a glimpse into French country architecture. In addition to being spacious, my condo had an interesting two-level floor plan that included a round stair well leading from the entry to the living room. You always have to love attached garages and this one had a sizable storage alcove.

For a biker and hiker such as myself, there is no better place than a home near Wood Canyon Dr. to be able to access several trails that take you through the sprawling hills of the Regional Park, to the summit and all of the way to Laguna Beach.

As a divorced father of two kids, the Mediterranean-like village of Mallorca on the Lake in Mission Viejo was a fabulous place to live. Viewed from Lake Mission Viejo, it really does have the look and feel of group of white-washed, hillside villas that might have been built on the Costa del Sol shore in Spain. For me, the spacious two-bedroom, third floor condo offered plenty of room for my bachelorhood during the week and didn't seem a bit smaller during my kid's weekend visits.

Just driving through the front gates gave me sense of getting away and the slow and winding drive up the hill to my condo was great for decompressing after a hard day. Each evening I was treated to magnificent views of Saddleback Mountain from the large wrap-around balcony. For the kids, each weekend was like a short vacation getaway, especially during the warm summer and autumn, when much of our time was spent at the beach (Lake Misson Viejo) or one of two large community pools.

It seemed as though most of the residents were kidless, however, the number of kids did seem to bulge on the weekends as evidenced by the action at the pools and the beach. Built against a hill, the streets of Mallorca are not exactly kid friendly but offered great challenges for all of us bike riders.

Convenience was a major factor in the decision to move there. Two of my passions were satisfied with a short walk or ride to the shopping center at the foot of the complex - Taco Tuesdays at Tortilla Flats and a solid workout at the 19 Fitness center. All of my banking and dry cleaning was done there as well. I loved that I could ride my bike to Henry's, my favorite health food and produce store. In fact, Mallorca is a great launching point for a bike ride to just about anywhere in Mission Viejo.

Before we moved to Ladera Ranch, we lived temporarily in a townhome on Via Vicini in Rancho Santa Margarita. Although we knew it was only going to be temporary, we came to like our spacious 3 bedroom home, both for the neighborhood amenities and for its close proximity to just about everything Rancho Santa Margarita has to offer for shopping, entertainment and family activities. In a way we were sorry we had to leave.

The townhome itself was very comfortable with many upgraded features. With two small kids at the time, we had plenty of room to roam. When we ventured out, which was every day or evening, it was either on foot or on bike to the neighborhood pool or, we would continue a few blocks down to the expansive Plaza El Paseo where it would be easy to spend a half a day at the movies or doing our shopping. There are very few places where within a few blocks from home you could find a Kohls, Target, Tillys, Edwards Theaters, Home Depot, Ross, 24 Hour Fitness, Borders along with a great selection of family restaurants such as TGIF, El Torito Grill, Wing Stop, Ball Park Pizza and others.

The real gem of RSM is its Central Park and Lake. We must have walked around that lake dozens of time (the kids never tired of it). We fished, fed the ducks and picnicked and for a change, we brought our suits to the “beach” at the lake – a large community pool complex that actually had a sand beach. With all of this going for it, RSM is still a favorite destination of ours.

When we lived in Coto de Caza we befriended the realtor who sold us out house. He and his wife had lived up near the center of Coto for a number of years in a large two story house on Easthill. Coto was, essentially, developed around two large championship golf courses and some of the equestrian ranches that existed before houses. Their home on Easthill is closer to the newer developments in the south part of Coto.

Built on a hill, the neighborhood’s streets are probably not ideal for small kids on tricycles, but it does make for a very beautiful and quiet setting. The houses and the lots are big so, the homes have the room for a lot of self-contained fun like full-sized swimming pools and backyard playgrounds set among large, leafy trees.

Being near the center of things, they have quick access to the country club, the dog park, the wooded trails, the general store and both the north and south gates. We often dined with them at restaurants located just outside the north gate in Rancho Santa Margarita and Dove Canyon. When we lived in Coto, there wasn’t a whole lot of shopping action, but that has been rectified with the development of the El Paseo Shopping complex.

