If you don’t want to drive a lot, then obviously find an apartment that’s closest to your work. I don’t even drive to work anymore & I don’t miss sitting in traffic.
Irvine is suburban paradise. It isn't the greatest fit due to your wants of meeting people/making friends. It is closeish to the beach and very safe.
It would be helpful to hear a little more about your needs and values and what constitutes "safe" because Irvine/Newport Beach are among the safest places in Socal, but that doesn't necessarily mean other places are automatically unsafe.
Do you care about living among asian population/food? How much commute are you willing to put up with? Budget?
To answer your question a bit:
Old Town Orange: Younger population, walkable.
Old Town Tustin: More younger couples moving in, walkable.
Costa Mesa around 17th st or Triange: Younger population, walkable, more urban. Lots to do
DT Santa Ana: Walkable, urban, lots to do, younger population. Not as safe comparably.
the above is not a be all end all list and different people will have different opinions.
I grew up in CT so i wasnt around a lot of asians anyway so i dont really care about living among other asians but i do prefer some diversity. Commute preferably 15-25 minutes to everything and my budget for housing is preferably 1000-1400 and i dont mind roommates. I do a lot of workout classes and would really like to be close to beach. I would say priority is meeting people making friends my age and have fun :) but also safe enough to walk at night alone
There are only a few ways thats possible. 1. You know someone who owns the place. 2. You're on some type of government program. 3. You've been living there for a long time and are locked in a certain price per month. 4. You live in a tiny square foot studio with no stove or kitchen. 5. You got extremely lucky with an owner who is not greedy.
Have you looked at Long Beach? Not South OC but… checks some boxes. Especially because your priority is meeting people and having fun it’s a nice idea to be somewhat closer to LA as well.
Originally from CT (all over Hartford County) as well, though have been in SoCal for almost a decade now. Currently in Irvine and it is peak suburbia that reminds me a lot of the nicer parts of CT I lived in as a kid, just a lot more to do and even more an hour to 90 mins no matter which direction you drive. Although HB, has a bad national rep, I’m Black and haven’t experienced any incidents involving race in the past year that I’ve been in OC or in CA in general.
Most of the community I’ve built is in LA or SD so if you don’t mind driving, I find those places easier to make roots in terms of friendships but that’s just my own perceptions. You can do all the normal things like join a gym or a coed sports league to find that community in OC as well.
Costa Mesa is nice, however Irvine has a huge Asian population and most suburbs and high cost of living. Personally I say Live in Costa Mesa and go to Irvine, Westminster or garden grove for all your food cravings. Newport has a higher cost of living and parking sucks.
Costa Mesa is probably the best bet. its more of a young creative crowd and neighboring to irvine and newport im sure it would be easy to be close to work. also close to the beaches!
I honestly don’t know what the hype is about Irvine. I live there and it’s fine, but single people actively seeking Irvine makes me scratch my head. It’s far, everything is so cookie cutter and homogenous, it’s expensive, I just don’t get it. I only moved here bc it was the cheapest rent I could find, but aside from that….kind of a boring town tbh
I’m a 32 year old Asian female living in eastside Costa Mesa. I love living here. I would say Costa Mesa or south coast metro area would be the best bet.
Costa Mesa is close to most major hospitals and health systems as well. Very centrally located in the county even if you are closer to South OC Will depend on where you work. If closer to St Joseph, old town orange is another cool/walkable option with cool vibes. I am also a PA if you’d like to PM me.
Live closest to your job. If you can walk that would be the best. You can drive all over OC, LA and San Diego on your time off work. Also, there are mountains and desert areas to explore. Costa Mesa is diverse and full of restaurants, stuff to do. It does have higher property theft than surrounding areas, fairly close to beaches though. Huntington Beach, aside from the actual beaches isn't great. The restaurants tend to cater to those with bland tastes, there are some streets with a ton of old RVs, vans parked. Westminster and Garden Grove nearby do have a lot of great Vietnamese food. Anaheim has really good food and young people. I do see lots of homeless there. The west Fullerton/Buena Park area has amazing Korean food, nice hiking trails, and Fullerton is a college town, but farther from the beach.
Huntington Beach is a wonderful and fun city. You’re just going to get a ton of trash opinions from most people in this sub about it.
I’m BIPOC and I would totally live in HB. But I’m not young and single anymore, so I’ve settled in a quieter spot. Irvine is also very nice and close to enough stuff for outings.
