Ladera Ranch?

Morla

anyone live in Ladera Ranch?

do you like it? I know it's a beautiful development... we are looking at some houses... townhomes... there.... 

any advise? complaints?

 TIA!

megontoast

I have never lived there, but DH has lived there. My BIL and SIL live there and a bunch of our friends do too. It's a really beautiful neighborhood and from what I've heard everybody that lives there loves it. Also, my DH grew up in San Clemente.. I noticed that's where you're from!

I would move there in a heartbeat if we had an opportunity.

kimarino13

I lived there from 2002-2004.  There were some nice things about it, and I can see why people love it, especially those who have children.  It was a little too "Stepford" for me back then, but most of all, it was WAY too hot.  I am a wimp and think anything over 80 is hot, though.  I also thought it was too expensive (to buy a home) for what you got.  But again, I see why some people love it there.  It's very family-centered.

MissLinz

DH and I looked there when we were buying last year. Everything is nice and new and lots of families. Finding childcare would not be problem. The commute would have been more than we wanted to do. Also you need to factor in association dues and melloroos into your payment.

littlecorazon

We also looked into buying in LR last year because it's so beautiful. Very family oriented. But there were a few things we did not like. As Kimarino said it's a bit inland so it gets pretty hot. Most of the townhomes were made without patios because there are so many parks around. It is expensive. Most developements have two associations, then there is mello roos and taxes.

With that said, if money wasn't a factor...we would have bought there. They have a water park for kids, great schools, awesome parks and trails. Very safe.

JohhnysGirl

I live in Ladera and sell homes here as well. There are several things I love about it and several things I don't.

The pros for me are the family vibe of the area as well as the amenities: water park, sprinkler parks, skate park, so many schools within walking distance. It is an amazing place to live.

The con is the price. They've come down 40% in the past few years, but you still pay more per square foot than the surrounding communities on top of the $300-$400 in HOA and 1.4 to 1.7% in taxes when you include Mello Roos.  

I take all of my clients to see homes outside of Ladera just to make sure the additional cost is worthwhile to them. Most of them end up in Ladera, but some do prefer the older, more established cities to the "stepford" look of Ladera. 

Best of luck! It's a great time to buy...