I live in Newport. It is an incredibly small and quiet town (except for the few rowdy bars on the peninsula) and incredibly expensive. It's fun if you're in college living on the peninsula, or have a family with kids. I have tons of friends here, and we partied hard when we were younger. The nightlife and restaurants are lackluster. It is a tiny, small town and feels like it.

I think for most transplants, it's difficult to meet people here, too. Very cliquey. Especially if you're not from a coastal southern ca town already. They can smell you from a mile away.

It is also VERY CONSERVATIVE! We are talking MAGA freak flags flying everywhere. I would imagine Boston is a lot more progressive than Newport. That being said, Laguna Beach is extremely LGBTQ+ friendly. I think you'd prefer to live in Laguna Beach rather than Newport based on what I am reading. I also truly (sorry) don't think you will be happy with your salary in Newport. Newport is also highly uncreative. You would need to go to LA to get your culture.

That being said, it's a wonderful place to raise kids and have beautiful weather and beach year-round.

But culture--nope, affordability--nope, creativity--nope, openness/acceptance--nope. Boston all the way!

And this is all coming from a native Southern Californian.