I would really like some opinions on this from my fellow 350z enthusiasts that live in Southern California. Ok here is the deal, I finish up college in about 7 weeks and will be moving most likley to one of these two areas. I am fortunate and am in the financial state where I can just get up and move anywhere and survive for quite some time with out immediately needing a job. Plus getting a job is like 10x easier if you live in the area where your applying for the job.

I have visited California twice in the past year. I live in TX (dallas-ftworth area) The first time I visited I went to LA for a couple of days. I went with some friends for a conference. I did not really get to see much because I was there for such a short time. I did like it though. Of course I would not live directly in LA(like any big metro city b/c it is often a little bit older, ghetto or run down) but somewhere on the outskirts.

I went a second time by myself at the begining of the summer for 4 days. I wanted to check out the outskirts of LA more and really spend some time in SanDiego. I arrived in Orange County airport because there somehow appears there is a $100 tax to fly into SanDiego airport than to (LAX or JohnWayne). After being pissed that I had to drive a crappy Lancer b/c they ran out of the some of the somewhat "decent" cars they promised me (like cobalt coupe) it didnt even matter, because I was just in such shock at the beautiful scenery and hills, driving through irvine and towards the coast.

I wanted to focus on the areas outside of LA so after enjoying the coastal scenery I headed east towards the riverside area to check it out. Well it seemed the more I drove east the more deserty scenery appeared to show up, it started to get a little less exciting visually plus I started to hit heavy traffic when I got around highway 15. I was like forget this so I just took 15 and headed to SanDiego.

I just loved SanDiego! I actually spent the next 2 days there. There is so many little beaches all types, the people there seem real chilled and layed back. LA area people seem more stuck up and every body seems to think they are either a rockstar, moviestar, or celebrity. Orange County area seems much better than LA but SanDiego seems the coolest.

After going back to Irvine on the '5' then the '1' hwy I was able to see the entire coast area on the way back. The last day I spent driving around the Orange County area. I really loved the Irvine area and the little cities around that.

My working industry is going to be in the construction managment/Architecture area. From looking there apears to be so much more potential in the OrangeCounty/LA area vs the SanDiego area. Thats one of the main things keeping me from SanDiego.

Whats everybodys thoughts on the two areas?? People who live there, lived in both??

 

l.a. traffic is insane, but cost of living is lower than s.d.
more stuff to do in l.a.

 

Orange County is the place to be, I have lived all over the world and there is no where better, SD and LA are about the same distance away, but you don't have to deal with either unless you want to.

 

Sounds like you have a few options. I used to lived in Whittier, which is about twenty minutes south of LA. I moved to Dana Point, in Southern Orange County around eight years ago. I can honestly say, it was the best decision of my life. This area is absolutely beautiful, and I think a lot of people take it for granted. I like it here because your right in the middle of LA, and SD, plus you have all kinds of beaches around you. Just giving you my opinion, but check out Orange County a little more, I think you will like it here.

 

I think that now I am getting the impression that pretty much all of 'South' Orange county is pretty nice. This is good b/c I did not have much time to venture that much in the southern part. I spent more time than I planned in SD so with the little time I had left when I returned back to OC, I only got to the laguna beach area, newport beach and Irvine. I then preceded with the little time I had left to the north part which I did not particularly care for at all. You do bring up a good point, about being right between LA and SD in south OC, but not too far away to not venture to both of them when you feel like it. Just curious, how long does it take you all that live in south OC to get to both LA and SD?

 

Vyb2, it all depends how fast you drive, but roughly it takes about an hour to get to SD, and an hour or maybe a little more due to traffic in LA.

 

Actually, depends on what kind of work you are looking for.

Check out south OC, as well as the South Bay (Torrance, redondo / manhattan / hermosa beach)

 

I think Orange County would be a good bet. OC stretches from Fullerton/Brea/Buena Park all the way down to San Clemente. If you live in or around Irvine it is about 1 hour to SD and 1 hour to LA so you get the best of both. OC standard of living is a little more than LA (depending on city) but not sure for SD. Yes, the Irvine area is nice and you got Newport, Huntington, Corona Del Mar, and Laguna Beach nearby. The people in OC are chill but I heard SD is more kick back. SD got more of a city feel near the beach. So it all depends on what you are looking at. I would do a job search to see which area has more jobs in your industry. I would also consider traffic b/c it's a pain in the *** if you are not from around here.

 

OC all the way!!!

 

OC would be better, SD gets pretty hot during the summer,
you have very good options in OC, Irvine like you mentioned, but you haven't check Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Ladera Ranch, Aliso Viejo,Laguna Niguel
all beatiful places to live,you don't get to see the gheto, the cholos, the gansta...,really, check those cities out, there is no need to drive to Los Angeles,, you can always take the Metrolink train, and drive fridays if you want.
Good Luck

 

SD is really chill. Irvine/OC is cool too but the people there don't know how to drive! I worked in Newport and tensions run REALLY high on the 405/55!

 

What, San Diego is hot in the summer, come on! San Diego is a beach city and like all cities on the beach in Southern Calf. they all got about the same weather.

Basically it is simple. the more you head towards LA, the more crowded it is. I have lived throughout LA, OC., S.D. county for over the past 40 years. IMO, North SD county or so OC are best among the areas listed. If I knew specifically what your interests are and vibe you are looking for, I could be more specific in which are to recommend.

 

If you are looking for a good atmosphere, view or access you should really look from Encinitas in San Diego all the way up the coast to maybe Laguna Beach. Most places in between there would be easy going and keep you away from the Huge mess that is LA. Good Luck and look forward to having another Z on the SoCal roads.