I was in the same situation 9 months ago. +1 on the commute. Renting takes out the stress of long-term value considerations involved in purchasing. So might as well start living more, worrying less.
I rented in Quail Hill when my landlord moved up to Shady Canyon. He bought both houses for cash (no mortgages outstanding), so my fears of evictions etc were unfounded (I did check the titles before signing the lease). I think there are more people like this in OC than many realize.
Crimson Rose does not have the views of most other T.Ridge houses. I didn’t like that part of T. Ridge at all. I also didn’t like that TR is gated.
About the general comment on OC above… I first came to OC in 1993-94. This was the height of the previous housing crisis because of defense job losses. Still, people seemed happier and there was more going on than now (this may be due to me being 15yrs younger). In the current crisis a lot of people got the illusion of being rich, and then lost it. A recipee for unhappiness, straight out of buddism books, getting attached to something is the root of all grief. If it reverts to So Cal of 1994, it will be a much better place, IMHO. (reverting to being a 22 year old would be swell too).
