Laguna vs. Newport - Which is better? (San Francisco, Oakland: neighborhoods, closing)
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As someone who has been a visitor (albeit for a few months every stretch of time), I would say both communities are great in their own ways. I prefer Laguna to live due to it's topography, small town, laid back vibe. However, as far Newport is concerned, it has all the urban amenities one could need: professional offices, great restaurants, shopping, and a lot to do in an upscale environment. It really is dependant on your preferences and what you value.
On a personal note, I thought I would enjoy Newport Beach more than Laguna as I am business owner, Republican and enjoy dining out however the network of friends that I have built in Laguna, those early morning jogs down Cress passing by Bluebird Park, and weekday afternoons at Thousand Steps beach made me a Laguna lover.
Having said all of that, I just want to say that whether it's Newport or Laguna, you all are very lucky to be in such a beautiful part of the country. I have been watching Laguna/Newport real estate for a buying opportunity. Even as I build up my latest venture in New York City, I have kept an eye out for West Coast (Newport) office presence, should the opportunities align. Next year, I'll be back in the area for 2-3 month break to recharge. Besides a week in Santa Barbara, I'll be staying put in Laguna.
Laguna gets less of the riffraff than Newport. Newport gets inland Santa Ana trash and others frequenting the beaches causing problems in the area, drunken bar fights etc etc.
IdK, I was in Laguna lasat weekend ,and there was definitely the #merica type riff raff.
If I had the means to choose, I’d go with Newport, up in the hills where it isn’t so crowded. Laguna appeals to me more as a place to hang out, but the houses there are all built one right on top of The next and it’s just way too stuffy and cramped for my tastes.
This is an informative thread. Does anyone know if there a noticeable presence of gay people in Laguna? Also, what is the average rent for a decent (standard not luxury) 1 or 2 BR apartment in the area?
This is an informative thread. Does anyone know if there a noticeable presence of gay people in Laguna? Also, what is the average rent for a decent (standard not luxury) 1 or 2 BR apartment in the area?
Can't tell you how many Gays are there now, but when growing up in OC, Laguna Beach was very full of them, restaurants were there specifically for them also. Not a problem then, and now I have no idea and don't care. Never a problem of any kind.
This is an informative thread. Does anyone know if there a noticeable presence of gay people in Laguna? Also, what is the average rent for a decent (standard not luxury) 1 or 2 BR apartment in the area?
A 1 bedroom is $2,000-3,000. 2 bedrooms start at around $3,500.
There isn't a "noticeable" presence of gays because no one seems to care anymore. Laguna Beach was a gay Mecca up until maybe 12 to 13 years ago, but all the gay bars, coffee houses and restaurants have closed, but because I think not many people think they are still needed.
I'd be willing to bet that Laguna still has a sizable gay population, relative to the rest of the county, but "noticeable"isn't a word I'd use.
A 1 bedroom is $2,000-3,000. 2 bedrooms start at around $3,500.
There isn't a "noticeable" presence of gays because no one seems to care anymore. Laguna Beach was a gay Mecca up until maybe 12 to 13 years ago, but all the gay bars, coffee houses and restaurants have closed, but because I think not many people think they are still needed.
I'd be willing to bet that Laguna still has a sizable gay population, relative to the rest of the county, but "noticeable"isn't a word I'd use.
Thank you for the information. That particular question was directed primarily at gay people or those who know gay people. Whether most people "care" about the presence of gays is debatable, but it is still good to be around others who are like you in some ways, especially in a world that is decidedly heterosexual. The disappearance of gay venues seem to follow similar patterns in other high-cost cities where the gay population may not be large enough to support such venues. That's my theory anyway.
Thank you for the information. That particular question was directed primarily at gay people or those who know gay people. Whether most people "care" about the presence of gays is debatable, but it is still good to be around others who are like you in some ways, especially in a world that is decidedly heterosexual. The disappearance of gay venues seem to follow similar patterns in other high-cost cities where the gay population may not be large enough to support such venues. That's my theory anyway.
Laguna Beach is a very small city. It was probably only 19,000 or so when the gay clubs were at their peak, it was never supported by the gay population in LB alone, it was the population of all of Orange County that kept the clubs open. Guys from LA would go down to the Boom Boom Room on Sundays for its famous beer busts, but the need for the clubs seems to have dried up. The clubs were in Laguna Beach because the owners knew the LB police wouldn't hassle them.That's my theory anyway.
Laguna Beach is a very small city. It was probably only 19,000 or so when the gay clubs were at their peak, it was never supported by the gay population in LB alone, it was the population of all of Orange County that kept the clubs open. Guys from LA would go down to the Boom Boom Room on Sundays for its famous beer busts, but the need for the clubs seems to have dried up. The clubs were in Laguna Beach because the owners knew the LB police wouldn't hassle them.That's my theory anyway.
I'm not really sure what your interpretation of "need" is. If by "need" you mean places where gays go to avoid being hassled, that was certainly an element 40+ years ago. But apart from that, gay venues are also a means by which gays socialize and meet other gay people, just like mainstream bars and mainstream food and entertainment venues for which there still is a demand. Gay venues still exist in some cities throughout the country. There is much debate about whether the internet has caused reduction of their presence in some cities or not. While tech is definitely a factor, I tend to think it also relates more to regional gentrification, costs, and globalization affecting some areas more than others.
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