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 Avg. High Avg. Low Precipitation 69 45 2.5 Feb 69 47 2.9 Mar 70 48 2.6 Apr 73 51 0.7 May 75 56 0.1 Jun 79 60 0.1 Jul 84 62 0.0 Aug 86 63 0.0 Sep 85 62 0.1 Oct 80 56 0.3 Nov 74 51 0.8 Dec 70 46 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 Yellow Cab Super Taxis
949-732-8002 949-250-3002 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: Guide: Apartment Hunters: Apartments.com: Craigslist: For Rent.com: Irvine Rentals.net: Move: Rent.com: Rental-Living.com: Westside Rentals:
www.apartmentfinder.com www.apartmentguide.com www.apartmenthunterz.com www.apartments.com www.orangecounty.craigslist.org www.forrent.com www.irvinerentals.net www.move.com www.rent.com www.rental-living.com 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 Verizon Wireless Gas: Southern California Gas Company Electricity: Southern California Edison Cable: Cox Communications Direct TV Internet: Verizon Online High Speed Internet Trash: Waste Management Water: Irvine Ranch Water District
(800) 331-0500 (949) 253-8100 (800) 427-2200 (800) 655-4555 (714) 720-2020 (866) 292-0439 (888) 375-4610 (714) 837-0427 (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)