Living in the OC
Welcome to the OC! Orange County is widely known as the backdrop for many TV and
film dramas. Made up of 34 cities Orange County is mostly suburban and home to
outdoor adventure seekers such as surfers, skateboarders, cyclists, mountain bikers,
hikers, kayakers, and beach goers. With an estimated population of more than 3 million,
Orange County spans 800 square miles.
We understand that beginning a new graduate program can be challenging, so in order
to ease your transition, we have created this guide to help familiarize you with Orange
County and the surrounding area. The guide contains information on finding a residence,
transportation, and other general information to get you more acquainted with the area.
We hope you find the information helpful as you embark on your new graduate school
experience. Good luck!
CLIMATE
Orange County enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate with moderate
temperatures rarely exceeding 90F and low humidity. The rainy season is between
November and March, when a few rainy days are typically followed by many days of
sunshine and clear blue skies. Summer days are often tempered by sea breezes,
especially near the ocean, with cooler evenings.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Avg. High 69 69 70 73 75 79 84 86 85 80 74 70
Avg. Low 45 47 48 51 56 60 62 63 62 56 51 46
Precipitation 2.5 2.9 2.6 0.7 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.3 0.8 1.3
(http://www.go-california.com/Orange-County/Weather/, 2009).
TRANSPORTATION
Driving and Parking
As with any highly populated suburban area, driving can be hectic. There are several
major freeways; however, they can get congested especially during rush hour. During
those times you may prefer to travel to your destination using surface streets. If there are
no posted signs, the maximum speed is 25 miles per hour on city streets and 65 miles
per hour on freeways. California state law also requires using seat belts in all private
vehicles, so buckle up!
When parking on the street, be cautious to read posted parking regulations and signs
that state the days and times when parking restrictions are in effect. A red curb means
no parking, a green curb means parking for a limited time only, and a white or yellow
curb indicates passenger loading and unloading. Parking is often available in garages or
parking lots for a fee.
Please keep in mind that you may turn right after stopping at a red light, unless a sign
directs otherwise, and that pedestrians have the right of way. With regard to alcoholic
beverages, open containers are not permitted in vehicles, and drunk driving laws are
strictly enforced.
It is illegal to talk on a hand-held cell phone or text message while driving in California.
We advise that you purchase a blue tooth device, if you have not done so already. Also,
jaywalking is considered illegal in California, and you will get fined for it!
Orange County Transportation Authority
As an alternative to driving, there are a variety of public transportation networks
including light-rail and rapid bus transit lines. For specific information on public
transportation throughout Orange County, visit www.octa.net.
Airports
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
LAX is one of the busiest passenger airports in the world and serves as the primary Los
Angeles airport. More than 50 airlines operate out of LAX, including international and
domestic flights. A complete list of airlines that operate out of LAX can be found on their
website.
http://www.lawa.org/welcomeLAX.aspx
www.los-angeles-lax.com
1 World Way
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 646-5252
(310) 665-0370 TDD
Location: Sepulveda Blvd and Century Blvd
Near the 405/105 freeway junction,
just south of the 10 freeway
Accessibility: There is a FlyAway Bus that provides shuttle service from LAX, downtown,
and the San Fernando Valley. Some parking lots are also located closest to the
Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) bus stops.
Orange County John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Orange County Airport is located south of Los Angeles County and is the closest in
proximity to Orange County cities.
www.ocair.com
18601 Airport Way
Santa Ana, CA 92707
(949) 252-5200
Location: Off of the 405 freeway,
Just southeast of the 55 freeway
Parking: Short-term and long-term parking available. Main Street Parking is located at
1512 Main Street in Irvine.
L.A./Ontario International Airport (ONT)
The L.A./Ontario International Airport (ONT) is located in the Inland Empire and is known
as an alternate to LAX.
www.lawa.org/ont
1940 East Moore Way
Ontario, CA 91761
(909) 937-2700
Location: Airport Drive and Vineyard Ave
Near the 10/15 freeway junction,
Just north of the 60 freeway
Parking: Short-term and long-term parking lots are available.
Long Beach Airport
The Long Beach Airport provides passengers with direct flights throughout the U.S. and
easy domestic and international connections.
www.longbeach.gov/airport
4100 E. Donald Douglas Dr.
Long Beach, CA 90808
(562) 570-2619
Location: Off the 405 freeway
Parking: Short-term and long-term parking lots are available.
Shuttles
Generally, shuttle vans are the most convenient and cost efficient ways to travel to your
destination from the airport. You can call for reservations though it is not necessary.
