Ethnic Diversity...LA vs Orange County (Torrance, Monterey Park: neighborhoods, schools, live)

[Chinolala]

Having lived in Chicago for most of my life, ethnic diversity is important to me. I am considering moving to Socal and am in the research phase.

Chicago is a huge melting pot of people from all over. Our largest ethnic groups are Mexicans, African Americans, Italians, Polish, Serbians, Croations, Germans, Greeks, Bosnias, Irish, Gypsys for all over Eastern Europe, Eastern Indians and Pakis. Some are dispersed all over Chicago and its suburbs, as well as in neighborhoods with high concentrations of one nationality. For instance, the neighborhood that I reside in is primarily Italian. So I have all of these Italian delis, stores and restaurants where the employees are from Italy, they speak Italian and the food is super good and authentic. We have Italian parades, a neighborhood Italian soccer team, Italian cafes, that sort of thing. Chain resteraunts are shunned in my neighborhood and we'd never go to Olive Garden, for instance. I love that so many people here are from all over and that the city celebrates everyone's heritage by having annual parades and outdoor ethnic festivals. Having only visited LA and Orange County of vacations, I couldn't tell if Socal has ethnic enclaves like this? For instance, this weekend is Puerto Rican Heritage weekend and there's a huge festival with son and salsa bands as well as Puerto Rican Food. Over Labor Day, we have the Taste of Polonia, a huge 3 day affair that draws hundreds of thousands of people. Does the Greater LA/OC have events like this? Can I get find authentic ethnic restaurants? German bier gardens? Smorgasbords, Greek tavernas, soul food, etc? Thanks.

[Sorcerer68]

I know of a Bier Garden in Arcadia and a Smorgasbord in Torrance. I'm sure there are more. Whatever ethnic food you crave, you should find here. We probably have food here from countries you've never heard of. Many cities have people in 3 colors, we're a total melting pot. If you like diversity, you'll be comforatable here.

I find the OC likes to segregate more....keep the taco here and slide the mashed potatoes WAAAYYYYY over here if you know what I mean...

[Chinolala]

Thanks for the reply. It sounds like you have a lot of ethnic food and much diversity. Are there ethnic festivals? Are various ethnic groups scattered throughout the county or do you have ethnic neighborhoods other than Little Toyko, etc. European enclaves of any kind?

[DontH8Me]

If you're hankering for authentic Smorgasbord - there is always Solvang which is just a few hours drive along the scenic coast and well worth it. Torrance has Alpine Village which is traditionally German with shops, restaurant, flea market, and annual Oktoberfest. However, the venue hosts annual events for other ethnicities as well (such as the Hungarian Press Day and the Polish or Croatian Festival). We always have a blast and pick up some European goodies in the Market. Here's a link to the schedule of events for the village: Events

[DontH8Me]

Originally Posted by lisak64

Thanks for the reply. It sounds like you have a lot of ethnic food and much diversity. Are there ethnic festivals? Are various ethnic groups scattered throughout the county or do you have ethnic neighborhoods other than Little Toyko, etc. European enclaves of any kind?

There are many Europeans in the South Bay area, which is why Torrance/Alpine Village is the perfect gathering place. I know there is still a strong Croatian presence in the San Pedro area, as well they have a Croatian cultural center there that has events and happenings throughout the year (films, concerts, language classes, etc.). They (San Pedro) also have Croatian markets and a restaurant (Ante's). Ante was so beloved by the community that they renamed the street where the restuarant is still located to Ante Perkov Way.

[TrojanDLA]

Asian ethnic foods/communities are well represented:
Koreatown in both LA/OC
Little Saigon in OC (and Chinatown)
Little Thai in Hollywood

The foods are authentic and diverse in their sub-regional specialties. Some of the best Chinese food outside of China is in Monterey Park.

Asian celebrations include Little Tokyo's Tofu festival or Chinatown's/Little Saigon's Lunar New Year and Autumn Lantern festivals.

[James T]

Southern California is the wrong area if you're looking for diversity, since in a few years it will be 100% Hispanic.

[Axiom]

Because I have children I always do in depth research on schools before moving anywhere new. Even if you don't have children you can pull up ethnic profiles of schools in the areas you're considering on greatschools.net. The information you find there can be pretty illuminating.

[LALady]

Originally Posted by James T

Southern California is the wrong area if you're looking for diversity, since in a few years it will be 100% Hispanic.

Not true. Lots of Somalians, Russians, Armenians moving here. LA will be less white and less black. Actually Armenians are considered caucasian. But it will still be diverse.

[Chinolala]

Thanks for the additional posts. I appreciate it.