Malibu or Newport Beach? (Santa Clarita, Orange: budget, rent , work)

[melissanaki]

Hi All,
I am hoping you can give a young professional couple (late 20's - no kids) some constructive guidance on the benefits of Malibu versus Newport Beach as a place to rent for the next 4 or 5 years?
Our budget is between $5,000 per month up to $8,000 per month.
We are hoping to move into a nice 3 bedroom house for this amount, hopefully with a pool and within very close proximity to beach and or parks...is this realistic?
Our main question though is what are the areas really like?
If you were moving to either area to improve our lifestyle and to do business and meet like minded business focused people, which would be the most suitable location?
How long does it take to drive from Malibu and Newport Beach to LA CBD in peak hour traffic?
Outside of business, is there much to do in Malibu or Newport Beach, our interests are; outdoor activities, dining, shopping etc?
Which area has the nicer beach...less crowds, less polution etc?
Really appreciate any gidance you can give us.

[Winston Smith]

Based on your description, I'd choose Malibu. It's directly adjacent to the Santa Monica Mountains for outdoor activities, and just around the corner from West L.A. Depending on how picky you are about beach quality, Newport might be a notch above Malibu, especially for surfing.

[65AMG]

I hate Orange County. The people of Newport Beach is so unsophisticated. Malibu is much better.

[wclac]

I really have no interest in Orange County, so I'd say Malibu.

[65AMG]

Why would anyone below 50 with a pulse want to live in Orange County anyway? I don't get it.

[missionhome]

Originally Posted by 65AMG

Why would anyone below 50 with a pulse want to live in Orange County anyway? I don't get it.

People with kids looking for clean and safe communities with good schools.

[Winston Smith]

Originally Posted by missionhome

People with kids looking for clean and safe communities with good schools.

Not to jolt this thread too badly off topic, but I can't help throwing my bias into the mix, as well: South Orange County, Santa Clarita, Thousand Oaks -- So Cal's ivory towers. The wide boulevards, new SUVs and manicured sameness of these places works for some, but are completely out of the question for others.

[Chinolala]

I'm jealous!

[melissanaki]

Thanks for your responses...didn't quite answer the questions except the general consensus seems to be OC is on the boring side versus Mailbu.
Appreciate your help.

[planc]

A young couple with no "school district worries" should live in a funky, diverse area like, Venice. The Main Street area of Santa Monica is also a lot of fun and young. The schools are decent should you stay long enough to procreate.

It also really depends on your commute... less house SF=less time in the car
good luck