When I first moved to Orange County, I started in Orange, just a couple miles from the Orange Circle. That Summer was the most miserable Summer I've experienced. Because Orange was so far inland, there was no ocean breeze and the beach was more than one bus ride away. But I was a beach city native, and I began craving the salty sea air, which never reached my neighborhood in Orange.
I lived there for one year before deciding that I needed to reside in a beach city again, and be close enough to walk or bike to the beach. Beach cities aren't always the most affordable in terms of housing and real estate. But somehow, I lucked out by finding an affordable condo, near the center of Huntington Beach, and about four miles from the beach.
I immediately fell in love with the friendly community. But my favorite part of beach city dwelling is still the smell of the salty ocean air.
Obviously not every beach city is like Huntington Beach and none of the seaside cities in the O.C. are as urban as, say, Santa Monica or Venice. Still, there's something special about beach cities and from artsy Laguna Beach to sleepy Seal Beach, each one has its own unique charm.
What's your favorite O.C. beach city?
Image © Curtis Fry
Read More:
Beach Cities in Orange County
Novemeber Events Guide
Best O.C. Bike Shops
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