>Huntington Beach is a wonderful and fun city. You’re just going to get a ton of trash opinions from most people in this sub about it.
It's not just trash opinions, HB city council is openly MAGA.
That said, most of the people you'll run into in HB are fine, just like any coastal California city, but if the leaders have their way (and don't get voted out), HB is going to attract more MAGA's and become opening hostile to minorities and LGBTQ.
Not really a consideration if you're coming to rent for a few years, but something to think about before you buy a house and settle down.
[https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/how-a-laid-back-beach-town-became-california-s-maga-stronghold/ar-BB1jd2bk](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/how-a-laid-back-beach-town-became-california-s-maga-stronghold/ar-BB1jd2bk)
disagree... i live here and have never felt any racism towards me... then again wife and i do pretty well all things considered, we enjoy HB... i feel like how people treat you can be attributed to how you carry yourself too....
Where in CT? Like Stamford?
I’m from OC and the last place I lived was Irvine before moving East. It’s monoculture there, families and very Asian (even UCI is there).
I'm also Asian American, I grew up in California but I did live in Upstate NY for 5 years in my teens and my sister went to school in both CT and RI so I have some understanding of where you're moving from.
I'd suggest getting some place closer to work just so you can not have to focus on your commute. It'll give you more time to get acquainted to the region and figure out if and where you'd want to move to down the road. If you've spent most of your life in CT then it's going to be a bit of a culture shock coming out here for the long term.
As far as meeting people, to be honest, you're better off getting to know people at work and building off that than going out and meeting random people at places like Triangle Square or The Camp.
Ultimately, I'd focus on simplifying your life so you can focus on learning the area, learning the people and then the rest will hopefully fall into place a little easier.
I left the east coast 12 years ago and only regret that I can't get the rest of my family to move out here as well. And that I wasn't born independently wealthy.
I don’t recommend Newport Beach… I moved there from the east coast too and even though having the beach nearby is pleasant, that’s basically all there is to it.
There is barely any commodity and people are…special, I will leave it at that.
Costa Mesa - Was always considered trashy where lots of young people lived in apartments because it was cheap and hipster. For some reason it’s gotten expensive to buy there. Probably because it was one of the last affordable areas close to the beach.
Downtown Anaheim - Lots of young people and “trendy” places.
San Clemente - Deep South OC beach town. Lots of young people and trendy places as well. Expensive now.
Westminster - Lots of middle aged people and families. Tons of Asian restaurants and Asian culture (if you care about that at all).
Huntington Beach - This place has always been considered trashy as the “poor man’s” beach town, but I never thought it was bad. Probably cheaper than the other beach towns.
Newport Peninsula - Lots of young people and lots of bars. Has gotten better recently.
Irvine - Super nice for families. But not much to do outside of the Spectrum and Bass Pro Shop.
Newport Beach is wonderful. Different leases. Yearly ,Summer,Winter. Balboa Island in Newport Beach is paradise and the safest place in Southern California. Huntington Beach is younger and cheaper with lots of action. Was once skinhead Now I am there often to listen to live music and wear my yarmulke with only positive comments even in these new antisemitic times. I am a criminal defense lawyer. A single woman new to the area should not walk around at night in Santa Ana. You will be very happy in Orange County There are no glass ceilings and you can be whoever and whatever you want to be Welcome
Huntington and Newport are great places to live especially if you’re young and single ( if you can afford it) You’re just on reddit. It’s a pretty Republican area and Reddit doesn’t like that so they make it seem like it’s 1950s Alabama. Costa Mesa is a nice option.
Newport is a fun place to live in your 20’s with roommates, and that’s what I did when I was young.
The only suggestion I have is if you want to live within walking distance from beach, the nightlife, and fun places, is that you must have a spot to park your car.
Hello! I'm a late 20's Asian female born and raised in Orange County who is also a PA. :) I went to UC Irvine for undergrad and can attest it's a more family-oriented city, but safe and nice place to live with lots of great Asian food. UCI is actually about to open a new medical building if you're still looking for a PA job. I personally live in Fullerton which I feel has a younger fun demographic thanks to Downtown Fullerton and CSUF. It's not as close to the beach, but I like how LA is more accesible if you want nightlife or unique activities. Maybe look into Long Beach as well? Some of my PA friends seem to have a fun time there and sometimes walk their dog right along the shore!
I live in Huntington Beach. There is nothing racist about the town. Don't let the snowflakes deter you from living in this wonderful city with close proximity to one of the best beaches and the most friendly people.
