Google-riffic street-level maps of OC

This will teach us for sitting on a story. Kate in the Valley beat us to it by blogging about how Google street-level maps are now up and running on a bigger scale in the SF Valley. Well, ditto for OC as well.

Check it out by clicking on the street view button on Google maps and be amazed if you haven't seen these yet. The blue outlined streets on the map above show you which are accessible via the street-level view. Here is an example of what you see when you activate the view and zoom all the way in. This one happens to be in Ladera Ranch (click on the image below to enlarge, or click here to go to the address in Google Maps):

This is a great tool for scouting out neighborhoods before you visit, because it will give you a virtual first-person view of the look and feel of the neighborhood and surrounding streets. You can also "walk" down a street (by clicking on the arrows) to get a feel for stretches of pavement surrounding an address or intersection. In case you noticed the little orange man at the bottom of the picture, that's where you are "standing" on the map.

Many streets and areas in South OC are now covered. And, you can find target homes quickly just by searching for the address. A bit of a warning, though: We've found Google tends to be off by a few houses when it tells you you are seeing a particular address (but, to be fair, it does mention the address is approximate).

The easiest way to see for sure that you're looking at the right house is to compare the MLS or listing photos to the street level camera and make a match. In this endeavor, landscaping and other unique exterior features are your friends.

It appears the bulk of the areas not covered are understandably gated neighborhoods. Don't think Google would endorse its cars sneaking in.

All in all, it's a great tool for Web home searchers and downright curious people alike. Want to see what a sweet custom home in Nellie Gail looks like? No problem- you're there in seconds: