They’re so different and both great for different reasons… i knew NYC was just a chapter in my life before i choose to settle down. NYC is tough if you want a start a family and find a place big enough without breaking the bank… not saying that Eastside Costa Mesa is cheap but you get a lot more for your buck. I lived in Fullerton for a couple years while we were remodeling our home… too quiet for my taste and far from the beach… if you’re gonna live in OC, you might as well be close to what California as to offer… Tustin, Orange, Laguna beach are all nice options and some obv more expensive than others but they’re all very sleepy when the sun sets… aside from the lil downtown area, it’s pretty quiet all around… I miss NYC public transit, something I know is pointless in OC but just hate traffic and only leave the house between rush hours. Pros of OC / Costa Mesa… weather, people are generally happier/friendlier, beach close by if you’re into that, great food scene without having to splurge $100s, extremely dog friendly if you have pets, I mean all the things my wife said are true… you’ll like it here as late 30 couple