Living in South Coast Metro (Costa Mesa) area of OC (Santa Ana: apartment complexes, condos) - Orange County - California (CA) - City-Data Forum

dakicka · 06-23-2009, 05:09 PM

I've been living in Orange County for almost 3 years now. It's gone by so fast! I moved out here from New Jersey in early 2007. Moved to Irvine for a year and a half- didn't like it too much (cookie cutter, boring) then moved to Laguna Hills- beautiful, clean, down to earth- but still a little boring, and now considering trying out the area by South Coast Plaza.

What's everyone's take on that area? Right by the hotels, Friday's, and restaurants over there. There's some new apartment complexes there and it seems to be a 'happening' scene for the mid 20's to early 30's single crowd. What do you think? Is it a good spot to be for fun and location wise to the action?

I know it's not going to be the city life lol, but I'm trying to find an area with more action and a place where I can walk outside and go to restaurants or try new lounges, shopping, etc. without having to drive 15 minutes all over- while it's certainly not far to get anywhere in OC, it is MUCH more convenient if everything is right out your doorstep. The only bummer I can see is the beach is far from there and traffic might be a pain by the 405/55 area...

Any thoughts?

NaplesRes · 06-23-2009, 06:30 PM

depending on where you work you might try belmont shore.

EscapeCalifornia · 06-23-2009, 07:32 PM

The area around South Coast Plaza isn't all that walkable unless you 1) Like walking long distances or 2) Like going to the same few places over and over and over. Car traffic is very heavy and with all the stop lights it can take 15 minutes to go a surprisingly short distance.

dakicka · 06-23-2009, 08:57 PM

true, but it seems like within a half mile there's quite an array of lounges, bars, and restaurants- i.e., Mastro's, Friday's, Savannah, Maggiano's, Scott's Seafood, South Coast Plaza, Mesa, Shark Club, Garf's, The Camp... also, isn't downtown Santa Ana minutes away? I know santa ana in general is 'ghetto' but I believe the downtown area is being revitalized. There's a ton of new lounges/restaurants there...

EscapeCalifornia · 06-23-2009, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dakicka

true, but it seems like within a half mile there's quite an array of lounges, bars, and restaurants- i.e., Mastro's, Friday's, Savannah, Maggiano's, Scott's Seafood, South Coast Plaza, Mesa, Shark Club, Garf's, The Camp... also, isn't downtown Santa Ana minutes away? I know santa ana in general is 'ghetto' but I believe the downtown area is being revitalized. There's a ton of new lounges/restaurants there...

Getting over the freeway on Bristol on foot looks scary as hell though. There's so many idiots zig zagging all over the place trying to either make or get past the multiple ramps and driveways that it's a wonder there aren't more accidents.

dakicka · 06-23-2009, 10:23 PM

yea that could definately be a challenge! people drive like idiots over there.

Coldjensens · 06-24-2009, 02:19 PM

GO live in the artists villiage in downtown Santa Ana.

Fullerton has a bit of life to it in the "downtown" area.

The new condos right at the edge of ORange across from Mainplace mall have a lot of walking distance options. Mainplace across the street, Santiago Park accross the street. Old Town Orange a bike ride away, Bowers museum walking distance, discovery science center walking distance. The Block a short drive away. The condos are surrounded by a group of farily trendy type places. That may be a decent option for what you are looking for.

South Coast Metro has some fairly nice apartments in both Costa Mesa and Santa Ana. Walking is not real practical in that area though. Traffic is heavy and the place is really not set up for pedestrian traffic. You can do it, but it is not very pleasant.

uptown_urbanist · 06-24-2009, 02:29 PM

I haven't lived there, and haven't spent much time there, but I have spent some time trying to walk around in the area you're talking about. I'd heard so much about the anti-mall and other things in the area, and had heard people talk about how that stretch of Bristol was supposed to be walkable. Well, maybe it is compared to other areas of OC, but I was really nervous about walking around. I did the trek over to South Coast Plaza and found it highly unpleasant. There are sidewalks and things, and even a few other people out walking, but the cars are not looking for people. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I found it to be just another suburban strip.

ocexpo · 06-24-2009, 06:21 PM

Schools are terrible so don't think of starting a family there.

jordanrbennett · 06-25-2009, 05:10 PM

dakicka,
I live in Laguna Hills and am loving it, most likely because I'm married with an infant like nearly everyone else in this city. It's definitely a great place to raise a family with all the parks, great schools, and families around. But, if I were single in my 20s/30s, I'd probably be ready to move too. I definitely see what you're saying about the South Coast Plaza area, but the only downside is that the area is just not that nice/safe. I have some friends that live in Newport Beach and LOVE it. Yes, it's expensive, but if you have a few roommates, it's definitely affordable. You pay a HUGE premium to live alone in a studio or one bedroom as opposed to sharing the cost of a 3 or 4 bedroom between 3 or 4 people. My buddy lived on the beach with two other guys and they paid about $1,400 each. Not cheap by any means, but they were literally on the sand.