Difference btw SD and the O.C.?? (San Diego, Poway: middle-class, how much)

[iLott]

I am not from SoCal, so I know nothing about it besides what I see and read. I plan to move there in the next few years, but I can't help to ask, what is the difference btw the O.C. and SDC? To me, they seem the same as far as quality of life goes, though I could be wrong.

[NYSD1995]

OC is spendier, more cookie-cutter, more suburban. OC is really a big suburb of LA. SD is a city in it's own right with it's own urban neighborhoods and suburbs. SD is a more middle-class place overall. There are a lot of similarities, especially places like inland North County SD that are almost indistinguishable from OC-type tract sprawl.

[shadow42]

I would say the difference between OC and San Diego Counties is as follows:

1. Seems like OC has more conveniences to shopping, beaches, ....etc. My sister-in-laws both live in and near Poway and no good mall is near them. I live in OC and great shopping is in abundance close by.

2. I think San Diego County is more spread out...takes a bit longer to get places.

3. OC overall is more upscale, although San Diego has some beautiful areas. Every time I go see my sister-in-laws in SD I just think how much nicer it is where I live. I also think that is because OC has a lot of newer construction.

Both are beautiful places with good and bad. If you are looking to move here, check out the internet for affordability and what kind of lifestyle you are looking for. I think overall OC may be more expensive.

[dynomite1]

OC. is a suburb of LA. A string of suburbs with no center. I find OC. to be slightly more material and conservative. San Diego is more diverse and more metropolitan than OC. I personally like SD. better but OC. is nice too.