"Urban" Living in OC? (Long Beach, Santa Ana: transferring to, neighborhood, college)

[derrek1280]

Hello all!

I am transferring to OC with my work (our office is located in the Tustin area).

Who I am: A single, 26 year old white male from the midwest (grew up in Nebraska, currently living in Iowa). I also have a large dog... so pet friendly areas are great perks!

I am NOT any bit of a country guy. From a lifestyle perspective, I know what I'm looking for... I want to find a place within a reasonable commute that will give me an "urban" living style. What I mean by this is that, even though I commute to work, I am able to do most of my non-work activities, whether that be entertainment, bars, restaurants, etc. I don't need high rises, but I do want the ease of access. I do NOT want to be in a place that feels suburban.

And, with that said, I want somewhere with other people in my demographic.

After talking to some people, I have been suggested to check out the Newport Beach peninsula and downtown Fullerton as a couple top spots. Was told maybe the growing/changing parts of downtown Santa Ana or Orange would do. I have also been suggested to check out downtown Long Beach (although this is definitely on the longer side of the commute.

What are your experiences with OC? Are these suggestions on point or not? Are there other places that I should consider? Any particular bars/restaurants I should check out in these places next time I go to help give me a better idea of the type of people in each area?

Any comments are greatly appreciated! Thanks a ton.

Derrek

[BayAreaHillbilly]

LBC. BTW, you are probably aware that's in LA County not Orange County.

[Radical347]

If you know you want urban, I second Long Beach despite the longer commute. Newport Beach is more beach strip, DT Fullerton is like a downtown for suburbanites + college kids.

[BRinSM]

long beach is great and all, but that commute would be rather miserable. i think your best bets are fullerton and huntington beach, though both are small enough that you'll probably be exploring for new social places not too long after arrival. from my experiences living in OC, people aren't exclusive to any particular area. typically, areas with concentrations of restaurants/bars are fairly spread out, though no matter where you live in OC you should be within 20-30 (at most) of at least a few of these places.

[owl6969]

don't think you can get real urban living in those places

[legal_eagle]

Downtown Orange (around the Circle) is your best bet. There is no place in OC that I can think of where you can frequently ditch your car for a weekend and get done what you need to and also have some fun. But the Orange Circle has a lot to offer within a walkable neighborhood.

[NOLA101]

Orange County doesn't really have urban living, anywhere. I guess Santa Ana is closest, but you aren't going to get confused with NYC or London or something.

Head to LA County if you want urban-ish living.

[owl6969]

Originally Posted by NOLA101

Orange County doesn't really have urban living, anywhere. I guess Santa Ana is closest, but you aren't going to get confused with NYC or London or something.

Head to LA County if you want urban-ish living.

I'm afraid that may be the only choice

[Cots]

Downtown Santa Ana is the most urban you're going to get in the OC. It's rapidly gentrifying and has a pretty interesting mix of hipsters, weekday professionals that work at Civic Center, and Hispanic immigrants. That means you have hip upscale eateries side by side right next to traditional quinceanera shops, which makes for an interesting juxtaposition. Give it an evening or two and see if you dig it. If not, the closest urban neighborhood would probably be in Long Beach, which is a good 30 min from Tustin barring traffic.

[owl6969]

Originally Posted by Cots

Downtown Santa Ana is the most urban you're going to get in the OC. It's rapidly gentrifying and has a pretty interesting mix of hipsters, weekday professionals that work at Civic Center, and Hispanic immigrants. That means you have hip upscale eateries side by side right next to traditional quinceanera shops, which makes for an interesting juxtaposition. Give it an evening or two and see if you dig it. If not, the closest urban neighborhood would probably be in Long Beach, which is a good 30 min from Tustin barring traffic.

just missing a soul food place.

Didn't know there there was many hipsters there.