Costa Mesa area (Huntington Beach, Irvine, Pasadena: smog, apartments, condo)

[fowler_966]

can someone tell me about Costa Mesa and the areas around it? i am considering going to Orange Coast College as a photography student. any info on the college would be great too.
i am a 22/f. if i choose to make this move, i would like to be around good shopping and restaraunts. i dont care too much about the beach. is this area just one big beach community or does it have more to offer? i like to go out every once in a while so some nightlife would be good.
also, is traffic there different than traffic in the Pasadena area? how about smog and pollution? im not worrying about money just yet but i might have questions about that later. any other info on things to do, arts and culture, etc. are much appreciated. thanks!

[WannaBNorCal]

Costa Mesa is a very nice area to live in and to shop and to eat.
OCC is a great college with many majors--not many hoops to go through.
The beach is only one aspect of the city, it's not even on the beach. The atmosphere is safe, lively, affluent, laid back, and overall very nice considering the cities around it. Traffic is traffic-depends on the day and time, but overall not too bad. CM is nestled in, not much smog and pollution unles you get a lot of trucks at one time doing a drive by.
The performing Arts Center is great. South Coast Plaza is fun, but pricey, and food is great all around.

[BRinSM]

WannaB pretty much nailed it on the head. However, compared to Pasadena, Costa Mesa is much more spread out. Pasadena has its "Old Town" which is a lively walkable neighborhood that has more shops/restaurants/bars than you can count. This is pretty much the center of town where everyone goes to hang out. Costa Mesa has a more central location though if you're looking to venture out of the city. Newport and Hungtington are just down the road from Costa Mesa, while you have to travel a ways to get to many places outside of Pasadena.

[bhcompy]

costa mesa is a great place. stuff to do and relatively affordable in most places. a buddy of mine lived in the apartments off of harbor blvd and merrimac, which leads to occ/fairgrounds. they were reasonably priced and well kept

[Mel2882]

I lived in Costa Mesa during my college years (2000-2004) and I loved it. It is pretty laid back and clean for the most part. It's not on the beach, but it's not far if you feel like going. South Coast is great for shopping, as is Fashion Island next door in Newport Beach. There are some worthwhile clubs in Costa Mesa/Huntington Beach as well. I didn't attend OCC, but know many people that did, and I have heard good things about it. It's a good area.

[OC2CC Dreaming]

My advice is to find a great 1-bd on the Eastside (i.e., east of the 55 Freeway at the end) and within walking distance to E. 17th St. which has incredible restaurants (my personal favorite, The Beach Pit on Tustin/17th...Panera...Mi Casa...Kira Sushi...Plums for breakfast...etc!) Everything you need is on 17th st. I also recommend the farmers market at the fairgrounds Thurs. mornings. I hope you enjoy your college experience.

[OC2CC Dreaming]

oh and re: traffic: if you're heading to Irvine on the 73 you have it made. If you're going north on the 55 or the 405 in the mornings...my condolences!

[OC1017]

Great area for young people!

[WannaBNorCal]

Originally Posted by OC2CC Dreaming

My advice is to find a great 1-bd on the Eastside (i.e., east of the 55 Freeway at the end) and within walking distance to E. 17th St. which has incredible restaurants (my personal favorite, The Beach Pit on Tustin/17th...Panera...Mi Casa...Kira Sushi...Plums for breakfast...etc!) Everything you need is on 17th st. I also recommend the farmers market at the fairgrounds Thurs. mornings. I hope you enjoy your college experience.

Well said----with a rep point earned

[BreaOC]

Originally Posted by fowler_966

if i choose to make this move, i would like to be around good shopping and restaraunts. i like to go out every once in a while so some nightlife would be good.

Wow you don't know shopping until you spend some time at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. Your talking 3 Armani stores, Gucci, Versace, Burberry, Christian Dior, Fendi... oh the list goes on and on. It makes The Plaza in KC look like Wal Mart LOL. It's great and the restaurants in the area compliment the stores there. As for college age night life in OC, downtown Fullerton is great and isn't that far from CM. Fullerton is home to numerous colleges and universities and the downtown area is a great area for socializing.