Looking for progressive, beachtown within 40 min drive to Santa Ana (San Francisco: to rent, to buy)

[PotreroMama]

My husband, son (2yrs) and I are thinking of taking a business opportunity in Santa Ana. We live in San Francisco right now and love how progressive & outdoorsy it is. Where are the cool little beach towns where we might be able to afford a beach bungalow type house, live near some hip families, great coffee shops and not on top of strip malls? We can spend about 750K to buy or $3,500 a month to rent. Love to be 35-40 minute commute from Santa Ana where we will both work. thanks!

[EscapeCalifornia]

Laguna Beach is the only thing remotely close to what you describe within OC but it'll stretch your budget and commute. The east end of Long Beach might work too.

[unknown.renter]

If I may add:
- Newport beach is nice. It's yachting/boating city. Lots of boats.
- Seal beach and Huntington beach are surfing cities.

In terms of commuting, I would say "Newport beach" is the best. You can go from Newport to Santa ana without taking freeways also.

regards,

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by unknown.renter

If I may add:
- Newport beach is nice. It's yachting/boating city. Lots of boats.
- Seal beach and Huntington beach are surfing cities.

In terms of commuting, I would say "Newport beach" is the best. You can go from Newport to Santa ana without taking freeways also.

regards,

I would have mentioned NewPort Beach as well, but there are a couple of problems: 1-budget and 2-OP mentioned progressive and is moving from the bay area, won't Newport be a little too conservative for them?

Nita

[NaplesRes]

Originally Posted by PotreroMama

My husband, son (2yrs) and I are thinking of taking a business opportunity in Santa Ana. We live in San Francisco right now and love how progressive & outdoorsy it is. Where are the cool little beach towns where we might be able to afford a beach bungalow type house, live near some hip families, great coffee shops and not on top of strip malls? We can spend about 750K to buy or $3,500 a month to rent. Love to be 35-40 minute commute from Santa Ana where we will both work. thanks!

Belmont Shore would be perfect.

[unknown.renter]

Originally Posted by nmnita

I would have mentioned NewPort Beach as well, but there are a couple of problems: 1-budget and 2-OP mentioned progressive and is moving from the bay area, won't Newport be a little too conservative for them?

Nita

Nita, you are probably right about the "conservative" part

regards,

[PotreroMama]

Thanks so much for your help. What about Dana Pt and San Clemente? Seem near enough, cheaper and on the water. what are they like?

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by PotreroMama

Thanks so much for your help. What about Dana Pt and San Clemente? Seem near enough, cheaper and on the water. what are they like?

Too far from Santa Ana.

[bhcompy]

The surfer towns that dot the So Cal coastline are mostly live and let live, despite voting patterns. Seal Beach votes conservative, but you wouldn't necessarily know it. There are no megachurches, no racial tensions, no gangs, etc. You have traditional grocers and alternative lifestyle grocers like Sprouts, Trader Joes, and Whole Foods. There's an independent movie theater, high end dining, surf shops, etc etc. This is reflected across most of the So Cal beach towns.

Honestly, I'd suggest to look in areas you can afford that are within your commute and visit. You can get a pretty good vibe just touring an area on the weekend.

[PotreroMama]

Would this include Dana pt, San Clemente, Long Beach, Huntington beach areas? That sounds great and like a place I would like to live! We are looking around with a realtor this weekend so any hints about the surfer towns would be great! thanks.