What's the most awesome town in Southern California?

Question

I wanna move to be int he sun, but what's a cool town with younger people and fun stuff to do. I live in San Francisco now. Is there any place like SF in So Cal?

Answer 1

There's not anyplace like SF in the western US, it's a pretty old historical city. Most places in CA and especially SoCal tend to be newer and not as dense as the city, though there are some very dense parts of Southern CA. Parts of LA are very urban and dense and somewhat similar to SF. So if you want a really urban place in SoCal areas near Downtown LA, Hollywood, and the Westside are pretty dense and urban. There are parts of SD that pretty old and urban too, but not as dense as LA.

San Diego would be the best overall for a younger person. I grew up in the Bay Area (walnut creek) and came down here 6 years ago for school and stayed down in Sd afterwards. It has a younger vibe than the Bay and I really like the beach. I think Pacific Beach has to be the best town in Ca for young adults. Most people are 20-30 and it's very laid back but has a great nightlife and party atmosphere. SF and SD have to be my two favorite cities in CA and probably the US. People are pretty friendly and chill down here too. It's cheaper to live in San Diego than LA or OC. Less hectic and crowded down here than the Bay or LA/OC.

Answer 2

Ah, I see the San Diegans have checked in.

That's a pretty subjective question, and you should get lots of different answers. To answer your last question, there's no place quite like SF in SoCal. It's a different culture, different climate, different architecture, different history.

SF is pretty centralized, but everything here is spread out. SF has great public transportation, SoCal does not (mainly because it is spread out, and a long history of political fighting that has made it difficult to build).

Just about any "college" town will have a young crowd and fun stuff to do. There's plenty to do here, especially since it's sunny so many days. On the down side, the traffic stinks, but that's the price for having the great weather: everyone wants to live here.

I can suggest some towns like Santa Barbara, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and yes, the San Diego area. Further inland, Northridge, Westwood (part of LA), Brea, Fullerton, and Irvine all come to mind. The key will be finding someplace to work, then decide where to stay. Life SF, it's expensive to live here.

Good luck!

Answer 3

San Diego, CA! It's beautiful all year round, in fact I just checked on the weather for today and the high will be 75! There are all kinds of things to do there, Sea World, The San Diego Zoo, Legoland, The Birch Aquarium, Wine Tasting, shopping galore and the list goes on and on! Because it's a college town it has a young, hip, up and coming feel (lots of night life!). It's a great place to live! I wish I could go!

Answer 4

Huntington Beach is a cool place to live, particularly if you're near the beach. It's got miles of wide, white sand beaches. Along the entire length of beach, there's a concrete "boardwalk" where you can jog, bike, skateboard, etc. Main Street Huntington Beach is full of unique restaurants (not chains, for the most part) and shops. There's a cinema overlooking the ocean at Main Street, as well. Tons of festivals throughout the year...from the half marathon & 5K in February, to car shows at the beach, to surfing tournaments, to crafts fairs and farmers markets. The longest So Cal pier is directly across from Main Street; you can fish, stroll, get kite-flying lessons, or eat at Ruby's Diner at the end of the pier (with spectacular views!)

Answer 5

I used to live in Pacifica, but moved to Long Beach in 2004. LA has a lot more to do than SF, but SF is one of my favorite places in the world.

The place you choose really depends on where you like to live, how much you can afford, and how close you want to be to stuff.

If you want to be in the heart of LA, and not have to drive too far to get anywhere, West LA, West Hollywood, and most of Santa Monica will keep you centralized.

And, if you have a lot of money, and want to show off, go for the Hollywood Hills.

Answer 6

San Diego

Answer 7

I think San Diego and its vicinities is going to be one of the best areas for the kind of feel that you're looking for. Los Angeles as a city is very spread out compared to a place like San Francisco.

Answer 8

I live here.
Best place for young people is Newport Beach, my favoirite is Laguana Beach but it is right down the road, so you can do it all.
But you were looking for the most young people and party places to hang.
No we don't have a place like SF at all. We lack the wind and cold and focus on sunshine only.

Answer 9

SF is I think unique. But you might try Santa Monica/Venice Beach area. I think you said you were a sun (beach?) person. And Venice is young and fun place to visit but I'm not sure if you want to live right there???

Answer 10

I would have to say Pasadena. There's a great shopping center on Colorado, clean neighborhood, fantastic food and shopping, and great people. The pricey houses are beautiful to look at.