He is lucky enough to work inside the gates of Coto. When I lived there about 13 years ago, they had just finished the 241 Toll Road, accessed a few miles outside of either gate, which made my commute to Irvine a breeze.

Our kids play with a family that lives on Abyssinian Way in Ladera Ranch and, it’s no wonder because the neighborhood always seems to be alive with kids. They have lots of options for fun as the street is located within a very short walk of the school playground, the skate park, the water park and the community pool. If they want to stay closer to home, the street even has its own green big enough for a soccer game.

Our friends were attracted to the Lexington Homes and their spacious floor plans set in a neighborhood that, due to its street layout, gets very little traffic. They chose a home that backs up to an overlook for an expansive view of town and, because the annual fireworks are launched from school fields just below, they have a perfect view from their backyard, although they insist on walking down for a front row seat.

Being a father of 2 boys, our friend is very involved in the local sports as a little league coach and a soccer coach. With most of the games played on the nearby school fields they’re pleased with the 5 minute walk each way.

Having lived here now for a few years, they have come to appreciate the award winning Ladera Ranch Elementary School, also the site of the county library, which is just down the hill and across the round-about.

In this day and age it is rare to be able to live in a place where the safety and security of the kids is built into the fabric of the community thanks to close knit families and a private security patrol.

When we first began looking for a home in Ladera Ranch, we looked at a few homes on Gardenia Street in the Tarramor Village. The floor plans were spacious and the designs were beautiful and very eclectic. It was tempting to buy in this neighborhood because it juts up against the hills giving it a sense of privacy in the surrounding natural beauty. Each time we visited Gardenia Street, there seemed to be something going on – a street party, a family softball game, or bunches of kids gathered at one or more homes.

This vision of Americana is repeated throughout the community and the 9 villages. There seems to be a small neighborhood park tucked away in every nook and cranny and the whole community is treated to the small town trappings of a Town Green where they can enjoy movie nights and concerts. Each village has an identity of its own crowned by its own separate community pool and clubhouse.

Gardenia Street is ideally located for its proximity to the natural surroundings (full of wild life by the way) and to some of the kid attractions like the water park and the skate park. I’ve often biked the trail that runs through the hills above Gardenia Street and taken it all of the way to San Juan Capistrano. Oso Elementary school is a safe walking distance.

For an evening out, there are a few choices worth hiring a babysitter for – The Beachfire Grill, Infusion, and Picante (great for Spanish tapas) – and the beach is a straight 20 minute shot down Crown Valley Expressway.

Driving along Chapman Avenue in Orange I decided to take a short trip down memory lane and turned on Cleveland Street to look at the house in which my aunt grew up 60 years ago. I last visited the house in 1965 and, although the neighborhood hadn’t really changed much, I managed to drive right by the small 1920’s bungalow and made it all of the way to Chapman University before I realized I had missed it.

This area is truly a vision of what the neighborhoods were like back then. Of course the houses looked a lot smaller to many than when I was 9 years old. But then, they are truly small which makes their small lots look deceptively big. Her house couldn’t be much bigger than 800 square feet but her front yard seemed to stretch a ways to the sidewalk.

Many of the neighboring houses are bigger, some with two stories, and you would have never thought that they were built six decades ago. They were all meticulous cared for. I’m pretty sure the neighborhood went through a period of decline a while back, so it obviously has had a resurgence probably led by a lot of the young professionals I spotted driving into their detached garages.

What’s great about living in “old” Orange is that you can maintain the feeling of a period gone by with a short trip into Old Town Orange. It’s remarkable that a city can so effectively blend its past with the present and all of the conveniences of big shopping malls (The Block) and state-of-the-art medical facilities (CHOC).

I had the pleasure of attending a dinner at the home of one of my colleagues who lives on Woodswallow Lane located in one of the Laguna Audubon developments in Aliso Viejo. The location is as about ideal as it can be with the nearby Toll Road and 133 Highway that can take you to all parts of Orange County in a hurry. More remarkable was its setting right up against the Laguna Wilderness Park which offered scenic backdrop to this suburban neighborhood.

