OC, LA, IE all are geographically close but worlds different (I've lived in all of them). It really depends on your likes and tastes, even age. From a business perspective, OC (mainstream), LA (pornstream).
Personally, OC is laid back and majority of it is new in terms of landscape, buildings and people..the majority of OC people are transplants so you don't get that hometown feeling, but you do get diversity and a beach culture.
LA is very different and has a larger more spread out feel, centralized entertainment with some old school charm, overall a larger metro lifestyle and feel.
OC = New Money
La = Old Money (or entertainment money)
OC is like 311 - LA is like The Sex Pistols