The two most common shuttle services:
Primetime Shuttle 800-733-8267
www.primetimeshuttle.com
Super Shuttle 800-258-3826
www.supershuttle.com
Taxis
Several taxi services provide transportation to and from the airports as well as to
surrounding areas. The best option is to call and request pick-up; taxis are not as
plentiful as they are in some large cities.
For more information visit:
www.ABCRide.com
www.anytaxi.com/
Or call:
Checker Cab 949-732-8002
Yellow Cab 949-250-3002
Super Taxis 949-653-8294
Maps
The following are maps of Orange County and the surrounding area.
(www.whereLA.com/OC/oc_map_overview.html, 2009)
(www.orangecounty.net/html/cities.html, 2009)
Local Communities
Irvine
Located in the center of Orange County, Irvine is known for its pristine scenery, clean
streets, friendly neighbors and has a reputation of low crime rates, ranking among the
top 10 safest cities in the nation. An affluent business community, rich in culture and
natural scenery, Irvine is home to two large business centers as well as many bicycle
trails and performance venues.
Newport Beach
One of the more expensive real estate and higher cost of living areas in Southern
California, Newport Beach offers a wide variety of housing options from historic
neighborhoods to planned communities. Nine miles of coastline comprised of numerous
harbors give summer inhabitants reason to come back every season. Newport, being a
major recreation destination, offers high-end shopping and luxury hotels, and is the
center of modern gourmet dining.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a popular tourist destination, drawing in visitors with its outdoor
recreational opportunities, deep-rooted local culture and beautiful beachfront real estate.
Boasting 20,000 acres of coastal wilderness parks, Laguna Beach gives outdoor
enthusiasts a variety of activities to choose from including mountain biking, hiking,
surfing and horse back-riding. Soak up the artistic vibe at the renowned year-round art
festivals displaying an array of local and professional work of the visual and performing
arts.
Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is environmentally involved, known for marina, wildlife and ecological
reserves as well as having one of the largest recreational piers in the world with a variety
of restaurants, surf shops and the International Surfing Museum.
Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa offers a variety of housing options that feature ocean views and golf course
communities. It has a prominent involvement in philanthropy services including: Boys
and Girls Club, Little League baseball, and the Someone Cares Soup Kitchen. Costa
Mesa is home to the South Coast Plaza encompassing 300 high-end stores. Just down
the street is the SoBeCa (South On Bristol Entertainment Culture and Arts), an
alternative mall with restaurants, a yoga studio and vintage retailers.
Santa Ana
Santa Ana is recognized for having conserved historic neighborhoods with housing
ranging from the vintage homes of Orange County’s founding families to modern homes
and developments. It is on the map as being the most populous city in Orange County
hence assuming the motto “Downtown Orange County.” It is one of the youngest and
most diverse cities, made up of the largest percentage of Latino residents in Orange
County and deeply rooted in Mexican-American culture. Take in more culture by visiting
the Santa Ana Zoo, the pedestrian-friendly shopping strip and numerous visual and
performing art venues.
Source: http://www.ocregister.com/realestate/communities/orange-county
Hotels
There are several reasonably priced hotels for your convenience while visiting Orange
County or the Irvine Campus.
Holiday Inn Orange County Airport
2726 S. Grand Ave
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 481-6300
Quality Suites John Wayne Airport
2701 Hotel Terrace Dr.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 957-9200
Hyatt Regency Irvine
17900 Jamboree Rd
Irvine, CA 92614
(949) 975-1234
HOUSING
Finding a Place to Live
There are many great neighborhoods in the Orange County area. Generally
neighborhoods along the coast will offer wonderful oceanside views, and consequently
will be some of the most expensive areas to live in. Other posh neighborhoods such a
Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Santa Ana are the site of many luxurious homes
and modern architecture. It is important to consider your own style, comfort level, and
preferences when deciding where to live.
Where to look for housing
Apartment Finder: www.apartmentfinder.com
Guide: www.apartmentguide.com
Apartment Hunters: www.apartmenthunterz.com
Apartments.com: www.apartments.com
Craigslist: www.orangecounty.craigslist.org
For Rent.com: www.forrent.com
Irvine Rentals.net: www.irvinerentals.net
Move: www.move.com
Rent.com: www.rent.com
Rental-Living.com: www.rental-living.com
Westside Rentals: www.westsiderentals.com
Questions to ask before agreeing to lease an apartment
• What is the availability of the apartment? Will any be available soon?
• What will the first payment include (first and last month’s rent, security
deposit)?
• How much will the security deposit be?
• Does the apartment come already furnished? If so, is there an extra
deposit required?
• Does the apartment have a refrigerator/washer/dryer? Is there an extra
charge?