The houses, built around 1990, are somewhat cookie-cutter but very neat and charming, with well manicured yards. It is very much a family oriented neighborhood and the community offers a lot in the way of resources and activities that would attract young families. The streets are unusually wide for an newer Orange County neighborhood as are the sidewalks which lends a sense of safety for the kids.

I was there just after the 4th of July and I can tell you that this street is full of very patriotic people or they just love going all out on holidays – or both. My colleague confirmed that the neighborhood loves to deck the halls during the holidays.

Having lived in Aliso Viejo, I was familiar with the proximity of all of the shopping venues. This house is about half way between the Aliso Viejo Town Center, with just about everything you could want, and the Laguna Hills Mall. The Irvine Spectrum is just 15 minutes up Highway 133.

They can't say enough about the quality of schools and the overall safety of the neighborhood. Much of Aliso Viejo is recently developed so it has been very well planned with state-of-the-art infrastructure - all readily apparent in this beautiful neighborhood.

I have a friend, a firefighter, who lives on Lakeside Lane in Huntington Beach with his wife. His street seems pretty typical of smaller (1500 to 2000 sq ft) homes built in the late 1970’s. What stands out, as you drive through the neighborhood, is how nearly every house looks recently manicured from the neat front lawns on up to the fresh paint jobs. Every other house, it seems, sprouts very tall palm trees which, if this weren’t a beach community, would seem a little out of place.

My friend says that most of his neighbors, whom he calls “fun loving”, are younger professionals, a good portion of whom have young children. Apparently several of his firefighter and police buddies live in the neighborhood – a definite plus for security seekers.

They moved there because of their love of the ocean and make the beach and the nightlife of downtown Huntington Beach frequent destinations. You can usually find them at Dukes on the beach or at Longboard’s on Main Street. They could never imagine living anywhere else because, “you can’t get any better weather than this”.

They are both very active in community activities and local organizations both of which thrive in Huntington Beach. When they’re not out running, or on the courts, playing softball or roller blading along the beach, they attend a lot of community events and are especially involved with Masonic events.

While it may not be a very remarkable neighborhood, it seems right at home in the “All-American” city of Huntington Beach.

My girlfriend lives with her two kids in a small, tidy neighborhood of 1960’s era, two and three bedroom townhomes. The neighborhood is a very eclectic composition of young families, young couples, empty nesters and retirees. A park, right across the street from her home is a magnet for the neighborhood kids, dog walkers and runners. The three large pools, spaced evenly throughout this relatively small community, are never too crowded and there always seems to be a tennis court open.

Located just 2 miles from the beach, right down Brookhurst Ave, hardly a weekend goes by when we don’t pack a light picnic and head out for a ride into the middle of Surf City. We’ve made a ritual of making the new Wahoo’s shack on the beach trail and regular stop before we continue up past the pier and onto Bolsa Chica Regional Park or, as far as Seal Beach.

Trader Joes, about a quarter mile away, get’s most of her business, however, she may trek out to any number of major grocery stores located within a couple of miles of her home. The nearby 5 Points Plaza meets most of her everyday shopping needs.

One reason why she will probably never move is the quality of the schools that are within walking distance. The elementary and middle schools her kids attend are consistently among the highest ranked in the city and Edison High School an easy bike ride away, is also a great institution.

My son has a friend who lives on Spar Circle in Huntington Beach. One afternoon, just as I was dropping him off for the afternoon, a street barbecue broke out spontaneously with at least 25 neighbors converging on the cul-de-sac within a matter of minutes. I was asked to join and so, I also had the chance to speak to several of the people about the neighborhood.

When I asked them what was up regarding the gathering, they all laughed, shrugged and said that it was a fairly common occurrence. They said that the street is normally very quiet and orderly and its location is safe and secure for kids’ play. It’s obvious that everyone took a lot of pride in their well kept homes.

