From Southern Ontario to Southern California

[Booyashako]

It looks like I'll be making the move from the Toronto area to Orange County this July for a job offer I've accepted. It will be in Laguna Niguel, and is the same company I worked for last summer.

So now I need to think of where I should live...

Ideally I'd love to live in a vibrant place with urban qualities (dense, well planned, pedestrian friendly, great transit, lots of activity, many places for shopping and dining, etc.). Housing affordability is very important as well since I'll be looking to buy a place. I don't mind a commute of up to 40 minutes each way by car. I'd prefer an area that is diverse like my community here. Also, since I'm young, I'd prefer an area with lots of students, recent grads and/or young professionals.

Right now the places I have in mind are Irvine and Anaheim. Any thoughts/suggestions/recommendations?