Young couple- where to live in LA County/OC? (Santa Monica: rentals, home)

[Leeb110]

My husband and I are looking for a change, and hoping to move out of the mid-west by sometime next year. We are in our mid and late 20s, and have both been working professional, well-paying jobs since graduating college. Living in the mid-west allows us to afford most of what we want, but we're bored and sick of the roller coaster weather! We are willing to cut back on spending and home size to move to a place that is more inspiring, interesting and suited to our personalities. Our plan is to either move when we have enough saved to cushion us for a while, or to have jobs set up before we go. We're ready for consistently nice Cali weather!

We have both been to LA and OC a few times, but still don't know enough about the areas to determine where we should live. Any suggestions would be great!

Here's what we know:

-Pretty sure we want to be somewhere coastal
-I would LOVE to be able to walk or ride a bike the majority of the time (husband will most likely have to commute no matter what due to his line of work)
-We both would like to be somewhere with culture, diversity and open minds
-We're from the mid-west, so we like friendly, laid back people, but we also appreciate people who are unique, quirky and forward-thinking
-Not into status
-Love the outdoors and would like to be convenient to hiking/biking
-Prefer local establishments to franchises or chains
-Both VERY into music and want to be close enough to LA to catch live shows
-I would LOVE to be near a farmers market

OK, go! (Thanks!)

[BRinSM]

anywhere within a mile of the beach will probably work with you in either county. however, be advised that it is very expensive to live that close to the beach, LA moreso than OC. you might look into long beach if budget is an issue.

[Leeb110]

We expect anywhere in Cali to be more expensive than what were used to. We have already begun searching rentals to get an idea of what it will cost us in different places. We plan to be prepared and are very smart about financial decisions. We will have at least $30,000 saved before we go (and hopefully at least one of us will already have a job lined up), but we still want to live somewhat practically. We won't be looking to go all out on a rental in Malibu, but I'm confident we can handle a decent rental somewhere near the coast if that is where we decide we want to be.

More specifics on say living in Hermosa vs. Santa Monica vs. Manhattan vs. Huntington etc. would be greatly appreciated!!!