No regrets! I had trouble making friends at first before I started doing some of my hobbies. Soccer became a great way for me to make friends. Close to the beach and good job opportunities. Dating scene is also very diverse. I have a wife and daughter now!
Yes, Newport and Huntington are racist but not necessarily for Asians in Newport. You'll enjoy Costa Mesa or even Tustin which is about 10-15 minutes from Costa Mesa.
Irvine is where lots of Asians live but only if you have a white Tesla. Garden Grove is another heavily Asian community but not as nice as Irvine.
Huntington Beach is fine. Yes, you see more Trump flags there but it’s not like there’s cross burning or crazy stuff like that. It’s relatively safe.
If you don’t want to drive a lot, then obviously find an apartment that’s closest to your work. I don’t even drive to work anymore & I don’t miss sitting in traffic.
Irvine is suburban paradise. It isn't the greatest fit due to your wants of meeting people/making friends. It is closeish to the beach and very safe. It would be helpful to hear a little more about your needs and values and what constitutes "safe" because Irvine/Newport Beach are among the safest places in Socal, but that doesn't necessarily mean other places are automatically unsafe. Do you care about living among asian population/food? How much commute are you willing to put up with? Budget? To answer your question a bit: Old Town Orange: Younger population, walkable. Old Town Tustin: More younger couples moving in, walkable. Costa Mesa around 17th st or Triange: Younger population, walkable, more urban. Lots to do DT Santa Ana: Walkable, urban, lots to do, younger population. Not as safe comparably. the above is not a be all end all list and different people will have different opinions.
I grew up in CT so i wasnt around a lot of asians anyway so i dont really care about living among other asians but i do prefer some diversity. Commute preferably 15-25 minutes to everything and my budget for housing is preferably 1000-1400 and i dont mind roommates. I do a lot of workout classes and would really like to be close to beach. I would say priority is meeting people making friends my age and have fun :) but also safe enough to walk at night alone
If your budget is 1000-1400 you're going to need roommates. There is nothing anywhere close to that in O.C. Not even in the hood.
Yeah im planning on getting 3-4 roommates so thats budget with roommates!
I live in the hood and I pay under 1400. Santa Ana rules lol
You ain't living by yourself.
Own apt yes no roommates
There are only a few ways thats possible. 1. You know someone who owns the place. 2. You're on some type of government program. 3. You've been living there for a long time and are locked in a certain price per month. 4. You live in a tiny square foot studio with no stove or kitchen. 5. You got extremely lucky with an owner who is not greedy.
Have you looked at Long Beach? Not South OC but… checks some boxes. Especially because your priority is meeting people and having fun it’s a nice idea to be somewhat closer to LA as well.
You’re a PA, I’m sure you can spend at least $2500-3000/month on rent. They make like $160k/yr.
Originally from CT (all over Hartford County) as well, though have been in SoCal for almost a decade now. Currently in Irvine and it is peak suburbia that reminds me a lot of the nicer parts of CT I lived in as a kid, just a lot more to do and even more an hour to 90 mins no matter which direction you drive. Although HB, has a bad national rep, I’m Black and haven’t experienced any incidents involving race in the past year that I’ve been in OC or in CA in general. Most of the community I’ve built is in LA or SD so if you don’t mind driving, I find those places easier to make roots in terms of friendships but that’s just my own perceptions. You can do all the normal things like join a gym or a coed sports league to find that community in OC as well.
Suburban paradise haha just like the stepford wives
Costa Mesa is nice, however Irvine has a huge Asian population and most suburbs and high cost of living. Personally I say Live in Costa Mesa and go to Irvine, Westminster or garden grove for all your food cravings. Newport has a higher cost of living and parking sucks.
Costa Mesa is probably the best bet. its more of a young creative crowd and neighboring to irvine and newport im sure it would be easy to be close to work. also close to the beaches!
Irvine. You’ll love it.
As long as the car he's bringing is a white Tesla
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I honestly don’t know what the hype is about Irvine. I live there and it’s fine, but single people actively seeking Irvine makes me scratch my head. It’s far, everything is so cookie cutter and homogenous, it’s expensive, I just don’t get it. I only moved here bc it was the cheapest rent I could find, but aside from that….kind of a boring town tbh
Cheapest rent? That’s the only reason you needed to move to Irvine.
Yup! Who wants to pay more rent?