They like it for its proximity to just about everything. Brookhurst Ave. is the main artery and that can get them to Bella Terra, the huge mall, in fifteen minutes or to the beach in less than 5. Everything else, including a favorite restaurant, Market Broiler, several grocery stores, Target, Kohls, dozens of dining options, are all located in between.

One of the neighbors wanted to show me what lay just beyond his backyard fence. It was the Santa Ana river, which, by itself, didn’t offer much in terms of aesthetics. Just beyond the river, however, was a wildlife park and trail that seemed to run as far as the eye could see from the north all the way to the ocean. I just happened to have my bike on car bike rack and, after downing some barbecued chicken and a soda, I took off for a ride in the direction of the beach.

In Mission Viejo, it really seems like they built the streets and houses around a bunch of parks. Near my sister’s street, Via El Rocio, near Trabuco and Alicia, there are 3 pretty good sized parks. And, if her kids get bored of the jungle gyms, basketball courts, volleyball courts, softball diamonds and all of that open space, they can bike on up to Mission Viejo Lake to swim or boat. Pretty amazing.
Her move there was obviously calculated, not just for the parks, but, also for the completely central location. Within 5 minutes of her house: the freeway, the lake, her dentist, her doctor, Ralphs, CVS, Big Lots, Trader Joes and a decent selection of family restaurants including her favorite sushi place.

Her kids belong to the YMCA which has a beautiful facility a short bike ride away. Further down the road are the Shoppes at Mission Viejo – for major shopping – which is just across from the Kaleidoscope – for movies and other family entertainment.

The nice thing about her neighborhood is that it feels as if it is far away from the crowd. Bordered by park land on the east and south, and with no direct access from the major streets, her neighborhood enjoys very low traffic flow and a sense of security for the kids who roam freely.

It is south Orange County, so the houses are fairly big, all 2 story with lots of palm trees and swimming pools. Still it’s an unassuming neighborhood full of friendly people who enjoy the quiet suburban life.

I had the opportunity to attend a summer barbeque at some friends who live on Elmira Avenue in Huntington Beach. It’s typical of the quiet, older neighborhoods that are adjacent to the downtown and within walking distance of the pier. There many smaller, bungalow style houses interspersed with modern renovations that, while beautiful, seem a little out of place. My friend’s neighbors run the gamut from older surfers, to retirees, to young couples – a great street for people watching and enjoying some diversity. All of them were quite nice.

Everyone seems to appreciate the ideal location and it’s obvious that they do what they can to take advantage of their close proximity to all things that Surf City has to offer. We were just a short walk from Main Street, a 5-block long feast for the senses with an eclectic selection of restaurants, bars, and surfer dives.

With the beach so close, a daily or walk or bike ride would almost always have to include a trek down the bike-pedestrian trail that lines the beach. In fact, I could spend the better part of the week without ever getting in my car as most everything - groceries, entertainment, sports park, exercise, social activities – is within walking distance.

If I needed to stock up once every few weeks or so, I could venture down to the nearby Big Lots store or drive a little further into central Huntington Beach where there are unlimited shopping choices, otherwise, I’d just stay on foot or bike.

When we try explain the community of Ladera Ranch, most people either don't really believe what we tell them or they just can't imagine it in there minds because they've never ever seen any place like it. Hidden in the foothills between Mission Viejo and San Juan Capistrano, the only people who ever see Ladera Ranch are the residents, their guests and those who need to access the Ortega Highway.

Ladera Ranch, the size of a small town, is comprised of nine villages most of which have their own community pool and clubhouse. The narrow, tree-lined streets wind through cozy neighborhoods that and are punctuated with round abouts, an idea imported from New England as way to control traffic.

No one believes me when I tell them that our house, near the Avendale village sits among 3 award-winning elementary schools, all within a mile and a half of each other. My kids' school sits at the center of town, and, it's adjoining Founder's Park is the is the site of frequent community events such as the annual 4th of July festival and show. The kids, who are typically out and about all day, have access to good-sized water park, a pro-style skate park, several sports sparks and are under the watchful eye of a vigilant private security force.