• If not are there washers and dryers in the complex?
• Are utilities included with the rent, if so, which ones (gas, water,
electricity)?
• Is there central air available? What is average monthly cost?
• How much are utilities per month, on average?
• How is maintenance dealt with?
• Is there available parking? If so, how much does it cost?
• How many spaces do you get? If another space is needed are there any
available to buy?
• Is parking gated/covered? Are the spots assigned?
• Is the apartment complex close to public transportation? If so, what kind
(buses, metro rail)?
• Are pets allowed?
• Is the surrounding neighborhood safe/quiet?
• Does the complex have security?
• Available amenities?
• Where is the nearest nightlife (shopping, restaurants)?
What to do before you move
1. Change of address
2. Change driver’s license/vehicle registration/title/insurance
3. Sell or donate unnecessary items
4. Find a bank in your new area
5. Determine if a new phone service provider is needed
6. Locate physicians/dentists/optometrists/etc.
7. Purchase a GPS or map for easier traveling in your new area
8. Decide whether you are going to bring old or buy new furniture. If so how
will you transport it?
9. Are you bringing your car? How will you transport it?
10. Set up utilities for the new place
11. Obtain important personal documents
12. Close or cancel old accounts (bank accounts, utilities)
13. If you have children, determine schools, day care
14. If you have pets, locate kennels, grooming
15. Familiarize yourself with California laws (talking on cell phone while
driving, jaywalking, if asked to present identification by a police officer it is
against the law to refuse, parking laws)
16. Check out differences in cost of living
US Post Offices
15642 Sand Canyon Ave
Irvine, CA 92619
(949) 453-4910
17192 Murphy Ave
Irvine, CA 92623
1133 Camelback St
Newport Beach, CA 92658
(949) 640-4663
511 GoetzAve
Santa Ana, CA 92707
Obtaining a license
Department of Motor Vehicles
(800) 777-0133
www.dmv.ca.gov
DMV- Fullerton
909 W Valencia Dr
Fullerton, CA 92832
DMV- Santa Ana
1330 E. First Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
DMV- Laguna Hills
23535 Moulton Parkway
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Banking
Bank of America
299 Ocean Ave.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
www.bankamerica.com
Washington Mutual
5392 Walnut Ave
Irvine, CA 92604
www.wamu.com
Wachovia
18300 Von Karman Ave. Ste 450
Irvine, CA 92612
www.wachovia.com
Setting up utilities in Irvine
Telephone:
AT&T (800) 331-0500
Verizon Wireless (949) 253-8100
Gas:
Southern California Gas Company (800) 427-2200
Electricity:
Southern California Edison (800) 655-4555
Cable:
Cox Communications (714) 720-2020
Direct TV (866) 292-0439
Internet:
Verizon Online High Speed Internet (888) 375-4610
Trash:
Waste Management (714) 837-0427
Water:
Irvine Ranch Water District (714) 453-5300
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
Police Stations
Irvine Police Department
1 Civic Center Plaza
Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 724-7000
Orange County Sheriff’s Department
13502 Musick
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 855-2600
Tustin Police
300 Centennial Way
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 573-3200
Newport Beach Police Department
870 Santa Barbara DR
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 644-3717
Fire Stations
Dana Point Fire Department
1 Fire Authority Rd
Irvine, CA 92602
(714) 744-0400
Santa Ana Fire Department
1439 S Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92707
(714) 647- 5700
Costa Mesa Fire Department
77 Fair Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 754-5106
Newport Beach Fire Department
3300 Newport Blvd
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 644-3104
Hospitals
Irvine Regional Hospital and Medical Center
16200 Sand Canyon Ave
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 727-4351
Mission Hospital
27700 Medical Center Rd.
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 364-1400
Saddleback Memorial Medical Center
24451 Health Center Drive
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
(949) 837-4500
Anaheim General Hospital
Main Campus
3350 West Ball Road
Anaheim, CA 92804
(714) 827-6700
South Coast Medical Center
6 Hughes #100
Irvine, CA 92618
(714) 669-4446
RECREATION
Beaches
Capistrano Beach
Corona del Mar
Dana Point
Laguna Beach
Huntington Beach
Newport Beach
San Clemente
Theme Parks
Disneyland
1313 Harbor Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92803
(714) 781-4565
Disney’s California Adventure
313 Harbor Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92803
(714) 781-4565
Knott’s Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd
Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 220-5200
Wild Rivers Waterpark
8770 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 788-0808
Zoos
Orange County Zoo
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92862
(714) 633-2022
Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park
1801 E. Chestnut Ave
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 835-7484
*(from the Living in L.A. guide)