Suburb Neighborhood Culture in LA (Irvine, Orange: houses, neighborhoods, gated community)

[rottieandmutt]

Growing up in Utah, our neighborhood was very close knit. Kids play night games on the big neighborhood lawns, run up the street to their friends' houses, and go for walks around the block. We all gave our neighbors gifts on Christmas, held block parties on the fourth of July, and gave baked goods to new people who moved in. There were no fences around front yards or gates on doors - you could just pop over for a cup of sugar, or run to the neighbors if you were home alone and felt unsafe.

Is LA just too big to have this kind of culture, even the "suburbs" like Downey, Norwalk, etc? Even in the really expensive neighborhoods, families seem really isolated from each other. No one goes over to introduce themselves to the new neighbor or even knows their long-time neighbors names! Anyone grow up with that kind of American-pie neighborhood in LA or Orange County?

[IHate Texas]

Places such as Irvine, Yorba Linda, and Rancho Santa Margarita are still like that.

[payutenyodagimas]

one of our neighbors greeted/came to us and introduced herself when we moved in. one oldie neighbor engaged us for a small talk when we were settled already. one neighbor waived every time we passed by his house. other than that, its just smile/waive when you meet them at the street

[saibot]

Originally Posted by IHate Texas

Places such as Irvine, Yorba Linda, and Rancho Santa Margarita are still like that.

Yes, our neighborhood in RSM is like that. Maybe not the Christmas gifts for the neighbors, but we do have block parties and we certainly introduce ourselves to new families. We will frequently stop for a chat if we see neighbors outside.

The OP said,

Even in the really expensive neighborhoods, families seem really isolated from each other.

I would say that the more expensive the neighborhood, the more the people seem isolated. When I go into a gated community around here, which is quite often has my kids have several friends who live in them, I never see anyone outside. People seem to "hole up" in their huge expensive houses.

In my much more modest neighborhood there are usually three or four random neighbors out chatting together, working in their yards or on their cars. There are several families who will open their garages for the neighbor kids to come play. I usually have to go out at night to pry my son away from whichever house he's at.

[loveorangecounty]

Ladera Ranch certainly had this type of neighborhood feel. Great place to raise kids.