My street, Cousteau Lane is an especially terrific find. It's a cul-de-sac street that ends at one of several trails that can take you around most of Ladera, on foot or on bike. We sit high on ridge that overlooks a couple of other villages and offers a peek of the Pacific Ocean. The cool ocean breeze and beautiful sunsets are a constant up on our street.

I guess you really have to see it to believe it.

From the moment we drove through the gates of Coto de Caza we fell in love with its rolling landscape of hills, beautiful homes, white picket fences and trails. Coto has always been known for its stately custom homes and high end golf country club, so we were surprised when we happened upon some neighborhoods that offered wonderful suburban-sized homes. So, we bought a home in the Tanglewood neighborhood.

That was 13 years ago and the love affair with Coto continues to grow. Tanglewood is one of the many neighborhoods that encircle the two magnificent golf courses of Coto. So, while we couldn’t afford a golf membership, we enjoyed the views from our backyard on Westchester Ct, one of several streets terraced above the golf course that overlooked northwest expanse of home-lined Coto hills.

As a family with 2 small children we were treated to a neighborhood that seemed to breed kids and parents all too happy to manufacture activities and events that would consume the long hot weekends. Spontaneous barbeques, dinner exchanges, and block parties sprout constantly. The crowning events , however, are the kid-studded, annual 4th of July and Halloween parades.

We did buy a pool membership which provided plenty of weekend fun. The trails that surround Coto are always inviting whether on foot or on bike. One of favorite bike rides is up to the General Store where we bought a sandwich and then explored the equestrian ranches next store.

Coto is a life in and of itself. What’s not to love.

Nestled in the cross busy cross streets of Adams and Magnolia, our neighborhood sits as an oaisis, close to all of the action but well hidden. It’s a young family’s dream as the streets are full of young children and the traffic flow is slow and minimal. The neighbors are always looking out for the children and each other and are brought together frequently with holiday gatherings and spontaneous barbeques.
The homes are all show-ready, although there are not a lot homes on the market in this highly desirable family neighborhood. For those that are on the market, the housing price dip seems to have passed them by as values have stabilized and are increasing.

Huntington Beach is a widely dispersed city, yet just about everything a family needs is within walking or biking distance. Many major stores such as Kohls and Target are just minutes away and there are many local shops that add to the neighborhood feel.

Larger shopping malls, like Bella Terra, are just a short drive away and have all of the shopping and entertainment a person could want. Just 5 minutes away is a major medical and hospital complex anchored by Huntington Beach Hospital.

The best part of living in Huntington Beach is the access to all kinds of outdoor, sports, and entertainment activities. Access to the beach, the Central Park and downtown is best enjoyed by bike. The central location of the neighborhood provides easy access to the sites and activities of nearby Newport Beach, Seal Beach and most other parts of central Orange County.

We love the central location in Huntington Beach on Roberta Circle.We visit our friends there every chance we get. Our short jaunts to the beach are often followed with a dinner or drinks on the main drag of Surf City on Main Street. You couldn't ask for better access to outdoor activities, nightlife, shopping, parks and to all parts of Orange County.

Just a short bike ride to the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, we never tire of riding there to explore the nature and enjoy quiet picnics.

Most impressive is the friendly neighborhood feel. One of the first developments in Huntington Beach, many of homes have been tastefully renovated with unique, but classic themes. We've attended many neighborhood parties and, when we bring our kids, the street seems to come alive with children and pets playing together (Yes, even the cats and dogs get along).

There always seems to be some kind of activity for kids, through the schools or community organizations. We have taken SANDS classes in swimming, dance, gymnastics and baseball and
we go to Surf City Nights as well as the many civic events put on by charitable groups at the Boys & Girls Club, Soroptimists, Golden West College and Chamber.

Whenever one of our friends is considering a move to Huntington Beach, this neighborhood is always the first one we visit. The homes seem to have held their value much better than the rest of Orange County. It’s a true American neighborhood.