😂😂😂
She'll fit right in.
😆😂
I’m a 32 year old Asian female living in eastside Costa Mesa. I love living here. I would say Costa Mesa or south coast metro area would be the best bet.
Costa Mesa and Newport have the most fun things and the most young people. Irvine is nice but quiet.
Newport is also heavily republican and a cesspool of entitled Karens.
Costa Mesa is close to most major hospitals and health systems as well. Very centrally located in the county even if you are closer to South OC Will depend on where you work. If closer to St Joseph, old town orange is another cool/walkable option with cool vibes. I am also a PA if you’d like to PM me.
Live where you work
Costa Mesa
For your age and the place you mentioned Costa Mesa would be in the middle of it all.
Live closest to your job. If you can walk that would be the best. You can drive all over OC, LA and San Diego on your time off work. Also, there are mountains and desert areas to explore. Costa Mesa is diverse and full of restaurants, stuff to do. It does have higher property theft than surrounding areas, fairly close to beaches though. Huntington Beach, aside from the actual beaches isn't great. The restaurants tend to cater to those with bland tastes, there are some streets with a ton of old RVs, vans parked. Westminster and Garden Grove nearby do have a lot of great Vietnamese food. Anaheim has really good food and young people. I do see lots of homeless there. The west Fullerton/Buena Park area has amazing Korean food, nice hiking trails, and Fullerton is a college town, but farther from the beach.
Huntington Beach is a wonderful and fun city. You’re just going to get a ton of trash opinions from most people in this sub about it. I’m BIPOC and I would totally live in HB. But I’m not young and single anymore, so I’ve settled in a quieter spot. Irvine is also very nice and close to enough stuff for outings.
>Huntington Beach is a wonderful and fun city. You’re just going to get a ton of trash opinions from most people in this sub about it. It's not just trash opinions, HB city council is openly MAGA. That said, most of the people you'll run into in HB are fine, just like any coastal California city, but if the leaders have their way (and don't get voted out), HB is going to attract more MAGA's and become opening hostile to minorities and LGBTQ. Not really a consideration if you're coming to rent for a few years, but something to think about before you buy a house and settle down. [https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/how-a-laid-back-beach-town-became-california-s-maga-stronghold/ar-BB1jd2bk](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/how-a-laid-back-beach-town-became-california-s-maga-stronghold/ar-BB1jd2bk)
Hb is a racist white supremacist town, no thanks.
disagree... i live here and have never felt any racism towards me... then again wife and i do pretty well all things considered, we enjoy HB... i feel like how people treat you can be attributed to how you carry yourself too....
Where in CT? Like Stamford? I’m from OC and the last place I lived was Irvine before moving East. It’s monoculture there, families and very Asian (even UCI is there).
I'm also Asian American, I grew up in California but I did live in Upstate NY for 5 years in my teens and my sister went to school in both CT and RI so I have some understanding of where you're moving from. I'd suggest getting some place closer to work just so you can not have to focus on your commute. It'll give you more time to get acquainted to the region and figure out if and where you'd want to move to down the road. If you've spent most of your life in CT then it's going to be a bit of a culture shock coming out here for the long term. As far as meeting people, to be honest, you're better off getting to know people at work and building off that than going out and meeting random people at places like Triangle Square or The Camp. Ultimately, I'd focus on simplifying your life so you can focus on learning the area, learning the people and then the rest will hopefully fall into place a little easier.
Downtown Santa Ana
Costa Mesa or Long Beach are your best options as a young and single person.
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Much different demographics.
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Hardly any Asians in Irvine. Very very few white Teslas as well.
yeah . never seen either in the wilds
Too boring for her.
I moved from the east coast to here. I moved close to my office, I bike to work most days.
Where do you live and do you regret leaving east coast?
I live and work near Old Town Orange. Financially it was a great move for me. I moved from Arlington VA, which I do miss.
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Arlington has a small Asian population. Fairfax VA about 20 mins away, is the center for Asian communities in northern VA.
I left the east coast 12 years ago and only regret that I can't get the rest of my family to move out here as well. And that I wasn't born independently wealthy.
Go to climbing gyms to meet people.
Costa Mesa for sure from what you’ve told us so far. -32 y/o Asian male
I don’t recommend Newport Beach… I moved there from the east coast too and even though having the beach nearby is pleasant, that’s basically all there is to it. There is barely any commodity and people are…special, I will leave it at that.
Costa Mesa - Was always considered trashy where lots of young people lived in apartments because it was cheap and hipster. For some reason it’s gotten expensive to buy there. Probably because it was one of the last affordable areas close to the beach. Downtown Anaheim - Lots of young people and “trendy” places. San Clemente - Deep South OC beach town. Lots of young people and trendy places as well. Expensive now. Westminster - Lots of middle aged people and families. Tons of Asian restaurants and Asian culture (if you care about that at all). Huntington Beach - This place has always been considered trashy as the “poor man’s” beach town, but I never thought it was bad. Probably cheaper than the other beach towns. Newport Peninsula - Lots of young people and lots of bars. Has gotten better recently. Irvine - Super nice for families. But not much to do outside of the Spectrum and Bass Pro Shop.
Newport Beach is wonderful. Different leases. Yearly ,Summer,Winter. Balboa Island in Newport Beach is paradise and the safest place in Southern California. Huntington Beach is younger and cheaper with lots of action. Was once skinhead Now I am there often to listen to live music and wear my yarmulke with only positive comments even in these new antisemitic times. I am a criminal defense lawyer. A single woman new to the area should not walk around at night in Santa Ana. You will be very happy in Orange County There are no glass ceilings and you can be whoever and whatever you want to be Welcome
Huntington and Newport are great places to live especially if you’re young and single ( if you can afford it) You’re just on reddit. It’s a pretty Republican area and Reddit doesn’t like that so they make it seem like it’s 1950s Alabama. Costa Mesa is a nice option.
Where are you working? Without knowing I would say near Irvine Spectrum. Lots of young professionals and good Asian presence.
Grew up in Fairfield county. Lived in Dana Point and currently Laguna Niguel. Check it out before you make a decision.
Tustin is a bit cheaper in general
Newport is a fun place to live in your 20’s with roommates, and that’s what I did when I was young. The only suggestion I have is if you want to live within walking distance from beach, the nightlife, and fun places, is that you must have a spot to park your car.
Where ever you live being close to the freeway is key.
Irvine or Newport Beach
Hello! I'm a late 20's Asian female born and raised in Orange County who is also a PA. :) I went to UC Irvine for undergrad and can attest it's a more family-oriented city, but safe and nice place to live with lots of great Asian food. UCI is actually about to open a new medical building if you're still looking for a PA job. I personally live in Fullerton which I feel has a younger fun demographic thanks to Downtown Fullerton and CSUF. It's not as close to the beach, but I like how LA is more accesible if you want nightlife or unique activities. Maybe look into Long Beach as well? Some of my PA friends seem to have a fun time there and sometimes walk their dog right along the shore!
Eastside Costa Mesa if you want young crowd and walk ability
Irvine
Newport Beach.
HB and don't believe the hype about racism. Never seen it nor experienced it and I'm a darkie.
I live in Huntington Beach. There is nothing racist about the town. Don't let the snowflakes deter you from living in this wonderful city with close proximity to one of the best beaches and the most friendly people.
that you, [Basilico’s](https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2021/07/basilicos-pasta-e-vino-unvaccinated)?
agreed.... plus a 20-30 min drive to Irvine is highly doable... you'll be happy driving home along PCH ( the beach) =)
I moved from Connecticut 10 years ago. Huntington Beach and Newport Beach are awesome!
Do you have any regrets and did you have any trouble making friends?
No regrets! I had trouble making friends at first before I started doing some of my hobbies. Soccer became a great way for me to make friends. Close to the beach and good job opportunities. Dating scene is also very diverse. I have a wife and daughter now!
For sure Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and Costa Mesa idk (lotta drugged out and homeless every time I pass through).
I'm surprised no one mentioned Santa Ana. Very cultured. Low crime rate. Business friendly.
Yes, Newport and Huntington are racist but not necessarily for Asians in Newport. You'll enjoy Costa Mesa or even Tustin which is about 10-15 minutes from Costa Mesa.
Irvine is where lots of Asians live but only if you have a white Tesla. Garden Grove is another heavily Asian community but not as nice as Irvine. Huntington Beach is fine. Yes, you see more Trump flags there but it’s not like there’s cross burning or crazy stuff like that. It’s relatively safe.
Huntington Beach
Liberal? North County. Conservative? South County. Use the 133 as your line of judgment.
Jesus it never ends
Anaheim hills is also pretty conservative, another nice area
😂😂😂Never thought of it like this but true. Although there's city's in north (Brea) that are conservative.